Three-eighths of an inch. For one of the most dominant linemen in LSU history, that seems to make all the difference.

Will Campbell was a day one starter, and he went on to be one of the most consistent players on the team, solidifying himself as one of the top blockers in the SEC. Yet now, despite everything he has going for him, some scouts seem to want to talk about his arms.

There’s always a weakness number one on any profile and Campbell’s is supposedly his less-than-optimal wingspan. If most projections turn out to be true, he’ll have one of the shortest arm lengths of a first-round tackle in NFL history.

Therefore, many scouts have debated if he should start at guard instead. It does seem like a natural fit for him. He’s got a sturdy build and his strength lets him manhandle virtually any defensive lineman he can get his hands on.

However, this kind of obsessing over the numbers, the intense focus on historical relativity, it all tends to miss the human aspect of football which makes the sport so compelling. Campbell has offensive lineman in his blood. His father was a lineman, and he instilled both a love for football and an appreciation for discipline and labor. Some of this was taught in part through having him and his brothers work the family farm.
Campbell even served as a de facto assistant tackle coach while at Neville High School.

Every year there are certain star players who scouts panic about because they are physically lacking in some department. Drew Brees was too short, Aaron Donald had short arms and tiny hands and Julian Edelman was too much of a lightweight to have a long career. Sure, physical barriers can at times put significant limitations on players in close moments, but to act like Campbell has T. rex arms like some do is comical.

Watch the tape. This is a guy who consistently excelled at the highest tier of college football. This is a guy who allowed two sacks in 558 snaps. Add him to your team, and he will be an instant playmaker.

And yet, it all seems to circle back to the arms.

While LSU is more well known for elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive backs, there is an underappreciated history of rock-solid offensive linemen who went on to be core, long-term cornerstones of many NFL franchises.

Campbell knows it. His idol is Andrew Whitworth, also from Monroe, who, after winning a national championship in 2003 with the Tigers, went on to have a 16-year run as an essential member of both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams.

While Whitworth primarily relied on his immense size and strength to dominate, Campbell has demonstrated an extra level of athleticism, with more intricate footwork and hand placement.

While in interviews he’s soft spoken, polite, and humble, on the field he’s a relentless and aggressive fighter. He was also a true team leader while a team captain during his last two seasons at LSU.

Currently, the bettors have Campbell going to the Patriots at No. 4. This is a great pairing. Mike Vrabel is the type of coach with a deep appreciation for building a solid team culture, and his tendency to push his players through tough love is the kind of environment a player like Campbell can truly succeed and develop in. Also, he has indicated that he would likely give Campbell a chance to start at tackle.

The Patriots are also sorely lacking in their offensive line, frequently being ranked at the bottom of the League in that department during the 2024-25 season. With quarterback Drake Maye showing an immense amount of promise, adding a dominant force like Campbell could truly put the Patriots in reach of the playoffs again.