Miami Dolphins Select LSU Football’s Will Campbell in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Miami Dolphins Select LSU Football’s Will Campbell in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events in the world of football, not just for the teams involved but also for the players whose futures are about to be shaped. As college players transition from the NCAA to the NFL, the draft process becomes an intense and scrutinized journey. Among the top prospects in this year’s draft class is LSU’s standout offensive lineman, Will Campbell. Recently, in one of the latest NFL mock drafts, the Miami Dolphins have been projected to select Campbell, signaling a potential turning point for both the player and the franchise. This article will dive into Will Campbell’s background, his strengths as a player, and how he would fit with the Miami Dolphins.

1. Will Campbell: A Star on the Rise

Will Campbell’s journey to the NFL has been nothing short of impressive. A native of Monroe, Louisiana, Campbell became a high school football phenom before making a significant impact at LSU. Known for his physicality, size, and consistency, Campbell was one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the nation. As a four-star recruit, he was considered one of the top offensive tackles in the class of 2022, and it was clear from the start that he had the potential to be a major asset to whichever program he joined.

Campbell’s ability to play at a high level was apparent early on in his career at LSU. Despite being a freshman, Campbell demonstrated the maturity and skill set of an upperclassman. He played in 12 games in his first season with the Tigers, starting in several critical matchups, and quickly earned a reputation as a reliable, dominant force on the offensive line. His early success at LSU paved the way for his eventual rise as one of the premier offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

A significant part of Campbell’s success comes from his well-rounded skill set. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at approximately 320 pounds, he combines size with surprising mobility for a player of his stature. His athleticism, particularly in the way he moves in space and his ability to block both in the run game and pass protection, has set him apart as a top prospect. At LSU, he demonstrated excellent technique in blocking assignments, and his ability to handle both interior and edge rushers effectively made him one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in college football.

2. Why the Miami Dolphins?

The Miami Dolphins’ selection of Will Campbell in the NFL Mock Draft is an exciting development for both the player and the franchise. Miami is a team with playoff aspirations, and while they have several pieces already in place, the offensive line has long been a position of need for the Dolphins. Over the past few seasons, Miami has struggled to find consistent play on the offensive line, which has led to issues with protecting their quarterbacks, particularly Tua Tagovailoa, as well as establishing a dominant running game.

In recent years, the Dolphins have made several moves to improve their offensive line, but they still have not found the right combination to make it a truly elite unit. With a potent offensive system under head coach Mike McDaniel, who has quickly made a name for himself as an offensive mastermind, improving the offensive line is one of the key areas that will allow the Dolphins to reach the next level.

Will Campbell represents the type of player who could help change that. His ability to play both as a run blocker and pass protector gives the Dolphins the versatility they need up front. Moreover, Campbell’s tenacity and physicality would fit well in a Miami offense that values both power and finesse in the running game. The Dolphins have a dynamic group of skill players, including Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who can stretch the field, but without solid protection up front, their ability to execute long pass plays or establish a consistent run game can be stifled.

The Dolphins also recognize the importance of building a strong offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa has been prone to injury due to the physical nature of the NFL, and improving the offensive line to create a more stable pocket would be a major boon for his development. Campbell, with his size and agility, would be a key asset in this regard, providing Tua with more time to make decisions and get the ball to his talented receiving corps.

Additionally, Miami is in a position where they are in the midst of a competitive AFC East division, which features the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. For the Dolphins to compete with these teams, a stable and elite offensive line is critical. The selection of Campbell, who is already viewed as one of the most pro-ready offensive linemen in the draft, would give Miami a powerful building block on the offensive front for the foreseeable future.

3. What Will Campbell Brings to the Table

Will Campbell’s potential as an NFL offensive lineman stems from his impressive skill set and attributes. As mentioned earlier, his combination of size, strength, and athleticism sets him apart from other prospects. Let’s take a closer look at the specific traits that make Campbell a top-tier NFL prospect:

Physicality and Strength

At 6’6″ and 320 pounds, Campbell has the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. His broad shoulders and powerful frame give him the ability to dominate defenders in the run game, driving them off the line of scrimmage with ease. His size also allows him to anchor well in pass protection, keeping defenders at bay and providing his quarterback with a clean pocket.

Athleticism and Agility

While Campbell’s size is often the first thing that stands out, his agility is what sets him apart from many other big men on the offensive line. He moves with surprising quickness and balance for a player of his size, which allows him to handle both fast edge rushers and strong interior linemen. He has excellent lateral movement, which makes him a great fit for an NFL offense that values pulling guards and tackles in zone schemes. This agility allows him to get to the second level in the run game and engage with linebackers, helping to create more explosive plays on the ground.

Technique and Football IQ

Another key aspect of Campbell’s game is his technique. Offensive line play is often about more than just raw strength; it’s about positioning, hand placement, and understanding defensive schemes. Campbell excels in all these areas. He has a natural feel for the game, which allows him to make adjustments on the fly. He is especially effective in pass protection, where he uses his hands well to keep defenders off his chest, preventing them from getting into his body and gaining leverage.

Versatility

Campbell is versatile enough to play both tackle positions on the offensive line, although he is expected to be most effective as a left tackle in the NFL. His ability to switch between different positions and maintain a high level of play is an invaluable asset for any team looking to develop a strong offensive front. If the Dolphins select Campbell, his versatility would give them the flexibility to use him in multiple roles depending on the matchups they face throughout the season.

4. Fit in Miami Dolphins’ Offensive System

Miami’s offense, under head coach Mike McDaniel, is based on creating space and using speed to stretch the field. The offensive line’s job is to give the skill players time and space to make plays, and Campbell would be a great fit for this style of offense. Miami runs a variety of schemes, including zone blocking, and Campbell’s athleticism and ability to execute blocks in both the running and passing games makes him an ideal candidate for their system.

One of the key elements of McDaniel’s offense is the use of quick-hitting runs and outside zone plays that allow players like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. to use their speed and break big runs. As a versatile and mobile offensive lineman, Campbell would be instrumental in creating lanes for the Dolphins’ running backs, as his quickness and ability to get to the second level would open up more running opportunities.

In pass protection, Campbell’s strong hands, awareness, and footwork would provide Tua with a much-needed shield against opposing defenses. The Dolphins’ offensive scheme calls for a quick, rhythm-based passing attack, which requires the offensive line to be both fast and reliable in its protection. Campbell has shown that he can handle the speed and power of SEC defenders, so making the jump to the NFL should be a smooth transition for him in terms of technique and execution.

5. What’s Next for Will Campbell?

As the NFL Draft approaches, Will Campbell’s name is only going to rise further on draft boards. The Dolphins, in particular, will be carefully watching his pro day and any additional workouts or interviews that might solidify his place on their roster. Miami has a number of needs heading into the draft, but selecting Campbell to shore up the offensive line seems like a move that would pay long-term dividends.

For Campbell, the next few months will be critical as he prepares for the draft. He will likely undergo a series of interviews, workouts, and team meetings, all of which will showcase his character, work ethic, and readiness for the NFL. His stock is expected to remain high, with teams across the league, including Miami, looking to get a closer look at one of the most promising offensive line prospects in recent memory.