3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft
The Seattle Seahawks need to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, particularly across the interior. Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson played poorly on an expiring contract and isn’t expected to return. Connor Williams abruptly retired midseason and sophomore blocker Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly inserted into the lineup at center. The right guard position was arguably worse of all, with three rookies and sophomores (Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea, and Christian Haynes) all failing to maximize opportunities.
John Schneider must acquire a guard capable of playing high-level football right away this offseason. The Seahawks own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Guard should be their highest offseason priority. We’ve identified three interior blockers they could potentially target with that pick.
Will Campbell, LSU
Will Campbell played offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers, but many scouts and analysts are projecting him to play guard at the next level. The Seahawks are tasked with assessing his positional versatility throughout this process. If the conclusion is that Campbell is better positioned for success at the guard, the Seahawks should feel comfortable drafting him at 18.
Tyler Booker, Alabama
Tyler Booker may be the most natural first-round guard available. With no questions over his future position, Booker has been a highly effective phone-booth blocker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He overwhelms opponents with raw power and strength. Considering power has been an issue for the Seahawks’ guards in pass protection, this would represent a welcomed change of pace.
Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. is another first-round prospect facing positional questions. The Texas Longhorns tackle may be a better fit to block on the interior due to questionable foot speed and balance issues. If Banks Jr. plays guard, he’d represent a better option than current in-house candidates Bradford and Laumea.
Seahawks draft versatile OL in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
The Seattle Seahawks are entering the offseason with massive needs across their offensive line. General manager John Schneider must identify and acquire multiple instant starters in free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, particularly at the interior positions. The Draft Network recently dropped a recent mock draft that achieves just that.
The Draft Network has the Seahawks drafting Will Campbell with the No. 18 overall selection in their latest first-round mock draft exercise.
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“Will Campbell looked more like a guard on tape to me and didn’t quite meet his lofty expectations this past season,” TDN wrote. “The Seahawks desperately need starters at guard though, and Campbell could be plug-and-play for a struggling front.”
Last year’s starting left guard Laken Tomlinson is slated for free agency. Tomlinson underperformed and likely won’t be welcomed back by Schneider. At right guard, three young blockers struggled to varying degrees, with Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes, and Sataoa Luamea all failing to make the position their own. At center, the Seahawks dealt with Connor Williams’ abrupt midseason retirement.
Campbell played left tackle for LSU, but many NFL evaluators believe he’ll kick inside to guard. The Seahawks obviously have a franchise left tackle in Charles Cross. If Schneider and Co. view Campbell as an inside blocker, he should be shortlisted as a potential option at 18th overall.
The 49ers would LOVE if the NFL draft shook out this way.
The San Francisco 49ers have a path in this year’s draft to resetting their offensive and defensive lines for long-term success.
In 2024 they struggled in the trenches on both sides of the ball, highlighting their need to revamp both of those units. Free agency should be a factor for the short-term. Long-term fixes should come via the NFL draft, and a new mock draft from our friends at the Draft Wire outlines a way San Francisco can land two quality linemen in the first two rounds.
In Round 1, the 49ers select LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, who might be the best OT in the class. A glut of talent at other positions allows Campbell to slide all the way to them at the No. 11 overall pick.
Campbell has the requisite size to play OT in the NFL. LSU lists him at 6-6, 323 pounds. He started all 38 games he played across three seasons with the Tigers and was a consensus All-American in the 2024 season. All 38 of his starts came at left tackle, which may be a requirement if the 49ers are going to use their first-round pick on a tackle. Although Campbell is good enough that he’d be an easy pick regardless of which side of the line he played on.
The ideal scenario is one where Campbell plays on the right side and provides an upgrade over RT Colton McKivitz, then flips over to his natural left side once Trent Williams retires.
This would be a home-run selection for San Francisco.
In the second round they jump to the other side of the ball where they scoop up Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.
Nolen only played three years of college and improved every season, culminating in a breakout 2024 campaign with the Rebels where he was outstanding against the run while racking up 35 tackles and six sacks per Pro Football Focus.
He’s listed at 6-3, 305 pounds and he looks to have the athleticism to play multiple spots on the defensive line. It’s a bit of a risk for San Francisco since Nolen was a little inconsistent as a pass rusher during his first two years with Texas A&M, but he was always effective against the run. PFF had him down for only five missed tackles in 35 career games.
There’s a ton of upside for a player with Nolen’s size and skill set, and landing him in the middle of the second round would be an excellent way for the 49ers to round out their first couple of picks.
Where does Will Campbell fall in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft?
Legendary draft analyst Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft this week and former LSU football star [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] remained a top-10 pick.
Kiper slots Campbell at pick No. 10, heading to the Bears. Campbell was Kiper’s first offensive lineman to go.
“The entire offensive line class is still on the board here, and it’s close between Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. at the top. I lean Campbell because he was better this season and has more size at 6-foot-6, 323 pounds, even though Banks is ranked higher on my board,” Kiper said.
Kiper wrote there are some length concerns with Campbell, which could lead to Campbell moving to guard.
“But Chicago needs help all over that line,” Kiper said.
With quarterback Caleb Williams entering his second year and Ben Johnson in the fold as head coach, continuing to invest in the offense makes sense for the Bears.
Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for LSU. It’s rare to see a true freshman make an immediate impact on the offensive line, but Campbell was SEC-ready from day one.
After a decorated collegiate career, Campbell leaves LSU as one of the best offensive linemen in program history.
The New Orleans Saints offensive line needs more talent, and LSU left tackle Will Campbell just might be available in the 2025 draft. But would he fit what they need?
The New Orleans Saints have all eyes on the future, which means it is time to start narrowing down who they should select in the 2025 NFL draft. It is a hard draft season to understand, though, because of just how many needs there are to fill.
One intriguing name that could be used in a number of different ways played his college football just a short ways over in Baton Rouge, LSU Tigers offensive lineman Will Campbell. He is currently projected to go around when the Saints come up on the clock for the first time at No. 9 overall, but does he make sense for New Orleans?
It is sort of hard to project before the new offense gets decided upon, but Campbell is a scheme-versatile fit that could be used in just about any scenario. The harder question to answer for him is where he should play on the offensive line.
The 21-year-old was a three-year starter at left tackle in the SEC, which is no small feat. Not only that, but he played at a high level the entire time. The problem is that he isn’t built like an NFL tackle, most notable with fairly short arms. The most likely outcome for him is being moved inside to a guard spot.
He is well-polished for his age and a great athlete, likely being the best interior lineman in this draft. That is good news for his fit with the Saints as they desperately need someone to fill in at left guard. Five different players took snaps there in 2024, including Lucas Patrick (474 snaps), Nick Saldiveri (344), Oli Udoh (112), Landon Young (112), and Kyle Hergel (45). Drafting Campbell would immediately answer that need and could even finish out a starting offensive line, depending on how the next coach feels about Trevor Penning on the right side.
Here are five stats that defined LSU’s offense in 2024
LSU’s 2024 offense looked a lot different than the one we saw in 2023. Heisman quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] moved on to the NFL, as did first-round wide receivers [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr[/autotag].
LSU lost the man who coordinated the unit, too. Offensive coordinator took the same job with Notre Dame and has the Fighting Irish one win away from a national title.
And while a lot was different, the faces were familiar. LSU didn’t look far to find a new OC, promoting QB coach Joe Sloan. Stepping in for Daniels was Garrett Nussmeier, a 2021 recruit that waited his turn.
The offensive line returned four starters, headlined by starting tackles [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] and Emery Jones.
The results were mixed. The offense propelled LSU to victory in some games and fell flat in others.
Nussmeier will return in 2025 and hopes will be high. LSU will be tasked with replacing four starters on the offensive line but reloaded at wide receiver.
Before we turn our attention to next year, here are five stats that defined LSU’s offense in 2025.
0.14 EPA/dropback
The passing attack averaged 0.14 EPA/dropback in 2024. That mark put LSU 24th in the country. It was a step back after the gaudy EPA numbers posted last year, but it was still productive.
The unit took a step late in the year when LSU unlocked its downfield passing game. Nussmeier was comfortable with the quick game and working the intermediate area of the field for most of the season, but the threat was missing over the top. The result was a unit that was good, but not elite.
LSU’s EPA over the final three games was one of the best in the country as Nussmeier got in rhythm with receiver Chris Hilton Jr.
4.65 yards per rush
LSU struggled to run the ball in 2024 — it was evident from week one.
True freshman Caden Durham eventually injected some life into LSU’s ground game, but it wasn’t enough to put LSU in the top 100 in this department. LSU struggled to find consistency without the threat of the QB run game.
With an inexperienced offensive line entering 2025, this will be a question mark in 2025.
49.2% third down conversion rate
With LSU’s struggles on the ground and occasional inconsistency in the passing game, LSU found itself in plenty of third downs. The good news: LSU was good at getting out of these situations.
The Tigers ranked No. 6 nationally in third-down conversation rate. In obvious passing situations, Nussmeier was one of the top QBs in the SEC.
Nussmeier showing up in key moments got LSU big wins over South Carolina and Ole Miss. Fans should expect more of the same next year.
56.6% red zone touchdown rate
While LSU was good on third downs, not all situations were kind to the Tigers. LSU struggled to finish off drives in the red zone.
A lot of this was due to LSU’s struggles on the ground. When the field shrunk and the power run game wasn’t a threat, defenses had the numbers to take away space over the middle and in the intermediate area.
When LSU did get the run game going, the Tigers were much better in the red zone.
1.15 sacks allowed per game
LSU excelled at preventing sacks. Nussmeier’s ability to get the ball out fast combined with two veteran tackles made it tough for pass rushers to hit home.
For much of the year, Nussmeier’s pressure-to-sack rate was elite.
There was some inconsistency in this area. Alabama and Florida found ways to make the LSU OL and Nussmeier uncomfortable. Outside of those two games, LSU was the best in the country at sack avoidance.
Two big names entered the transfer portal at a position of need for LSU football
Big names continue to enter the transfer portal. On Tuesday, two players appeared at a position of need for LSU.
Tackles Conner Moore of Montana State and Monroe Mills of Louisville decided to explore their options. Both players are expected to draw attention from several Power Four programs.
It’s rare to find a proven offensive tackle in the transfer portal, but both of these players meet the criteria.
LSU is set to lose four starters from its 2024 offensive line, including offensive tackles [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] and [autotag]Emery Jones.[/autotag] LSU already signed two transfer portal offensive linemen, but both were interior players. The Tigers are still in the market for a tackle.
Moore is an FCS transfer, and it can be tough to project FCS linemen when moving up, but he helped pave the way for one of the top run games in the FCS at Montana State.
Mills will be a sixth-year player looking for his fourth school. This is the rare case where that isn’t a red flag. Mills has three years of starting experience between Texas Tech and Louisville and was one of the best tackles in the ACC in 2024.
We should learn LSU’s level of interest in the coming days.
Everyone will have a strong opinion on how the Patriots should approach the draft if their current position stays intact. Some would argue that the team should draft a top receiver, like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Others would prefer the team focus more on the offensive line, particularly at the left tackle position. LSU’s Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. appear to be the top offensive line options in the draft.
The Patriots also can consider trading the top draft pick to another quarterback-needy team. They could end up moving down only a few spots to pick up an extra first-round pick for 2026, along with multiple other picks.
If they moved down, they’d possibly still be within reach of Campbell or Banks, or if they wanted a receiver, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan would be the next likely option behind Hunter.
What should the Patriots do with the No. 1 overall pick? Be sure and vote in our poll below.
Here’s everything you need to know before LSU takes on Baylor in the Texas Bowl
LSU football will bring its 2024 season to a close when it faces Baylor in the Texas Bowl.
After weeks of focus on the transfer portal and recruiting, the focus returns to football.
LSU enters the game at 8-4. Brian Kelly and the Tigers can’t match the 10-win marks from 2022 and 2023, but LSU can finish the year on a three-game winning streak with a win. That’s needed after a three-game losing streak ended the Tigers’ playoff hopes in November.
Bowl game momentum can be overrated, but LSU wants to go into the offseason on a high note.
Vibes are good with LSU building one of the top transfer classes in the country. A loss doesn’t negate that, but a win carries momentum into 2025.
Baylor and LSU haven’t met since 1987 — that’s somewhat of a surprise given the school’s regionality.
Let’s jump right in and talk about and break down what we’ll see on the field.
Can Baylor take advantage of LSU’s makeshift offensive line?
The big story in this one is LSU’s offensive line. Both starting tackles, [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] and [autotag]Emery Jones[/autotag], opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. LSU was already without guard [autotag]Garrett Dellinger[/autotag], who missed the entire month of November with an ankle injury.
Just two offensive linemen who started the opener are taking the field for LSU: DJ Chester and Miles Frazier.
With Jones out, Frazier will bump out to tackle. Chester will remain at center.
LSU is the underdog, largely in part due to the changes we’ve seen upfront. If LSU can block Baylor, the Tigers win this game. If the line struggles, Nussmeier and the offense are in for a long night.
Baylor’s interior defensive line is one of the best in the Big 12. Defensive tackle Jackie Marshall will be a lot for Chester and company to handle. Chester played his best football in LSU’s final two games — LSU needs that to continue vs. Baylor.
Tyree Adams will make his first career start at left tackle. The pressure is on Adams and Frazier to keep Nussmeier clean. Baylor ranks 75th nationally in sack rate, and the Bears’ pass rush isn’t scary. LSU has the talent to keep Baylor’s pass rush in check, but it remains a question until we see it happen.
Can Garrett Nussmeier continue his breakout?
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Breakout may not be the right word. College football has known about Nussmeier for some time now. But he was inconsistent as a starter in 2024.
He made NFL-level throws to lead LSU’s upset of Ole Miss, but his play fell off as LSU embarked on the three-game losing streak.
Nussmeier bounced back as the regular season wrapped up, with strong performances against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. He’ll look for a repeat performance vs. Baylor.
In the Oklahoma win, LSU’s offense found the big play element. Nussmeier connected with wide receiver Chris Hilton twice for 40+ yard touchdowns. After the game, Brian Kelly said establishing the deep ball was pivotal to opening up LSU’s offense.
With LSU throwing over the top, more space opens up in the intermediate passing lanes, an area Nussmeier works well.
At 79.3, Nussmeier’s QBR ranks 12th nationally. When he’s on, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the country. LSU needs the good Garrett Nussmeier if it wants to pull the upset.
What should we expect from the LSU defense?
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The LSU defense took a major leap in Blake Baker’s first year as defensive coordinator. Last year, the unit finished 52nd in Bill Connelly’s SP+ rankings.
In the latest 2024 rankings, the Tigers’ defense sat 31st. With a few more weeks of bowl practice, could we see another step?
Depth is thin thanks to losses in the transfer portal, but LSU will have its key difference makers. Cornerback Zy Alexander and defensive end Bradyn Swinson are both playing.
According to PFF, Baylor’s pass block grade is 75.9 — middle of the pack in the Big 12. Swinson and the LSU pass rush can take advantage of that.
Baylor’s offense is good, but the Bears were inconsistent when they played the better Big 12 defenses. Baylor scored just 20 points against Houston and 21 vs. Iowa State.
That’s about the level this LSU unit is on.
Players to watch
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
LSU WR AaronAnderson: With Kyren Lacy preparing for the draft and CJ Daniels transferring, all the attention will be on Anderson at wide receiver. LSU needs the redshirt sophomore to create some big plays.
Baylor DT Jackie Marshall: Marshall is one of the top run-defending defensive tackles in the country. He can impact the passer, too, with 22 pressures on the year.
LSU RB Caden Durham: With potential struggles on the offensive line, more pressure may be on Durham to make things happen. He has the explosiveness to do it.
Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson: Baylor’s offensive emergence begins with quarterback Sawyer Robertson. He was one of the most productive passers in the Big 12 this fall.
LSU DE Bradyn Swinson: LSU’s defense is at its best when it’s getting after the passer. LSU is one of the most sack-happy teams in the country. A big game from Swinson alleviates pressure elsewhere on the unit.
These five Tigers have something extra to prove when LSU takes on Baylor
LSU football will face Baylor on Tuesday in the Texas Bowl. The Tigers will look different than the team we last saw take the field vs. Oklahoma.
Both of LSU’s starting tackles, Will Campbell and Emery Jones, opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, as did tight end Mason Taylor.
CJ Daniels won’t suit up at wide receiver as the senior wide receiver transferred to Miami.
On defense, most of the starting lineup is intact, but safety Sage Ryan is no longer with LSU after hitting the transfer portal. Backup defensive end Da’Shawn Womack is gone, too. Both transferred to Ole Miss.
LSU’s depth in the secondary took a hit, with a handful of backups entering the portal. LSU can’t afford injuries on defense in this game with the roster thinning out.
With players leaving, some fresh faces will get an opportunity, especially on the offensive line.
Here are five LSU football players who can seize on the opportunity in the Texas Bowl.
Wide receiver Chris Hilton
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
With CJ Daniels entering the transfer portal and Kyren Lacy potentially opting out, LSU needs Hilton to step up at wide receiver.
The former four-star recruit from 2021 entered 2024 with high hopes but was hampered by an injury and struggled upon returning.
In LSU’s regular-season finale vs. Oklahoma, Hilton got his feet under him. Nussmeier connected with Hilton on two long touchdowns, giving LSU the deep threat it needed all year.
Kelly talked about Hilton at length after the OU win.
“He was out for eight weeks, and it takes a while to get back into rhythm,” Kelly said. “We either missed him on overthrows, or the timing wasn’t quite where it needed to be. It normally takes about four weeks to get that.”
“The deep threat has been missing from our offense. Teams have sat down on us, teams have made it difficult for us because we haven’t had that vertical threat,” Kelly added.
Hilton will get a chance to keep it rolling vs. Oklahoma. Aaron Anderson attacking teams underneath, with Hilton providing a threat over the top, will make this offense hard to stop.
Guard Bo Bordelon
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LSU’s offensive line thinned out with Campbell and Jones declaring for the NFL draft. Bordelon will be a beneficiary of that, likely making his first career start.
Bordelon is expected to slide in at right guard, with Miles Frazier bumping out to right tackle.
Bordelon played 15 snaps in 2022, 62 in 2023, and 46 this fall. He could match those totals in the bowl game alone. LSU made an effort to get him on the field in 2024, putting him in No. 89 and creating an extra blocker at tight end.
With a strong performance, Bordelon could stake his claim on a bigger role entering 2025.
With [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] opting out, [autotag]Tyree Adams[/autotag] slides out to guard. We saw Adams in limited action at guard this fall, but now he gets a chance to prove he’s the future at left tackle.
According to PFF, Adams played 78 offensive snaps and posted an offensive grade of 53.9 in 2024. He missed a chunk of time as he dealt with a midseason injury.
Adams didn’t allow a sack over 47 pass block snaps in 2024. It’s not fair to expect a perfect performance from a player making his first-start at tackle, but at 6’7′, Adams has the tools to play the position.
Linebacker Davhon Keys
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LSU’s linebacking group remains stable, but Keys was carving out playing time as the regular season drew to a close. With senior [autotag]Greg Penn[/autotag] moving on after the bowl game, Keys may be the future at middle linebacker.
With a few more weeks of practice under his belt, Keys could be in line for more time against Baylor.
He made starts against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, playing 46 and 59 snaps in those games, respectively. He recorded a sack vs. the Sooners and missed just one tackle over the two games.
Keys is looking to put an exclamation point on his strong true freshman campaign.
Safety Dashawn Spears
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Like Keys, Spears is another true freshman that made an immediate impact on defense in 2024. Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Spears was a top 100 recruit and the No. 5 ranked safety in the class.
Spears played 178 snaps this fall. Only 8 freshman safeties in the Power Four have played more. There was some inconsistency as LSU’s entire safety room struggled, but Spears was targeted just four times in 94 coverage snaps, allowing one catch.
Spears was heavy in the rotation in September, but was phased out near the end of the regular season. With [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] in the transfer portal, Spears gets another chance vs. Baylor.
LSU is yet to sign a safety out of the transfer portal. A nice showing from Spears would keep LSU feeling good about the potential of its 2025 secondary.
NFL MOCK DRAFT
Where do Mike Green and Walter Nolen land?
