New England Patriots' rookie left tackle Will Campbell has high expectations in the NFL, but there's a learning curve that comes first.
NFL Writer Points Out Patriots' Will Campbell Learning Curve in NFL originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New England Patriots drafted offensive lineman Will Campbell in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the goal of him being their starting left tackle this season. Throughout spring practices, Campbell impressed with his size and mobility; however, now that pads are on in training camp, the fourth-overall pick has had a bit of a learning curve.
Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi explained what he's seen from the rookie left tackle during training camp so far.
"Up until Wednesday's practice, Campbell had been fine. He's shown to be an above-average run blocker during the padded practices we've seen, and while exposed at times as a pass blocker, it's not anything I didn't expect," Giardi wrote. "The two sacks allowed on Wednesday were concerning, and he was beaten on another play as well, but Drake Maye sidestepped the rush. Campbell had more issues on Friday and was beaten on back-to-back reps by Truman Jones. Welcome to life as an NFL left tackle."
The transition from the college game to the NFL can be difficult, and Campbell is learning as he goes. After all, he's a week and a half into training camp and has a full week before the Patriots' first preseason game.
The Patriots held a Friday night scrimmage at Gillette Stadium for fans to attend, and after the game, Campbell spoke with the media about the last week and the advice his offensive coordinator gave him.
“Josh McDaniels told me a couple weeks ago, ‘You don’t lose. You learn or you win.’ I’m a rookie. I’m out here learning. Some things that I do in college don’t work out here," Campbell said. "It’s a different league, so finding what works for me out there. Everything that you do that doesn’t go your way is something that you learn from. It doesn’t count as a loss.”
Campbell was the Patriots' first-round draft pick and went fourth overall, so there's going to be eyes on him right away. Any blemish, struggle, or setback is going to be emphasized because of the high expectations for the rookie. However, Campbell is staying focused on his game to get better every day.
“I mean, it is what it is. I mean, I really don’t pay attention to nonsense or anything that goes on in social media, because that can’t go out there and help me win a rep," Campbell said. "My focus every single day is to come in the building, put my best foot forward, and help the team in any single way I can.”
Although the rookie left tackle took his lumps last week in training camp, his head coach, Mike Vrabel, had him out there for a reason and believes in the LSU product.
Will Campbell maintains he's leverage and contains Keion White in one-on-ones. A 10-year hole at left tackle has been filled.
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) July 29, 2025
"I will fight and die to protect my quarterback."
pic.twitter.com/SaPDqvGedH
Fellow rookie offensive lineman Jared Wilson has taken over the driver's seat at starting left guard. With Campbell at left tackle and Wilson at left guard, the Patriots could have two rookies protecting quarterback Drake Maye's blindside.
“They’ve earned the right to be out there," Vrabel said. "Whether they’re 20 years old or 40, we look at whether they can play and whether they’ve earned the right to be out there. I think that those two have right now.”
After the Patriots' scrimmage Friday night, the team has Saturday and Sunday off. The Patriots will then begin their first mock game week as they prepare for their first preseason game on Friday against the Washington Commanders, with a joint practice mid-week on Wednesday.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
