2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Texas Longhorns Guard DJ Campbell

Devon “DJ” Campbell’s path from five-star high school offensive lineman to 2026 NFL Draft prospect has been steady, physical, and defined by longevity in one of college football’s premier programs. A native of Arlington, Texas, Campbell arrived at the University of Texas as one of the nation’s top interior line recruits and quickly became a fixture on the Longhorns’ offensive front, showcasing rare early-career durability and stout play against Power Five competition.  

Campbell’s Texas career has been marked by consistency and savvy. After playing sparingly as a freshman, he broke through as a starter at right guard and hasn’t looked back, amassing 41 starts in 48 games and anchoring a Longhorns offensive line that has both powered the run and protected elite quarterbacks.  

The 6-foot-3, 321-pound senior entered the 2025 season on the Outland Trophy watch list, an honor recognizing the nation’s best interior linemen. He was also a Joe Moore Award finalist with Texas’ offensive line unit, a testament to how vital he’s been in both run and pass blocking schemes. 

Strengths

Mauling Run Blocker

Campbell’s true strength lies in his ability to impose his will at the line of scrimmage. His broad frame, lower-body power, and strength allow him to drive defenders off the ball and create movement at the point of attack, a trait NFL run games covet.  

Anchor in Pass Protection

While not the most agile interior blocker, Campbell’s stout base and hand strength make him difficult to move in pass sets. His experience handling complex blitzes and stunts within a pro-style scheme underscores his competence in pass protection. 

Football IQ and Durability

Campbell’s extensive starting experience has helped him develop strong awareness and situational understanding. He consistently identifies defensive alignments and effectively picks up twists or delayed pressure. His availability and durability have been standout traits during his college tenure.  

Leadership and Consistency

As the only returning starter along Texas’ 2025 offensive line, Campbell took on a leadership role, helping younger linemen acclimate to collegiate play and enforcing communication up front.  

Weaknesses

Heavy Feet in Space

Campbell’s footwork, particularly in space or on pulling assignments, can be plodding. While dominant in straight-ahead engagements, he struggles to sustain blocks when required to climb to the second level.  

Technique Refinement

Although effective, Campbell is over-reliant on raw strength rather than refined hand placement or leverage, especially against quicker interior defenders. Continued technical polish will be necessary for the NFL.  

Mobility Constraints

His lateral agility and initial step aren’t elite, which can create challenges on reach blocks or when adjusting to stunted edge rushes inside.  

Conclusion

DJ Campbell’s college résumé tells the story of a workhorse interior lineman with a pedigree rooted in elite recruiting and refined through years of Big 12 competition. His physicality and toughness make him an appealing mid-to-late-round prospect, especially for NFL teams seeking a road-grader guard capable of handling early downs and interior pass sets.  

While Campbell may not feature among the draft’s elite O-line talents, his starting experience, football IQ, and run-blocking prowess project well for a rotational role that could grow into a starter’s job at the next level. With continued technical refinement and strong postseason testing, Campbell has a clear path to become a Day 3 pick with developmental upside in a pro scheme.