The Patriots were in an interesting position with the No. 4 pick in this year's draft, mainly because they were among the top teams not needing a quarterback. That should have been a benefit, as it gave them more options once they were on the clock, but an underwhelming quarterback class ensured just one came off the board before they made their pick.
Cam Ward went to the Titans with the first overall pick, and after a blockbuster trade to move up to No. 2, the Jaguars secured CB/WR Travis Hunter for Trevor Lawrence to work with for the next four years. That seemed to imply pass rusher Abdul Carter would go to the Giants, despite their interest in quarterback Shadeur Sanders, and that came to fruition right away.
That left the Patriots to take the expected pick all along, taking LSU left tackle Will Campbell at No. 4, making one of the least exciting selections of the draft thus far. It might not be as thrilling for fans given his position, but Drake Maye now has his protector on his blind side for the foreseeable future.
Making the pick better was Campbell's reaction. He had received a lot of praise for his character over the past week, with some reports suggesting that was a big reason the Patriots were incredibly in on him for their first-round pick. He made it clear why they would feel that way in his interview after being drafted and it's hard not to be excited for what's to come for the young offensive lineman.
Will Campbell's reaction to being drafted by the Patriots will make fans run through a wall
After a chaotic start to the draft, the Patriots stuck with the safe route and stayed with their original selection to take Campbell. Although it was expected and unexciting, it made the most sense given their needs on offense and the prioritization of surrounding Maye with the needed talent this upcoming season.
Campbell proved he was the right guy even more with his emotional reaction to being drafted, and added a promise of what's to come from him once he joins the team in Foxboro this summer.
This is what you worked for @will_campbell66 🥹
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 25, 2025
📺: #PatsDraft on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/UMCFuOuCti
That's exactly the attitude the Patriots need on the team right now, especially with a new regime hoping to transform them back into relevancy as soon as possible. Knowing that Campbell is ready to work and willing to do what it takes to ensure Maye is protected is what you want to hear from your next starter, and Campbell made a great impression with his first comments since becoming a Patriot.
It's a reaction that could convince some skeptics about the Patriots choosing him to be a believer far before we see the kind of production he can bring on the field.