As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most talked-about prospects in the nation is Will Campbell, the offensive tackle from LSU. A standout performer for the Tigers over the past few seasons, Campbell has been a key fixture on an offensive line that has seen its fair share of success in the tough SEC. However, as he heads into the draft process, controversy surrounds Campbell that could affect his draft stock and the way NFL teams perceive him.
While Campbell has the talent to be a first-round pick, a series of events—ranging from off-field incidents to concerns about his readiness for the NFL—has generated discussion about his future in the league. For LSU, where the spotlight is always shining bright, this controversy is a significant storyline that has added an extra layer of intrigue to Campbell’s draft profile.
In this article, we’ll break down the controversy surrounding Will Campbell, evaluate his on-field performance, and assess how it might impact his chances in the 2025 NFL Draft. We’ll also examine the steps he can take to improve his draft prospects and address the concerns that have been raised about his readiness for the next level.
Will Campbell: A Promising Start to His College Career
Before diving into the controversy, it’s essential to understand Will Campbell’s background and rise to prominence. The 6’6″, 320-pound offensive tackle from Monroe, Louisiana, has long been considered one of the top prospects in the nation. As a recruit, Campbell was widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the country and committed to LSU, where he quickly made an impact.
From his freshman year, Campbell was a cornerstone of LSU’s offensive line, providing protection for quarterbacks and helping open up lanes for running backs. His size, strength, and quickness allowed him to dominate defensive linemen in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. By his sophomore year, Campbell had developed into one of the top left tackles in the league, and his future in the NFL seemed all but secured.
Over the course of his time at LSU, Campbell was consistently praised for his physical attributes—his ability to engage defenders, his quickness in pass protection, and his strength in the run game. He became known for his tenacity on the field and his work ethic, which endeared him to coaches and teammates alike.
However, despite the promising on-field performance, controversy has recently begun to overshadow his on-field production, making his NFL draft status a topic of debate.
The Controversy Surrounding Will Campbell
While Campbell’s talent is undeniable, recent developments have caused concern among scouts, coaches, and the media. Below are the primary aspects of the controversy that have led to questioning Campbell’s readiness for the NFL and his standing in the draft process.
Off-Field Issues and Conduct Concerns
One of the most significant sources of controversy surrounding Campbell stems from his off-field behavior, which has raised questions about his maturity and ability to handle the pressures of playing at the next level. Reports surfaced earlier in the year about Campbell being involved in an altercation during an LSU team event, which caught the attention of both local and national media.
While details about the incident were scarce, it was enough to spark concerns about Campbell’s temperament and whether he could manage the pressure of being an NFL player. NFL teams, which place high value on the character of their players, are particularly cautious when evaluating players with off-field issues. Teams want players who can stay focused and avoid distractions that might hinder their performance on the field or off.
Though the incident was resolved internally at LSU, it raised red flags for scouts, who began to wonder if Campbell could maintain the discipline necessary to succeed in the high-pressure environment of the NFL. Teams are aware that once a player reaches the professional level, the stakes are much higher, and a single off-field distraction can derail a promising career.
Inconsistency in Performance
Another area that has raised concerns about Campbell’s draft prospects is his performance on the field. While he is undeniably talented, Campbell’s play has been somewhat inconsistent at times during his final year at LSU. Against elite competition, such as some of the SEC’s top pass rushers, Campbell has occasionally struggled with his footwork, hand placement, and the ability to anchor against powerful pass rushes.
Though these struggles are not necessarily uncommon for college players, they have prompted questions about Campbell’s ability to immediately contribute at the NFL level. The NFL’s speed, physicality, and sophistication require players to make significant adjustments, and there is uncertainty about whether Campbell has the consistency and technique to thrive in that environment.
Some scouts have pointed to specific games where Campbell allowed pressure to reach the quarterback or failed to finish blocks in the run game. In an environment like the NFL, where offenses need to stay on schedule and quarterbacks need to be kept clean, any inconsistency could be seen as a major drawback.
In addition to his occasional struggles in pass protection, Campbell has sometimes been criticized for failing to finish blocks in the run game. While he has moments of dominance, particularly when he gets into space and shows off his strength, there are times when he seems to lose focus and let defenders escape. This inconsistency has led to concerns about his ability to excel at the highest level.
Injury Concerns
Though Campbell has not suffered any significant injuries during his time at LSU, his durability has been a point of discussion. Some scouts have pointed out his injury history in high school, where he suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. While Campbell has not missed significant time at LSU, there is a concern about whether his body will be able to withstand the wear and tear of a full NFL season.
Offensive tackles in the NFL are among the most physically taxed players on the field, facing constant battles with powerful pass rushers and dealing with the demands of the run game. Given Campbell’s size and frame, there is some concern about whether his body will hold up over time. Teams will want to assess his medical history thoroughly before making a decision on him.
While some teams might be willing to overlook this, given his physical tools and talent, others may see it as a potential risk, especially with the intensity of the NFL season. This concern could ultimately affect Campbell’s draft position, even if he is regarded as one of the most talented offensive tackles in the draft.
NFL Readiness
Finally, some critics question whether Campbell is truly ready to contribute immediately at the NFL level. While his potential is clear, the jump from college to the NFL is always challenging, and some scouts believe that Campbell may need additional time to develop his technique, especially in pass protection. Offensive linemen in the NFL need to be able to block against elite edge rushers, and Campbell’s ability to handle that challenge consistently is still uncertain.
At LSU, Campbell faced SEC competition, which is often seen as the closest thing to NFL-level play in college football. However, the sheer speed, power, and skill of NFL players could present challenges for him early in his career. Teams may want to bring him along slowly, which could affect his draft status and overall role in his first year in the league.
How the Controversy Affects His Draft Stock
Despite these concerns, Will Campbell is still considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His physical traits—size, strength, and athleticism—are undeniable, and he has the potential to be a long-term contributor at the next level. However, the controversy surrounding him could cause some teams to drop him down their boards or proceed with caution in evaluating his potential.
Some teams may view the off-field incident and consistency concerns as red flags, while others may believe that Campbell’s upside outweighs the risks. It’s likely that his draft stock will depend heavily on the results of interviews and psychological evaluations during the lead-up to the draft. NFL teams will be closely monitoring his responses to questions about his maturity, work ethic, and past issues. Additionally, how Campbell performs in his pro day and other evaluations will go a long way in determining his ultimate draft placement.
Steps Campbell Can Take to Improve His Draft Prospects
For Campbell, there are several things he can do to improve his draft stock in the final weeks leading up to the draft:
- Address Off-Field Concerns: It’s crucial for Campbell to demonstrate growth and maturity in addressing the off-field incident that has caused concern. He can do this by showing accountability and discussing what he learned from the situation in interviews. Teams will want to see that he has learned from his mistakes and is ready to be a professional at the next level.
- Refine Technique: Campbell can work on improving his pass protection technique, particularly his hand placement and footwork. By showing that he has refined these areas of his game, he can convince teams that he is ready to contribute immediately.
- Physical Preparation: Ensuring that he is in peak physical condition and injury-free leading up to the draft is essential. Teams will want to see that Campbell can withstand the demands of the NFL, especially given his past injury concerns.
- Prove Mental Toughness: Given the challenges he may face in the NFL, Campbell must demonstrate mental toughness. This includes being able to handle criticism, adapt quickly to new coaching, and maintain focus under pressure. NFL teams will be looking for his ability to manage these challenges.
The Road Ahead for Will Campbell
Will Campbell is a talented offensive tackle with immense potential, but the controversy surrounding him has raised questions about his readiness for the NFL. Off-field incidents, inconsistency on the field, and injury concerns have all created uncertainty surrounding his draft stock. However, if Campbell can address these issues in the coming weeks, he could still secure a high draft position and go on to have a successful NFL career.
As the draft process unfolds, NFL teams will be closely scrutinizing Campbell’s every move. His talent is clear, but the question will be whether he can put the controversy behind him and prove that he is ready to handle the pressures of being a professional football player.