2025 NFL Draft first impression: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

In looking at some of the early 2025 mock draft projections, LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell is a first-round fixture. After watching a handful of LSU game tapes with a scouting eye on Campbell, it’s easy to see why the 6-foot-6, 320-pounder is so highly regarded.

Arriving at LSU as a 5-star recruit and a starting left tackle as a true freshman, Campbell certainly has the bona fides. The size, arm length and athleticism for his body are all very impressive.

One of the first things I look for in a left tackle is the initial step in pass protection. Campbell is very explosive out of his set, quick and balanced and careful not to overset. In fact, his feet are the best part of Campbell’s technical skill set.

The ability to drive his lower body and stay square to blocking targets in both run and pass blocking is very good. Advanced beyond his 20 years of age, even. He can effectively square up rushers who attack either shoulder, and he doesn’t waste steps or overreach from his base.

The biggest area where Campbell can help himself is with his hands. Pass rushers with active hands, like Missouri’s Darius Robinson (now a Cardinals first-rounder) were able to dictate the terms of the hand-to-hand combat. Campbell is more of a reactionary puncher in pass protection. Even when he lands the first jab with his impressive and quick reach, it doesn’t always look like he’s sure of what to do next with his hands or shoulders.

When he does lock in, the rep is over for the defense, period. But the inconsistent hand placement and use of strength and shoulder engagement aren’t quite there yet for Campbell. His shoulders and hands can get too narrow, sacrificing the natural power he’s got above the waist. There are times where he tries to compensate by getting a little too far out over his skis, something more notable in the run game. It’s reminiscent of longtime Titans LT Taylor Lewan in that regard.

Zero questions about effort or intensity with Campbell. He’s not an overly demonstrative personality, but don’t mistake that for lacking desire to whoop the guy across from him. He pulls well in the run game and can engage second-level targets relatively well, though there is some overreaching and timing issues evident there, too. His experience blocking in front of a mobile QB like Jayden Daniels appears to have developed his peripheral vision and awareness quite well.

Overall, Campbell is a high-end left tackle prospect with some need for technical refinement and consistency. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to hear his name called in the first half of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, though Campbell can help ensure that with a little more attention to detail.