Will Campbell to the Patriots? How He Solves Their Offensive Line Woes

The New England Patriots are coming off a tough 4-13 season, and if there’s one glaring issue that needs addressing, it’s their offensive line. In 2024, Patriots quarterbacks were sacked over 50 times, and the rushing attack ranked in the bottom ten of the NFL. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, could LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell be the answer to their problems?

The Patriots’ O-Line Predicament

It’s no secret that the Patriots’ offensive line has been a revolving door of players and inconsistent performances. According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, the Patriots need help at pretty much every position on the front five and could have four new starting offensive linemen in 2025. Injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of cohesion plagued the unit throughout the 2024 season. Even the team’s leader, center David Andrews, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. As 98.5 The Sports Hub reported, the Patriots allowed their quarterback to be pressured on a league-high 47.4 percent of dropbacks.

Enter Will Campbell: A Potential Savior?

Will Campbell is a highly touted offensive tackle prospect coming out of LSU. A three-time All-SEC lineman and a 2024 consensus All-American, Campbell has the size, strength, and agility to step in and contribute immediately. During his time with the Tigers, Campbell allowed just 5 total sacks across 2,553 snaps.

Campbell’s Strengths: What He Brings to the Table

Elite Pass Protection: Campbell is a master technician in pass protection with precise footwork, maintaining proper depth and staying square through his kick-slide progression.
Run Blocking Prowess: He brings a nasty finishing attitude in the run game, consistently driving defenders off their spot with relentless leg drive and core strength.
Football IQ: Campbell demonstrates exceptional football IQ in picking up stunts and delayed blitzes, rarely looking confused against complex pressure packages.
Versatility: Campbell has the mobility, nimbleness, and lateral mobility to function in multiple blocking schemes.
Leadership: Campbell’s impact earned him the coveted No. 7 patch at LSU, and he was named team captain.

Addressing the Weaknesses

While Campbell is a promising prospect, he’s not without his flaws. One of the main concerns is his arm length, which is below average for an NFL tackle. This could create issues against longer edge rushers who can get into his frame before he establishes position. He also has a tendency to overset against speed rushers off the edge, creating vulnerability to inside counter moves.

How Campbell Solves the Patriots’ Woes

Immediate Upgrade: Campbell has the potential to be a day-one starter for the Patriots, providing an immediate upgrade to their struggling offensive line.
Protecting Drake Maye: With a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye at the helm, it’s crucial to provide him with a clean pocket to develop and succeed. Campbell’s pass-blocking abilities would be a significant asset in this regard.
Establishing a Foundation: By drafting Campbell, the Patriots would be investing in a long-term solution on the offensive line, building a foundation for years to come.
Versatility: Even if Campbell’s arm length limits him to guard at the NFL level, he would still fill a major need for the Patriots, who need help at multiple positions on the offensive line.

The Draft Landscape

The Patriots hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While they could address other needs such as wide receiver, the offensive line is arguably their biggest priority. Several mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Campbell. However, other offensive line prospects such as Armand Membou and Josh Conerly Jr. could also be in consideration.

The Verdict

The Patriots’ offensive line was a major liability in 2024, contributing to their struggles on offense. Drafting Will Campbell would be a significant step towards addressing this issue. While he has some weaknesses to work on, his strengths as a pass protector, run blocker, and leader make him an ideal fit for the Patriots. If the Patriots want to protect Drake Maye and revitalize their offense, Will Campbell could be the answer.