Patriots make smart move by drafting Will Campbell to give quarterback Drake Maye a reliable long-term protector

FOXBOROUGH, Mass - The New England Patriots' first-round pick is officially in!

With the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.

Campbell has been linked to the Patriots throughout most of the pre-draft process, and it has been a done deal that he would be playing in Foxborough.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added that the Patriots staff recently traveled to Louisiana ahead of the draft to visit with Campbell.

Everything to know about Will Campbell

The Patriots needed some protection for Drake Maye, and they got their guy in Campbell. The LSU tackle is considered to be the perfect fit for Vrabel's system.

Specifically when asked what he likes about the game of football, Campbell's answer was amazing.

"I like the violence. I like to hit. My dad had us playing tackle football with high schoolers across the yard in my house when I was like 5 years old. So I've always enjoyed the physicality of the game and playing offensive line," he explained on SiriusXMNFL per ESPN's Mike Reiss. "The brotherhood and the camaraderie that comes within that position group is something that I love, too. The bonds that you form in that room is special. Those are probably two of my favorite things. And I love to win.”

A to Z Sports' Destin Adams provided some additional information on what Campbell brings to the Patriots.

"The consensus top offensive lineman in this year's class is LSU’s Will Campbell. He had a strong college career, and he became one of the most trusted players on LSU's roster. Some argue that he is too small to play tackle at the NFL level but he has started three years in the SEC, dominating against some soon to be first round edge rushers. Sometimes, I think teams put too much stock into size requirements when a player is obviously talented enough to warrant being a bit smaller than they would like. Campbell is undoubtedly one of those cases, in my opinion. I would keep him at tackle and allow him to protect the QB blind spot from day one of his pro career without any hesitation," Adams wrote.