Four Thoughts After First-Rounder Will Campbell Introduced By Patriots
FOXBORO, Mass. — Will Campbell talked the talk and he’s expects himself to soon walk the walk.
One day after the New England Patriots drafted Campbell with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the towering left tackle was introduced at Gillette Stadium.
Here are a few thoughts after Campbell’s introduction and 10-minute press conference:
The Patriots found someone who wanted to play for them
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is on record stating he wants players who want to play in New England. Those players had been hard to come by in recent years. But Vrabel entered Foxboro, Mass., with the vision of seeking out those who welcome toughness and togetherness. Those who need sunshine all year round won’t work on Route One.
Well, they found what they were looking for in Campbell. Campbell stressed his desire and want to play for the Patriots. The LSU product told Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf midway through his final season in Baton Rouge, when Wolf traveled to watch Campbell practice. Campbell on Friday went into detail into why he felt that way.
“The biggest thing for me was I wanted to play for an organization that had history, that cared, that wants to win,” Campbell said. “That’s the thing for me. I want to come in and I want to win, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. And, you know, Drake (Maye) is a heck of a player. I’m super excited to build our relationship. Coach Vrabel is a guy that I want to play for. This is an organization — the proof is in the pudding with this place. That’s something I want to be a part of.”
It won’t be long until Campbell is wearing the captain’s patch
A captain for the Tigers during his sophomore and junior seasons, it’s easy to envision Campbell holding that title again in the near future. He’s impressive. Campbell is the culture builder and leader that Vrabel had his eyes on, proving as much with his messaging.
Take this quote, for example: “Culture is everything. Culture wins you games. That goes through any stage of any sport — high school, college, NFL. That’s what’s going to set you up for success in the long run. So whenever you have that bond, the trust in the guy next to you and that relationship, you’re willing to do whatever to make sure that you succeed and not let the guy next to you down. That’s something that I’m all about. I want everybody on the field to know that I’m going to give them everything I have. I want them to have full trust in me that I’m going to execute my job. And let’s just go win some games.”
Or this one: “I think I’m a very personable guy. One thing about me is I can relate to anybody. Coming from Louisiana, you have a chance to meet all different types of people and I’m able to create a relationship with whoever that might be. I’m able to understand people no matter where they come from, who they are. I’m just a personable guy. … In the locker room, I just want everybody to give their best every single day, expect the best out of each other and just push each other to the best of each other’s ability.”
Campbell will be tasked to walk the walk later this spring.
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Campbell not taking tackle opportunity for granted
Campbell had conversations with NFL teams about transitioning inside to guard due to his lack of length. The Patriots, however, intend to give Campbell every opportunity to win the starting job at left tackle. Campbell is thankful for such belief.
“It’s a pretty cool opportunity to have,” Campbell said. “I’m just super thankful for them giving me this opportunity, them believing in me. I’m super excited for what the future holds here.”
This under-the-radar veteran made a nice gesture
Campbell will keep No. 66 as he begins his Patriots tenure, courtesy of veteran offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer. Schweitzer, who signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in March, agreed to give up the number he was given earlier this offseason.
Campbell has worn the number since his freshman year of high school.
“That number has gone with me as I’ve grown as a player, and I continue to grow as a player,” Campbell said. “So, I’m just super thankful that Wes was able to let me wear that and that it all just worked out. I’m just looking forward to it.”
The 2025 NFL Draft will continue Friday night with the second and third rounds. Keep up on all the Patriots picks (Nos. 38, 69, 77) here.