There's been a lot of talk about veteran linemen mentoring Patriots' rookie offensive linemen, and it's all good. Within the chatter were reports about Ben Jones, a former Tennessee center under Mike Vrabel, was in touch with third-round pick Jared Wilson.
Another revealed that former NFL great, Andrew Whitworth, has been communicating for some time with Patriots' fourth-overall pick Will Campbell. The four-time Pro Bowler was one of the best left tackles in the business for years, and his and Campbell's LSU roots brought them together. Again, this is great to hear.
To make things even better, reporters witnessed Morgan Moses, a veteran right tackle the Patriots signed in free agency this year, has taken Campbell under his wing. The Patriots' new veteran tackle of 11 NFL seasons has already had good things to say about the young left tackle and will hopefully take him under his wing.
All these happenings indicate what a rookie should be doing: listening to veterans who know the NFL from experience.
Morgan Moses has high praise already for Will Campbell
While speaking to reporters after an OTA practice earlier this week, Moses discussed his early dealings with Campbell. This is just the latest example of how much work the rookie is putting in to learn his craft from the best people possible, adding more excitement to his eventual NFL debut.
There's a lot to garner from Moses' comments about the big rookie left tackle who'll be assuming the second-most-important position on their football team. Coming from a veteran, a true and well-respected professional at the tackle position, it should be music to the ears of every Patriots fan.
Morgan Moses comments about Will Campbell point out two important facts
Hearing Morgan Moses talk about rookie Campbell's eagerness to seek knowledge from his veteran colleague is instructive. It connotes that while the high draft pick is brimming with confidence, he realizes that the NFL is a whole new ballgame, and he's seeking guidance.
This points to a young player with his proverbial "head on straight." He's confident, but not cocky; sure of his talent but cognizant of the fact that he has to learn and master NFL skills to be all he wants to be and to achieve. Having his locker situated next to Moses is fortuitous, but not inadvertent.
Vrabel and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels know that having a seasoned, respected veteran like Moses as a mentor will be golden for a receptive and ambitious young player like Campbell. That his locker was placed beside Moses', a superb role model, is no coincidence.
Secondly, Moses' comment, " ... obviously, he's a stud, man," is also telling. There was no need to insert that perspective into a conversation about Campbell's inquisitiveness and desire to learn whatever he can from a seasoned veteran. It's a distinct observation.
Instead, Moses volunteered insight into the other most important NFL requisite for a rookie. Calling this rookie with whom he's trained for only a day or two, "Obviously... a stud," conveys an explicit compliment of quite a different nature.
It's an acknowledgement that, even from limited initial observations, he's comfortable publicly, and very demonstrably, recognizing the young tackles' ability. Being commended for a thirst to learn from one who knows, while having one's talent acclaimed in such a compelling manner by an NFL player of the stature of Moses, would be a high compliment for any NFL player, never mind a first-week rookie. Things are looking up for Will Campbell and the playoff-bound New England Patriots.