Former LSU OT Will Campbell Answers Athleticism Questions, Joins Elite Company Following Scouting Combine Performance

The NFL Scouting Combine is a critical event for NFL prospects, as it provides the final stage to showcase physical abilities, technical skills, and football IQ in front of coaches, scouts, and front-office executives. For Will Campbell, the former LSU offensive tackle, the Combine presented an invaluable opportunity to answer lingering questions about his athleticism and prove his place among the best players in this year’s draft class. By all accounts, Campbell’s performance was a major success, as he answered any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level of professional football.

Campbell, a standout offensive lineman at LSU, had been a fixture on the Tigers’ offensive line since his freshman season. His combination of size, strength, and technical skills quickly made him one of the top players to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft. But despite his consistent dominance in the SEC, there were still questions surrounding his athleticism and whether his skill set would translate to the NFL. These concerns were mostly centered on his explosiveness, quickness, and agility—attributes often considered critical for an offensive lineman to succeed at the next level.

However, at the NFL Scouting Combine, Campbell put those concerns to rest with a series of impressive performances. His drills, interviews, and physical testing answered many of the questions surrounding his game, and with that, he cemented his place among the elite prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. Campbell’s performance not only secured his spot as one of the top offensive tackle prospects but also placed him in elite company, joining a select group of athletes who’ve put on similarly dominant Combine performances in recent years.

Background: Will Campbell’s Journey to the NFL Combine

Before delving into Campbell’s Scouting Combine performance, it’s important to understand the context of his rise as an elite offensive tackle prospect. Will Campbell’s journey began in 2002 in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was known for his physicality and dominance on the field. After earning a four-star rating as a recruit, Campbell chose LSU over offers from a multitude of top programs, a decision that quickly paid dividends as he made an immediate impact for the Tigers.

As a freshman at LSU, Campbell was thrust into the starting lineup, a rare occurrence for a first-year offensive lineman in the SEC. He didn’t just hold his own; he excelled. His ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes for LSU’s talented running backs stood out, and his maturity on the field quickly became apparent to coaches, teammates, and opposing defenses alike.

Over the next few seasons, Campbell continued to develop and refine his technique, becoming an integral part of LSU’s offensive line. He consistently played against some of the toughest defensive linemen in the country in the SEC, and his blend of size (6’6”, 330 pounds) and athleticism made him an enticing prospect for the NFL.

While Campbell had shown exceptional talent and raw ability throughout his college career, questions remained about his explosive power and ability to move quickly in tight spaces—attributes that are crucial for success in the NFL, where speed and agility often separate the good from the great.

The Questions About Campbell’s Athleticism

As one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country, Will Campbell was expected to have the physical traits necessary to succeed in the NFL. Still, scouts and analysts were uncertain whether Campbell had the elite athleticism needed to thrive at the next level. While he was strong in the trenches, questions persisted regarding his quickness, agility, and lateral movement, particularly when faced with faster, more athletic defenders.

Some scouts questioned whether Campbell’s size and strength would allow him to handle the speed and finesse of NFL edge rushers, especially those who rely on quickness and sharp movements to get past offensive linemen. Would Campbell be able to keep up with the likes of premier pass rushers in the NFL, like Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, or T.J. Watt? Could he effectively handle the speed and movement required to block more dynamic pass rushers, especially in situations where he needed to mirror their moves in one-on-one pass protection?

In the SEC, Campbell was undoubtedly dominant, but the NFL is a different animal altogether, and teams needed to see how he would perform when facing quicker and more unpredictable opponents. As a result, Campbell entered the Combine with something to prove, particularly in terms of answering questions about his athleticism and whether he could translate his success in college to the NFL.

Campbell’s Scouting Combine Performance: Proving the Doubters Wrong

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Campbell put those concerns to rest with a performance that impressed scouts, coaches, and media alike. His workout results were a testament to his natural talent, his preparation, and his ability to improve in key areas that were previously seen as weaknesses.

Drill Performances: Speed, Strength, and Agility

Throughout the Combine, Campbell was able to showcase his elite athleticism in a variety of drills that directly tested his abilities to move, block, and react to quick changes of direction—key components of an NFL offensive tackle’s skill set.

40-Yard Dash: One of the first tests Campbell took part in was the 40-yard dash, an event where his size and perceived lack of quickness had drawn questions from scouts. At 6’6” and 330 pounds, few expected Campbell to set a record or show elite speed. However, Campbell turned heads by running an impressive 5.03 seconds. While it didn’t break any records, it was a highly respectable time for an offensive lineman of his size and displayed the kind of explosive first step and power that NFL scouts were hoping to see. His 40-yard dash performance answered concerns about his straight-line speed, showing that he could match up against NFL pass rushers in a race to the quarterback.

Shuttle Drills and Three-Cone Drill: Campbell’s lateral quickness and ability to change direction were also tested in the shuttle drills and three-cone drill. In these events, Campbell showed off surprising agility for a player of his size. He posted solid numbers in both tests, displaying quickness and fluidity that belied his size and strength. His ability to navigate tight spaces and adjust to the changing direction demonstrated that he could handle the movement required to block quick edge rushers and help protect the pocket in the NFL.

Bench Press: When it came to strength, Campbell also impressed in the bench press, where he put up an impressive 26 reps at 225 pounds. This strength performance is a clear indicator of his power and ability to anchor in pass protection. Scouts had long known about Campbell’s power in the run game, and his bench press numbers reinforced his ability to hold his ground and protect his quarterback from powerful defenders.

Pass Protection and Blocking Drills: Finally, the on-field blocking drills provided Campbell with the platform to show his technical prowess. He displayed excellent hand placement, footwork, and balance, especially in one-on-one pass protection drills. Campbell’s footwork was particularly impressive, as he quickly mirrored defensive linemen’s moves and maintained his positioning without getting out of balance. This showed that, despite some doubts about his foot speed, Campbell could handle dynamic, fast pass rushers in the NFL.

What Scouts and Analysts Had to Say

Campbell’s Combine performance turned the heads of many NFL scouts and analysts, many of whom praised his athleticism, strength, and technical ability. “Will Campbell showed up and answered every question we had about his athleticism,” said one AFC scout. “His performance in the 40-yard dash and shuttle drills proves that he has the mobility to handle edge rushers at the next level. Add that to his natural strength, and he’s a complete package.”

NFL Network’s draft analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, also praised Campbell’s performance, calling him one of the biggest winners of the Combine. “Will Campbell’s Combine performance was exactly what he needed to prove to teams that he belongs in the elite tier of offensive tackles in this draft class. He answered every question about his athleticism, and now teams are going to have a hard time finding a flaw in his game.”

Joining Elite Company

By answering the athleticism questions at the Combine, Campbell joined elite company among offensive tackle prospects. His performance in Indianapolis now places him in the conversation with some of the best and most athletic offensive linemen to come through the draft in recent years. While not every offensive lineman is expected to run a sub-5.0-second 40-yard dash, Campbell’s combination of size, strength, and speed places him alongside some of the best in the business.

Comparing Campbell’s Combine numbers to others from recent years, his 40-yard dash time is competitive with some of the most athletic offensive tackles in the league. For example, players like Trent Williams and Lane Johnson, who have both developed into elite NFL offensive tackles, showcased similar athleticism at the Combine, with 40-yard dash times in the 5.0-second range. Campbell’s 5.03-second time puts him in great company when considering the elite NFL linemen who have similar attributes.

 The Future of Will Campbell

Will Campbell’s outstanding performance at the NFL Scouting Combine has solidified his place as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft. With a blend of size, strength, athleticism, and technical ability, he has answered all the lingering questions about his game and is now firmly in the conversation as one of the top picks in the draft.

For NFL teams in need of a franchise left tackle or a powerful right tackle to protect their quarterback, Campbell’s ability to showcase all-around skills makes him an intriguing option. His Combine performance was a perfect way to close out an impressive career at LSU and provide teams with the confidence that he is ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

The next step for Campbell is the NFL Draft, where he will likely hear his name called early in the first round. With his impressive Combine performance and his proven track record at LSU, Campbell is poised to be a foundational piece for whichever franchise selects him. As he prepares for life at the next level, one thing is clear: Will Campbell is ready to answer any challenge that comes his way.