Despite being regarded as one of the best prospects in the 2025 NFL draft, left tackle Will Campbell dealt with critiques about his arm length throughout the draft process. Teams typically prefer their left tackles to have at least a 33-inch arm length, as longer arms give tackles better leverage against a pass rusher. At the combine, Campbell’s arm length measured 32⅝ inches, then 33 inches at his LSU pro day.
Campbell’s arm length didn’t matter to the New England Patriots, as they selected him fourth overall in this year’s draft. This decision looks better with every passing game, as Campbell has established himself as the anchor of the offensive line in just seven appearances.
Will Campbell Has Already Exceeded Expectations
Rookie left tackles often struggle adjusting to the heightened level of talent in the NFL. So far, this hasn’t been the case for Campbell, who’s managed to hold his own against some of the best pass rushers the league has to offer. Campbell has allowed just two sacks and ten hurries in 270 drop-backs.
His 68.3 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 30th out of 77 tackles, whereas his 73.4 pass blocking grade ranks 23rd. Although these aren’t elite-level numbers, it is impressive given he’s gone up against some of the best pass rushers in the league: Maxx Crosby, Bradley Chubb, T.J. Watt, and Joey Bosa.
Campbell’s solid play has played a big role in transforming what was a horrendous offensive line. Although the sack numbers would suggest the Patriots haven’t improved, as they rank 27th in sacks allowed (22), their pass protection is far greater than it was just a season ago. According to PFF, the Patriots’ 2024 pass blocking grade was 52.2, which ranked 31st; however, this year their 72.1 pass block grade ranks second.
Quarterback Drake Maye has thrived thanks to Campbell and the offensive line’s improved pass protection. His time to throw has increased from 2.74 seconds last year to 2.83 seconds this year, per Next Gen Stats. Maye looks a lot more comfortable now that he’s dealing with better protection and has showcased his dual-threat ability, which has vaulted him into MVP conversations.
Any worries or concerns Patriots fans had about Campbell should be thrown out of the window. He’s proven that his one flaw is irrelevant compared to the dominance he displays every week. Campbell promised he would die protecting Maye, and he’s lived by his word thus far.
If the Patriots are to win Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, Campbell must prove himself once again, as he will be tasked with containing the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.