What the Experts Say: Will Campbell of LSU Football Is Still a Top Pick
Will Campbell, the talented offensive tackle from LSU (Louisiana State University), has emerged as one of the most coveted players in college football, earning praise from experts, scouts, and analysts alike. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the buzz surrounding Campbell continues to grow, with many predicting that he will be one of the top picks in the first round. But what exactly makes Campbell such a standout prospect? And why do experts believe he is still a top pick in what promises to be a competitive draft?
In this article, we dive into the opinions of experts, coaches, and football analysts to explore why Will Campbell is generating so much excitement and why he is widely regarded as a future NFL star. From his skills on the field to his leadership off of it, Campbell has proven to be more than just a talented football player—he’s a complete prospect that NFL teams are keeping a very close eye on.
A Standout Talent at LSU
Before we discuss why Will Campbell is seen as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s important to first understand his journey and how he became one of the most prominent players at LSU. Hailing from Monroe, Louisiana, Campbell was a highly-touted recruit out of high school, earning consensus five-star status and securing a place among the best offensive linemen in the country. At 6’6″ and 325 pounds, Campbell possesses the size and athleticism that NFL scouts covet in an offensive tackle. His raw physical attributes have been honed during his time at LSU, where he started as a true freshman in 2022, a rare feat that speaks volumes about his talent and readiness to compete at a high level.
His first season in Baton Rouge was eye-opening for many. Despite the pressures of competing in the SEC—widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football—Campbell quickly established himself as one of the most reliable linemen on the team. His combination of size, agility, and technical skill allowed him to dominate in both the run game and pass protection. By his sophomore season in 2023, Campbell had solidified his role as one of the best offensive tackles in the country.
Strengths That Have Experts Buzzing
There are several key attributes that set Will Campbell apart from his peers. These qualities have garnered him high praise from scouts, analysts, and former coaches, all of whom view him as a potential franchise player at the next level. Let’s take a closer look at some of his standout skills and attributes.
1. Physical Attributes and Size
Will Campbell’s physical profile is one of the first things that stands out. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 325 pounds, he possesses the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. However, it’s not just his bulk that stands out; Campbell has exceptional mobility and quickness for a man of his stature. His size allows him to overpower defenders, while his agility and footwork enable him to move quickly and effectively, both in the running game and in pass protection.
According to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, “Campbell’s size is what you look for in a left tackle at the next level. He’s got the length to cover ground, and the strength to anchor against power rushes. But what makes him special is his fluidity for a guy his size. He moves well in space and plays with great balance.”
2. Technique and Pass Protection
Campbell’s technical skills have also earned significant praise. As an offensive tackle, his primary responsibility is to protect the quarterback’s blind side, and Campbell excels in this area. His hand placement, footwork, and ability to read and react to pass rushers are all highly refined. He has developed a strong punch at the line of scrimmage, which allows him to stun rushers and control their movements. His excellent lateral quickness and ability to mirror defenders make it extremely difficult for pass rushers to get around him.
Former NFL offensive line coach and ESPN analyst, Doug Marrone, has noted, “Campbell has all the tools to be a high-level pass protector. He has excellent punch timing, and his kick slide allows him to get into position quickly. What stands out to me is his ability to reset quickly when rushers try to change direction, something you don’t see in many college tackles.”
In 2023, Campbell allowed only one sack on over 500 pass-blocking attempts, a statistic that speaks to his dominance in pass protection.
3. Run Blocking and Drive Blocking
In addition to his pass protection, Campbell is an excellent run blocker. His combination of power, leverage, and mobility makes him a force in the running game. He excels at drive blocking, where he can generate movement in the trenches and create running lanes for his backfield. His ability to seal defenders off and create space for running backs is one of the key reasons why LSU’s running game has been so effective.
Experts like ESPN’s Louis Riddick have emphasized Campbell’s impact as a run blocker: “He’s a road grader in the run game. He can drive defenders back with his raw strength, and he understands how to keep defenders at bay while his running back finds the hole. He’s not just a pass protector; he can move bodies in the run game, which is a big plus for teams looking for balance.”
4. Mental Toughness and Leadership
While physical attributes and technical skills are paramount for any top prospect, leadership and mental toughness also play a key role in a player’s success at the NFL level. Will Campbell has shown time and again that he possesses the mental fortitude and leadership qualities that NFL teams covet. His ability to stay focused, maintain poise under pressure, and lead by example on and off the field is a huge asset to his stock as a future top pick.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly has praised Campbell for his maturity and approach to the game: “Will is a natural leader. He doesn’t just lead with his words; he leads with his actions. He’s an incredibly hard worker who consistently sets the tone for our offensive line. He’s a guy that his teammates look to in the toughest situations, and he’s never backed down from a challenge.”
What Do the Experts Say About His Draft Stock?
As Will Campbell heads toward the 2025 NFL Draft, experts are largely in agreement that he is a top-tier talent who will hear his name called early in the first round. While some have debated whether he will be the first offensive tackle taken off the board, there’s little doubt that he is among the best players at his position.
NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has highlighted Campbell as one of the top offensive line prospects in recent years, saying, “Will Campbell is a guy who checks all the boxes. He’s got the size, the athleticism, the technique, and the intangibles to be a top pick. Whether he goes in the top five or falls to a team later in the first round, he’s a player that will make an immediate impact in the NFL.”
In fact, many experts believe Campbell could go as high as the top five picks, depending on the needs of NFL teams. Some analysts have pointed to his ability to come in and start immediately for a team in need of a left tackle. His physicality, versatility, and overall skill set have made him an attractive option for teams with quarterback concerns or those looking to solidify their offensive lines for the future.
Comparisons to NFL Stars
When discussing top prospects, comparisons to established NFL stars are inevitable. In Campbell’s case, several analysts have drawn parallels between him and some of the league’s top offensive tackles. For instance, his blend of size, power, and agility has led some to compare him to players like Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys or Laremy Tunsil of the Houston Texans.
“Campbell has some similarities to Tyron Smith when he was coming out of USC. He’s got the long arms and quick feet that can mirror elite pass rushers,” said ESPN’s Todd McShay. “He’s got that natural talent that will allow him to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle, and he’s already way ahead of where many guys are at this point in their career.”
Final Thoughts
Will Campbell is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, technical proficiency, and leadership make him a rare and valuable commodity. The consensus among experts is clear: Campbell is still very much in the conversation as one of the top picks in this year’s draft, and he has the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level.
For NFL teams looking to secure a franchise left tackle, Will Campbell represents a unique opportunity to add a player who not only has the physical tools but also the mentality and work ethic to thrive in the NFL. It’s no wonder that so many analysts and scouts believe Campbell will be one of the first players off the board when the 2025 NFL Draft finally arrives.