Unstoppable Force: Patriots Rookie’s Preseason Performance Sparks Buzz and Raises Big Questions

So, the New England Patriots have already locked in their quarterback of the future — but here’s the million-dollar question: can they keep him standing tall long enough to actually matter? Enter Will Campbell, LSU’s top offensive tackle prospect, who the Pats scooped up early in the 2025 draft. Now, skeptics might raise an eyebrow at his size — or the lack thereof — but if his preseason debut is any indication, this kid’s technique and tenacity more than make up for any perceived shortfalls. Campbell logged an eye-popping 85.4 PFF grade without allowing a single pressure on just eight snaps. Sure, it’s preseason—tiny sample size, yada yada—but man, what a start! If New England’s going to turn the page on some frustrating seasons, building from the trenches up with a guy like Campbell could be the first thrilling chapter in their comeback story.

(Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots had already found their quarterback of the future.

Now, they just need to keep him safe.

That’s why they didn’t hesitate to take LSU standout Will Campbell, the highest-ranked offensive tackle in his class, so early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

And while some were worried about his size – or lack thereof – the young tackle held his ground perfectly in his first taste of NFL action.

As pointed out by PFF on X, Campbell logged an 85.4 PFF grade, giving up zero pressures in eight pass-blocking snaps.

Will Campbell in his NFL debut:

85.4 PFF grade
8 pass-blocking snaps
0 pressures allowed pic.twitter.com/RA05Cz81Ca

— PFF (@PFF) August 10, 2025

Granted, this was just the preseason, and the sample size was quite limited, so we should take these numbers with a grain of salt.

Nevertheless, there was nothing not to like about his tape.

The Patriots have high hopes for Drake Maye in his first full season as a starter, and keeping him out of harm’s way will be crucial for that.

He was constantly running for his life and running into collapsed pockets last season, taking some major hits along the way.

Campbell might not be the biggest specimen at the position, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with unmatched effort and elite technique, not to mention impressive strength.

The Patriots have endured some frustrating seasons, and they’re not used to being in this type of position.

But all good teams are built in the trenches, and adding a stout pass-blocker of Campbell’s caliber to the mix might be the first step on the road back to contention.

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