FOXBORO — If Will Campbell gets his wish, he’ll be playing left tackle for the Patriots for the rest of his career.
The rookie offensive lineman recently said he doesn’t want to play for anyone other than Mike Vrabel.
Patriots fans will be happy to keep Campbell around. The team found a fan favorite when they selected Campbell fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Campbell recently showed off his personality when he chugged a beer shirtless at a Celtics home game.
Campbell has also been a nice find on the field. The rookie ranks 21st out of 76 qualified tackles with a 76.1 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. He’s 29th with a 72.6 overall grade.
“When you’re a young player, thrown in there to play as many snaps as he had, that’s a tough position,” Vrabel said Friday. “I think he just continues to learn, see things, and learning tricks of the trade and maybe some things that he was able to get by with in college that he had to learn. And I think he does learn. Just continues to become more comfortable in his play and how he carries himself.”
The LSU product allowed five sacks in the first nine weeks. He hasn’t allowed any sacks in four games since Week 10. That included his return to the field Sunday against the Jets after spending four games on injured reserve with a knee injury.
“I think that was great to have Will back. And it’s a tribute to the young man, worked his butt off to be ready, to come off of an injury and get himself back and ready to go in playing shape,” offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Thursday. “Didn’t see really any ill effects or anything like that. I’m sure there’s some little things technically and all that. But thought he played hard. I thought he played with good fundamentals and techniques, and thought he battled. Glad he got to be able to play a game before the postseason starts, just so this isn’t his first game back.”
The Patriots needed Campbell to be a starting-caliber left tackle right away to help right their offensive line. He’s helped in a big way.
The team’s offensive line ranked last in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric last season. The unit ranked tied for sixth this regular season.
Learn more about Campbell on and off the field in the latest installment of our New Patriots Q&A series.
What’s your first football memory? Could be playing, watching, anything.
I just remember I used to play running back back in the day. Started playing football when I was 4 years old.
Miss those days in the backfield?
Nah, I’m fine where I’m at now.
What was your top high school football memory?
I had a really good high school experience, in general. Played with all my childhood best friends. That was super fun and something I’ll always remember.
What was your top college football memory?
Probably making my first start as a freshman. Kind of just a surreal experience. I grew up always wanting to play at LSU, watching LSU, so to be able to start there and play early was pretty cool.
What made LSU special for you?
If you’re from there, you understand it, but if not, it’s just a special place. Kids in Louisiana look up to those players more than anything in the world. It’s just a tremendous honor to be able to get a scholarship from there, especially as a kid from the state.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a football player?
Farming like my dad.
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
I’d say LSU, probably Tyrann Mathieu or Patrick Peterson. The first jersey I ever had was a Jonathan Vilma Saints jersey.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Lone Survivor.
Do you have a favorite musical artist?
I kind of like all music. I’m cultured in all genres.
Who have you been closest with on the team so far?
A couple people. We got a good group. We got some rookie O-linemen I’m close with, Drake (Maye), Hunter (Henry), Garrett (Bradbury). We got a good group. A bunch of people.
Who’s the funniest player on the team?
Christian Barmore. I’d say Barmore, for sure.
What do you like most about the New England region so far?
Football. I haven’t had a whole lot of time to get out there and experience the region, but being around and up here, I’ve really enjoyed being part of this city, the sports town, I’m blessed.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Nah, I can’t sing or anything like that.
Is there a topic you know more about than anyone else in the locker room?
Hunting.