The New England Patriots have shaken their 2024 roster to the core as Mike Vrabel ushered out numerous 2024 players and brought in about two dozen of his own. This hasn't been a roster remodeling; it's been a total renovation, and there will be more departures from 2024 to come.
Among the veterans brought in as more stopgap measures than anything else was 34-year-old right tackle Morgan Moses. He's a 34-year-old grizzled veteran of 11 years in the NFL trenches, signed as a free agent to help stabilize the worst offensive line in the NFL. He and center Garrett Bradbury, both starters, have helped do just that.
Yet, Vrabel knew Moses' contributions would go far beyond just the playing field. He's a well-respected veteran, and the Head Coach knows he could mentor the young guys who'd probably have to start from the outset of their NFL careers.
One of them was left tackle Will Campbell, whom Moses took under his wing from the get-go.
Patriots' veteran Morgan Moses appreciates Will Campbell
As he matures, the ever-down-to-earth Campbell is also looking to the needs of his fellow linemates as well as receiving advice and counsel. He recently displayed that sentiment, showing that his maturation process as a teammate is proceeding exponentially. He took the time to have his linemate, Morgan Moses' back after he suffered two false start penalties against Miami.
The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed quoted Morgan Moses talking about Will Campbell.
“I appreciate Will,” Moses said. “Will came over to the sideline. He was like, ‘dude, like, you said the same thing to me, bro, like, leave it in the past.’ Just to have Will have my back like that. Obviously, he had his ups and downs last week, but for him to come to the sideline like, ‘hey, big dog. Like, it happens. You told me that last week, whether it’s Year 1 or Year 12, it happens.'”
Campbell's maturity as a player has never been in question. He was an immediate starter at left tackle for the LSU Tigers as a true freshman and for two more seasons. His maturity belies his tender years (He won't be 22 until January!). To have a seasoned 11-year professional laud him for having his back has to be music to the ears of Patriot Nation.
Will Campbell is on his way to NFL stardom
Will Campbell settled in as the starting left tackle for the Patriots from Day 1. Mike Vrabel didn't draft him with the 2025 draft's fourth-overall pick to sit him on the bench, as the Patriots had initially and foolishly done with 2024's third-overall pick, Drake Maye. If you're picked that high, you play right away, or you shouldn't have been picked there at all.
Campbell will continue to have some growing pains, as all rookies do, especially at the second most important and difficult position on the team, left tackle. Yet, Campbell is already beginning to validate the confidence Vrabel placed in him. His pass-protection is improving on a game-by-game basis. His run-blocking is already elite. Run behind Campbell, and this road-grader will clear the lane.
Pro Football Focus doubted Campbell's ability to play left tackle in the NFL, though they paradoxically rated him as the best tackle in the 2025 NFL draft. Analysts cited the issues of his shorter arm length and narrower shoulders as reasons for questioning whether he could translate his college skills to the NFL. All of that nonsense is now being debunked with each ensuing game.
Campbell's mindset is spot on, as he knows he's a rookie and has a lot to learn. Yet, he's already progressing exponentially. Expect Will Campbell to be the first-team All-Rookie left tackle this season. Next season, he will contend strongly for a Pro Bowl nod, and the next don't be shocked if he's knocking on the door of All-Pro status.
When you're right, you're right, and Vrabel got it totally right with Campbell.