The 2025 New England Patriots needed a makeover of their offensive line, among several other positions that were very needy, like wide receiver. New Head Coach Mike Vrabel wasted little time in taking on the responsibility to remake an offensive line widely considered the NFL's worst.
Added were three stopgap-type veterans, two of whom remain: Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury. Both will likely start. Vrabel also drafted three more offensive linemen. In the third round, he selected Georgia Bulldog center/guard Jared Wilson, who'll likely start at left guard. And very adroitly, he drafted Missouri left tackle Marcus Bryant, who was a steal in the seventh round.
The big get, however, was Vrabel's first pick ever for the New England Patriots. With the fourth-overall pick, the Head Coach brushed off silly media blather about short arms, etc., and selected the best left tackle in the draft, Will Campbell. And little Campbell has done has disappointed.
Will Campbell was a Day One starter at left tackle
Vrabel didn't repeat the mistake of 2024 when the team foolishly kept rookie quarterback Drake Maye under wraps until the fourth game of the season. It was a mistake that doomed the season before it even began. Conversely, Campbell has been inserted as the starting left tackle from the outset. He's expected to be the All-Rookie first team left tackle, but as with all rookies, there will be speed bumps.
Will Campbell was asked about his struggles during joint practice with Minnesota's top edge, Jonathan Greenard last week, and his response was very telling of his character and growth as a new player in the NFL.
Will Campbell was asked about giving up 3 sacks to Jonathan Greenard during a joint practice with Minnesota:
— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) August 18, 2025
“Yeah, I think any time in practice when you get to go against a guy from a different team that is a double-digit sack guy in the NFL - as a rookie, it does nothing but… pic.twitter.com/bbffWorCIp
This was another level-headed comment by a rookie who has his head on straight. Campbell doesn't exhibit the bravado of insecure rookies. He knows how good he is, yet he's also aware that this is the NFL. Even though he was groomed in the best proving ground in college, the SEC, the step-up in competition is still enormous. And Campbell is well aware of that fact.
The Patriots finally have a good left tackle again
The quarterback is the most crucial cog in any NFL machine. If you don't have one, you're out of luck. If you do, you'd better protect him and provide the skill players he needs to be successful. That's exactly what Vrabel has done. Yet, the most important position after the QB is the left tackle.
Will Campbell's pass-protection, as for almost any rookie tackle, is a work in progress. Very few can step in on Day One and dominate. Campbell will need on-the-job training to acclimate to the NFL's massive upgrades in its edge players and linebackers. To expect immediate perfection is irrational. It will take time, perhaps three or four games, for him to begin to get settled.
During that period, Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels would be well-advised to dial up a run-heavy offensive scheme. Also, when he does pass, he should use play-action on most passing downs or gadget plays to help smooth the way for his rookie linemen.
An early run-heavy offense will not only help quarterback Maye but will also allow the young linemen to get settled in and take the game to the opposition. And that is precisely where Will Campbell is ready to dominate right now.
Watching Campbell's LSU highlights and his first games as a Patriot makes it clear he's not only a capable run-blocker, he's a dominant one. While many O-linemen go through the motions on the second level, Campbell is like a massive bird of prey seeking to block and pancake any unfortunate linebacker or defensive back who gets in range.
On a running play against the Commanders in their pre-season game, Campbell blocked a defensive back for almost 15 yards downfield, coming to a halt only after planting the player into the Foxborough turf. It was a run-blocking play the likes of which haven't been seen in Foxborough since the days of the greatest ever offensive lineman, John Hannah. Campbell's run-blocking is that good.
Patriot Nation can expect Will Campbell to dominate as a run-blocker from the outset. His pass-blocking will take a bit longer to round into form. The big tackle is headed for the All-Rookie team in 2025 and a Pro Bowl soon after. And don't be shocked if an All-Pro designation follows, as well. Will Campbell is the real deal. Why else would Mike Vrabel have drafted him?