Patriots’ bold offensive line gamble is already changing everything

The first wave of 2025 NFL free agency included some bold decisions by head coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots.

Actually, maybe indecision is the better word?

It was certainly bold for a team like the Patriots, starving for offensive line talent, to enter mid-March with no clear plan at left tackle, center, or left guard. The Minnesota Vikings provided a lifeline, of sorts, when they cut former first-round center Garret Bradbury (the Patriots quickly scooped him up on March 18).

But Vrabel’s preseason gamble was clear as day — the Patriots were going to address two of their biggest problems on offense through the draft, for better or worse.

Thankfully for quarterback Drake Maye, New England’s questionable offseason game plan appears to be paying off with a pair of rookie bullseyes.

New England Patriots LT Will Campbell, LG Jared Wilson pitched perfect games in Week 2 win over Miami Dolphins

The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Maye. Their search for a true No. 1 wide receiver will likely continue into 2026. But they appear to have struck gold with rookie left tackle Will Campbell, who wound up being a scrutinized selection at No. 4 overall.

Campbell’s arm length has not stopped him from performing among the NFL’s top tackles through two games. According to Pro Football Focus, he currently ranks among the top 30 players at the position, including those who play on the right side.

Campbell was nearly flawless in pass protection against the Dolphins on Sunday, per PFF writer Dalton Wasserman, including a number of reps against veteran EDGE rusher Bradley Chubb. 

“Campbell did not allow any pressure this week against Miami and was beaten on just one rep, when he erred on a stunt exchange. The result was an outstanding 81.3 PFF pass-blocking grade in his second NFL game.”

The Patriots deserve credit for sticking with Campbell, who draft experts labeled as a future guard in the NFL. Jared Wilson, meanwhile, might be an even better find in the third round, as the former Georgia star has helped solidify the left guard spot after flashing plenty during training camp.

Wilson was PFF’s highest-graded pass protector for the Patriots in Week 2. They charted the rookie with a clean sheet on 31 snaps.

It’s no coincidence that Maye’s finest day as an NFL quarterback coincided with a dominant performance from his offensive line. From Morgan Moses at right tackle, to Bradberry at center, and veteran Mike Onwenu at right guard, the Patriots allowed just four total pressures against the Dolphins. 

If New England can clean up the brutal pre-snap penalties we’ve seen through two weeks, one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses from recent seasons could actually be a real strength in 2025.

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