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Mike Vrabel defends much-criticized Patriots rookie

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Feb 10, 2026 1:29 PM ET

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel offered a passionate defense of a rookie player who took a lot of heat for his playoff performances.

Left tackle Will Campbell, the team’s fourth overall pick in last year’s draft, had a brutal postseason, culminating in a Super Bowl in which he allowed a season-worst 14 pressures. The rookie offensive lineman has Vrabel’s full support, however.

“Will is 22 years old. He’s our left tackle. He’ll get better. He’ll get stronger,” Vrabel told reporters Tuesday. “There’s plays he’d like to have back. We’re not moving Will to guard, center, tight end or anywhere else.”

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel with a strong defense of rookie LT Will Campbell amid criticism: “Will is 22 years old. He’s our left tackle. He’ll get better. He’ll get stronger… there’s plays he’d like to have back. We’re not moving Will to guard, center, tight end or anywhere else.”
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 10, 2026

Campbell himself admitted he played through a torn knee ligament and was not 100 percent during the playoffs.

Will Campbell said he tore a ligament in his knee this season. He wasn’t 100% for the playoffs but said it’s not excuse.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) February 10, 2026

The injury certainly offers some explanation for Campbell’s struggles. He had a rough outing in the AFC Championship, but his Super Bowl performance was even worse. It was bad enough that many were questioning if the Patriots had used the No. 4 overall pick on a bust.

The Patriots’ offensive line as a whole struggled to keep Drake Maye upright in Sunday’s game, and it was the biggest reason for their defeat. Campbell will have to get his confidence back ahead of next season, but he at least has his team behind him.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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