Sometimes the most boring move is the smartest one. And if the New England Patriots want to turn a corner in 2025, boring might be exactly what they need.
LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell is being increasingly linked to New England at No. 4 overall. From mock drafts to anonymous scout picks, to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton and ESPN’s Matt Miller, Campbell is gaining real steam as a legitimate top option for the Patriots—especially if blue-chip defenders like Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are already off the board.
That might not generate fireworks on draft night. But it might finally give Drake Maye something he’s barely had since arriving in Foxborough: protection.
Will Campbell is a high-floor building block for New England
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton made the case for Campbell being New England’s ideal pick in his latest draft breakdown—and the reasoning is hard to argue with.
“The New England Patriots must protect their most valuable asset and potential franchise quarterback,” Moton wrote for Bleacher Report. “Last year, Drake Maye took 34 sacks in 13 games (12 starts)… The Patriots signed Morgan Moses in free agency. They can complete the rebuild project at offensive tackle with the addition of Will Campbell.”
Campbell, a three-year starter and two-time captain at LSU, has quickly become the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft class. He allowed just two sacks in 2024, didn’t give up a single sack the season before, and gave up only 13 pressures in 38 college games. If that sounds like something the Patriots desperately need—it's because it is.
According to an NFC South area scout, Campbell checks just about every box—even if his measurables don’t:
“Campbell has the athleticism to keep up with Maye’s movement in the pocket. He’s also aggressive, with a powerful punch. Though he must reduce pre-snap penalties, the coaching staff can help him with timing.
As a two-year captain at LSU, Campbell can bring leadership to one of the Patriots’ weakest position groups,” the NFC South area scout added.
Some analysts have flagged Campbell’s arm length—he measured under the typical 34-inch threshold—but multiple league evaluators told ESPN’s Field Yates they’re not concerned. His tape tells the story: he can handle NFL speed and bend, and he doesn’t get bullied in pass protection. If arm length ever becomes an issue, teams believe he has All-Pro potential as a guard.
That positional flexibility, paired with proven durability and high football IQ, makes Campbell exactly the kind of player the Pats could build a new identity around. Protect the quarterback. Control the trenches. Win ugly. But win nonetheless.
Campbell isn’t necessarily flashy, but New England doesn’t need flashy. They need functional. And as Miller’s latest scout-based mock showed, there’s real belief around the league that he’s the perfect blend of safe, smart, and necessary.
If the Patriots stay at No. 4 and the board breaks as expected, Campbell might not just be the logical pick—he might be the only one that truly makes sense.