The New England Patriots made some major changes during the offseason, no more so than making the right selection with the fourth overall pick. With Mike Vrabel being brought in to be the next head coach, his first draft was a critical one, and it seems he got the pick right with Will Campbell.
The fourth overall pick from LSU, Campbell's rookie season has offered a glimpse into an exciting future as Drake Maye's blindside protector. He's allowed just a 5.5% pressure rate and has been a key piece in Maye's significant rise up the ranks in time to throw.
The improvement of the offensive line has been so drastic in just a year, a huge testament to Doug Marrone
— Graham Wilker (@GrahamWilker1) December 28, 2025
The industry standard is that tackles allow the highest pressure rate, followed by guards, then centers. With the exception of Wilson, the OL is at an elite level #Patriots pic.twitter.com/XLoZrcukpn
Through 17 weeks, it seems that the Patriots couldn't have made a bad pick at No. 4 overall. Campbell's doubters pointed towards New England selecting a different tackle, Texas's Kelvin Banks.
In a recent article highlighting an All-Rookie team by ESPN's Ben Solak, Campbell was omitted, and he opted for Banks, the No. 9 pick by the New Orleans Saints.
The Patriots would have been okay had they drafted Kelvin Banks Jr.
Drafting Banks wouldn't have been a bad move for New England. He's a solid tackle with athleticism and a traditional NFL frame. Banks has played more than Campbell has, but Campbell has arguably been better.
It's understandable to give Banks the edge if you put a premium on sample size, but it's hard not to be pleased with what Campbell has shown. Banks has allowed a 6.8% pressure rate, while Campbell's is 5.5%. They have 10 and 7 penalties in 17 and 12 games, respectively.
They've each allowed five sacks, and have each had one game in which they've allowed multiple sacks.
While Banks playing more games may have given him the edge in their rookie season, Campbell has been activated off IR and will be a key piece to New England's playoff run.
It's a given that the two will be compared for the remainder of their careers as the first two left tackles drafted, but for now, both the Patriots and Saints should be thrilled at securing a bookend for their offensive lines.