As experts state, Will Campbell, the future first-round draft pick, cannot only play multiple positions but thrive while doing so.
Will Campbell’s Versatility Expands Interest
Regardless of what draft analysis you look at, LSU offensive linemen jump to the top of the list. Campbell built himself through the rigors of the SEC crucible. Now, he stands about a month away from changing the fortunes of a team’s offensive line.
Additionally, various opinions regarding Campbell’s ability to excel at multiple offensive line positions jump to the forefront. Pro Football Focus devotes a segment regarding Campbell and his prospects.
“Campbell, the fact that he’s so mentally adept when it comes to protections and everything that goes along with the mental side of playing offensive line. And the fact that he gives me options. We talked about him maybe as a guard because of the arm length,” Dalton Wasserman said. “His legs can put you on your a**.”
In contrast, Wyatt Brooks of NFL Draft Buzz takes a wholly different tact regarding the LSU All-American, stating:
“After studying the film, moving Campbell inside would be a mistake,” Brooks said. “Despite the shorter arms, his exceptional technique and recovery ability demand a shot at tackle. Put on the Ole Miss tape, he repeatedly shut down wide-9 rushers with textbook kick-slides and precise hand placement.”
Placing a player inside to help fortify the interior doesn’t constitute a mistake. Mekhi Becton, originally drafted as a tackle, became a guard and helped the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl.
Also, the Tennessee Titans drafted former Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski with the 11th overall pick in 2024. Management converted him to guard, and Skoronski’s career took off. Perhaps the father of offensive line versatility is Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews.
During his 19-year career, he played 39 games at tackle, 167 at guard, and 87 at center. He made 14 straight Pro Bowls, nine as a guard and five as a center. Under those circumstances, Campbell would love to enjoy a career like Matthews.
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If you split Campbell’s abilities into guard and tackle qualities, you see a quality player at both spots. First, as a tackle, Campbell features light feet and quick hands. Plus, he can beat the edge rusher to the outside with an athletic quickstep and the ability to shuffle.
Meanwhile, playing guard will see him embrace his nasty temperament and strength. Facing power-based defensive tackles, you will see a bull rush first. Blessed with power, Campbell will meet power with power and force.
Then, include the prospect’s ability to play with a mean streak from the first note to echo of the whistle. That style will make teammates family and opponents enemies.
When you consider Campbell’s draft landing spot, one team immediately jumps to mind. First, what hindered Derek Carr’s progress last season as a Saint? New Orleans couldn’t block anyone, and Carr took unnecessary hits while standing in the pocket.
Anyone who knows Carr’s history understands the happiness of his feet. Meanwhile, imagine Quentin Nelson as the left guard and Campbell taking over on the right. Jonathan Taylor would easily regain his spot as an elite running back.
Campbell, by all accounts, from mentality to athleticism, will immediately help any team. Clearly, he possesses the mental and physical makeup that makes him look NFL-ready.
Nothing seems to scare or worry help, as he will play either spot with a knack for winning one-on-one reps. With a Pro Bowl ceiling, the former LSU product can carve out a distinguished career, no matter where he plays.
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