Will Campbell Is in Elite Company Due to His Combination Performance

Will Campbell Is in Elite Company Due to His Combination Performance

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a historic one, with many prospects standing out for their impressive performances both on the field and during offseason workouts. However, one player whose name continues to gain significant traction in draft discussions is Will Campbell, the star offensive tackle from LSU. Known for his immense size, elite athleticism, and unparalleled versatility, Campbell has positioned himself in rare company, with scouts, coaches, and analysts alike singling him out as one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft.

What truly separates Campbell from other top offensive line prospects is his unique combination of traits that make him an elite talent. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle combines the physicality of a prototypical NFL offensive lineman with the agility and athleticism typically seen in smaller, more nimble players. His combination performance in key areas—strength, speed, footwork, and mental sharpness—has drawn comparisons to some of the best offensive linemen to ever play the game. It’s no surprise that Campbell is considered by many to be one of the top players in the 2025 class.

In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Will Campbell’s combination performance so exceptional, how he has elevated himself into elite company, and why he is considered a future NFL star. We will also explore the impact of his performances at LSU, his future in the NFL, and the factors that make him a near-lock to be a high draft pick in 2025.

A Unique Combination of Size and Athleticism

When you look at Will Campbell’s physical frame, it’s clear that he possesses all the physical tools needed to excel at the NFL level. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Campbell is built to dominate the line of scrimmage. His size alone makes him an imposing figure against defenders, but it’s the way he uses that size that truly sets him apart. In an age where the prototypical offensive tackle is expected to be both powerful and nimble, Campbell excels in both areas.

While many players of his size can struggle with agility, Campbell’s quick feet and lateral movement allow him to keep up with defenders who rely on speed and quickness to get past offensive linemen. Whether it’s engaging with defensive ends on the edge or blocking on the interior, Campbell demonstrates excellent footwork, using his athleticism to mirror defenders and remain in control of his blocks. His ability to quickly adjust and move in different directions allows him to stay with his man and protect the pocket, even against faster and more explosive pass rushers.

This unique combination of size and agility is one of the key reasons why Campbell is considered an elite prospect. His fluid movement allows him to block in a variety of schemes, whether it be for a power run game or a pass-heavy offense. His performance at LSU has showcased his versatility, and scouts have been consistently impressed by his ability to play both in space and in close-contact situations.

Strength and Power: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage

While Campbell’s athleticism is often discussed, his true foundation lies in his physicality. One of the most impressive aspects of his game is his raw strength and power, which allows him to control defenders in both the run and pass games. As a run blocker, Campbell is able to generate substantial push at the line of scrimmage, opening up running lanes for LSU’s backs. His powerful hands, quick initial punch, and ability to sustain blocks are critical components of his dominance in the trenches.

Campbell’s strength allows him to overwhelm defenders who attempt to bull-rush or engage with him in one-on-one situations. His ability to anchor and stand firm against power rushers is one of his standout traits, as he rarely gets pushed backward or knocked off balance. This makes him a valuable asset on passing downs as well, as he can protect his quarterback with stability and toughness.

Against speed rushers, Campbell’s strength is equally evident. He uses his upper body to push defenders off their path while maintaining balance and control. In essence, Campbell is a player who doesn’t simply rely on his size and strength to dominate—he uses it efficiently and strategically, often dictating the flow of the play.

This power is not just a product of brute strength but is tempered with solid technique, allowing him to get the most out of his physical gifts. The way Campbell transitions from a firm base to an explosive burst makes him a standout in both the run and pass games, and it’s this balance that helps him stand out from other offensive tackle prospects.

Mental Acuity: Football IQ and Adaptability

While Campbell’s physical traits are impressive, his mental sharpness and football IQ are what set him apart from many other offensive line prospects. In the NFL, offensive linemen are expected to not only physically dominate defenders but also make quick, intelligent decisions in high-pressure situations. Campbell has demonstrated an ability to read defenses, pick up blitzes, and adjust his blocking techniques based on the defensive look.

One of the most difficult aspects of playing offensive tackle is recognizing when defenders are changing their rush angles, trying to out-maneuver the blocker. Campbell’s sharp football IQ allows him to quickly process these changes and adjust accordingly, often negating what would otherwise be a disruptive pass rush. His awareness of the defense’s movements allows him to protect his quarterback by staying one step ahead of defenders.

In addition to his ability to read defenses, Campbell also excels in adjusting to various blocking schemes. At LSU, he was part of a system that employed a variety of run-pass options (RPOs), zone-blocking schemes, and power-running plays. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different types of offensive play designs is a testament to his versatility and intelligence. NFL teams, particularly those with diverse offensive strategies, will find Campbell’s adaptability to be a major asset.

What further separates Campbell from his peers is his leadership on the field. As an offensive tackle, Campbell not only needs to be a powerful and efficient blocker but also a leader in the trenches. His ability to communicate with teammates, especially when picking up stunts or line shifts, shows a maturity that is often seen in players who have spent much more time at the professional level. Scouts and coaches have taken note of his leadership and the confidence he exudes, which only adds to his value as a potential future cornerstone of an NFL offensive line.

Elite Comparisons: Drawing Parallels to NFL Legends

As Will Campbell continues to impress scouts with his combination of physicality, athleticism, and football intelligence, comparisons to NFL legends are beginning to surface. His blend of size, strength, and agility has drawn parallels to some of the best offensive tackles the league has ever seen, including Joe Thomas, Trent Williams, and Tyron Smith.

Joe Thomas, a Hall of Fame-caliber offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, was known for his combination of exceptional footwork, pass protection skills, and leadership. Campbell shares similar qualities, with scouts noting that Campbell has the potential to be an elite pass blocker while also maintaining the ability to thrive in a power run scheme. Just like Thomas, Campbell’s intelligence and technical skills make him an ideal candidate to be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.

Trent Williams, currently a star offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, has been one of the most physically dominant linemen in recent history. His blend of raw strength and mobility has set the standard for modern NFL tackles. Campbell’s ability to mirror Williams’ strength and quickness, combined with his fluid footwork, positions him to be just as impactful. His ceiling is incredibly high, and if he continues to develop his game in the NFL, he could become a perennial All-Pro talent, much like Williams has.

Tyron Smith, another future Hall of Famer, is renowned for his long arms, quick feet, and ability to shut down elite edge rushers. Campbell shares similar traits with Smith, particularly his ability to maintain balance and power in both pass protection and run blocking. His athleticism, combined with his size and strength, suggests that Campbell could eventually be as dominant as Smith at the professional level.

These comparisons aren’t just hype; they are based on observable traits that Campbell has demonstrated consistently at LSU. If he can continue to refine his technique and adjust to the speed of the NFL game, there’s no reason why he can’t eventually join the ranks of these elite tackles.

NFL Future: Will Campbell’s Impact

The future looks incredibly bright for Will Campbell, and the NFL team that selects him will be getting a player who can make an immediate impact. With his combination of size, strength, agility, and mental sharpness, Campbell has the potential to be one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. He’s already demonstrated his ability to succeed at the highest level of college football, and with the right coaching and development, he could quickly adapt to the professional ranks.

Whether it’s protecting the quarterback, establishing the run game, or mentoring younger linemen, Campbell’s impact will be felt immediately. He has the tools to not only succeed but to dominate in the NFL, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 draft class.

As the draft approaches, Will Campbell’s name continues to rise in prominence, and it’s clear that he is in elite company due to his exceptional combination performance. Whether he’s compared to the best tackles in NFL history or evaluated for his potential as a franchise cornerstone, Campbell’s future in the NFL looks as bright as his performance on the field.