Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Patriots OT Will Campbell Named Rookie With Most to Prove

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 12:15 PM ET

Top picks in the NFL Draft are always examined under the microscope with more scrutiny than their peers picked lower in the draft. It has been no different for New England Patriots rookie and No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell.

Campbell played left tackle at Louisiana State University, but according to CBS Sports' Josh Edwards, some are doubting Campbell's ability at the NFL level.

Edwards says that it is all because of his "lack of ideal arm length" for the tackle position, which is why he named him among the top rookies with the most to prove. Campbell measured at 32 5/8 inches at the NFL Combine and 33 inches at the LSU Pro Day.

The same crowd of people who questioned Campbell's capabilities at tackle saw moving him to guard as a potentially more beneficial move, which could "allow him to reach a higher ceiling."

Nonetheless, the Patriots are rolling with the rookie as the bookend to the left side of their line, protecting the franchise's most valuable asset. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

Edwards thinks Campbell is in the right spot, regardless of the opinion of others.

"Personally, I felt as though Campbell should be given the opportunity to begin his professional career at the position upon which he made a name for himself because of the position's value," Edwards wrote.

Campbell will not have an easy road to success this season, going against some of the top pass rushers in all of football. His season kicks off facing Maxx Crosby in week one, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in week two, then Myles Garrett and potentially Trey Hendrickson later in the season.

Until the rookie establishes himself as a pro, Edwards believes his combine measurements will follow him.

"Campbell is an outlier in terms of his measurables and will always carry the doubt in his left tackle capabilities with him," Edwards said.

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

More must-reads: