An SEC rival pass rusher gives LSU Tigers star offensive tackle Will Campbell incredibly high marks at the NFL Combine.

An SEC Rival Pass Rusher Gives LSU Tigers Star Offensive Tackle Will Campbell Incredibly High Marks at the NFL Combine

As the NFL Combine continues to be one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of professional football, all eyes are often on the next wave of future stars. Each year, prospects from college football programs across the nation showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches. For players from powerhouse programs like LSU, the NFL Combine serves as an opportunity to prove their mettle and solidify their draft status. One player who has been generating significant buzz leading up to and during the 2025 NFL Combine is LSU Tigers’ star offensive tackle, Will Campbell.

Campbell has been a stalwart on LSU’s offensive line, earning accolades throughout his college career for his dominance in both run blocking and pass protection. But it’s not just LSU coaches and teammates who have been impressed by his skills. An SEC rival pass rusher recently gave Campbell incredibly high marks at the NFL Combine, further confirming his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This recognition from an opposing pass rusher is significant for a variety of reasons. It speaks to Campbell’s technical proficiency, his ability to neutralize elite pass rushers, and the reputation he’s built as one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC. The fact that someone who has faced off against him in the competitive SEC environment is willing to praise his talents speaks volumes about Campbell’s ability to elevate his game to the highest level.

In this article, we will break down why Will Campbell is receiving such high praise, delve into his performance during the NFL Combine, analyze his strengths and areas of improvement, and explore how his reputation as a top-tier offensive tackle is shaping his future in the NFL.

Will Campbell: A Career Built on Strength and Technique

Will Campbell’s journey to the NFL Combine didn’t happen overnight. As one of the top recruits out of high school, Campbell was heavily sought after for his combination of size, strength, and athleticism. Standing at 6’6” and weighing around 330 pounds, Campbell possesses the kind of frame that NFL teams covet in an offensive tackle. His physical attributes, combined with his technical skills and football IQ, have allowed him to dominate at the collegiate level, particularly within the hyper-competitive SEC.

After enrolling at LSU, Campbell quickly earned a starting role on the Tigers’ offensive line. His first season in Baton Rouge was a showcase of his potential, as he made an immediate impact by protecting LSU’s quarterbacks and opening up lanes for the team’s running backs. Over the course of his college career, Campbell developed into one of the most reliable and durable offensive linemen in the country. His ability to match physicality with technique and to perform in the most difficult of environments has helped him build a reputation as a future first-round talent.

In college football, particularly in the SEC, offensive tackles are often put to the test by elite pass rushers who bring a variety of speed, power, and technique to the table. As one of the premier offensive tackles in the conference, Campbell faced some of the best defensive linemen in the nation week after week, and his ability to withstand the pressure and protect his quarterback did not go unnoticed.

High Praise from an SEC Rival Pass Rusher

During the 2025 NFL Combine, Will Campbell received an endorsement that could not have been more significant. An SEC rival pass rusher, who had previously faced Campbell multiple times in conference play, offered incredibly high marks on Campbell’s performance as an offensive tackle. The rival pass rusher, who is likely going to be drafted in the first few rounds himself, spoke about Campbell’s ability to shut down even the most challenging pass rushers with a combination of technique and raw power.

The pass rusher praised Campbell’s natural athleticism and his ability to anchor against bull rushes, which is often a key area of concern for young offensive linemen. “The guy is a wall,” the pass rusher said. “When you’re going against him, you know you’re in for a long day. He doesn’t overextend, and he always seems to be in the right position. Whether you’re trying to speed rush or power rush him, it’s tough to get past him.”

For any offensive lineman, especially one in Campbell’s position, receiving praise from a player whose job it is to beat offensive linemen on a regular basis is a significant accomplishment. It not only highlights Campbell’s technical skills but also speaks to his ability to match up against some of the best pass rushers in the country.

The SEC is known for its ferocious defensive line talent, with players like Will Anderson Jr., Jalen Carter, and others establishing a reputation as top-tier pass rushers. Campbell’s ability to hold his ground against these types of players speaks volumes about his ability to handle pressure, both physically and mentally.

Campbell’s Performance at the NFL Combine

When Campbell stepped onto the field for the NFL Combine, all eyes were on him as he sought to confirm his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft. Known for his strong footwork, balance, and ability to lock down defenders, Campbell entered the Combine with high expectations, and he didn’t disappoint.

In drills, Campbell displayed his typical poise, showcasing his smooth footwork and strong hand placement. His vertical leap was impressive for a man of his size, and he demonstrated the agility required to excel in pass protection. His ability to maintain balance and stay low in the stance throughout the drills caught the attention of many scouts and coaches, as it’s often one of the most challenging aspects for taller offensive linemen.

In terms of measurable statistics, Campbell turned in some solid numbers, with a 40-yard dash time that suggested more athleticism than most would expect from a player of his size. His bench press results also demonstrated his strength, with him being able to perform reps that rivaled some of the top linemen at the event. While offensive linemen aren’t typically expected to light up the Combine with jaw-dropping numbers, Campbell’s performance in each drill displayed the kind of balance, strength, and agility that NFL teams look for in a franchise tackle.

Strengths and Areas of Improvement

Will Campbell’s game is built on a combination of power, technique, and mental toughness. As mentioned earlier, his ability to withstand bull rushes and handle the physical demands of SEC pass rushers speaks to his strength and natural ability. His footwork is another major strength, allowing him to quickly adjust to different pass-rush techniques and maintain a solid stance. His hand placement and punch also rank among the best in the nation, allowing him to effectively lock defenders and control the line of scrimmage.

One of Campbell’s most significant advantages is his ability to adapt in-game. As the competition increases at the professional level, NFL defensive linemen will present new challenges and evolve their pass-rush techniques. Campbell’s ability to study his opponents and adjust his game plan on the fly is something that will serve him well as he makes the transition to the NFL.

However, like all young players, Campbell still has areas to improve. One of the challenges that Campbell will need to address as he progresses through his NFL career is his ability to deal with speed rushers. While he is generally strong at handling power rushes, players who rely on quickness and agility can occasionally get around him. Improving his lateral quickness and reaction time will be key to becoming a more complete player at the next level.

Projecting Campbell’s Future in the NFL

Will Campbell’s future in the NFL looks exceedingly bright. With an endorsement from an SEC rival pass rusher and an impressive showing at the NFL Combine, Campbell is solidifying his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming draft. His combination of size, strength, technique, and adaptability make him an attractive option for NFL teams in need of a cornerstone offensive tackle to protect their quarterback’s blindside.

As the draft draws nearer, it’s clear that Campbell’s stock is rising. He is likely to be selected in the first round, with teams that are in need of offensive line help paying close attention to his development. Whether it’s a team that requires an immediate starter or one that is looking to develop a tackle for the future, Campbell’s skill set makes him a valuable asset.

Given the current landscape of the NFL, where the quarterback position is more valuable than ever and teams are placing an increased emphasis on protecting their signal-callers, the demand for top-tier offensive linemen is higher than it’s ever been. Campbell’s ability to protect the pocket and neutralize elite pass rushers positions him as one of the top players in this draft class, and NFL teams will likely be looking to add him to their roster to anchor their offensive line for years to come.