Offensive linemen are often unheralded when it comes to big accolades, but they’re typically the first group of guys that skill-position players will give credit to.
New England Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell is proving during his NFL debut season that he was one of the missing pieces to the Patriots’ puzzle last season.
The difference in Drake Maye’s pocket has been evident over the first seven games of 2025, as the second-year quarterback doesn’t have opposing pass rushers breathing down his neck every snap. Fourth-overall pick Campbell is a big reason why. He has an 84.8 percent pass-block win rate, and went five consecutive weeks without allowing a sack, per Pro Football Focus.
Campbell clearly isn’t getting the love he deserves. ESPN ranked the league’s top 10 rookies through the first six weeks of the season, and the Patriots’ ascending star was placed in the “just missed” category.
Fittingly, two other offensive linemen — the Jets’ Armand Membou and the Chiefs’ Josh Simmons — were also on that list.
Patriots No. 4 overall draft pick Will Campbell is clearly getting snubbed among his peers
It is a challenge for non-skill position players to finish among the top 10 in such a list. But if not for Campbell, the Patriots’ offensive line would be right where it was last year. The culture has changed up front, and Campbell is a big part of that.
In addition to his outstanding pass-block rate, Campbell’s run-block rate sits at a solid 76.6 percent. His run blocking still needs work, and the Patriots’ running game has yet to find its footing, but it’s a long season and Mike Vrabel has noted that the run game inconsistencies are ones he’s not apprehensive about.
The Patriots needed a franchise left tackle and they have one in Campbell. He stated when he was drafted that he’d do whatever it takes to protect Maye, and he’s done a remarkable job of that so far.
If the Patriots make the postseason, Campbell’s play will be a monumental reason why.
It’s just too bad the so-called experts as ESPN can’t see that — at least not yet.
