Will Campbell, an offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers, was officially chosen by the Chicago Bears with the tenth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Will Campbell: A Journey to the NFL and the Chicago Bears’ 10th Overall Pick
The 2025 NFL Draft saw several exciting moments and dramatic selections, with each team looking to secure future stars to bolster their rosters. One of the most anticipated picks was the selection of Will Campbell, the offensive tackle from LSU (Louisiana State University), who was chosen by the Chicago Bears with the tenth overall pick. Campbell’s journey to this moment is a testament to his work ethic, his physical and mental fortitude, and his undeniable skill on the football field. This article delves into Campbell’s rise to prominence, his college career at LSU, his impact on the Bears, and what to expect from him as he begins his professional journey in the NFL.
Early Life and Introduction to Football
Will Campbell was born into a football family in Lafayette, Louisiana, where the sport was not just a hobby but a way of life. From a young age, Campbell displayed a love for the game that ran deep in his family. His father, uncles, and cousins had all played football, and Will was no different. Growing up, he was always the biggest kid on the block, a fact that would later serve him well as he developed into one of the most highly coveted offensive linemen in the country.
Campbell’s high school years at Lafayette High School were marked by his incredible athleticism and raw power on the field. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 300 pounds as a teenager, he was an imposing figure on the offensive line, with quick feet and excellent hand placement that made him a standout from the start. His high school coach, who recognized his natural talent, pushed him to fine-tune his skills in both pass protection and run blocking. It wasn’t long before Campbell’s name started to appear on the radar of some of the top college football programs in the country.
College Career at LSU
Will Campbell’s decision to play for LSU was influenced by his home state pride and the storied history of the Tigers’ football program. LSU had become a powerhouse in the SEC, known for producing top-tier NFL talent, and Campbell wanted to be a part of that legacy. He committed to LSU early in his high school career, and by the time he stepped onto the campus in Baton Rouge, expectations were high for the young offensive lineman.
Campbell made an immediate impact at LSU, earning a starting role as a freshman. His combination of size, strength, and mobility allowed him to step into a major college program and compete with some of the best defensive players in the nation. During his first season, Campbell impressed coaches and scouts alike with his ability to block both in the running game and in pass protection. His quick reflexes and understanding of defensive schemes were rare for someone so young, and this maturity was a key factor in his quick rise to the top.
Throughout his college career, Campbell demonstrated steady improvement year after year. His pass protection skills became more refined, and his ability to move defenders in the running game was undeniable. LSU’s offense, which was built around a balanced attack, benefited greatly from Campbell’s ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for LSU’s ball carriers. He was often praised for his ability to read defenses pre-snap and make adjustments, a rare skill for an offensive lineman but one that set Campbell apart.
One of Campbell’s standout performances came during the 2024 season when LSU faced some of the toughest defensive lines in the SEC. The Tigers’ offense leaned heavily on Campbell, and he consistently delivered, giving his quarterbacks ample time to throw the ball and allowing LSU’s running backs to find space to break free. Scouts began to take notice, and by the end of the 2024 season, Campbell had solidified himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country.
Strengths and Skill Set
What made Will Campbell such an attractive prospect for NFL teams? A few key attributes stand out as particularly noteworthy.
- Size and Physicality: Standing at 6’6” and weighing 320 pounds, Campbell has the ideal frame for an offensive tackle. His size, coupled with his strength, makes him a formidable force on the line of scrimmage. He can handle bull rushes from powerful defensive linemen, and his ability to move defenders with ease in the running game is a testament to his raw strength and power.
- Footwork and Agility: For a player of his size, Campbell’s footwork is exceptional. Offensive linemen need to be quick on their feet, particularly in pass protection, where quick lateral movement is necessary to avoid pass rushers. Campbell’s agility allows him to mirror defensive linemen effectively, which is critical in keeping quarterbacks safe in the pocket.
- Football IQ: Offensive linemen are often overlooked in terms of their mental understanding of the game, but Campbell stands out in this department. He has a strong grasp of defensive schemes, which allows him to read and react to the defense pre-snap. His ability to make adjustments mid-play and communicate with his fellow linemen was a key factor in LSU’s offensive success.
- Run Blocking: Will Campbell excels in the running game, creating holes for running backs with his ability to drive defenders off the ball. His physicality at the point of attack, combined with his technique, makes him a dominant force when it comes to opening up running lanes.
- Pass Protection: While his run blocking is certainly a strength, Campbell’s pass protection skills are what made him a surefire first-round prospect. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and keep pressure off the passer was one of the key reasons why he was so highly coveted by NFL teams.
The NFL Draft Process
As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, it was clear that Will Campbell was one of the top prospects available. Offensive tackles are always in high demand, and Campbell’s combination of size, strength, and football IQ made him a top-tier choice for many teams. As the draft order came together, it became evident that Campbell was likely to be a top 10 pick, and the Chicago Bears, who were in need of a franchise-caliber offensive tackle, were eager to secure his services.
The Bears, coming off a season where they had shown improvement but still needed help on the offensive line, were looking to bolster their protection for their young quarterback. Selecting Campbell at the 10th overall pick was seen as a perfect fit, and it didn’t take long for the Bears to pull the trigger. They had seen Campbell’s film, interviewed him, and were confident that he could immediately step in and make an impact.
For Campbell, hearing his name called by the Chicago Bears was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the game. It was the beginning of the next chapter in his life, one where he would be tasked with protecting an NFL quarterback and helping to solidify the Bears’ offensive line for years to come.
Will Campbell’s Impact on the Chicago Bears
The Bears’ decision to select Will Campbell with the 10th overall pick was a move that showed their commitment to building a strong foundation for their team’s future. The offensive line had been a weak spot for Chicago in recent years, and Campbell’s addition to the roster was expected to shore up the protection for quarterback Justin Fields. With a dominant force like Campbell anchoring the left tackle position, Fields would have more time to read the defense and make plays downfield.
Campbell’s physicality and versatility give the Bears’ coaching staff plenty of options. While he is expected to play left tackle, his ability to play multiple spots on the line gives him added value, especially if injuries arise or if the coaching staff decides to experiment with different lineups. His intelligence and maturity will also be key as he helps to mentor the younger players on the Bears’ offensive line.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Campbell’s presence in the locker room will be a valuable asset for the Bears. His leadership skills were evident at LSU, and as a player who has been through the pressure of big-time college football, he will be a source of guidance for the Bears’ young talent as they continue to build for the future.
What’s Next for Will Campbell?
As Will Campbell embarks on his professional career with the Chicago Bears, all eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to the speed and complexity of the NFL. The transition from college to the pros is never easy, but with his talent, work ethic, and mental toughness, Campbell is expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
The Bears will be looking to Campbell not only to protect their quarterback but also to help re-establish their running game. Offensive line play is often the unsung hero of a successful offense, and Campbell’s role in that success cannot be overstated. The Bears’ fans are hopeful that Campbell’s addition will be the first step in a new era of football in Chicago—one where the offense can thrive, and the team can contend for championships in the near future.
Will Campbell is just beginning his NFL journey, and his potential is limitless. As the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the expectations are high, but so too is his ability to meet those challenges head-on. His story is one of hard work, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles, and as he enters the NFL, the sky is the limit for this rising star.
