Watching New England Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell getting beat routinely in Super Bowl LX prompted a key free agent on the New York Giants’ much-improved offensive line to speak out.
Starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor replied to a critique about how Campbell was failing to handle the pass rush of the Seattle Seahawks. The damning verdict came from former Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko, who said, “This is why they drilled Will Campbell about his arm length as a tackle. The NFL will expose deficiencies in players and if you can’t keep guys off of you as a OL they will expose you.”
Eluemunor, who played for the Patriots in 2019 and ’20, replied, “Tbh I don’t have the longest arms either now do I think it’s important yea but more so he’s not setting accordingly to the alignment of the Seattle Edges.”
That’s pointed analysis from someone who knows all about the difficulties and nuances of playing offensive line in the NFL. Eluemunor’s words also offer a cautionary tale of sorts to the Giants, who may look to take a lineman with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Patriots adopted the same strategy with Campbell last year, but his Super Bowl struggles show using a high pick up front is no guarantee of success. Eluemunor’s recent rise to becoming a fixture along a more competent line also prove less-heralded players can solve what was long a major problem for the Giants.
Downsides of Will Campbell Plan Not Lost on Giants
Campbell went to the Patriots one pick after the Giants had drafted edge-rusher Abdul Carter third-overall. A case could’ve been made the Giants needed Campbell more, given both their longstanding issues along the O-line and the presence of outside linebackers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux already on the roster.
Yet, Campbell’s nightmare postseason run will have Giants general manager Joe Schoen glad he took Carter instead. The latter had problems with his professionalism as a rookie, as well as a few issues with technique and production on the field, but Carter is still a viable playmaker with plenty of upside.
It’s a different story for Campbell, whom “Next Gen Stats attributed 14 QB Pressures Allowed to,” according to NFL Network’s Jack Andrade. He noted this is “the most pressures allowed by any player in a game this season (including playoffs).”
Campbell was toyed with by gifted pass-rushers throughout these playoffs. The 22-year-old resembled anything but the linchpin blindside protector he was drafted to become.
A lineman drafted in the top 10 not making the grade is a problem the Giants know all about. It’s what happened after Schoen used the seventh pick in 2022 to take Evan Neal off the board.
The blow of Neal not being able to make the right tackle spot his own was softened by Eluemunor’s performances.
Jermaine Eluemunor a Key Decision in Free Agency
Eluemunor has earned the right to receive a decent payday from the Giants. Provided he fits what new head coach John Harbaugh and his staff want in the trenches.
Harbaugh hired a replacement for Eluemunor’s popular former line coach Carmen Bricillo. A newcomer with ample experience designing blocking for a power-based running game.
This approach should suit 6-foot-4, 338-pounder Eluemunor. His frame, brute force and ability to play both tackle and guard make the 31-year-old someone the Giants ought to keep.
Building around the strength of their line, Eluemunor and left tackle Andrew Thomas, may be a better strategy for the Giants than looking for another Campbell in this year’s draft.
Giants Free Agent Speaks Out About Super Bowl Flop Will Campbell