The NFL season of 2024 wrapped up with a spectacular victory by the Philadelphia Eagles, overpowering the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. Excelling in the key areas of offensive and defensive line of scrimmage, Philadelphia demonstrated the significance of strategic investment in the trenches towards a triumphant team performance.
In the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, the teams poised for high selection may draw inspiration from the Eagles, focusing on wiring up a strong offensive line. Notably, the previous year’s draft had seen a selection of nine offensive linemen in the initial round.
This time around, powerful prospects may not be as numerous. However, there are a few who are sure to be picked in the first round. Taking the lead in this year’s lineup is Will Campbell from LSU, expected to be the most sought-after individual.
In his inaugural year with the Tigers, he started playing as a genuine freshman and dedicated three impressive seasons at the role of left tackle. In line with LSU’s tradition, he was awarded the Number 7 patch, an annual honor given to the squad’s most accomplished athlete, for the subsequent two years.
Remarkably, he was recognized over other potential NFL players like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. Campbell continued to rack up laurels in 2024, winning the SEC’s coveted Jacobs Blocking Trophy. This annual award is bestowed upon the conference’s leading lineman, with Campbell also being selected for the first-team All-Conference and All-American.
The light now shines on him, with everyone watching his next move. Definitely, one of the lead offensive linemen to be followed is Campbell. He is among the eight LSU players who are granted another opportunity to impress scouts before the draft.
Emerging as the top offensive lineman in his class, Campbell boasts the perfect stature for the job with a height of 6-foot-6 and weight of 323 lbs. With consistent performance for three years as the starting tackle, accompanied by a clean bill of health throughout his college tenure, Campbell is in a class of his own.
His status as the Tigers’ premier athlete is justified on the field. He demonstrates great agility, despite his size, exhibiting exceptional body coordination and strength. His domination is evident in run blocking, where his sturdy hands and forceful technique carve the path for runners, making his hands an essential asset in offensive maneuvers.
Having played against NFL-standard talents week-in and week-out in the SEC over the past three years, he’s become a formidable finisher with the right level of aggression for his position. Campbell also exhibits enough athleticism and footwork in pass protection, although his lateral movement could be put to test, especially by speed-to-power rushers.
This is why his arm-length is concerning potential NFL teams. If his arms measure less than 34 inches, a possible shift to guard position is being contemplated, as he might not have the necessary range to counter dynamic edge rushers.
Comparisons drawn between Campbell and other prospects like David DeCastro or Peter Skoronski are inevitable. These players were athletic tackles during college years but limited arm span pushed them to guard positions. Campbell clocked almost all of his on-field time at left tackle, accumulating more than 2,500 plays.
Let’s additionally consider his required statistics: In the 2024 season (12 games): Campbell recorded 866 snaps, two sacks, five hits, and 11 hurries allowed. In the prior season of 2023 (13 games), he had 805 snaps, with zero sacks, five hits, and 12 hurries. Finally, in 2022 (13 games), he posted impressive numbers: 882 snaps, two sacks, three hits, and nine hurries allowed.