Coach Says Rookie Will Campbell Stays at Left Tackle

Coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots says that rookie Will Campbell will continue to play left tackle. This is happening even though some people have talked about his performance after a recent game.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has stated the team will keep rookie left tackle Will Campbell at his position, despite criticism following a recent Super Bowl loss and concerns about his performance. Campbell, a high draft pick, faced questions about his readiness and potential switch to guard or center.

Context: A Rookie Season Under the Microscope

The New England Patriots' decision regarding Will Campbell's future position at left tackle has become a focal point after the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Campbell, selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the previous NFL draft, experienced a rookie season marked by challenges.

  • Performance in Super Bowl LX: The championship game saw Campbell involved in multiple blocking miscues.

  • Pre-Draft Expectations: Prior to the draft, some NFL teams had projected Campbell as a guard coming out of LSU, fueling speculation about his best fit.

  • Post-Game Reaction: Following the Super Bowl loss, discussions on social media questioned Campbell's role. He also declined to speak with reporters immediately after the game.

  • Coach's Perspective: Coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the attention Campbell received, comparing the pressure to that faced by quarterbacks, cornerbacks, and even head coaches.

Vrabel's Defense of Campbell

Coach Mike Vrabel has publicly supported Will Campbell, asserting the team's commitment to his development at left tackle. In his season-ending news conference, Vrabel stated:

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"Will is 22 years old, he's our left tackle, he'll get better, he'll get stronger."

This declaration directly addresses the speculation about moving Campbell to other positions like guard or center. Vrabel’s remarks also suggested that the Patriots’ overall performance may have surpassed expectations, while also learning valuable lessons about winning.

Evidence of Struggles and Support

While Coach Vrabel is publicly backing Will Campbell, reports indicate the rookie faced significant challenges during his first season.

  • Pass Blocking Performance: One analysis noted that while Campbell did assist on two fumbles by quarterback Drake Maye, he also struggled to consistently protect his quarterback. The report highlighted that Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. combined for five sacks of Maye and forced three fumbles, some of which were attributed to issues in pass protection. Campbell's pass block grade was reportedly 76.1, ranking 23rd.

  • Injury Concerns: Earlier in the season, November 24, 2025, Campbell suffered a knee injury, requiring him to be carted off the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. At the time, Coach Vrabel expressed optimism about Campbell’s potential return that season, suggesting it was a knee sprain. The team also dealt with injuries to other offensive linemen, such as left guard Jared Wilson.

  • Draft Narrative: The Patriots' selection of Campbell was not met with widespread excitement, as his position is often considered less flashy. His talent became a more prominent talking point after the Combine and his Pro Day, but some believe these events did not fully showcase his abilities as a left tackle.

Public Opinion and Team Direction

The team's decision to keep Campbell at left tackle appears to be a strategic one, aiming for stability at a critical position. However, public discourse shows varied opinions:

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  • Concerns about Fit: Some fans had hoped the Patriots might pursue other options, especially considering the resources invested to draft Campbell.

  • Media Commentary: Not all analysts are convinced by the Patriots' outlook, with some questioning the team's potential as AFC favorites for the upcoming season.

  • Coach's Commitment: Despite external debate, Vrabel's statements indicate a clear directive: Campbell remains the team's left tackle, with a focus on his continued development and improvement.

The "Punch" Incident and Draft Day Interest

A notable anecdote from April 25, 2025, describes Will Campbell making a strong impression on Mike Vrabel during the pre-draft process. Reports suggest Campbell’s passion and determination, even described metaphorically as "punching Mike Vrabel in the chest," conveyed a commitment that resonated with the coaching staff. This emotional display reportedly solidified Vrabel's interest in Campbell, signaling his readiness for the challenges of protecting the franchise quarterback. This event, coupled with the team’s draft strategy, which involved securing Campbell over other potential prospects, underscores the organization's belief in his long-term potential.

Conclusion: Stability and Development

Coach Mike Vrabel has firmly committed to Will Campbell as the New England Patriots' left tackle for the foreseeable future. This stance comes despite a rookie season that included notable struggles, public scrutiny, and pre-draft projections that varied on his positional fit. Vrabel’s public assurances emphasize the team's belief in Campbell’s ability to improve and strengthen in the role. While injuries presented hurdles and some media commentary remains skeptical, the organization appears focused on developing its high draft pick. The team's strategic decision to invest in Campbell and publicly back his current position signals a clear path forward for the offensive line, prioritizing continuity and growth for their young tackle.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Will Campbell keep playing left tackle?
Yes, Coach Mike Vrabel said the team will keep him there.
Q: Why are people talking about Will Campbell?
Some people were not happy with how he played in a recent game, and some teams thought he might be better at another spot.
Q: What does the coach think?
Coach Vrabel believes Will Campbell is young and will get better at his job.
Q: Was Will Campbell hurt?
Yes, he had a knee injury earlier in the season.