Even though Will Campbell was heralded as a high first-round pick, his arm length led to skepticism coming out of college. The first preseason game is always a valuable chance for players like Campbell to show what they can do on the field.
While the Patriots' preseason is only a game old, the way they ran the ball and controlled the line of scrimmage in a 48-18 thumping of the Washington Commanders should give fans reason to smile and think positively.
The play of rookie left tackle Campbell was a big reason why New England was able to run the ball so well. Mike Vrabel's philosophy in Tennessee was to control the line of scrimmage and be efficient in the passing game, and it turned Derrick Henry into one of the game's best running backs.
Pre-draft concerns about Campbell getting quieter and quieter
The biggest knock on Campbell coming out of LSU was his arm length, which was heralded as short for a left tackle. There were questions on whether or not the Patriots would have to convert him into a guard. But the optimists remembered that Campbell played in college football's toughest conference, where he was routinely lined up against NFL-caliber pass rushers.
When Campbell and the rest of the Patriots' starting offense were in throughout the first quarter, they routinely gashed the Commanders. TreVeyon Henderson's only carry went for 18 yards, a play in which Campbell easily finished off his man. At the same time, Rhamondre Stevenson, who lost 10 pounds during the offseason in the hope of generating more speed, often had gaping holes to run through.
On Friday night with Will Campbell on the field, the #Patriots ran the ball six times.
— Zac Ventola (@NEPatriotsToday) August 9, 2025
Campbell made highlight plays on four of the six plays, including three pancake blocks. pic.twitter.com/LGrtDut3bK
Drake Maye's touchdown run came on perfect blocking in which the second-year quarterback went untouched into the end zone around the left side. Maye's pocket was clean, and he scored easily. We can thank Campbell for that one.
While there's a long way to go, the Patriots finished the game with 153 yards rushing and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. Having guys like Henderson who can make plays down the field helps, but the Patriots may have finally found their franchise left tackle.