New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel answers questions from the media during the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Patriots were sold on Will Campbell after he 'punched' Mike Vrabel

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 10:33 PM ET

The New England Patriots gave Will Campbell an unorthodox final test ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. The LSU offensive tackle passed it with little room for doubt.

On Thursday, the Patriots used the fourth overall pick in the draft to select Campbell. Reports emerged shortly after about the Patriots’ final meeting with Campbell in Baton Rouge that virtually sealed the union for New England.

Vrabel, a former NFL linebacker for over a decade, wanted to get an up-close and personal look at Campbell. The Patriots coach reportedly put on a blocking pad and challenged Campbell to contain him as if Vrabel were an oncoming defender looking to stop the run. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Campbell “punched” Vrabel in the chest so hard that he knocked his future coach flat on his behind.

Our hit from the ABC Draft on how ⁦Will Campbell of ⁦LSU aced his job interview by punching his future boss, Mike Vrabel, and knocking him over on his derrière. Vrabel loved it. Campbell became a Patriot. pic.twitter.com/8OooMAqcYM
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 25, 2025

Vrabel and the rest of the Patriots’ brass were pretty much convinced after that.

“I realize I’m pretty close to 50,” Vrabel said of getting bested by Campbell, via The Athletic. “If that tape ever gets out, people are going to have some problems. I hope that tape never sees the light of day. But I think it was important for me to get out there and feel them, feel every player that we evaluated at the line of scrimmage.”

Campbell also has an impressive head on his shoulders. The LSU star went viral in his final college season over a tremendous quote about the burden of being an offensive lineman.

Between his eloquent answers and physical gifts, it’s no wonder the Patriots made him the first tackle off the board on Thursday.

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

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