Content Post Why does Wingspan matter for Tackles?

[Ring 6]

You can’t look at wingspan alone. Athleticism, strength and smarts (technique) matter just as much if not more.

Why is it important… walk around a ten foot fence, then a 100 yard fence… which was easier?

Walk around a 3 foot fence then a 3 foot 1 inch fence and tell me the difference.
Then watch football tape and tell me how many times a player executed a block with the last 1 inch of his fingertips outstretch horizontally.

 

[lancerman]

BECAUSE SIZE MATTERS

 

[signbabybrady]

Spent 5 years as a vet tech at a 23 Dr emergency hospital. It was my job to make sure they didn't move or bite while getting vaccines, blood draws, X-rays etc. Also pick them up and put them on the exam table. One of my favorite things was the owner being like "oh no he's really hea" as the dog is up on the table "vy....oh." the look on the owners face was always great cuz I lifted their big ass dog like he weighed nothing.

That must take some serious technique

 

[Huckleberry1]

Yes I wrote this huge "WTFLDR" post because I am avoiding the question. At no point do they play fully extended like that, you're just begging for a broken arm or torn elbow tendons if you do, but they do have them out to the side a quarter bent. So if you have a wider wingspan then bent or not your arms go out further on the sides making you harder to get around. It also lets you engage quicker, punch further out away from your body. I know 3-6 inches doesn't sound like much, it's not, but in the NFL at the speed they play, well it's called a game of inches for a reason. At LT you do block with your finger tips when you are riding a DE deep behind the pocket,make them rush past the QB. Just before they leave your range you want to give them as hard a shove as you can, gives your QB an extra half second. You can do the same thing in reverse when they cut back inside. Extra arm length means extra distance you can shove them.

As Scar and Joe Thomas said arm length, wingspan numbers are not the be all end all, the tape and the way a guy plays is way more important. If Campbell played like an all pro, like Alt the year before, there would have been no question about taking him top 5. The problem is small wingspan does explain what I see on film. Guys get hands on Campbell and move him off his spot alot. It's a concern based on NFL standards that he is historically below. Now he is way more athletic then most of the previous guys so could it work? Sure and I hope it does, but until we see it in NFL action all we have to go off of is his college film where he got beat a bunch.

The claim that Campbell “ got beat a bunch” is pure fiction. He allowed 1 sack last year, and averaged 1.5 pressures a game. For some perspective on this Cam Robinson, who some here really wanted them to sign, allowed 18 pressures in one game, and his arms are 35.5 inches long/90th percentile. That’s the same # of pressures Will Campbell allowed all season. That sure as hell isn’t getting “ beaten a bunch.” And his career stats are just as good. I’m not sure if some here realize it, but offensive linemen have to battle on every snap, it isn’t easy street. And they way they are measured is by pressures and sacks, not some guy watching YouTube and saying, “ Wow, he really struggled with Will Anderson on that snap.” News flash, if Anderson didn’t get the pressure or sack then Campbell won that battle. The critics are creating a stat ( struggling) that doesn’t exist to try and bolster a really weak argument against Campbell. Every tackle struggles on pretty much every play, but the only things that matters is whether they allowed the pressure or sack or not, struggling to keep defensive linemen and linebackers off of their quarterback is their job, it’s not a cakewalk.

Will Campbell isn’t a finished product, he’s a rookie tackle who has to learn how to play at the highest level to become a great player. That’s going to take some time and work, and fortunately for Drake Maye and Patriot fans he has the size, athletic ability, and work ethic to become a great player for them for years to come.

 

[Wozzy]

Walk around a 3 foot fence then a 3 foot 1 inch fence and tell me the difference.
Then watch football tape and tell me how many times a player executed a block with the last 1 inch of his fingertips outstretch horizontally.

As you can see in my post, I said wingspan is only part of the equation. Footspeed, quickness, fundamentals also play a large part.

A fence isn’t moving, an offensive tackle is.

The wider, stronger and more athletic he is the better. NFL scouts include wingspan in their analysis for a reason. This isn’t hard.

 

[signbabybrady]

BECAUSE SIZE MATTERS

 

[TheRainMaker]

To answer the question, wingspan is obsessed over because there’s a fear that smaller armed guys like Campbell could get their arms chopped down by skilled pass rushers. I think Campbell has the shortest measured arms since 2000. Edit: 2011.

We will find out very quickly whether this is a problem or not.

 

[signbabybrady]

To answer the question, wingspan is obsessed over because there’s a fear that smaller armed guys like Campbell could get their arms chopped down by skilled pass rushers. I think Campbell has the shortest measured arms since 2000.

We will find out very quickly whether this is a problem or not.

He might need a little bit of time for a learning curve but generally yes if it's going to be a problem it will probably get exposed pretty quickly.

To use your example if finds pass rushers are chopping his arms down frequently he doesn't immediately need to move to guard but he does need to figure out how to conteract it and if he can't then a move might need to be considered. Because he's a rookie I don't think we should be putting a timeframe on it he needs time to learn in the job before we panic.

 

[WhatJustHappened]

To answer the question, wingspan is obsessed over because there’s a fear that smaller armed guys like Campbell could get their arms chopped down by skilled pass rushers. I think Campbell has the shortest measured arms since 2000.

We will find out very quickly whether this is a problem or not.

No, he doesn't. Alaric and a couple of others are good Tackles with 33" arms
Josh Simmons was considered the best coming up this year (except the knee)guess how long his arms are ..

 

[Ring 6]

To answer the question, wingspan is obsessed over because there’s a fear that smaller armed guys like Campbell could get their arms chopped down by skilled pass rushers. I think Campbell has the shortest measured arms since 2000.

We will find out very quickly whether this is a problem or not.

That is a ridiculous argument. An inch longer finger tip doesn’t affect having your arms chopped. It doesn’t even make sense.

 

[TheRainMaker]

He might need a little bit of time for a learning curve but generally yes if it's going to be a problem it will probably get exposed pretty quickly.

To use your example if finds pass rushers are chopping his arms down frequently he doesn't immediately need to move to guard but he does need to figure out how to conteract it and if he can't then a move might need to be considered. Because he's a rookie I don't think we should be putting a timeframe on it he needs time to learn in the job before we panic.

No, he doesn't. Alaric and a couple of others are good Tackles with 33" arms
Josh Simmons was considered the best coming up this year (except the knee)guess how long his arms are ..

He was initially measured under 32 5/8 which put him the shortest since 2011 and the 7th percentile in the last 20 years. I thought it was 2000. He measured at 33 inches at his pro day.

That is a ridiculous argument. An inch longer finger tip doesn’t affect having your arms chopped. It doesn’t even make sense.

It isn't and most tackles in the NFL don't have short wingspans. Every position is going to have measurements teams are obsessed with for a reason. They are going to be concerned with short QB's and WR's, small hands for QB's and RB's, lack of arm strength for QB, slow 40 times for skill players, etc.

"Offensive tackles need longer arms when blocking edge defenders who are often long, elite athletes. If a defender can get his hands on a tackle but the tackle can't due to his shorter arms, the defender can blow up the play and cause problems for the offense."

Why do NFL combine measurements matter? Why results are important for OL, QB, WR

The NFL combine includes drills, interviews and measurements of hundreds of prospects. Here's why certain measurements matter for future draftees.

www.usatoday.com

"Why scouts obsess over arm length

Longer arms help tackles create separation from defenders, recover quicker when beaten, control leverage at the point of attack, and create a larger radius for the pocket. The unwritten rule was always that NFL teams prefer tackles with arms over 34", with some considering 33" and below a major red flag."

"The data that stands out regarding starting OT's

• Onlly 4 starting tackles in the NFL have arms shorter than 33"
• Over 65% of starters have arms measuring 34" or longer"

Chicago Bears Draft: Will Campbell’s Arm Length — Dealbreaker or Overblown?

Rumors are that the Chicago Bears are highly interested in Will Campbell at 10 despite his arm length. Does NFL Draft history say this is actually a bad idea?

beargoggleson.com

Scarnecchia discusses this and isn't as worried about it as others, but says to look at his tape. As I mentioned earlier, either it's a factor for Campbell or it isn't. We will find out.

No absolutes: A lesson on o-line arm length with Dante Scarnecchia

Are Will Campbell's undersized arms a red flag? Phil Perry turned to coaching legend Dante Scarnecchia for an in-depth breakdown of arm length and its imapct.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

 

[Real fan 02]

that pic of the titan player? his legs are spread too far apart, and he is quite literally not in an optimal position to move in a lateral direction... his feet are spread too wide beyond his shoulders and his center of gravity it too far forward... maybe he is just getting ready to absorb a bull rush, who knows... hard to tell from a static image

compare that to the stance of the packers player... his feet are more in line with his shoulders, not spread far apart... that guy is ready to move...

as for the campbell pic, its the same type of thing... we can see the leading pad from a defensive edge rusher, and campbell has started moving to intercept him... there are others photos out there that show this... regardless, like every rookie lineman, he will get a trial by fire... he will have to figure it out as he goes... and if he can't we draft another LT next year and the year after that till we get it right

When you draft a guy with potential and coach him correctly you get a ten year starter like Matt light... when you F up the positions year after year u get vederian lowe.. agreed or not it's a proven fact.

 

[n1997y]

BECAUSE SIZE MATTERS

That’s what she said!

 

[TommyD4207]

Longer arms help tackles create separation from defenders, recover quicker when beaten, control leverage at the point of attack, and create a larger radius for the pocket. The unwritten rule was always that NFL teams prefer tackles with arms over 34", with some considering 33" and below a major red flag."

Yes, really it matters most when the guy across from you is 6'5+ with long arms and can fly.
Which is every one of the main 2 pass rushers in the division.

The reason the talk has died down is because there's no reason to talk about it until there's actual football being played at this point. We'll see how much it matters soon enough.

 

[signbabybrady]

That’s what she said!

 

[signbabybrady]

Yes, really it matters most when the guy across from you is 6'5+ with long arms and can fly.
Which is every one of the main 2 pass rushers in the division.

The reason the talk has died down is because there's no reason to talk about it until there's actual football being played at this point. We'll see how much it matters soon enough.

This times 100. He's our LT and until we see a problem no reason to obsess over it. No point in crying over milk that hasn't even been poured into the glass yet.

 

[TommyD4207]

This times 100. He's our LT and until we see a problem no reason to obsess over it. No point in crying over milk that hasn't even been poured into the glass yet.

I will say, the chances of Campbell succeeding at LT have increased dramatically with the pick of TreVeyon Henderson.

A lot of people on this board don't even think about the RB in pass protection. Stevenson is average to good at it. It's going to stand out to the point with Henderson that it will be noticed. Dude's an absolute animal.

 

[Ring 6]

He was initially measured under 32 5/8 which put him the shortest since 2011 and the 7th percentile in the last 20 years. I thought it was 2000. He measured at 33 inches at his pro day.

It isn't and most tackles in the NFL don't have short wingspans. Every position is going to have measurements teams are obsessed with for a reason. They are going to be concerned with short QB's and WR's, small hands for QB's and RB's, lack of arm strength for QB, slow 40 times for skill players, etc.

"Offensive tackles need longer arms when blocking edge defenders who are often long, elite athletes. If a defender can get his hands on a tackle but the tackle can't due to his shorter arms, the defender can blow up the play and cause problems for the offense."

Why do NFL combine measurements matter? Why results are important for OL, QB, WR

The NFL combine includes drills, interviews and measurements of hundreds of prospects. Here's why certain measurements matter for future draftees.

www.usatoday.com

"Why scouts obsess over arm length

Longer arms help tackles create separation from defenders, recover quicker when beaten, control leverage at the point of attack, and create a larger radius for the pocket. The unwritten rule was always that NFL teams prefer tackles with arms over 34", with some considering 33" and below a major red flag."

"The data that stands out regarding starting OT's

• Onlly 4 starting tackles in the NFL have arms shorter than 33"
• Over 65% of starters have arms measuring 34" or longer"

Chicago Bears Draft: Will Campbell’s Arm Length — Dealbreaker or Overblown?

Rumors are that the Chicago Bears are highly interested in Will Campbell at 10 despite his arm length. Does NFL Draft history say this is actually a bad idea?

beargoggleson.com

Scarnecchia discusses this and isn't as worried about it as others, but says to look at his tape. As I mentioned earlier, either it's a factor for Campbell or it isn't. We will find out.

No absolutes: A lesson on o-line arm length with Dante Scarnecchia

Are Will Campbell's undersized arms a red flag? Phil Perry turned to coaching legend Dante Scarnecchia for an in-depth breakdown of arm length and its imapct.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Of course it’s ridiculous.
Wingspan has no impact on playing OT.
Campbells wingspan is less than typical for his height.
Most players with the size to play LT have longer wingspan. He is an outlier. It’s no more relevant than if he had a big nose.

 

[WhatJustHappened]

He was initially measured under 32 5/8 which put him the shortest since 2011 and the 7th percentile in the last 20 years. I thought it was 2000. He measured at 33 inches at his pro day.

It isn't and most tackles in the NFL don't have short wingspans. Every position is going to have measurements teams are obsessed with for a reason. They are going to be concerned with short QB's and WR's, small hands for QB's and RB's, lack of arm strength for QB, slow 40 times for skill players, etc.

"Offensive tackles need longer arms when blocking edge defenders who are often long, elite athletes. If a defender can get his hands on a tackle but the tackle can't due to his shorter arms, the defender can blow up the play and cause problems for the offense."

Why do NFL combine measurements matter? Why results are important for OL, QB, WR

The NFL combine includes drills, interviews and measurements of hundreds of prospects. Here's why certain measurements matter for future draftees.

www.usatoday.com

"Why scouts obsess over arm length

Longer arms help tackles create separation from defenders, recover quicker when beaten, control leverage at the point of attack, and create a larger radius for the pocket. The unwritten rule was always that NFL teams prefer tackles with arms over 34", with some considering 33" and below a major red flag."

"The data that stands out regarding starting OT's

• Onlly 4 starting tackles in the NFL have arms shorter than 33"
• Over 65% of starters have arms measuring 34" or longer"

Chicago Bears Draft: Will Campbell’s Arm Length — Dealbreaker or Overblown?

Rumors are that the Chicago Bears are highly interested in Will Campbell at 10 despite his arm length. Does NFL Draft history say this is actually a bad idea?

beargoggleson.com

Scarnecchia discusses this and isn't as worried about it as others, but says to look at his tape. As I mentioned earlier, either it's a factor for Campbell or it isn't. We will find out.

No absolutes: A lesson on o-line arm length with Dante Scarnecchia

Are Will Campbell's undersized arms a red flag? Phil Perry turned to coaching legend Dante Scarnecchia for an in-depth breakdown of arm length and its imapct.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Why do you guys write fkn NOVELS, it isn't that fkn hard.
Go ahead and hope he fails, so you can feel good.

Bah

 

[TheRainMaker]

Of course it’s ridiculous.
Wingspan has no impact on playing OT.
Campbells wingspan is less than typical for his height.
Most players with the size to play LT have longer wingspan. He is an outlier. It’s no more relevant than if he had a big nose.

I responded to you in two sentences. The remaining post was answering someone else. When you makes claims, it's a good idea to provide receipts. But I agree that if you're looking at it on your phone, it looks like a novel.

The question was why wingspan was important. I answered it as to why scouts and teams are concerned over it. I'm not sure why it gets a response back that I hope Campbell fails.