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LSU OL Will Campbell slotting into new landing spots in post-free agency mock drafts

by:Jerit Roser•about 8 hours
NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Florida
Oct 15, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) against the Florida Gators prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Most of the dust — at least in terms of starting-caliber players — has already settled on NFL free agency, meaning analysts are starting to release new wave of updated mock drafts.

A pair of the most prominent draft experts, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, both published their latest projections Tuesday morning.

And star LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell, whom both had slotted No. 4 to the New England Patriots prior to the scouting combine and free agency, has slid to new potential landing spots and homes in the latest editions.

Jeremiah now forecasts Campbell as the No. 10 pick and the final piece of the Chicago Bears’ offseason rebuild of their offensive line.

Despite pre-draft questions whether the Tigers’ star will remain at tackle or move inside to guard, Jeremiah’s analysis included Campbell staying at his lifelong position at left tackle.

“The overhaul of the offensive line is now complete with a new left tackle in place,” he wrote. “Chicago’s trio of March O-line acquisitions would be sandwiched between two top-10 picks in Campbell and right tackle Darnell Wright.”

Kiper now has Campbell falling a few spots further to the Miami Dolphins at No. 13 and also addressed the question of positional fit — whether the Monroe native were to plug in as an immediate left tackle or start his professional career at guard, but still with an opportunity to develop into an NFL tackle.

“Left tackle Terron Armstead will be 34 if he returns for the 2025 season, but that’s a big if,” Kiper wrote. “He is mulling retirement, and the Dolphins are operating as if he won’t be back. So, considering the concussion and injury history of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami should be focused on finding Armstead’s heir apparent. Plus, this team ranked 28th in pass-block win rate last season (55.7%), so it needs upgrading anyway.

“Yes, Campbell’s arm length comes into question. He measured 32 5/8 inches at the combine, which isn’t ideal for an NFL offensive tackle. But plenty of tackles start their careers at guard, and Campbell’s great footwork points to a successful career despite the length limitations.”

Both Jeremiah and Kiper now project Campbell as the No. 2 offensive lineman off the board — behind Missouri’s Armand Membou, but ahead of Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel and others.

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