The Baltimore Ravens brought Calais Campbell back for so many different reasons. Many of the most important are obvious. They needed help at edge rusher, and it was beneficial to add a veteran presence where they feature so many youngsters.
That's especially true now that Kyle Van Noy is gone, but it also doesn't hurt that Campbell still plays at a high level. As training camp has unfolded, however, it has become increasingly clear that his value extends far beyond what he contributes between the whistles.
Defensive line coach Lou Esposito was one of the Ravens who met with reporters on Tuesday. As expected. he was asked about Campbell's influence on a young defensive line room. His answer revealed something larger than veteran leadership. Esposito described a player who is actively teaching while still performing, serving as a mentor, culture carrier, and resource for an entire locker room.
"The knowledge that the young guys get, and not even just the young guys, [the knowledge] everyone in the room gets from him is priceless. He is consistently trying to pay it forward, consistently trying to help guys out, consistently [saying], 'Hey, what do you think about this? What happens if you tweak this stance? What happens if you line up like that? In this call, this is where the stress is.' So, he has been awesome, and at the same time, getting his body right, he is a master of his craft, and that is why he has played for so long in the NFL."
Those aren't simply motivational conversations. Those are coaching conversations. The interesting part of Campbell's return isn't simply that he remains productive deep into his NFL career. It is that he has become an extension of the coaching staff while still occupying a roster spot.

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