The Rising Star: Charles McDonald’s Perspective on Will Campbell
Charles McDonald’s assessment of Will Campbell highlights the immense potential the LSU offensive tackle possesses, particularly in terms of his overall athletic ability. Despite his arm length being just below the NFL’s common prerequisite of 33 inches, Campbell has consistently been seen as a top tackle prospect for years. His versatile skill set and consistent performance make him a likely candidate to be a 10-year starter on an NFL offensive line, a testament to his resilience and adaptability. The NFL is known for its rigorous physical demands, and shorter arm length can indeed pose a challenge, especially when facing elite pass rushers. However, Campbell’s combine performance in Indianapolis showcased his superior athleticism, which could help him overcome this physical limitation.
Footwork and Technique: Nate Tice’s Expert Analysis
Nate Tice offers a more detailed look at Campbell’s blocking mechanics, emphasizing his smooth footwork and body positioning. Campbell is rarely caught out of position, a testament to his technical prowess and natural instincts. His hand usage is particularly noteworthy, as he can effectively counter defensive moves and recover quickly due to his calm and quick footwork. LSU often tasked Campbell with one-on-one matchups in dropback situations, a scenario that closely mirrors NFL play and bodes well for his transition to the professional level. His ability to anticipate and adjust to defensive stunts in both run blocking and pass protection is a significant asset.
Overcoming Physical Limitations
While Campbell’s funky stance might initially seem like a disadvantage, it actually complements his athleticism. His excellent bend allows him to get underneath his blocks with ease, which is crucial for maintaining leverage and winning matchups. Talent evaluators will certainly scrutinize his arm length, but Campbell has demonstrated in college that he can neutralize this issue with precise hand placement, impeccable technique, and the ability to create leverage. This combination of skills suggests that he has a real shot at staying at tackle in the NFL, even if he is shorter-armed than the typical prospect.
Intelligence on the Field
Campbell’s intelligence is another key factor in his favor. He is often seen calling out blitzes and defensive movements, providing valuable insights and adjustments to his teammates. This level of awareness and communication is essential for an offensive tackle, as it helps the entire line maintain its composure and execute its blocking assignments more effectively. His ability to read and react to defensive schemes is a sign of a mature and experienced player, which could aid his transition to the NFL.
Potential and Adaptability
Even if Campbell does eventually need to move inside to guard, his combination of athleticism, technique, and intelligence suggests that he could excel in this role as well. In the interior of the offensive line, quickness, agility, and the ability to work in tight spaces are highly valued. Campbell’s skills in these areas make him a potential needle-mover on the interior, someone who can significantly impact the game from a different position. His adaptability and willingness to refine his game further are promising traits for any NFL team considering him.
A Bright Future Ahead
In summary, Will Campbell is a highly regarded offensive tackle prospect who brings a unique blend of athleticism, technique, and intelligence to the field. While his arm length may be a topic of discussion, his ability to compensate with other strengths and his potential to adapt to different positions make him a valuable asset. Whether he remains at tackle or moves to guard, Campbell is poised for a long and successful NFL career, demonstrating the qualities that teams covet in a top-tier offensive lineman.
