Training camp truly doesn't start until teams put pads on. Especially for guys in the trenches, as it can be difficult to judge in shorts and shells.
For Patriots' first-round pick Will Campbell, this week, which included joint practices against the Washington Commanders, was a crucial one. It was time to step up in practice and prove that he could hang with high-quality defensive linemen on another team.
Campbell was often matched up against former Patriot Deatrich Wise in workouts, and performed exceptionally well against the veteran defensive tackle. Coming into the NFL Draft, there was skepticism about whether Campbell could be a franchise left tackle due to his arm length, but Campbell has been silencing those doubters in camp.
Will Campbell's performance in joint practices proves the Patriots made the right decision
There were understandable grumbles from some Patriots' fans when Eliot Wolf made Campbell the fourth overall pick in this spring's draft. Resentment towards former head coach Jerod Mayo echoed throughout New England for winning a meaningless Week 18 game against Buffalo, costing the Patriots the top overall pick.
But Drake Maye's growth as a franchise quarterback was somewhat hindered by poor offensive line play in his rookie year, and with a lean left tackle market in free agency and Campbell likely to go in the top five, the Patriots needed to address the offensive line.
Yes, it's true that you need high-quality skill players to win games - and the Patriots nabbed two of them in the draft in Kyle Williams and TreVeyon Henderson - but if your quarterback is constantly hurrying his throws or running for his life, it becomes a moot point.
Campbell's performance in the joint practices against a quality NFL defensive line was a very positive sign in New England, especially since the Patriots could have two rookies starting on the left side of the offensive line come opening day. The Patriots will need Campbell to be special, and he'll be tested in the first four weeks of the season with Max Crosby (Raiders) and T.J. Watt (Steelers) lining up opposite him.
Campbell is going to be a special player in this league for the Patriots, and performing well in practice against high-quality defensive tackles and pass rushers is a good indicator.