The New Orleans Saints had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season. Those struggles actually go back a few years.
New Orleans spent their 2024 first-round choice on offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga. It was the fourth time in the last six years that the Saints have used a first or second round choice on a lineman. Fuaga, Trevor Penning, Cesar Ruiz, and Erik McCoy were those selections.
Ruiz is extremely inconsistent, at best. The jury is still out on Penning after performing reasonably well at right tackle following a disaster on the left side. McCoy is one of the league's better centers, while Fuaga looks like a possible All-Pro.
New Orleans also doesn't have a left guard at all at the moment. With serious questions at three spots on the offensive line, do the Saints consider using yet another high draft choice at the position.
If they do, they may look just a little bit down the road for a first-round possibility.
Will Campbell, OT (LSU)
LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) in action against the Texas A&M Aggies. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Raised in Monroe, Louisiana, and a graduate of Neville High School, Campbell stayed close to home when committing to LSU. He'd start as a true freshman in 2022 and played well enough to be named 2nd Team All-SEC and Freshman All-American team.
In 2023, Campbell anchored the line for an explosive Tigers offense and Heisman Trophy winning QB Jayden Daniels on his way to 1st Team All-SEC honors. Campbell capped off his outstanding LSU career last year with 1st Team All-American accolades.
A left tackle throughout college, Campbell could play the right side and is projected by some scouts as an NFL guard. His shorter arms are concerning to some scouts for the tackle spot, especially for the left side.
Louisiana State University offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) blocks against the South Carolina Gamecocks. © Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There aren't many notable weaknesses in Campbell's game. At times, he would open up his stance too wide against an outside rush, leaving him vulnerable to inside counter moves or slow to react and help on inside stunts
That same issue can allow him to be knocked off balance once a defender got inside his pads. Campbell must also clean up his technique as a run blocker when he gets to the second level of defenses.
Listed at 6'6" and 319-Lbs., Campbell has a nice combination of agility and power and plays with a nasty demeanor when finishing his blocks. He's probably the most refined lineman in the draft after three years of success against high-level competition.
In pass protection, Campbell shows terrific technique and agile movements to handle athletic rushers. He also has the strength and leverage to withstand power rushers. His awareness is on an elite level, allowing him to recognize and react to stunts, combo rush packages, and complex defensive schemes.
As a run blocker, Campbell fires off the ball to establish immediate control. His natural power and leg drive consistently opens lanes for his runners. He disengages well, which allows him to move upfield to create extra yardage after opening up an initial lane.
LSU Tigers offensive tackle blocks Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Nic Scourton (11). Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Will Campbell is an almost certain top-10 pick and likely the first offensive lineman selected. With his shorter arms but run blocking power and pass blocking technique and agility, he may be best suited for a guard spot.
Whether at guard or tackle, Campbell is probably an immediate starter. He looks to have the ceiling of a perennial Pro Bowler with the floor of being at least a solid long-term starter.
Yes, the Saints have spent four high draft picks on linemen in the last six years, with three of those being first-rounders. Despite that, they still come into this draft with offensive line deficiencies.
Will Campbell would have to be their fourth first-round choice at the position if he's to be a Saint. However, he'd fill one of the team's most glaring needs if that's the case.
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 8:55 AM.