It’s clear the Chicago Bears’ work in free agency is pretty much done. Anything they do from now on will be about building roster depth. All focus has shifted to the NFL draft next month. Chicago holds the 10th overall pick, giving them a great opportunity to land a high-caliber talent. What people can’t agree on is where they should focus that selection. Some argue to go after another pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Gervon Dexter, and Grady Jarrett. Others feel the team is well-positioned to grab a top skill player at running back or tight end. However, some believe the push to cap the offensive line overhaul with a future left tackle is the smartest move. Enter Will Campbell.
Most consider the LSU standout one of the draft’s best blockers. They just can’t agree on where he should play. He was a top left tackle in the SEC the past two years, but many can’t look past his 32-inch arms. That is dangerously short for an NFL tackle, which is why he’s projected to move inside to guard. Chicago is already set at guard, though. That takes him off the table, right? Not according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
There is concern about Campbell’s arm length, but I believe that storyline has been overblown. Teams like his tape. They like his makeup. If he somehow is available for the Bears, you’re probably looking at the new left tackle. If he works out, great. If you run into issues, then you consider a move to the interior, where he’d be a highly capable performer.
Drafting Will Campbell makes logistical sense for the Bears.
They are free to try him at left tackle. If he can overcome his length concerns, they’ve filled the most important non-quarterback position on the entire offense. If it becomes clear this isn’t an issue he can overcome, then they can easily slide him inside to left guard. Remember, Joe Thuney turns 33 this year. His time in Chicago is likely short. At worst, Campbell can be his long-term replacement. Either way, the Bears have secured a fixture for their offensive line.
One must not overlook how well he fits Ben Johnson’s archetype. The Bears head coach has said he wants intelligent and violent blockers. Will Campbell checks both boxes. He is a thumper in the run game and has the desired aggression level to finish. While his technique isn’t quite polished, he’s battle-tested against some of the best in the country and doesn’t seem overwhelmed by whatever they throw at him. Johnson never seemed concerned about length in Detroit. Star tackle Penei Sewell didn’t have the longest arms when they drafted him. It seems Campbell won’t change that.
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