“I’ve worked my entire life to be up here, to be able to get my name called by a franchise like New England means everything to me.” OT Will Campbell is the kind of energy that could revolutionize the New England Patriots forever. He joins the Patriots locker room with a brand new jersey, a Jacobs Blocking Trophy, and a mission. The mission? Protecting QB Drake Maye. Indeed, when he was asked about this right after he was drafted, his words were so raw and legit that the crowd couldn’t stop screaming. “I’m gonna fight and die to protect him with everything I’ve got.” And with an exciting milestone under his belt, he now looks towards the Patriots’ offense with everything he’s got.

Campbell also draws comparisons to the legends who protected Tom Brady. Julian Edelman, former Patriots WR, recently went on to compare Campbell to Logan Mankins on his podcast. “After I saw his interview, said he would f—— die for Drake Maye, gave me low-key some Logan Mankin vibes.” These comparisons are already setting big expectations for him. And his own declaration has woven itself into the heartstrings of every single Patriots fan out there. And as Will Campbell closes one chapter of his life and puts it behind him, the surrounding excitement will only begin to rise.

“From first round pick to LSU Grad,” with these simple words, the LSU football IG page gave a shoutout to Will Campbell. And with this, he has officially graduated from college. And the picture of him looking into the distance is a hint for the future. He’s thinking about the exciting times that lie ahead of him now. The post also features a cool slow-mo video clip of Campbell flipping a football with one hand, catching it with the other. All serious, engrossed in his own thoughts as he looks at the football. As one comment particularly noted, “He looks so ready to fight and die for Drake Maye 😭😭,” his energy and declaration is already catching on.

Like Mankins, Campbell has been praised for his leadership and consistency. LSU head coach Brian Kelly called him “one of the best leaders I’ve coached — not just for the O-line, for the locker room.” In 38 college starts, Campbell allowed just five sacks on over 2,500 snaps, displaying both durability and dominance. His playing style is mean, reliable, and violent, and that’s precisely the tone Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel wants to reestablish in New England’s offensive line room. So when Edelman linked Campbell to Mankins, it wasn’t just because of one fiery quote. It was a reflection of a deeper identity fit: a left tackle with the mindset of an old-school guard, stepping in to be the bodyguard for a franchise quarterback, just like Mankins once was.

That just goes to show what he’s going to do as Drake Maye’s protector. Will Campbell, along with 10 other promising rookies, makes for exciting additions to Drake Maye’s arsenal. There’s also the recently joined Stefon Diggs, who’s turning a few heads himself. But with everyone that the Patriots have added for Maye, there’s one position that leaves something to be desired. And Patriots insiders believe that position needs to be addressed before the team goes into the new season.

The missing piece for Drake Maye

This offseason, the Patriots’ offensive line has been through quite some shifts. Will Campbell starts for the Patriots at the left tackle. While he has the drive to die for Drake Maye, he’s still a rookie, and it would be the best thing to have someone experienced by his side. Morgan Moses joins the team this year as the right tackle. The Center will be covered by one of the other new faces: Jared Wilson and Garrett Bradbury. Mike Onwenu remains the veteran iron wall at the right guard, but it’s the gap in the left guard that needs to be filled.

According to NFL insider Phil Perry, the Patriots need to make a decision about the left guard soon. As Perry recently wrote, “Though upgrades have been made at other spots in the trenches offensively, the Patriots need to make sure they have left guard settled, because that position will help secure Maye’s space to step up in the pocket.” Perry further thought about Campbell and added, “It’s also an especially important position, in my opinion, since the player manning it will be aligned next to a rookie left tackle in Will Campbell – and a veteran center who was recently released by his last team in Garrett Bradbury. Having a capable body in there will be key.” So, that’s the verdict. Fill up that left guard gap with someone experienced. With that, the new guys can get used to playing for the team and start making contributions.

As Drake Maye continues to develop, Will Campbell starts his journey with the Patriots. So, the left guard becomes all the more important. While many names could fit that role, it will be interesting to see what the Patriots do. Will they look for a new name to add to their roster? Or will they give some of the newest additions a shot at it? Whatever they decide, it will be a pivotal addition to Drake Maye and the Patriots’ prospects this year.