If you’re using the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft on an offensive tackle, he’d better be good. And so far, Will Campbell appears to be living up to his billing.
The Patriots’ first-round draft pick has delivered solid left tackle play for New England through four games. While he’s made some rookie mistakes (three false starts and one sack allowed), Campbell ranks in the top half of NFL left tackles in pressures allowed (eight, good for 12th out of 40 qualifying tackles) and Pro Football Focus’ pass-block efficiency metric (97.0, good for 13th among 40 qualifying tackles).
He ranks higher than two fellow first-round offensive tackles — Kelvin Banks of the New Orleans Saints and Josh Simmons of the Kansas City Chiefs — in both metrics.
NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo, who co-hosts the Check the Mic podcast, joined Patriots Insider Phil Perry on the Next Pats Podcast and explained why Campbell’s play to date is a very good sign for his future.
“There were some rookie tackles who had disastrous starts to their careers,” Palazzolo noted. “I think if you’re a (rookie) tackle and you’re at least average to solid, it’s very encouraging.”
Campbell hasn’t faced much elite competition so far this season, and as Palazzolo pointed out, the LSU product could have his hands full Sunday night with Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau, who excels against offensive tackles with shorter wingspans.
But overall, Palazzolo believes Campbell has the foundation to be a very good NFL left tackle.
“The biggest question for Campbell was the arm length thing, which, it’s a real thing. It’s worth debating,” Palazzolo said. “… So, when he plays some better pass rushers, does he pass that test? Particularly the longer, more powerful (pass rushers) that theoretically Will Campbell should struggle with.
“But I’ll say this: I’ve been very impressed with his ability to hold up so far at the NFL level, to anchor in pass protection. I think his movement skills and just overall technique in the run game is fantastic and will continue to grow, especially when him and (rookie left guard) Jared Wilson play more as the year goes on and Wilson’s healthy. I think they could be a really good run-blocking duo next to each other. So, I’m really encouraged by New England’s offensive line overall.
“Will Campbell’s progress — I’m predicting some hiccups here and there against better competition, but that doesn’t mean you throw it out. I think Will Campbell is absolutely the left tackle of the future.”
If Campbell lives up to that billing, that would be an excellent development for a Patriots team trying to build a winner around Drake Maye.
Also in this episode:
- Is Drake Maye’s level of play sustainable?
- Seeing the results of the Patriots setting Drake Maye up for success
- Will other teams start scheming to slow down Stefon Diggs?
- Which NFL QB is the best comp to Drake Maye?
- “Who’s Next?!” & Mailbag
