What the Experts are Saying: LSU Football’s Will Campbell Remains a Priority Pick

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football recruiting and player evaluations, certain names consistently stand out as elite prospects. For LSU football, one such name that has garnered attention from experts across the country is Will Campbell, the standout offensive lineman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Campbell’s exceptional talent, physicality, and versatility have made him a priority pick not only for LSU but also for the NFL Draft in the future. Despite facing fierce competition from a crowded pool of top prospects, Campbell’s reputation continues to grow, with many experts seeing him as a cornerstone player for LSU’s offensive line and a potential future NFL star.

As LSU football continues to build on its recent successes, including a National Championship appearance and strong recruiting efforts, Campbell’s importance to the program cannot be overstated. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the experts are saying about Campbell’s talent, his impact on LSU’s offense, and why he remains a priority pick for both college football fans and NFL scouts.

The Rise of Will Campbell

To understand the buzz surrounding Will Campbell, we must first take a look at his background and what has made him one of the most highly sought-after players in college football. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at around 325 pounds, Campbell is an imposing figure on the field, showcasing the kind of physical presence that makes offensive linemen valuable assets to any team. However, his value extends far beyond his size.

Campbell has been known for his incredible agility and quickness for a player of his stature. As an offensive tackle, his primary responsibility is to protect the quarterback’s blindside, and Campbell has proven to be more than capable of doing so. He has exceptional hand placement, footwork, and overall technique, which have earned him high praise from analysts, coaches, and scouts alike.

Campbell’s rise to prominence started during his high school career at Northside High School in Baton Rouge, where he played both offensive tackle and defensive tackle. His dominant performances led to him being ranked as one of the top recruits in the state of Louisiana and eventually one of the top-ranked offensive linemen in the nation.

Despite several prestigious programs recruiting him, Campbell made the decision to stay close to home and committed to LSU, joining a legacy of standout linemen at one of the premier programs in the country. Since arriving on campus, Campbell has been nothing short of spectacular, earning immediate playing time as a freshman and solidifying his status as a key player for the LSU Tigers.

What the Experts Are Saying

Several experts have weighed in on Campbell’s future, both as an integral part of LSU’s offensive line and as a future NFL prospect. These experts emphasize his combination of size, skill, and intelligence, which makes him a priority pick for any team that values an elite offensive lineman.

NFL Draft Analysts

NFL draft analysts have been particularly vocal about Campbell’s potential, frequently discussing him as one of the top offensive line prospects in his class. According to Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s prominent draft expert, Campbell is “one of the most technically sound offensive tackles in the 2024 class.” Kiper has repeatedly praised Campbell’s ability to play with both strength and finesse, noting that his footwork, balance, and technique allow him to shut down pass rushers and open up lanes in the running game.

Kiper has also remarked on Campbell’s football IQ, mentioning that he’s exceptional at reading the defense and adjusting to different pass-rush schemes. This is particularly valuable for an offensive tackle, where the ability to read and react quickly is essential for both protecting the quarterback and helping the running back gain positive yards.

On top of this, Todd McShay, another ESPN draft analyst, echoes similar sentiments, highlighting Campbell’s ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. McShay noted, “What makes Campbell so intriguing is that he combines raw power with the technical skills of a seasoned veteran. He’s the kind of player who can immediately contribute to an NFL team, potentially as a starter from day one.”

One thing that stands out from both Kiper and McShay’s assessments is their belief that Campbell’s transition to the NFL will be smooth. They agree that he possesses the tools necessary to make an immediate impact, citing his performances against top-tier SEC defenses as evidence of his readiness for the next level.

College Football Experts

In addition to NFL scouts, college football analysts have lauded Campbell’s contributions to LSU football. The Tigers’ offensive line, traditionally one of the strongest units in the SEC, has benefitted from Campbell’s leadership and playmaking ability. Joel Klatt, a former quarterback and current Fox Sports college football analyst, has been vocal about Campbell’s importance to LSU’s offense.

Klatt noted, “In terms of sheer physicality, Campbell is a game-changer. He has the ability to neutralize defensive players in the trenches, something that’s not easy to do, especially in the SEC. His presence has made LSU’s offense more dynamic, and he has the potential to take over games.”

Further, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, who specializes in college football, made similar observations regarding Campbell’s skill set. Feldman compared Campbell’s potential to that of some of the great SEC offensive linemen who have gone on to successful NFL careers, emphasizing his pro-ready physique and technique.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly also spoke highly of Campbell’s development, stating, “Will’s growth as a player has been incredible. He came in with tremendous potential, but he has really developed into one of the best tackles in the country. What’s impressive about him is his maturity and consistency on the field. He’s always working to improve, which is why I believe he’ll have a bright future in the NFL.”

LSU Football Analysts

Inside the LSU football community, Campbell’s reputation has only solidified as the cornerstone of the team’s offensive line. Analysts close to the program, such as Brody Miller of The Athletic, have also weighed in, emphasizing Campbell’s role in LSU’s resurgence as an offensive powerhouse. Miller highlights Campbell’s physical dominance and leadership on the field, noting that “Campbell has become the anchor of the Tigers’ offensive line, and his ability to protect quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels has been crucial to the team’s success.”

Campbell’s leadership and ability to execute consistently are further reflected in his recent performances, which have been instrumental in LSU’s push for an SEC title. LSU’s offense, which has been more balanced and explosive in recent seasons, has flourished behind the offensive line play, much of which is attributed to Campbell’s leadership and skill.

Why Will Campbell Remains a Priority Pick

Will Campbell’s status as a priority pick for both LSU and future NFL teams can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Physical Attributes

Campbell’s size and strength are undeniable advantages, especially when playing in the trenches. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, he possesses the physical tools to dominate at the line of scrimmage. His broad frame, long arms, and powerful legs give him the ability to win most physical battles, both in the run game and when protecting the quarterback.

2. Technical Skill

While size is an important factor, Campbell’s technical prowess is what sets him apart. His footwork, hand placement, and ability to execute proper blocking techniques have been honed to perfection under LSU’s coaching staff. These skills make him a reliable and consistent player, essential for a position that demands precision and consistency.

3. Football IQ

Campbell has an innate understanding of the game, especially in recognizing defensive schemes and adjusting accordingly. His ability to read and react to blitzes, stunts, and other defensive strategies has been a key factor in his success. His intelligence on the field allows him to quickly identify and neutralize threats, giving his team a distinct advantage.

4. Leadership and Maturity

Offensive linemen are often praised for their ability to be leaders on the field, and Campbell fits this description perfectly. He has consistently been a stabilizing force on the field and in the locker room, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates. His maturity and dedication to the game are qualities that NFL teams value highly.

5. Versatility

While Campbell has primarily played at left tackle for LSU, his versatility makes him a valuable asset. He has the ability to play on either side of the line, which is an important trait for an NFL prospect. This adaptability allows him to be used in a variety of schemes, making him a desirable option for teams with diverse offensive systems.