Drake Maye gives a vote of confidence for Will Campbell after playoff struggles

Will Campbell entered the 2025 season as New England’s rookie left tackle after being drafted fourth overall from LSU. He initially protected Drake Maye’s blind side as the Patriots began to find their stride, but he faced growing pains against elite pass-rushers, especially after returning from a torn MCL. Although cleared for the postseason, he was repeatedly put under duress in games versus the Chargers, Texans, Broncos, and Seahawks. His toughest outing came in Super Bowl LX against Seattle, where Next Gen Stats recorded 14 pressures allowed, the most by any player in a game that season. Maye was sacked six times and hit 11 other times in the 29-13 loss. Questions remain about Campbell’s long-term role, including whether a move to guard could help, but Maye endorsed his mindset and understanding of the league.

"Will Campbell had a playoff run to forget earlier this year. The rookie left tackle showcased his potential early on in 2025 after New England drafted him fourth overall out of LSU, protecting Drake Maye's blind side as the Patriots started to find their collective stride out on the field. But, the 22-year-old offensive lineman also went through his expected share of growing pains against some elite pass-rushers - with those struggles becoming more and more prominent after Campbell returned from a torn MCL."

"Campbell was cleared to play in the postseason, but was regularly put under duress in matchups against the Chargers, Texans, Broncos, and Seahawks. Unfortunately for New England, Campbell's worst performance came on the highest stage in Super Bowl LX against Seattle. According to Next Gen Stats, Campbell was knocked a whopping 14 pressures against the Seahawks - an unsightly statline that stood as the most pressures allowed by any player in a game this season, including the playoffs."

"In total, Maye was sacked six times and hit on 11 other occasions during New England's eventual 29-13 loss at Levi's Stadium. That sour end to a promising season for Campbell has raised plenty of questions this offseason over Campbell's long-term outlook as New England's franchise left tackle - and whether or not he might be better served shifting to guard if his struggles continue."

""Will has got a great mindset. I think he kind of understands the business and what this league is about," Maye said. "He kind of [had] a similar experience to me. Obviously, the seasons tha" "I think he's got a little bit of extra motivation for himself to prove to us and prove to himself he can be one of the best players in this league at his position.""

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