In the world of NFL scouting, the process of evaluating talent is a nuanced, ever-evolving art. Every year, scouts pore over tape, stats, and combine performances, attempting to uncover future NFL stars. Yet, some players seem to slip through the cracks, undervalued by the very individuals tasked with identifying talent. One such player who has not garnered the attention he deserves is Will Campbell, an offensive lineman who has been unjustly overlooked by many NFL Draft scouts.
Campbell, a standout at LSU, possesses all the physical traits and skills that would suggest he should be one of the most sought-after linemen in his class. However, despite his obvious potential, many scouts have been slow to appreciate his contributions and the impact he can have at the next level. Let’s break down why this is happening and why scouts might be missing the bigger picture when it comes to Will Campbell.
The Case for Will Campbell
At first glance, Will Campbell is an imposing figure on the football field. Standing 6’6” and weighing around 330 pounds, he has the ideal size and strength that NFL teams covet in their offensive linemen. His frame allows him to handle defenders with ease, using both his physicality and athleticism to create space in the running game and protect the quarterback in passing situations.
In addition to his size, Campbell displays excellent technique and a high football IQ. His footwork is smooth for a player of his size, and he has the quickness to react to stunts, blitzes, and other defensive maneuvers. His hand placement and ability to anchor against power rushes make him a formidable force in the trenches. Moreover, Campbell’s mental toughness and ability to thrive under pressure are qualities that are often seen in elite NFL offensive linemen.
But the question remains: why don’t NFL Draft scouts seem to be as high on him as one might expect?
The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality
One of the main reasons that Campbell has been undervalued in draft discussions is the tendency to focus on surface-level attributes that don’t always tell the full story. In particular, many scouts place too much emphasis on combine measurements, explosiveness drills, and agility tests as a means of evaluating an offensive lineman’s potential. These metrics are important to some extent, but they often fail to account for the more subtle and intangible aspects of a player’s game, such as their technique, mental toughness, and the consistency of their play.
Campbell, unfortunately, doesn’t necessarily dazzle in the way some of his peers might. His combine numbers, while solid, may not turn heads in the way that a freakish athletic specimen like Paris Johnson Jr. or Broderick Jones might. Campbell’s athleticism is often described as “good enough,” but he doesn’t possess the high-end explosiveness or lateral quickness that scouts often look for in offensive linemen. However, what he lacks in flashy testing numbers, he more than makes up for with his high level of play on the field.
This is a classic case of where a player’s tape should outweigh the numbers. But unfortunately, too many scouts remain fixated on the combine and fall into the trap of evaluating based on measurable data rather than actual on-field production and projection.
The LSU Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
Another factor contributing to Campbell’s lack of recognition is the team he plays for: LSU. While LSU has produced an impressive number of NFL-caliber players over the years, it is not uncommon for scouts to get lost in the shadow of a high-profile program. LSU’s offense, for example, has not always been the most efficient or consistent in recent seasons, and as a result, Campbell’s contributions may not be as visible as those of linemen at programs with more high-profile offenses.
The Tigers’ offensive scheme has been a bit more run-heavy and less geared toward showcasing the individual talents of their offensive linemen, particularly in pass protection. As such, Campbell’s performance in pass blocking situations may not have been as frequent or as flashy as that of some other top-tier linemen. Nevertheless, the value of an offensive lineman goes far beyond simple statistics; it’s about how they handle pressure, how they work within the system, and their ability to execute in key moments.
By focusing too much on LSU’s overall offensive performance and not enough on Campbell’s individual success, scouts may be missing out on an opportunity to truly understand the impact he could have at the next level.
The Strengths That NFL Scouts Often Miss
While scouts may undervalue Campbell in certain areas, it’s crucial to highlight the unique strengths he brings to the table, qualities that could make him a standout at the NFL level despite his relative lack of recognition.
- Mental Toughness and Consistency: Campbell has shown time and time again that he is durable and reliable. He doesn’t take plays off, and his work ethic is evident both in practice and on game days. NFL teams value players who can be trusted to perform week in and week out, and Campbell’s consistency sets him apart. He doesn’t need to be flashy, but he gets the job done, whether it’s paving the way for the running back or giving his quarterback that extra second in the pocket.
- Technique and Fundamentals: Campbell’s technique is sound across the board. His hand placement, body position, and ability to mirror defenders in pass protection are all indicators that he has a solid foundation to build upon at the NFL level. His understanding of blocking schemes and how to handle different types of defensive fronts will serve him well as he adjusts to the complexities of the pro game.
- Adaptability: Throughout his college career, Campbell has shown the ability to adjust to different opponents and play styles. Whether facing speed rushers, power players, or more nuanced defensive linemen, Campbell has proven that he can adapt to his competition. This adaptability is a trait that many NFL teams highly covet, as it shows a player’s potential to succeed across various defensive schemes and situations.
- Leadership and Intangibles: As an offensive lineman, one of the less measurable but highly important qualities is leadership. Campbell’s leadership skills have been praised by his coaches and teammates alike. His ability to keep the offensive line cohesive and stay level-headed under pressure are qualities that are difficult to quantify but can be invaluable in the NFL. Scouts may not always note these intangibles, but they are crucial for a player’s long-term success.
The NFL’s Missed Opportunity
If NFL scouts continue to undervalue Will Campbell based on outdated metrics or an over-reliance on combine numbers, they risk missing out on a player who could be an absolute steal in the draft. Offensive line play is often underappreciated until it’s too late — only when a team’s offensive line starts breaking down do they realize the importance of investing in solid, dependable linemen like Campbell. While he may not be the flashiest prospect, Campbell’s ability to dominate in the trenches and provide stability will make him an asset at the next level, even if the spotlight isn’t always on him.
NFL teams that recognize Campbell’s true value and look beyond the surface-level evaluations will reap the rewards. Whether it’s a mid-round pick or a surprise first-round selection, Campbell’s potential to develop into a top-tier offensive lineman makes him a worthy investment for any team willing to see beyond the traditional scouting checklist.
Will Campbell may not fit the stereotypical mold of the high-flying offensive lineman that catches the eye of NFL scouts in the pre-draft process, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t possess the traits necessary to succeed at the highest level. Scouts need to take a closer look at his film, his consistency, and his technical proficiency rather than relying solely on combine measurements or preconceived notions about LSU’s offense.
The NFL Draft is an opportunity for teams to make calculated decisions, and those who pass on Campbell because of flawed assessments may end up regretting it. As the old saying goes, “The best ability is availability,” and Campbell has already shown he has the durability, consistency, and versatility to succeed at the next level. NFL scouts should recognize this and adjust their evaluations accordingly — otherwise, they risk undervaluing a player who could be an integral part of an NFL team for years to come.
