There was considerable speculation about who would be the best player for the Patriots to select with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially since they had already taken their next franchise quarterback the previous year. The consensus believed it would be LSU left tackle Will Campbell, assuming CB/WR Travis Hunter would already be off the board, despite the lingering concerns about his arm length for the position.
That narrative has continued to be a talking point since he joined the team earlier this year, and his struggles throughout the summer only seemed to solidify those pushing the conversation even further.
But that hasn't appeared to be an issue with the rookie so far, as he continues to be among the best performing rookies of the 2025 season, with perhaps his performance coming against the Panthers this past weekend.
By all accounts, it looks like the Patriots have nailed their first-round pick for the third year in a row, with Campbell looking well on his way to becoming a cornerstone of their offense for a long time.
Will Campbell continues to prove that concerns about his production translating to the NFL were hogwash
Campbell's showing against a winless Panthers team might be overlooked given the lack of talent on their defensive line, but his nearly flawless performance is slowly becoming the norm for him already, which is exactly what draft analysts didn't anticipate happening so early in his career.
#Patriots LT Will Campbell against the Panthers (via @PFF):
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 28, 2025
🔹22 Pass Block Snaps
🔹0 Sacks Allowed
🔹0 Pressures
🔹0 QB Hits
🔹0 Hurries
🔹100% Pass Block Efficiency
🔹87.9 Pass Block Grade pic.twitter.com/PxJZPzuwqo
While he still has a lot of growing to do, as does any player in their rookie season, Campbell is already exceeding expectations through just four games, and that is exactly what the Patriots were hoping for when picking him earlier this year.
They have long needed a starting left tackle to cure their biggest offensive line weakness, and it appears Campbell is going to be that and more, which only strengthens the possibilities of what Drake Maye can accomplish under center.
It's a huge development and a relief that the team won't have to focus on the position again in next year's free agency or the draft, allowing them to look elsewhere for help in other needy areas. They now have a solid player for their quarterback to depend on, and it's fair to assume he will only get better from here.
Campbell has a huge test coming up this week when the Patriots fly to Buffalo to play the Bills on Sunday Night Football, as they will be the toughest group he has faced in his young career thus far. How he fares will be fascinating to see, even if he isn't able to replicate the kind of performance we saw in Week 4.
Regardless of the outcome, he's already proven to be a future pillar of the offense, and that's all the Patriots should care about at this point.