Leading up to the NFL draft, the Patriots’ No.4 overall pick was scrutinized a lot. Should they trade down and add more draft capital? Should they move up to try and land Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter? Or address the biggest need in their roster—the left tackle? Well, after seeing all the options on the table, the Patriots went with the consensus best offensive lineman available as Mike Vrabel’s first selection as the Pats’ head coach. Despite questions on whether Campbell can stick to his left tackle position against premier edge rushers in the NFL because of his arm length, the Pats just couldn’t move past the 6-foot-6, 319-pound LSU star.

Considering all the problems the Patriots had been facing at tackle since 2021, Campbell was always going to be the priority. Year-on-year, the Patriots’ tackle play have gone deeper into the gutter. In 2021, they allowed 28 total sacks. Then, the following season 41. In Bill Belichick’s final season, the Pats tried out the likes of Trent Brown, Calvin Anderson, Conor McDermott and Vederian Lowe. Still, they allowed 48 sacks.

And under Jerod Mayo, it only got worse. The Pats allowed 52 sacks—the sixth-most in their franchise history. So, after missing on elite tackles like Ronnie Stanley in free agency, the Pats needed a left tackle. And boy, did they get the best one falling into their lap. Campbell started all 38 games for the Tigers. Last season, he won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the conference’s best offensive lineman. Out of 229 reps in true pass sets, Campbell allowed only zero sacks and just 12 total pressures on his QB.

Where Does Patriots Still Lack Elite Talent?

Let Tony do the scouting, you just make the pick.

Pick your positions. Get Tony’s top 5:

C

CB

DE

DT

FB

G

ILB

OLB

P

PK

QB

RB

S

T

TE

WR

View Tony’s Picks

So, his play at Baton Rouge was so clinical that the Patriots see him as their ideal fit at left tackle. As per MassLive sources within New England, Campbell is an instant starter at LT. He is viewed as a “really good player” with elite tackle play. Honestly, Mike Vrabel was already sold out on the possibility of Campbell continuing as an LT in the NFL. “I think you have to,” Vrabel said when asked whether he viewed Campbell as a left tackle. “I don’t think you have to project it. You could just actually watch and say, There’s the snaps at left tackle,” Vrabel added.

Well, the one they have chosen to protect Drake Maye’s blind side has already shared his plan on the sophomore QB. And let’s just say his plan was more of a war cry as the Patriots struck gold at No.4.

Will Campbell’s strong warning to NFL franchises as he joins the Patriots

Will Campbell was instantly moved to tears in front of 205,000 gathered in Green Bay when the Patriots selected him at No.4. While reflecting on his journey to the NFL, Campbell was asked about his thoughts on protecting Drake Maye. And the answer he gave was simply mesmerizing. “I’m going to fight and die to protect him with everything I’ve got,” an emotional Will Campbell told NFL Network. He also added, “I’m super excited. He’s heck of a player, a heck of a leader, and he’s the commander of our offense.”

Seeing Campbell’s fiery reaction to shielding Drake Maye, which instantly went viral. Maye himself gave his reaction on X, saying, “Love this guy already.” Even Vrabel later added, “This was a very, very, easy pick for us. Adding Will to our football team is about a foundational piece, a young 21-year-old that’s mature beyond his years. He’s a leader. He’s durable, He’s physical, dependable, accountable.” Basically, Campbell checked all the boxes the Patriots wanted in their left tackle.

Considering their pass-block win rate ranked 31st last season. And they allowed a league-worst 39.4% pressure on their dropbacks, the Patriots needed a game-changer like Campbell. Will may not have the ideal arm length or wingspan needed to play left tackle in the NFL. But his excellent use of feet, balance, and determination to keep bull rushers at bay stand out all day long. Having already practiced with Vrabel as his blocking pad, the Patriots know who they are bringing to Foxboro.

Now, only time will tell whether Campbell can live up to his expectations in the Patriots’ O-line. Given the history of problems they had been going through at the position. The pressure will be on Campbell to deliver from day 1.