Offensive linemen don’t often receive the recognition they deserve.
They don’t have the flashy stats like quarterbacks, running backs or wide receivers, but they remain vital to the success of any offense.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey understand this and they could select a tackle with the seventh overall pick in next week’s NFL Draft. Four of the Jets’ offensive line spots are set with Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann and Alijah Vera-Tucker as starters. But the right tackle spot remains a concern and Will Campbell is arguably the best tackle in this year’s draft.
However, there are concerns about Campbell, who started 38 games at left tackle at LSU. Some analysts have wondered if he would be suited to play right tackle or guard at the next level because of his marginal arm length for a tackle. During his pro day last month, Campbell’s arm length was measured at 33 inches, which is longer than the 32 5/8 measurement taken during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine weeks earlier.
“There’s a lot of people at the combine who have messed up measurements,” Campbell said during LSU’s pro day. “That’s why you don’t see too much about it other than media people because nobody really buys into it and quite frankly nobody really cares.
“But I knew my arms was 33 inches. Everybody was kind of deducted at the combine and that’s why I measured in today even though I didn’t do anything because I knew that was not right.
“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 due to his combination of size, strength and athletic ability. He plays with excellent balance at 6-6, 319 pounds, which helps him excel in a pass-happy offense.
In his final season for the Tigers, Campbell was selected as an All-American and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is awarded to the best offensive lineman in the SEC. During his three years as a starter at left tackle, he allowed only two sacks in 557 pass-blocking attempts. In 229 snaps last season, Campbell didn’t allow a single sack and just 12 total pressures.
Campbell, 21, may not have the ideal arm length teams want in a tackle, but he is a fluid player with excellent footwork, elite strength and the nastiness desired to play the position.
“I’m super thankful and blessed to be in this position and have this great program behind me,” Campbell said. “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.”
Because of their need on the offensive line, the Patriots could select Campbell as early as the fourth overall pick. But he would be an ideal fit for Gang Green if New England decides to pass on him.
For years, the Jets’ offensive line has been a hot topic of discussion. In 2022, 11 different Jets offensive linemen started at least one game. The following season, they had 14 different offensive line combinations in 17 games.
Despite losing left tackle Tyron Smith to a neck injury last November, the Jets’ offensive line in 2024 was an average unit after allowing 26 sacks on 668 pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus. There has been speculation on whether the Jets could move Vera-Tucker to tackle. But Mougey confirmed that the Jets are planning to leave Vera-Tucker at guard, which means Campbell would be the team’s right tackle, assuming they were to select him.
“He’s a guard, but we know his flexibility and what he brings,” Mougey said at the NFL’s annual meetings.
Vera-Tucker and Simpson will both be free agents following the 2025 season, so drafting Campbell would give them flexibility for the future. Gang Green could always draft Campbell to initially play at right tackle and move him to the inside if they were to lose Vera-Tucker or Simpson in free agency.
Campbell isn’t the only offensive line option if Campbell comes off the board at No. 7. If the Patriots select Campbell at No. 4, Missouri tackle Armand Membou could be in play for the Jets at No. 7.
The Jets also need a tight end, so they could select Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. If this were the case, the Jets would have to look at Day 2 for a right tackle. Although the tackle class isn’t as strong as 2024, Oregon’s Josh Conerly, Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson or Boston College’s Ozzy Trapilo all could be options.
Glenn and Mougey will have a difficult decision in their first draft with the Jets. But if Campbell somehow remains on the board, they should run the pick in as he is an elite prospect, no matter where he plays on the offensive line.
