LSU's Will Campbell is on the NFL Draft's short list of invites
LSU three-year starter Will Campbell heads into the NFL Draft as a projected Top 5 pick, and the NFL has sent out the official draft invite to be in the green room.
Fox Sports Insider Jordan Schultz reported Campbell got the call this week from the NFL, which puts the Louisiana native and former LSU star on a short list of top draft prospects who will have the opportunity to walk onto the main stage when their name is called.
“Top NFL brass called and officially invited LSU consensus All-American OT Will Campbell to the Draft in Green Bay,” Schultz wrote on X. “The NFL is planning on being very selective this year and only plans on inviting 8-10 players who they feel are all top picks.”
In recent months, Campbell has consistently been the offensive lineman projected to come off the board first.
Only 15 prospects in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft appear to have “true first-round grades” as the pre-draft process ramps up, according to ESPN analyst and insider Matt Miller.
“These sacred evaluations are reserved for prospects who would be Day 1 selections regardless of year,” Miller said. “And my own guideline is whether a player would have been a first-rounded in each of the past five classes.
“(Campbell) is a technician with great agility and balance, but his shorter arms (under 33 inches) and an upright stance which lacks base power could force a move to guard. Whether he’s on the inside of the outside, I confidently give Campbell a Round 1 grade.”
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Miller ranked Campbell one sport ahead of Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., the only other offensive lineman in his top 15.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. updated his NFL Draft Mock 2.0 this week, and the longtime draft analyst circled Campbell as a Top 5 pick.
The prediction: the New England Patriots test out trade offers before grabbing Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“This is a trade-back spot if something presents itself. Carter and Hunter are off the board, and one of the top two quarterbacks is still available. I’d bet the Patriots will be getting a few calls if the board falls this way, and I’m sure they’ll be very interested given the holes on their roster.
“But if nothing materializes, I like Campbell checking a box for New England. The Pats were 31st in pass block win rate in 2024 (50.9%) and allowed the league’s fifth-most sacks (52). They can’t have that with second-year quarterback Drake Maye trying to take the next step in his development. Campbell has the sound technique to effectively seal off the blind side, but he could also boost this offensive line on the inside if he ultimately fits better at guard.”
