Will Campbell's unexpected chance to fulfill his Patriots' destiny just became clear

When one door closes, another one opens.

Some call that fate.

Others call it destiny.

And in some instances, it may just be a case of truly unfortunate timing.

However you want to categorize it, watching stalwart right guard Michael Onwenu suffer a broken right ankle in Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was heartbreaking for a lifelong Patriots fan. As one of the few carryovers left from the Bill Belichick era, he's a well-respected leader who's endured major turnover and still maintained his status as one of the best players at his position.

Seeing Onwenu get carted off the field in obvious pain stung even worse, since that may have been the last time we'll ever see him in a Patriots uniform. After all, the veteran is in the final year of his contract, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see both sides move in a different direction at this stage of Onwenu's career.

Obviously, losing a player of his caliber hurts on and off the field. And given their depth issues at guard, the Patriots will have an uphill battle to get by without their best, most consistent offensive lineman.

Yet, even with Onwenu likely out for the year and likely looking for a new NFL home in 2027, you should still be optimistic about what lies ahead in both the short and long term.

After all, if you want to take a glass-half-full approach, this is exactly why Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf, and the rest of the Patriots' brain trust made Will Campbell their top draft pick a year ago.

Will Campbell has big shoes to fill if he wants to become the face of the Patriots' offensive line

One hallmark of the Patriots' dynasty years was having a respected leader in the offensive line room at all times. First, it was Matt Light. Then, Logan Mankins. In the latter half of the Tom Brady era, it was David Andrews, and to a lesser degree, Joe Thuney.

Those players exuded the toughness that was a pillar of the Patriot Way. They also performed at a high level on the field, earned their teammates' and coaches' trust, and won a lot of football games and championship hardware.

In recent years, Onwenu has carried that torch (much more quietly compared to his predecessors), though it hasn't exactly been easy given the issues on the coaching staff prior to Vrabel's arrival.

While he deserves a ton of credit for sticking it out through some tough years, we all knew this could be Onwenu's final year in Foxboro. We also knew the future of the unit hinged on the fourth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft—and that's why I am a firm believer that this is Will Campbell's chance to prove his biggest believers right and his biggest critics wrong.

Coming out of college, there were zero questions about his mental makeup, toughness, and physicality. Let's not forget he earned the coveted No. 7 jersey as an offensive lineman at LSU—something that's typically been reserved for star skill players like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Leonard Fournette.

So, it's not as if Campbell doesn't already understand the meaning of following in some big footsteps.

When the Patriots elected to take him fourth overall instead of trading down or drafting another position, that sent a strong message that Campbell is a special prospect who offers something beyond the playing field.

Although he's only been around for less than two seasons, it's easy to see why the coaching staff and front office wanted him to be a foundational piece of the franchise for years to come.

Campbell carries himself like a veteran, and he's already shown marked improvement through two games. He was one of the team's offseason award winners, and he clearly got bigger and stronger and is holding up better against power rushers.

While Onwenu was the group's elder statesman (at least in terms of years with the Patriots), it's clear Campbell is next in line to assume the throne.

After all, Alijah Vera-Tucker is a new arrival, Jared Wilson is in his first season at center, and Morgan Moses is likely in his final year with the Patriots given his age and contract status.

Can Will Campbell elevate the rest of the group?

At just 22, you ordinarily wouldn't put such high expectations and pressure on such a young player's shoulders.

However, considering they're basically doing the same thing with their 24-year-old quarterback, this is just the reality of the Patriots embracing the youth movement.

Campbell may not develop into an All-Pro left tackle, but if he can sustain this level of play the rest of the season, he could be a top-10 player at his position. That alone would represent a big win for the coaching staff and front office. However, factor in his leadership, tenacity, and grittiness, and you're getting a true anchor who commands respect from his teammates and opposing players.

Ultimately, when Campbell declared that he'd be willing to die to protect Drake Maye, that said it all.

This guy is built different.

And no, I'm not referring to his arm length.

He's been sharpened from competing in the SEC.

He's been tested from Day 1 in the NFL.

He's been criticized, questioned, and doubted.

He's also been accountable, humble, and resilient.

All of these qualities are exactly why you take an offensive lineman fourth overall.

Because this isn't just a player who can protect your quarterback's blindside. This is someone who can carry a unit, hold high standards for everyone, and carry the message from his head coach to the rest of the team.

So, although it's painful to think that the Michael Onwenu era might have just come to an abrupt end, the Will Campbell era is just beginning.

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