It hasn’t even been 24 hours since the whole Ashton Jeanty chatter was getting louder. It started making noise this week. Loud enough that folks started asking: ‘Are the Patriots really about to use a top-five pick on a running back when they ranked 13th in rushing last year?’ The answer: probably not. Not when a poor O-line sabotaged Drake Maye’s rookie season. They allowed pressure on 39.4% of dropbacks—dead last in the NFL. Drake received a total of 34 sacks last season.

So, that’s why Dianna Russini lit the fuse. Now, we might be looking at a full-blown draft explosion. Per The Athletic’s Russini, all signs are pointing toward Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf standing pat at No. 4—and making a trench pick. And while Patriots fans have been buzzing over wild scenarios involving Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, it looks like Vrabel is sticking to the plan: protect Drake Maye at all costs.

Here’s where it gets spicy: the Browns (No. 2) and Giants (No. 3) are reportedly entertaining calls. If someone leaps up for Hunter or Carter, that leaves the Patriots staring at either Jeanty… or the offensive line prize they’ve circled for months—Will Campbell.

And this isn’t just guesswork. Campbell visited Foxborough. His name’s been floated in the building. Some league execs already call him a “Vrabel guy” for his physicality and leadership. Even with questions about whether he’s better at tackle or guard, the Patriots don’t care. They’ll mold him into what Maye needs: a human shield.

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Well, here are his numbers from the 2024 season to prove why Will Campbell’s Vrabel’s guy:

• Games Played: 12

• Total Snaps: 845

• Sacks Allowed: 2

• Penalties: 3

• Run Block Win Rate: 78.6%

• Pass Block Win Rate: 82.4%

Across his LSU career, Campbell played 37 games, allowed just six sacks, and committed only eight penalties. That level of consistency and durability—anchoring both the pass and run game—makes him one of the cleanest offensive tackle prospects in this draft class.

Still, if the Giants or Browns don’t move their pick and take a player like Campbell or Carter ahead of New England? Things get murky. Jeanty could still be in play. Or the Pats could pivot and reach for a guy like Armand Membou or Josh Conerly Jr. early—something experts have warned against, knowing the drop-off in talent after the top three tackles is steep.

One thing is certain: the Patriots aren’t splurging on luxury picks. With nine selections and three offensive line coaches, this is a protection-first draft. That starts at No. 4. Vrabel’s marching orders are clear—keep Maye upright, even if that means passing on star power. And thanks to Russini’s insight, the blueprint is finally starting to show.

That makes sense why Will Campbell is in on Mike Vrabel’s project

Will Campbell isn’t trying to play it cool—he’s just being real. The LSU left tackle, a name Patriots fans have circled for months, doesn’t know where he’s landing come draft night. But if it’s Foxborough? He’s ready.

“They have a great staff. I’ve had a chance to talk with them a lot,” Campbell said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I’m just excited for whatever opportunity I get, whether that’s them or whoever it might be.” There’s that mix of confidence and humility teams eat up in meetings.

But let’s cut to the tape—this isn’t just about vibes. The Patriots need help at offensive tackle like a quarterback needs time in the pocket. Last season? Seven starting O-line combos in the first eight weeks. That’s not a stat; that’s a cry for help. So when you’ve got a 6-foot-6, 325-pound left tackle who’s played 37 games in the SEC and given up just six sacks? You pay attention. You do more than that—you make the call.

Still, things could get spicy on draft night. If Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter drops, Vrabel and Eliot Wolf might be tempted to swerve. They’ve kept options open. “They know more than I do,” Campbell added. That’s true. But you don’t bring a guy in for a top-30 visit just to swerve to other drooling picks. Vrabel’s not like that, at least, so far not like it, And then, there’s the usual: the Patriots can’t afford another O-line roulette season. Campbell isn no longer a pick they can afford to wait on because he’s a foundation piece.