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Why the Patriots believe Will Campbell is the cornerstone their offensive line has desperately needed

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The New England Patriots took a bold and crucial step toward rebuilding their offense by selecting LSU standout Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This pick wasn’t just about filling a need at left tackle—it was about re-establishing a long-lost identity. For the Patriots, it’s a signal that the future now revolves around protecting quarterback Drake Maye and restoring pride in the trenches.

The Patriots finally address their offensive line woes by selecting LSU star Will Campbell in NFL Draft

At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Will Campbell isn’t just an elite athlete—he’s a proven warrior. A three-year starter at LSU, he earned First Team All-America honors as a junior, played nearly every snap at left tackle, and allowed only two sacks over his final two seasons. That’s not just consistency—it’s dominance. His arrival offers immediate stability to a Patriots offensive line that ranked near the bottom of the league in both pass-block and run-block win rates last season.


For Drake Maye, who was sacked 52 times last season—New England’s worst mark since 1999—Campbell’s presence is nothing short of a lifeline. The young quarterback has shown promise, but without adequate protection, his potential has been stifled. With Campbell now anchoring the blind side and Mike Onwenu on the right, Maye’s second year is already off to a better start.

Campbell’s selection is also a clear reflection of what new head coach Mike Vrabel wants to build. Known for valuing leadership and toughness, Vrabel is reshaping the locker room culture that fell apart last season. In Will Campbell, he’s found a cornerstone.

The LSU product wasn’t just a star on the field—he was also a leader off it. Voted team captain as both a sophomore and junior, Campbell gained the respect of his teammates early. LSU head coach Brian Kelly once said, “When he speaks people really listen.” That kind of presence is exactly what Vrabel has sought to inject into a team that lacked accountability and direction in 2024.

And Campbell’s influence extends well beyond the football field. His work with the Tarver Braddock Foundation—named after his late cousin—has seen him raise money and awareness for causes close to his heart. Just last week, he visited the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, partnering with Raising Canes and the Miracle Children’s Foundation to donate iPads to young cancer patients. That’s not just character—it’s heart.

Why Will Campbell was always the guy?

Sources around the Patriots organization have confirmed that Campbell had been on New England’s radar since last fall. Despite a turbulent season and coaching change that saw Jerod Mayo replaced by Mike Vrabel, Campbell remained the top priority. As one insider put it, Campbell was viewed as “a really good player” and an “instant starter.”


This pick wasn’t reactionary—it was strategic. The Patriots entered free agency hoping to solve their tackle issues, signing veteran Morgan Moses and drafting Caedance Wallace the previous year. But with injury setbacks and a failure to land top-tier free agents, the left tackle position remained a gaping hole. Campbell filled that gap not only with elite play but also with a high-character profile that matches Vrabel’s long-term vision.

Yes, there are technical concerns—his 33-inch arms and 77¼-inch wingspan have sparked debate about his long-term future at tackle. But everything about Campbell’s résumé suggests he’ll silence those doubts. He’s played tackle since high school, moved to left tackle as a sophomore, and has thrived against SEC-level talent since he was a true freshman.

Drafting Will Campbell wasn’t just about fixing an offensive line—it was a declaration that the Patriots are ready to climb out of the basement. With Vrabel steering the ship and Campbell protecting the future under center, New England is beginning to build something real again. And for a franchise desperately in search of identity, that’s a pretty powerful start.

Also Read: Jacksonville Jaguars go all-in on versatility by drafting Travis Hunter—Can he become the two-way player there?
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