Ahead of the 2025 scouting combine, an NFL Draft expert expresses worries about LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell’s physical attributes.
Ahead of the 2025 Scouting Combine, an NFL Draft Expert Expresses Worries About LSU Offensive Lineman Will Campbell’s Physical Attributes
As college football transitions into the offseason, one of the most anticipated events for both prospects and NFL teams is the NFL Scouting Combine. It serves as a crucial juncture for prospective draftees to showcase their athleticism, skills, and fitness in front of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. For some players, it’s a chance to solidify their status as first-round picks, while for others, it could be the stage where they work to overcome doubts about their potential.
One player who has been generating significant buzz ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft is Will Campbell, the standout offensive lineman from LSU. Known for his versatility, durability, and strong performances on the field, Campbell is widely regarded as one of the most promising offensive line prospects in the upcoming draft class. However, with the Scouting Combine on the horizon, a leading NFL Draft expert has raised concerns about Campbell’s physical attributes—specifically, his size and athleticism—questioning whether he can meet the elite physical standards required to be an impact player at the NFL level.
The rise of Will Campbell to the top of the offensive line prospects for the 2025 draft has been nothing short of impressive. His transition from a talented high school prospect to an anchor of the LSU offensive line is a testament to his hard work, technical growth, and leadership on the field. But as Campbell looks to transition into the NFL, questions about his physicality and overall athletic profile have prompted doubts about his readiness to thrive at the next level.
In this article, we’ll explore Campbell’s journey, his strengths as an offensive lineman, and the physical concerns that have been raised ahead of the Scouting Combine. We’ll also dive into how his physical development could impact his draft stock and examine how teams might view him during the pre-draft process.
The Rise of Will Campbell: A Profile of a Talented Offensive Lineman
Will Campbell’s football journey began in Louisiana, where he was a highly regarded recruit out of high school. As a freshman at LSU, Campbell quickly earned a starting role on the offensive line, a rare feat for such a young player in one of the toughest conferences in college football—the SEC. LSU’s offensive line, often known for its strength, power, and consistency, became a unit that leaned heavily on Campbell’s presence.
By his sophomore year, Campbell had already proven himself to be a vital component of LSU’s offensive scheme. Known for his ability to control the line of scrimmage, Campbell showcased his excellent technique, hand placement, and footwork, which allowed him to neutralize some of the most dynamic pass rushers in the country. His ability to dominate as a run blocker made him a critical asset for LSU’s offense, and his consistent play caught the attention of NFL scouts long before the 2025 draft season.
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Campbell possesses the physical frame that NFL teams covet in an offensive lineman. His size, paired with his quickness off the snap and ability to maintain balance and leverage, has made him one of the top-rated offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class. However, as impressive as his on-field abilities are, there are certain physical concerns that have emerged regarding his readiness to perform at an elite level in the NFL.
The Concerns: NFL Draft Expert Raises Questions About Campbell’s Physical Attributes
As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine draws nearer, NFL Draft experts are beginning to assess prospects’ physical attributes, as they can play a significant role in evaluating a player’s ability to succeed at the professional level. One of the most important elements of a lineman’s physical profile is their athleticism, specifically their ability to move quickly, change direction, and display functional strength in space. While Campbell has shown strong technical ability on the field, some experts are raising questions about whether his physical attributes—his body composition, agility, and mobility—are at the level necessary to succeed against the NFL’s elite defenders.
1. Questions About Athleticism and Mobility
NFL teams look for offensive linemen who are not just powerful but also possess the ability to move fluidly and adjust to changing situations. This is especially critical in the modern NFL, where defensive linemen are increasingly quick, explosive, and versatile. Edge rushers are now faster and more dynamic than ever before, and offensive linemen must be able to mirror their movements and quickly reset when necessary.
While Campbell’s size and strength have earned him accolades, some draft experts are concerned that his lateral mobility may be lacking. Will he be able to keep up with the more athletic edge rushers in the NFL who possess elite speed and flexibility? Will Campbell be able to pull and trap on screen passes or be agile enough to make quick adjustments when facing speed rushers in one-on-one matchups?
One NFL scout was quoted as saying, “Will Campbell has great size, and he’s proven he can be a strong and effective blocker. But if you want him to be a starting tackle at the next level, you’ve got to wonder if he can handle the speed and fluidity of the best pass rushers. The agility drills at the Combine will tell a lot about his ability to move at that speed.”
2. Concerns Over Strength and Functional Power
Another area of concern involves Campbell’s functional strength and whether he possesses the raw power necessary to be a true force at the next level. While his size and frame suggest that he should be an immovable object in the running game, NFL scouts often focus on whether offensive linemen can sustain and dominate blockers with sheer strength. This includes being able to overpower defenders, maintain control of them through the duration of a play, and push defenders out of the way when necessary.
Some experts worry that Campbell’s frame, while impressive, may not always translate into consistent power in the NFL trenches. His ability to get into an opponent’s body and use his leverage effectively will be tested in the NFL, where defensive linemen are significantly stronger and more powerful than those in college. At LSU, Campbell often dominated opponents with superior technique, but that will not always be the case in the NFL.
3. His Frame and Body Composition
Some NFL scouts have raised concerns about Campbell’s body composition and whether he can maintain his current size while improving his agility and athleticism. At 320 pounds, Campbell’s frame is solid, but there are questions about whether he has the ideal proportions for the NFL’s most elite offensive linemen. While he carries his weight well, scouts will be eager to see if Campbell has the flexibility and fluidity to combine his size with the athleticism needed for the professional game.
Campbell’s diet and training regimen in the coming months before the combine will be pivotal in determining whether he can shed any excess weight and hone his body to maximize both strength and mobility.
The Scouting Combine: The Ultimate Test
The NFL Scouting Combine will be the stage where Will Campbell can put all concerns to rest—or potentially solidify those worries—about his physical attributes. It’s where he will be put through a battery of tests that measure his strength, agility, speed, and ability to execute fundamental movements.
Key drills such as the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, and bench press will be closely watched by scouts. These exercises, along with the position-specific drills, will give teams a clearer picture of Campbell’s functional mobility, power, and explosiveness.
For Campbell, the Scouting Combine could either be a defining moment in his draft process or a chance to alleviate concerns that have been raised. A strong performance in the agility drills, combined with a solid bench press showing, could help him overcome doubts about his physical ability and move him even higher up draft boards. Conversely, any perceived deficiencies in his athletic profile could cause some teams to reconsider his potential as a first-round pick.
How Will Campbell’s Development Impact His Draft Stock?
Despite the questions about his physicality, Will Campbell remains a highly regarded prospect. His technical ability, leadership qualities, and proven track record of success at LSU provide a strong foundation that will still appeal to NFL teams. Even with concerns about his physical attributes, Campbell is unlikely to fall too far down draft boards, as his potential is evident.
If he can address these concerns during the pre-draft process, particularly through a strong performance at the Scouting Combine, Campbell could still solidify his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL teams value versatility and a player’s ability to contribute early in their careers, and Campbell’s ability to start as a freshman at LSU only adds to his resume.
