It’s pretty clear by now that Will Campbell is coming to New England with the No.
4 pick tomorrow to protect Drake Maye’s invaluable backside for the next 10 years or so.
Or a
Cordyceps Brain Infection taking over the Patriots war room.
So it would appear the die is cast.
And will continue to be, even after he’s drafted.
Especially one particularly wise, astute and disarmingly handsome Patriots draft expert.
Something you might share with the last remaining holdouts among the doubters.
A few years ago, Nate Washuta Pro Football Focus did an analysis of this very question.
And found no negative correlation between short(ish) arms and offensive line performance.
Look at a ruler and measure out 34 of an inch.
Does it seem logical that such a small distance makes such a big difference in holding off defenders?
If the popular narrative is correct, there should be a significant drop-off somewhere between 33 and 34 inches.
(The last data points I chartered were how much time my sons spent playingCall of DutyandMinecraft, respectively.
And it’s quite a visual:
He continues.
So not only are short arms not necessarily a disadvantage, but they’re also not uncommon.
Quibble with PFF’s grading system all you want.
Call it subjective and argue it’s not done by actual football people and therefore invalid.
But I choose to trust the numbers.
As well as the scouting reports, Campbell’s tape and the level of competition he faced.
We need more guys like him.
Just remember all this information as you deal with the doubters in the days and weeks to come.
Thursday night can’t come fast enough.
