Will Campbell

Overview

A technically refined blocker who's ready to start from day one at tackle. His masterful work against SEC edge rushers - particularly in matchups against Alabama and Florida where he stonewalled future NFL talent - proves he can handle speed and power at the next level. The consistent anchor, fluid recovery ability, and nasty finishing mentality translate immediately to Sundays. Inside zone and gap schemes will maximize Campbell's strengths, letting him fire off the ball and maul defenders in the run game while showcasing his elite pass protection skills. His dominant performance against Arkansas' complex pressure packages demonstrated an NFL-ready processor who can handle anything defensive coordinators throw at him. The rare combination of mobility and power makes him scheme-proof. After studying the film, moving Campbell inside would be a mistake. Despite the shorter arms, his exceptional technique and recovery ability demand a shot at tackle. Put on the Ole Miss tape - he repeatedly shut down wide-9 rushers with textbook kick-slides and precise hand placement. The tools are there for a decade-plus starter who can anchor an offensive line and earn multiple Pro Bowl nods. Mark it down: Campbell goes in the top 10 and becomes one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles.

Background

A true cornerstone of LSU's offensive renaissance, Will Campbell arrived in Baton Rouge as Louisiana's top-rated prospect and immediately seized the left tackle spot as a true freshman. The Neville High School product started all 38 games he played for the Tigers, anchoring an offensive line that helped produce one of the most explosive offenses in SEC history. His junior campaign cemented his legacy as LSU's first consensus All-American offensive lineman since Ben Wilkerson in 2004, while also sharing the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC's top offensive lineman. Campbell's journey from day-one starter to decorated All-American showcases his remarkable development. Over three seasons, he allowed just 5 total sacks across 2,553 snaps, including a masterful 24-game streak without surrendering a single sack. His 2023 campaign was particularly spectacular, as he played every offensive snap in 7 of 8 SEC games while helping pave the way for an offense that led the nation in scoring (45.5 PPG) and total yards (543.5 YPG). Beyond the accolades, Campbell's impact earned him the coveted No. 7 patch - the first offensive lineman in LSU history to receive this honor traditionally reserved for the team's top playmaker from Louisiana. His combination of durability, leadership, and dominant play earned him team captain status and established him as one of the most respected figures in program history.

Scouting Report:

Pros

Possesses elite recovery ability, showing exceptional athleticism to redirect and maintain pocket integrity even when initially beaten around the edge. Displays outstanding grip strength and hand placement, consistently neutralizing power rushers by establishing early control and maintaining leverage through the rep. Demonstrates exceptional football IQ in picking up stunts and delayed blitzes, rarely looking confused against complex pressure packages. Master technician in pass protection with precise footwork, maintaining proper depth and staying square through his kick-slide progression. Brings nasty finishing attitude in the run game, consistently driving defenders off their spot with relentless leg drive and core strength. Shows beautiful fluidity working to the second level, especially on combo blocks where he seamlessly transitions from down blocks to linebacker targets. Exceptional anchor ability once engaged, using strong base and leverage to absorb and redirect power rushers. Natural knee bender who maintains leverage through contact, allowing him to establish dominant position in both run and pass sets.

Cons

Below-average arm length for an NFL tackle could create issues against longer edge rushers who can get into his frame before he establishes position. Shows tendency to overset against speed rushers off the edge, creating vulnerability to inside counter moves that can compromise the pocket. Will occasionally narrow his base width through sustained blocks, causing his anchor to deteriorate against prolonged bull rushes. Can get caught playing with high pad level when working in space, particularly when targeting second-level defenders on outside zone plays. Displays some predictability in his punch timing that savvy NFL rushers could exploit, particularly when isolated on an island.

Career Honors

• 2024 Consensus All-America
• 2024 First-Team All-America (AFCA, AP, FWAA, Walter Camp)
• 2024 Second-Team All-America (Sporting News)
• 2024 SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy (SEC Coaches)
• 2024 First-Team All-SEC (AP, SEC Coaches)
• 2024 SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Vanderbilt
• 2024 Outland Trophy National Player of the Week
• 2023 First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
• 2023 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
• 2023 Joe Moore Award Finalist
• 2023 SEC Academic Honor Roll
• 2022 Freshman All-America (Football Writers Association of America)
• 2022 True Freshman All-America (ESPN)
• 2022 First-Team Freshman All-America (College Football News)
• 2022 Second-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
• 2022 Freshman All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
• 2022 SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Florida
• 2022 LSU Offensive Lineman of the Year

High School

Campbell was one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects for the Class of 2022 and the top-rated high school player in Louisiana. Listed as the nation's No. 4 overall prospect by ESPN, he was rated five-stars by 247Sports and four-stars by ESPN. He ranked No. 1 in the state, No. 5 at his position, and No. 32 overall by 247Sports. Rivals also rated him a four-star and No. 4 prospect in the state. Selected for the 2022 Under Armour All-American Game, Campbell was initially inserted into his high school team's lineup due to an injury to a starter as a freshman at right tackle and remained a fixture on the offensive line. He helped lead his team to a 10-3 record and a state semifinal appearance as a sophomore, and the team returned to the state semifinals in both his junior and senior years.