The New England Patriots allowed 52 sacks last season, tied for fifth most in the league. To help reduce the number of sacks, the Patriots prioritized the offensive line in the offseason.
New England selected LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the 4th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft to help combat their O-line woes. Campbell only allowed 5 sacks during his collegiate career and will be an immediate starter in Foxborough.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox names Campbell as an X-factor for the Patriots ahead of the 2025-26 season.
“The New England Patriots aren’t likely to find 2025 success without a breakthrough sophomore campaign from quarterback Drake Maye. The 2024 third overall pick had one of the league’s worst supporting casts last season but was still a Pro Bowl alternate,” Knox wrote for B/R. “Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is the obvious X-factor in the New England offense, as he’s returning from a torn ACL. Of course, the four-time Pro Bowler is a known commodity who should perform well if healthy.”
“There’s a little more uncertainty surrounding rookie tackle Will Campbell. The seventh-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s final big board has loads of upside but no NFL experience. His ability to protect Maye’s blind side will play a massive role in the quarterback’s Year 2 development.”
Will Campbell In The Preseason
GettyNew England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell
Will Campbell only played 14 snaps in his preseason debut against the Washington Commanders.
Campbell excelled in the run block, but gave up a strip sack early in the game, which was recovered by the Commanders.
“I just feel like I’ve got to get better,” Campbell told reporters, via Sports Illustrated. “We have to get better as a team. There’s still a lot of meat left on the bone, no matter what happened on the scoreboard. I feel like … with this team, there is a lot more that we can do.”
“I think it’s very important … and, not just for me. That’s something we preach for our whole team. Just keep learning and keep moving forward.”
Maye calls Campbell a “beast” and says that he has a different energy in joint practices and games.
“I think I just challenge him to bring it every day. When we’re facing our defense, there’s no days off in this league. You win a game, you lose a game, you’re right back in practice on Monday or practice on Wednesday,” Maye said.
Rookie Left Side
GettyNew England Patriots offensive lineman Jared Wilson
Will Campbell won’t be the only rookie who could start for the New England Patriots.
Third-round selection Jared Wilson has been training with the first team at the left guard spot. Wilson, who was drafted as a center, played 14 snaps against the Commanders in the preseason opener.
Wilson has been earning praise from his head coach after getting snaps at a different position.
“Nothing’s set in stone with the roster or the lineup, but certainly want to give Jared the opportunity that he’s deserved, which I think is to be out there with the ones. We talked about the players that don’t participate in practice but have the ability to stay engaged with the installation, and he did that through the spring,” Patriots HC Mike Vrabel said.
“He wasn’t able to be out there physically, but he was able to learn all the interior line positions and then really got off to a good start here in training camp.”
Will Campbell will have more eyes on him due to being a first-rounder. But with an inexperienced partner on the inside, the Patriots’ rookies will have to get comfortable quickly to protect their QB.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Patriots First Rounder Named X-Factor By Analyst appeared first on Heavy Sports.