Former LSU OT Will Campbell answers athleticism questions, and joins elite company following Scouting Combine performance

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is a spectacle for college football players to showcase their athletic prowess, physical attributes, and football acumen in front of NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches. Among the many young men vying for a spot in the NFL Draft, one of the most highly anticipated participants was former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell. After a standout career with the Tigers, Campbell entered the Combine with significant expectations and questions surrounding his athleticism. By the end of the event, he had not only answered those questions but also positioned himself as one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As a standout offensive lineman for LSU, Campbell was no stranger to high-pressure situations. His career with the Tigers was marked by consistent improvement, strong play in the trenches, and a reputation as one of the best offensive tackles in college football. Yet, despite his on-field success, there remained questions about his ability to transition to the next level—particularly when it came to his athleticism and how it would fare under the intense scrutiny of the NFL Combine.

Campbell’s Athleticism Questioned Coming Into the Combine

Will Campbell’s early days at LSU showcased his physicality and technique as an offensive tackle, but when it came to his overall athleticism, there were some lingering doubts. While Campbell was known for his strength, versatility, and ability to block against some of the SEC’s most talented pass rushers, he was sometimes criticized for lacking the explosive athleticism that many elite NFL offensive linemen possess.

The criticism largely centered around his agility and quickness, particularly on the move. As an offensive tackle in the NFL, the ability to match up against quick edge rushers and protect the quarterback’s blindside is a crucial skill. While Campbell displayed strong fundamentals and leadership during his time at LSU, the question remained: could he show elite athleticism at the NFL level, where speed and agility are paramount?

That’s where the NFL Scouting Combine came into play. The event provides a chance for players to demonstrate their raw athleticism through drills, workouts, and testing in front of NFL decision-makers. For a player like Campbell, the Combine would either solidify or question his potential to transition from the college game to the professional level.

Combine Performance: Answering the Doubts

When Campbell took the field at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, he made it clear that the doubters about his athleticism were mistaken. From the moment he took part in the initial physical tests, it was apparent that he possessed more than enough athleticism to succeed at the next level.

Campbell’s performance in the 40-yard dash was a major talking point. While offensive linemen are not typically expected to blaze past the competition in this drill, Campbell’s time of 4.87 seconds was impressive, especially for a player of his size. At 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, he showcased a level of speed and explosiveness that many NFL scouts didn’t expect from him. His 40-yard dash time put him in an elite group of offensive tackles, giving him a clear advantage over some of the other prospects in his position class.

Additionally, Campbell posted a solid vertical jump of 32 inches and a broad jump of 9 feet 5 inches. These numbers, though not the best of the Combine, demonstrated an impressive level of lower-body explosiveness and functional strength for an offensive tackle. In a position that requires players to get out of their stance quickly, anchor against defenders, and generate power, Campbell’s testing results showed that he had the tools needed to excel in the NFL.

While the 40-yard dash and the vertical jump garnered much of the attention, Campbell’s performance in the agility drills was arguably the most important for assessing his mobility and footwork. In the three-cone drill, which evaluates change-of-direction ability and body control, Campbell recorded a time of 7.63 seconds, which was among the best for offensive tackles at the Combine. This result answered many of the questions about his lateral movement and quickness, showing that he could keep up with faster, more agile defenders when tasked with moving in space.

Perhaps most importantly, Campbell impressed in the on-field drills during the Combine. His ability to stay balanced while executing blocks, maintain a strong base, and fluidly move with his opponent on the field gave scouts confidence that he had the agility and strength to match up with the NFL’s most talented pass rushers and defensive linemen.

By the end of the Combine, Campbell had not only addressed concerns about his athleticism but had also positioned himself as one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft class. His performance was so impressive that many draft analysts and scouts placed him among the top offensive tackles available, and some even projected him to go in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Joining Elite Company

Campbell’s exceptional performance at the Combine earned him a spot in a highly elite group of NFL Draft prospects, joining the ranks of some of the best offensive tackles to ever come through the Combine. His combine results placed him in the upper echelon of offensive linemen in terms of both strength and athleticism, comparable to some of the best in the game.

For example, Campbell’s 40-yard dash time of 4.87 seconds was faster than several first-round offensive tackles in previous years, including former first-round picks like Lane Johnson (4.72 seconds) and Andrew Thomas (5.08 seconds). It was a testament to Campbell’s ability to translate his college success into a measurable skill set that NFL scouts could use to project his future success in the league.

Campbell’s vertical jump, combined with his broad jump and agility testing, also placed him in the top tier of athletic tackles. While athleticism isn’t the only determining factor for a successful offensive lineman, it is a key component of a player’s potential to develop at the next level. By joining elite company in this regard, Campbell made it clear that he was more than just a traditional “big body” on the line—he had the athleticism to be a dynamic force for whichever team selects him.

What NFL Teams are Saying About Campbell

Several NFL teams have already shown interest in Campbell after his Combine performance, and his stock has steadily risen as a result. In interviews with NFL scouts and analysts, the consensus seems to be that Campbell’s performance has dispelled the previous concerns regarding his athleticism and confirmed that he possesses the tools to succeed in the NFL.

Many scouts praised Campbell’s technical abilities, including his ability to protect the quarterback in pass protection, maintain his balance under pressure, and his strong fundamentals in both the running and passing games. But it was his athleticism that has truly impressed NFL evaluators, who believe that with the right coaching, Campbell could develop into a franchise-caliber tackle capable of protecting a quarterback’s blindside for years to come.

One NFL general manager was quoted as saying, “Will Campbell’s performance at the Combine answered every question we had about his athleticism. He’s more than just a strong, big guy—he’s got the speed, agility, and quickness to dominate at the next level. He’s the total package, and we think he could be a Day 1 starter for us.”

Another NFC scout said, “I was initially worried about his quickness and how he would move laterally against NFL pass rushers, but after seeing him in the drills and on the field, I’m convinced he’s ready. His ceiling is as high as anyone in this draft class, and he has the tools to be a cornerstone for an offensive line.”

The Road Ahead for Will Campbell

With the Combine now in the rearview mirror, Will Campbell is positioned for a strong finish to the pre-draft process. As NFL teams continue their evaluations, Campbell will likely remain in the conversation for one of the first tackles taken off the board. His impressive Combine performance has put him on the radar of several NFL teams in need of offensive line help, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was selected in the first round, depending on team needs and the flow of the draft.

Campbell has also received glowing praise for his character and leadership, which could further boost his draft stock. Teams are always looking for players who not only have the physical traits but also have the mentality to excel in the NFL. Campbell has consistently shown throughout his college career that he is both a dedicated worker and a strong team leader—traits that will undoubtedly make him an appealing prospect for many NFL organizations.

As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, it’s clear that Will Campbell has solidified his place as one of the top offensive line prospects. His performance at the Combine may have started as a moment of uncertainty for some, but by the time it ended, Campbell had answered all the questions about his athleticism and emerged as a legitimate top-tier draft pick.

For the LSU program, Campbell’s success at the Combine is yet another example of the high-level talent they continue to produce, further cementing their reputation as a school that consistently develops elite football players capable of making an immediate impact in the NFL. For Campbell, the journey is just beginning, and if his Combine performance is any indication, his future in the NFL is incredibly bright.