As Campbell moves on to the next chapter of his football career, his impact on LSU will not be forgotten
His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the program have left a lasting mark on the Tigers. Future recruits will undoubtedly look up to him as an example of what it means to wear the purple and gold with pride.
“Like I said earlier, I’m just super grateful for this place. I dreamed of coming here. Dreamed of wearing that purple and gold on Saturday night. It’s done so much for me and my family. I’ll never be able to put into words what this place means to me.”
These words from Campbell sum up his love for LSU and the legacy he leaves behind. As he takes his talents to the NFL, Tigers fans will be cheering him on, knowing he will represent LSU well at the next level.
The arm length debate is unlikely to significantly impact his draft status, but it has highlighted the ongoing issue of measurement discrepancies at the Combine.
For now, Campbell remains a highly touted prospect with the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.
Regardless of his official arm length, his talent, technique, and on-field production make him one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in this year’s draft class.
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Table of Contents
Will Campbell: From LSU Star to NFL Prospect
A Standout Talent from Neville High School
Will Campbell’s journey to becoming one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football started at Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana.1
As a highly touted five-star recruit, Campbell had offers from multiple powerhouse programs, but his heart was set on playing for LSU. His decision to stay in-state and represent the Tigers was a testament to his commitment to Louisiana football.
Campbell’s high school career was marked by outstanding performances on the field, showcasing his athleticism, strength, and intelligence.
These attributes made him a prime target for LSU’s coaching staff, and he ultimately committed to the Tigers in 2022. From the moment he stepped on campus, expectations were high, and he lived up to every one of them.
— Will Campbell (@will_campbell66) January 9, 2025
Immediate Impact at LSU
As a true freshman in 2022, Campbell quickly earned a starting spot on LSU’s offensive line, a rare feat for a first-year player in the highly competitive SEC.
His ability to read defenses, adjust to different pass-rush techniques, and dominate in run blocking made him an essential part of the Tigers’ offense.
During his freshman season, Campbell played in all 13 games and was recognized as one of the top young linemen in the country.
His performance helped LSU’s offense flourish, giving their quarterback time to make plays and opening up lanes for the running backs.
His rapid development was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it set the stage for an illustrious college career.
Will Campbell: Growth and Recognition in His Sophomore Season
By his sophomore season, Campbell had cemented his place as one of the best offensive tackles in the SEC.2
He played a crucial role in helping LSU maintain one of the most effective offenses in the country. His dominance in both pass protection and run blocking earned him national recognition, and he was frequently mentioned as a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
One of the defining moments of his sophomore campaign came in a matchup against Alabama, where he successfully neutralized some of the best defensive linemen in college football.
His performance against elite pass rushers only added to his growing reputation as a future NFL star.
By the end of the season, he was named to several All-SEC teams and was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the nation.
A Consensus All-American and Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner
Campbell’s junior season was his most impressive yet. He played in all 12 regular-season games and solidified his status as one of the most dominant linemen in college football.
His technique, footwork, and strength were unparalleled, and he became a leader on the team, mentoring younger players and setting the tone for the offensive line.
His hard work was recognized when he was named a Consensus All-American, an honor reserved for the best players at their respective positions.
In addition, he was awarded the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given annually to the SEC’s top offensive lineman. This accolade further cemented his legacy at LSU and proved that he was ready for the next level.
Declaring for the NFL Draft
With three outstanding seasons under his belt, Campbell made the decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
His announcement was met with both excitement and bittersweet emotions from LSU fans, who knew they were losing one of the best linemen in recent program history. However, his departure also marked the beginning of what promises to be a successful professional career.
Leading up to the draft, Campbell has been preparing extensively, working with elite trainers and refining his technique to ensure he is ready for the challenges of the NFL.
His combination of size, strength, and football IQ makes him an attractive prospect for any team in need of a franchise left tackle.
Will Campbell’s LSU Pro Day: Showcasing His Skills
On March 26, LSU hosted its Pro Day, an event that gave Campbell and his teammates a chance to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and coaches. Campbell’s performance did not disappoint.3
His agility drills, bench press reps, and on-field drills all highlighted his elite ability and work ethic.
During the press conference following the event, Campbell reflected on his time at LSU with gratitude and pride.
“The biggest thing for me was, you know, come in and leave it better than I found it,” Campbell said.
“In the O-line room, that’s something me and Coach Davis talked about through my recruiting process, and I feel like I did a good job of that, you know, trying to show these guys that are in the room right now the right way to go about their business on and off the field.”
His words resonated with many, as they encapsulated his leadership, dedication, and love for the program. LSU fans will always remember him not only for his dominance on the field but also for the positive impact he had on his teammates and the program as a whole.
Strengths That Make Him an NFL Prospect
NFL teams looking for a reliable left tackle will find a lot to like about Campbell. His strengths include:
- Elite Footwork: His ability to quickly set his feet and maintain balance makes him a strong pass protector.
- Strength and Power: Campbell has a powerful upper body, allowing him to dominate in run blocking and hold his own against bull rushers.
- Football IQ: He reads defenses well, making pre-snap adjustments and recognizing blitzes effectively.
- Versatility: While primarily a left tackle, Campbell has shown the ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line if needed.
- Leadership: His maturity and leadership qualities will make him an asset in any NFL locker room.
Potential NFL Fits
As the draft approaches, analysts have speculated about which teams might select Campbell. Some of the franchises in need of an elite left tackle include:
- Chicago Bears: With a young quarterback in place, they need a reliable offensive lineman to protect him.
- New York Jets: Given their struggles with injuries on the offensive line, Campbell could provide much-needed stability.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Known for valuing tough and intelligent linemen, the Steelers could see Campbell as a perfect fit.
- Arizona Cardinals: Looking to rebuild their offensive line, they may see Campbell as a foundational piece.
Regardless of where he lands, one thing is certain: Campbell has all the tools to be a successful NFL player for years to come.
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Will Campbell’s Draft Stock Remains Unaffected
Despite the controversy over his arm length, Will Campbell’s draft stock remains strong. His performance at the Combine was solid, and his film speaks volumes about his talent and ability.
Scouts are still projecting him as a top-ten pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, largely due to his exceptional footwork, strength, and ability to handle elite pass rushers.
One of the reasons the debate around his arm length hasn’t gained much traction outside media circles is because NFL teams prioritize game tape over individual measurements. While metrics like arm length are useful tools, they are not the ultimate deciding factor in draft evaluations.
A History of Successful Short-Armed Tackles
The arm length debate has been around for years, with several players proving that it isn’t the only factor that determines success at offensive tackle. Notable examples include:
- Rashawn Slater (33 inches) – Despite concerns about his arm length, Slater has established himself as one of the best young tackles in the NFL.
- Joe Thomas (32.5 inches) – The Hall of Famer dominated at left tackle for over a decade despite having relatively short arms.
- Braden Smith (32.25 inches) – Transitioned from guard to tackle and has excelled in the position despite questions about his arm length.
These cases serve as proof that while arm length is a valuable measurement, it does not dictate a player’s ability to succeed at the position.
The Role of Pro Days in Reassessing Measurements
Pro Days serve as an opportunity for players to improve or clarify aspects of their Combine performances. In Campbell’s case, his Pro Day measurement helped reaffirm his belief that his arms were, in fact, 33 inches.
While some scouts heavily rely on Combine data, others view Pro Day results as a more accurate reflection of a player’s measurements and abilities. This situation underscores why Pro Days remain an essential part of the pre-draft process.
Will Campbell’s Decision to Skip Drills at LSU Pro Day
Since he had already posted solid numbers at the Combine, Campbell opted not to participate in on-field drills at LSU’s Pro Day.
His decision suggests confidence in his previous performance and a belief that his game tape is strong enough to solidify his draft stock.
NFL teams likely respected his decision, as his film already provides ample evidence of his capability as a high-level offensive lineman.
By focusing on addressing the arm length discrepancy rather than repeating drills, Campbell ensured that scouts had the most accurate information heading into the draft.
Arm length is often considered a crucial factor for offensive tackles in the NFL. Players with longer arms can create separation from pass rushers, making it more difficult for defenders to get around them.
Will Campbell: Giveaway
Will Campbell and Gordon McKernan teamed up and organized a Christmas Bike Giveaway program together.
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The Importance of Arm Length for Offensive Tackles
Scouts and analysts frequently use arm length as a key metric in evaluating a lineman’s ability to play on the outside versus moving to an interior position.
Some of the top offensive tackles in the league have had arm lengths exceeding 34 inches, reinforcing the perception that shorter arms can be a disadvantage.
However, there have been successful tackles with sub-33-inch arms, proving that technique and athleticism can sometimes compensate for a lack of length.
The controversy surrounding Campbell’s arm length measurement is not an isolated incident. Over the years, numerous players have questioned the accuracy of their Combine results.
While the NFL Scouting Combine is known for its strict testing protocols, human error and inconsistencies in measurement techniques could be contributing to these discrepancies.
If the Combine aims to maintain its credibility, there may be a need to refine its processes, perhaps by implementing stricter standardization or introducing multiple verification methods.
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