In-Depth Analysis: Breaking Down Will Campbell’s College Highlights and His Potential for the 2025 NFL Draft

As the NFL Draft approaches, the 2025 class is brimming with talent, and one name that consistently pops up in scouting discussions is Will Campbell, the star offensive tackle from LSU. Campbell, who has been a key figure in LSU’s offensive line over the last few years, is expected to be one of the first offensive linemen taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a blend of size, strength, and technique, Campbell’s game tape from his time at LSU provides a compelling glimpse into his potential at the next level. Let’s break down the key highlights of his college career, what sets him apart as a top draft prospect, and what his future could hold in the NFL.

The LSU Offensive Line: A Unit Built on Strength

The Role of Offensive Line at LSU

LSU has long been known for producing powerful, NFL-ready offensive linemen, and Campbell was part of that tradition. In an offensive system that regularly features strong running games and the ability to protect quarterbacks under pressure, LSU’s offensive line plays a crucial role in the team’s success. Campbell’s development within this system has been a direct reflection of LSU’s emphasis on blocking schemes, strong protection, and athleticism.

From day one, Campbell made his presence felt on the Tigers’ offensive line. Despite being a freshman, he was thrust into the starting role early and consistently earned accolades for his performance, providing a solid foundation for LSU’s offense. His ability to execute complex blocking schemes—whether in run blocking or pass protection—was immediately apparent, and this set the stage for a standout college career.

2018-2024: From Freshman to Consensus All-American

Throughout his time at LSU, Campbell demonstrated steady improvement in his play. He started every game in his freshman season, which is a rare feat for any offensive lineman. His freshman year not only earned him a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team, but he also garnered attention from media outlets for his advanced technique and physicality.

In his sophomore season, Campbell built on his initial success, helping LSU rank among the top teams in college football. His pass protection skills became particularly noteworthy, and he was often called upon to match up against elite edge rushers from some of the most competitive SEC teams. In 2023, Campbell’s performance earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, one of the premier events for college prospects, where he impressed scouts with his agility, power, and overall football IQ.

Key Highlights from His LSU Career

Here’s a breakdown of the most significant plays and attributes that stood out in Campbell’s college career:

1. Run Blocking Prowess: One of Campbell’s key strengths is his ability to open up lanes in the running game. Whether it’s pulling across the line or driving defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations, Campbell has been instrumental in LSU’s ability to execute a powerful ground game. In the 2024 SEC Championship Game, Campbell had a standout performance, dominating in run blocking and helping LSU run for over 200 yards against a tough Georgia defense.
2. Pass Protection Mastery: Campbell’s greatest asset may be his consistency in protecting the quarterback. His quick feet and ability to mirror pass rushers make him a formidable force in the passing game. His ability to play against top-tier pass rushers in the SEC, such as Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama and Jalen Carter from Georgia, speaks volumes about his technical ability and composure under pressure. His senior season’s film shows him neutralizing opposing edge rushers while keeping his quarterback clean, a critical asset in today’s pass-heavy NFL offenses.
3. Strength and Physicality: Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 319 pounds, Campbell is a massive presence on the field. His size, combined with his strength, makes him tough to beat in both the run and pass games. In 2023, Campbell had several moments where he simply overpowered defenders, pancaking defensive linemen and linebackers with ease. His raw strength is one of the main reasons he’s considered one of the most physically gifted offensive tackles in the draft.
4. Flexibility and Mobility: Despite his size, Campbell is surprisingly mobile, which allows him to adjust to various blocking schemes and assignments. Whether pulling to the outside on a sweep play or engaging in quick recovery blocks, Campbell shows the ability to maintain balance and engage with defenders across the field. His agility has been one of the reasons he’s considered a high-level prospect for NFL teams that rely on fast, mobile offensive linemen.

NFL Scouting Report: What Makes Will Campbell a Top Prospect

As Campbell’s NFL Draft stock continues to rise, NFL scouts and analysts have increasingly praised his combination of size, agility, and football intelligence. Here’s a breakdown of Campbell’s physical traits, technique, and how he is viewed from a scouting perspective.

Physical Attributes

At 6-foot-6 and 319 pounds, Campbell possesses the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. His long arms and wide frame make him difficult for defenders to get around, and his massive wingspan helps him latch onto defenders and control the line of scrimmage. His build is a blueprint for what NFL scouts look for in a left or right tackle.

Footwork and Agility

One of Campbell’s most impressive traits is his footwork. Offensive linemen must be able to move quickly to keep up with defenders, and Campbell has displayed the ability to shift his weight fluidly while keeping his balance. His footwork helps him navigate inside rushers and still recover in time to block speedier edge rushers, an important asset when protecting the quarterback.

His ability to maintain a wide base while moving with quickness allows him to handle a variety of defensive schemes, whether that means taking on a bull rush or moving laterally to block a speed rush.

Pass Protection

In today’s NFL, offensive linemen must excel at pass protection, and Campbell has demonstrated the skills needed to shut down pass rushers. His ability to recognize stunts, blitzes, and complex defensive line movements makes him an asset in pass protection. He’s especially skilled at handling powerful rushers, using his strength to anchor and keep them from collapsing the pocket.

Campbell’s technique in pass blocking is another key attribute. He consistently stays low in his stance and uses his hands well to maintain separation from defenders, preventing them from getting into his body. This allows him to create an effective push-back and keep pressure off the quarterback. His ability to quickly engage defenders and his technical proficiency make him one of the most polished pass protectors in the draft.

Run Blocking

As a run blocker, Campbell combines his power and agility to open up holes for the running game. His ability to sustain blocks at the second level and finish plays by driving defenders backward is a critical asset in any team’s offensive game plan. Whether executing power runs or zone schemes, Campbell excels at getting movement on the defensive line and allowing running backs to find their lanes.

Projection for the NFL: What’s Next for Will Campbell?

After his time at LSU, Campbell has emerged as one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, technique, and agility makes him a potential top-tier pick in the first round. Several teams that need immediate help on their offensive line will likely be looking his way.

Best Fit in the NFL

Campbell’s skills make him a versatile tackle who could thrive in a variety of NFL systems. His ability to excel in both the run and pass games makes him a valuable asset to any team with a balanced offensive scheme. Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears, who are in need of stable offensive line play, could benefit from Campbell’s presence. Additionally, Campbell’s technical prowess and physical tools also make him a good fit for more pass-heavy teams that require agile tackles to protect their quarterbacks.

Early NFL Impact

Given his readiness and the high level of play he displayed at LSU, Campbell is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level. He is likely to start as a rookie, given his skill set, physical attributes, and familiarity with high-level competition. Offensive tackle is a crucial position, and Campbell’s ability to lock down a starting role will be invaluable for whichever team selects him in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Conclusion: Will Campbell’s Future in the NFL

Will Campbell’s college highlights reveal a player with rare physical gifts, elite technique, and the ability to compete at the highest level. As a cornerstone of LSU’s offensive line, Campbell was integral to the Tigers’ success over the past few years. As he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, his combination of size, strength, and finesse make him one of the top offensive line prospects.

Whichever team drafts him will be getting a proven winner, a high-level technician, and an NFL-ready prospect who can step in and contribute immediately. With all the tools to succeed, Will Campbell’s future in the NFL looks incredibly bright.