Calais Campbell
DE, Miami (FL) · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #50 (ARI)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 284 of ~293 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2025 (career total from PFR, which may already include some 2026 games) (~97%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #48 (#7 at his position), close to where he went (#50). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Miami (FL): a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.04 40-yard dash at 290 lbs: faster than 28% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DE (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 284 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 17 |
| Pro Bowls | 6 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 113 |
| Defense | 678 tackles, 118 sacks, 3 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 8", 290 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.04 s |
| Bench press | 16 reps |
| Vertical | 29.5" |
| Broad jump | 111" |
| 3-cone | 7.45 s |
| Shuttle | 4.69 s |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #48 overall (#7 DE) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 47 | Trevor Laws | redraft #132 |
| 48 | Fred Davis | redraft #99 |
| 49 | DeSean Jackson | redraft #7 |
| 51 | Malcolm Kelly | redraft #161 |
| 52 | Quentin Groves | redraft #92 |
| 53 | Limas Sweed | redraft #178 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.