Despite the Baltimore Ravens’ recent strides with their revamped offensive line, many mock drafts predict the team will focus on the trenches late in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, especially if a versatile player like Will Campbell is on the board.
Projected to pick 27th overall, Campbell seems like a logical choice for the Ravens. Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team emphasizes that the Ravens ‘can’t afford to get complacent along the offensive line.’
One excellent strategy to prevent complacency would be to take Campbell. “The LSU standout could theoretically play either guard spot or tackle spot, and he’d upgrade the Ravens at one or more of those positions early in his career,” Valentino noted. Campbell can fill one of the roster’s few weak spots as an impact road grader and effective pass-blocker.
Although Campbell has a lot to offer, the 20-year-old is also gaining recognition for his fresh, original perspective on the demands of playing offensive line. One of those takes that went viral.
Will Campbell Exhibits Maturity in His Viral Reaction to O-line Pressure
When discussing the distinctions between playing defensive line and offensive line, Campbell was candid, funny, and perceptive. “All D-linemen have to do is get to the quarterback,” he explained. We have a rule in the O-line room: if a D-lineman only gets one sack per game for 12 games, he will be selected in the top five. According to Bleacher Report, “You’re going to work at Amazon if you give up one sack per game for twelve games.”
Campbell’s response was sincere and mature. In essence, he acknowledged that being an offensive lineman is a difficult and possibly unjust job.
Campbell has done a fantastic job with the Tigers this season in this role. He has made a name for himself as one of the nation’s toughest and most accomplished blocks.
According to Senior Reporter Evan Lazar of Patriots.com, Campbell’s reputation has been cultivated by performances such as this one versus South Carolina.
Campbell’s response was mature and honest. He basically acknowledged that being an offensive lineman is hard and sometimes unfair, but it’s just part of the job.
For the Tigers this season, Campbell has done a fantastic job in that role. He has made a name for himself in the nation as one of the toughest and most talented blocks.
Games like the one against South Carolina have defined Campbell’s reputation, as highlighted by Senior Reporter Evan Lazar of Patriots.com.
The Ravens could consider it a stretch to wait for a guy with Campbell’s qualities. However, the best prospects should still be accessible late in the first round because this isn’t the strongest draft class on the offensive side of the trenches.
For this reason, the Ravens may take into consideration other draft linemen than Campbell.
The Ravens Have Draft Choices Along the Offensive Line Some players, like Valentino’s teammate Kyle Crabbs, see Campbell as a guard. Therefore, the Ravens may be looking for a more natural tackle to replace Roger Rosengarten right away or as a potential replacement for Ronnie Stanley, who is thirty years old.
Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon is a potential target for the Ravens. He showcased strong performances against the formidable defensive lines of Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, thanks to his mobility and consistent pass-blocking technique. According to Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, Conerly ‘held his own and excelled against several future NFL edge rushers, including Abdul Carter.’
As plausible choices for Conerly, he listed the Los Angeles Rams and the Ravens. He or Campbell would assist the Ravens in multiple front-field positions.
Although guards Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele, as well as right tackle Rosengarten, are making progress as new starters, assistance is still required. They have contributed to Baltimore having the most successful football offense.
The unit’s more dynamic ensemble of skill players is its real strength. a group that was anchored by two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry and dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, but was also helped by tight end Isaiah Likely and the rise of wide outs Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
This versatile and gifted core of playmakers deserves the proper starting point in the future.
Why the Ravens Game Matters for Browns QB Bailey Zappe: Mary Kay Cabot
BEREA, Ohio — Bailey Zappe, the Browns’ third-string quarterback, could become the 40th starter for the team since 1999, earning a spot on their infamous quarterback jersey.
No stranger to high-pressure situations, Zappe began his NFL career under Bill Belichick with the Patriots, posting a 4-4 record as a starter after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022 from Western Kentucky.