The 2025 NFL Draft is just three weeks away as free agency has significantly slowed down and teams are now focusing in on the draft. After producing three first round picks last year, the LSU Football program will likely have just one first round selection this year in Will Campbell. LSU's star offensive tackle is seen as a top three offensive tackle by most draft analysts while some have him as the best tackle in the draft.
This month, Will Campbell could make LSU history by becoming the first offensive tackle in LSU history to hear his name called in the first round. For Will Campbell, it isn't just about being a first round pick as that's his floor because he should be a top ten selection and he could even sneak his way into the Top 5.
If Will Campbell is going to make a splash being selected in the top five, there's one clear path to reaching the feat.
The path for Will Campbell being a Top 5 selection starts with Cam Ward going first overall to the Tennessee Titans. Ward going first overall isn't needed as the Browns and Giants would both jump on the chance to take him but, if any quarterback is going to go first overall it needs to be Cam Ward who's the top quarterback on nearly every big board.
If Cam Ward goes first overall it perfectly sets up Will Campbell to be a Top 5 selection in this draft. NFL Draft insiders including Adam Schefter have been predicting that the Browns will not draft a quarterback which puts Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter in play with the 2nd overall pick. If the Browns select either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, it severely hurts Will Campbell's chances of being a Top 5 selection.
If Travis Hunter of Abdul Carter goes 2nd overall, it's in Will Campbell's best interest if the other lands in New York with the Giants with the 3rd overall pick. The Giants could also select a quarterback with the third overall pick but, after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston the team could pivot selecting the best player available.
If the top three picks are Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, and Travis Hunter, the New England Patriots will be on the clock fourth overall with Will Campbell in play. The Patriots are looking to protect Drake Maye who's coming off of an impressive rookie season where he also dealt with injuries. The Patriots need to land an offensive tackle and it neither of the "Elite Talents" are available, Will Campbell could be the 4th overall pick.
The other potential landing spot for Will Campbell in the Top-5 could be the if the Jacksonville Jaguars trade out of the 5th overall pick. The team is set up nicely for the future at tackle but, another team could fall in love with Campbell and trade up to take him.
The key to Will Campbell being the first offensive tackle off the board and a top 5 selection in this draft is Shedeur Sanders. If Sanders is a top 3 selection, the Patriots will nab the best Non-Quarterback available which would be Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.
The next three weeks will be telling for Will Campbell and the rest of the potential first round picks as franchises start to set their draft boards in stone hosting prospects.