Offensive linemen don’t typically obtain the popularity they deserve.
They don’t have the flashy stats like quarterbacks, working backs or extensive receivers, however they continue to be important to the success of any offense.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey perceive this and so they might choose a deal with with the seventh general choose in subsequent week’s NFL Draft. 4 of the Jets’ offensive line spots are set with Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann and Alijah Vera-Tucker as starters. However the best deal with spot stays a priority and Will Campbell is arguably the most effective deal with on this yr’s draft.
Nevertheless, there are issues about Campbell, who began 38 video games at left deal with at LSU. Some analysts have questioned if he can be suited to play proper deal with or guard on the subsequent degree due to his marginal arm size for a deal with. Throughout his professional day final month, Campbell’s arm size was measured at 33 inches, which is longer than the 32 5/8 measurement taken through the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix weeks earlier.
“There’s a lot of people at the combine who have messed up measurements,” Campbell mentioned throughout LSU’s professional day. “That’s why you don’t see an excessive amount of about it apart from media folks as a result of no one actually buys into it and fairly frankly no one actually cares.
“However I knew my arms was 33 inches. All people was type of deducted on the mix and that’s why I measured in at this time despite the fact that I didn’t do something as a result of I knew that was not proper.
“For two years, nobody had measurements on me and nobody said anything about my play. But all of a sudden, an arm length decides if I’m a good player or not, I think that’s BS.”
Campbell’s elite play at LSU was as a result of his mixture of measurement, energy and athletic skill. He performs with wonderful stability at 6-6, 319 kilos, which helps him excel in a pass-happy offense.
In his remaining season for the Tigers, Campbell was chosen as an All-American and gained the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is awarded to the most effective offensive lineman within the SEC. Throughout his three years as a starter at left deal with, he allowed solely two sacks in 557 pass-blocking makes an attempt. In 229 snaps final season, Campbell didn’t enable a single sack and simply 12 whole pressures.
Campbell, 21, might not have the best arm size groups need in a deal with, however he’s a fluid participant with wonderful footwork, elite energy and the nastiness desired to play the place.
“I’m super thankful and blessed to be in this position and have this great program behind me,” Campbell mentioned. “Obviously, I’m going to miss LSU, but all the things that it did for me, I never could have asked for any more from this place. But I’m just super excited for the next step and I’m ready for it to happen. I’m sick of waiting.”
Due to their want on the offensive line, the Patriots might choose Campbell as early because the fourth general choose. However he can be an excellent match for Gang Inexperienced if New England decides to move on him.
For years, the Jets’ offensive line has been a scorching subject of dialogue. In 2022, 11 completely different Jets offensive linemen began a minimum of one sport. The next season, that they had 14 completely different offensive line mixtures in 17 video games.
Regardless of dropping left deal with Tyron Smith to a neck damage final November, the Jets’ offensive line in 2024 was a mean unit after permitting 26 sacks on 668 move performs, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus. There was hypothesis on whether or not the Jets might transfer Vera-Tucker to deal with. However Mougey confirmed that the Jets are planning to depart Vera-Tucker at guard, which suggests Campbell can be the group’s proper deal with, assuming they have been to pick out him.
“He’s a guard, but we know his flexibility and what he brings,” Mougey mentioned on the NFL’s annual conferences.
Vera-Tucker and Simpson will each be free brokers following the 2025 season, so drafting Campbell would give them flexibility for the long run. Gang Inexperienced might at all times draft Campbell to initially play at proper deal with and transfer him to the within in the event that they have been to lose Vera-Tucker or Simpson in free company.
Campbell isn’t the one offensive line choice if Campbell comes off the board at No. 7. If the Patriots choose Campbell at No. 4, Missouri deal with Armand Membou could possibly be in play for the Jets at No. 7.
The Jets additionally want a good finish, so they may choose Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. If this have been the case, the Jets must take a look at Day 2 for a proper deal with. Though the deal with class isn’t as sturdy as 2024, Oregon’s Josh Conerly, Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson or Boston Faculty’s Ozzy Trapilo all could possibly be choices.
Glenn and Mougey can have a tough resolution of their first draft with the Jets. But when Campbell in some way stays on the board, they need to run the choose in as he’s an elite prospect, regardless of the place he performs on the offensive line.
