After watching the offensive line get demolished every week last season, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel made a concerted effort to upgrade the offensive line in free agency and to start the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the No. 4 overall pick, the Patriots took former LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell, who will have the tall task of protecting Drake Maye’s blindside. Patriots fans were pleased with the pick as they know that for this team to find success in 2025, Maye must be protected and have a clean pocket to throw from.
On Friday, Campbell met with the Boston media for the first time and told them how one Patriots veteran has already made a big change for the rookie.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Campbell thanked veteran offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer for allowing him to wear the No. 66. The rookie lineman wore the No. 66 all four years at LSU.
Will Campbell thanks veteran OL Wes Schweitzer for allowing him to wear No. 66.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 25, 2025
Schweitzer, the former Jet who was signed to a one-year deal as a free agent, had been assigned No. 66 in March.
Reiss adds that Schweitzer was signed to a one-year deal in free agency after spending the last two years with the New York Jets. Even though it's a small gesture, it's good to see the rookie offensive lineman already getting familiar with his teammates.
Patriots fans expect Campbell to develop into a perennial Pro Bowl and hopefully All-Pro at the tackle spot. Last season, New England fans had to sit through the Vederian Lowe experience, which was not fun to watch as he allowed five sacks and was penalized 13 times.
The good news for New England fans is that the rookie shouldn’t be that bad in his first year, especially since the team upgraded other spots on the line (Morgan Moses – right tackle and Garrett Bradbury – center).
Patriots fans won’t have to wait long to see Campbell wear the No. 66 as New England will have rookie minicamp sometime during the first two weeks of May.