Can Campbell be the first lineman drafted?
The top of the offensive line class has largely remained static over the course of the process leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
While other lineman have been considered among the best in the class, LSU tackle Will Campbell has remained the top tackle on most boards. Campbell’s perch is a bit tenuous thanks to less-than-ideal measurables, however his tape and athletic testing tell are impressive.
The New York Giants probably won’t be drafting Campbell, but he’ll set the pace for the rest of the offensive line class.
Prospect: Will Campbell (66)
Games Watched: vs. South Carolina (2024), vs. Ole Miss (2024), vs. Texas A&M (2024), vs. Florida (2024)
Measurables
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Kent Lee Platte | RAS.football
Strengths
Best traits
- Footwork
- Athleticism
- Competitive toughness
- Technique
Will Campbell is a very well-rounded offensive line prospect with near-prototypical size at 6-foot 5 ⅞ inches tall and 319 pounds. He carries his weight extremely well and is a smooth and efficient athlete – as well as a very good athlete in space.
Campbell has excellent movement skills, with quick, light feet that allow him to easily mirror speed off the edge. He has no issues expanding the pocket and ushering speed rushers safely around. His footwork, natural leverage, and balance also allow him to effectively anchor – or re-anchor – against power rushers.
He’s very quick to hit his landmarks and is also very capable when blocking in space. Campbell is an effective pulling blocker as well as accurate when blocking at the second level.
Campbell is also a diverse run blocker. He has the athleticism to execute outside zone concepts as well as enough strength for downhill man-gap blocking. Campbell isn’t exactly a “people mover” in the run game, but he has an excellent feel for positioning and leverage, allowing him to create creases or running lanes.
He does an excellent job of maintaining leverage throughout the play, which helps him to maximize his play strength as well as sustain his blocks.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
- Arm length
- Redirection
The single biggest weakness, and question in Campbell’s profile, is his arm length.
He is, overall, a very clean player however his arms would be on the short side for a guard, let alone an offensive tackle. His lack of length can have a few ripple effects throughout his game.
Campbell can occasionally lunge into contact if he’s being particularly aggressive about landing his punch with authority and getting his hands on the defender first. That can, in turn, compromise his leverage and anchor, creating opportunities for defenders.
His length can also make it easy for defenders to access his chest plate if his hands drift wide. He depends heavily on maintaining inside leverage as well as his pad level, and Campbell’s ugliest reps come when he loses inside leverage and gets walked back into the pocket.
Game Tape
(Campbell is the LSU left tackle wearing number 66.)
Projection
Will Campbell projects as an immediate starter at the NFL level. Where he winds up playing, however, could be the subject of some debate within draft rooms.
There will be some teams who evaluate Campbell as an offensive tackle – he’s played almost every possible snap at left tackle for LSU – thanks to his technique and athleticism.
Other teams, however, could view him as a potentially elite guard if his arm length forces him inside. Campbell has great athletic traits for a tackle and would likely be one of the most athletic guards in the NFL.
Whichever team drafts Campbell will have to invest a high first round pick to get him. And in that case, it might make sense to let him start at offensive tackle and move him inside if his arm length is a true hurdle.
Does he fit the Giants?
Yes, though value might not.
Final Word: A first round talent
