Fixing Will Campbell isn’t a problem the New England Patriots counted on having to face so soon after selecting him fourth overall in the 2025 NFL draft, but one analyst believes only a position switch can save the rookie left tackle’s development, a change that might even make Campbell Pro Football Hall of Fame material.
The revamped career path was plotted by Boston Sports Journal founder Greg A. Bedard. He told Nick Cattles of Locked on Patriots for Patriots on CLNS, “My question in my mind was always, is he going to be good enough against good postseason defenses at left tackle? And I wasn’t sure. I still think I would put him at left guard eventually and be an All-Pro, Hall of Fame left guard.”
“I guess the answer would be yes. My question in my mind was always, is he going to be good enough against good postseason defenses at left tackle. And I wasn’t sure. I still think I would put him at left guard
This is a familiar suggestion to help Campbell adapt to the big league, but it’s become more pressing after his struggles this postseason. Campbell has been bullish toward his critics, but there’s no hiding from the way he’s been toyed with by veteran edge-rushers during two games in these playoffs.
A series of nightmare reps make star quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside protector the obvious weak spot for the Denver Broncos to attack in the AFC Championship Game. If Campbell is shown up by the league’s toughest pass rush at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, January 25, the calls for the Patriots to stick him inside will become deafening.
Will Campbell Warnings Haunt the Patriots
It’s little wonder offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is having to go on the defensive about Campbell’s performances. The former LSU stud appeared out of his depth against both the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans.
He was routinely beaten by rush ends Odafe Oweh and Will Anderson Jr., who feasted on Maye. Oweh got underneath Campbell too easily for one of his three sacks in the wild-card round.
Chargers ball ⚡️
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Anderson also getting to Maye three times makes Campbell the biggest threat to the Patriots’ chances of reaching the Super Bowl. That’s not what you want to say about a top-five pick, but the Pats should’ve expected a rough learning curve for Campbell.
Concerns about his short arms were prominent before and after the draft. Even a strong endorsement from a Hall of Fame offensive tackle couldn’t dispel the doubts.
Stepping up to handle Denver’s fleet of dominant pass-rushers is the only way for Campbell to quiet the critics. It’s a daunting task, but the 22-year-old isn’t lacking for confidence.
Stopping Nik Bonitto the Priority
Maye has taken too many hits this postseason, and most of them have been due to Campbell losing one-on-one pass-rush matchups. That’s a nightmare combination ahead of facing the Broncos and 14-sack edge Nik Bonitto.
Denver’s defense has other talented pass-rushers, like Jonathon Cooper and Zach Allen, who helped the unit lead the NFL with 68 sacks, but Bonitto is the biggest threat. He can’t be allowed to take over this game.
Campbell knows the scale of the challenge, admitting Bonitto is “a good player. They got a bunch of good players across the front, back end, linebackers. It’s a good defense. There’s not really any bad things about any team that’s left this late in the season,” per Patriots on CLNS.
“He’s a good player. They got a bunch of good players across the front, back end, linebackers. It’s a good defense. There’s not really any bad things about any team that’s left this late in the season.” – @CLNSMedia
That’s a fairly generic answer, but Campbell didn’t look nor sound worried about squaring off against Bonitto. He can’t afford any false confidence, so McDaniels will need to provide Campbell with help, even if it impacts the game-plan.
Some believe the Broncos’ defense is “overrated” and can be beaten by a simple formation. Unfortunately, using that scheme will be difficult if McDaniels is regularly taking away a potential receiver to help chip Bonitto and Cooper.
Using run-heavy sets with two tight ends or an extra offensive tackle might be the best way to protect Campbell, build a play-action passing game and slow Bonitto and Co. Ultimately though, Campbell will still face some one-on-one reps.
He must hold up to help the Patriots avoid difficult decisions about a player drafted to be a franchise linchpin.
Patriots Get ‘Hall of Fame’ Advice About Will Campbell