This NFL Draft Analyst Sees Will Campbell as a Guard

First Round Mock NFL Draft Analyst Rajvir Bal studied four games of LSU left tackle (LT) Will Campbell in 2024, and he doesn’t see him ideally playing that position at the next level.

There has been a lot of discourse surrounding LSU LT Will Campbell.

The conversation has been revolving around what position he should play in the pros.

Tackle or guard?

Campbell’s shorter arms have caused controversy, which has led many in draft media to discuss their beliefs.

While the position Campbell will play in the NFL will sort itself out, with all the hype surrounding him, I thought it’s time I step in, take a look, and weigh in.

Background

He was a 4-star prospect out of high school and committed to LSU in January of 2022 (247Sports).

In addition to all the accolades, Pro Football Focus provides further insight into his college performance. Campbell has proved durable, playing in 882 snaps in 2022, 805 snaps in 2023, and 861 snaps in 2024. He allowed three sacks total during that time. He also allowed 12 hits and 30 hurries, in those three seasons.

Campbell is in the 56th percentile for height and 71st percentile for weight at the tackle position (NFLDraftBuzz).

#66 Will Campbell 6-foot-6, 323 pounds 
Rajvir Bal’s 2025 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)
Projected by 95.9% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of December 15, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2024 game film reviewed: USC, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Strengths

Campbell is BIG and he plays BIG. His size allows him to be a natural in pass pro, as defenders have a tough time getting around him. His massive frame ensures that no defender can get past him for the first three to four seconds of a play. He’s pro-ready in terms of his technique with a solid base, good upper body movement, and a smart head on his shoulders. Additionally, when he goes 100%, he can maul guys with ease. He’s extremely calm and cool. His movements are smooth and calculated. Although he didn’t do it much on film, his pulling was greatly effective vs. edge rushers lined up opposite of him. He controls his defensive line opponents with ease and often manhandles them. While he blocks, he barely looks like he’s breaking a sweat.

Weaknesses

On the offensive line, you have to have that something intangible. A “nasty streak” or an ability to destroy the guy across from you and take no prisoners. Campbell lacks that. I don’t see a real will to win on film. When the play goes away from him, he slumps down and acts like his work is finished. Why? Go find someone and put them in the dirt. It’s been said before, but his arms are definitely on the shorter side for a tackle. He struggles blocking when defenses blitz a linebacker off the edge. There were a couple of times on film when he was beaten by more powerful guys.

NFL Projection

To me, Campbell makes more sense as a guard in the NFL. He blocks bigger guys better than faster guys and he struggles against the blitz. Campbell has a lot of the needed technique that would allow him to slide in at guard for a team looking to fill that hole. It’s worth noting that according to Pro Football Focus, Campbell has never played one snap at guard in his college career.

NFL Crystal Ball

New England Patriots

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Pro Comp: Austin Corbett

Corbett (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) was a tackle in college at Nevada and has kicked inside to guard with the Browns and now to center with the Panthers.

Final Thoughts

I see this prospect as a mid-first-round selection.

Campbell can be a long-term NFL starter, but he has a lower ceiling.

Rajvir Bal is a high school student from the Virginia area. He grew up a rabid Washington Redskins fan, attending more than 30 games, and has enjoyed the team’s high points and low points throughout his life. He plays varsity football and basketball. Rajvir has taken an interest in the NFL Draft since middle school when his team picked Montez Sweat and Dwayne Haskins in the first round. His favorite NFL player ever flips between Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre, and his favorite athlete is LeBron James. He has been writing his own scouting reports since 2020, and is excited for the opportunities FirstRoundMock provides.