Will Campbell, a former standout OT for the LSU Tigers, finally shuts down ridiculous criticism after being drafted by the New England Patriots to defend Drake Maye.

Will Campbell, a former standout offensive tackle (OT) for the LSU Tigers, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism since entering the spotlight as a college football star. However, the recent announcement of his being drafted by the New England Patriots, where he is set to play a crucial role in defending rising quarterback Drake Maye, has provided the perfect opportunity for Campbell to silence his detractors and prove his worth in the NFL. This long-awaited moment of vindication comes after a series of relentless and, in many ways, unfair critiques that followed Campbell throughout his collegiate career and into the early stages of his professional trajectory.

Will Campbell’s journey to the NFL was not a straight path. Born and raised in Louisiana, Campbell was a high school football prodigy who quickly became known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism. He enrolled at LSU, one of the most storied programs in college football history, as a highly-rated recruit, and the expectations that came with it were immense.

During his time at LSU, Campbell was able to showcase his skills as a dominant offensive lineman. At 6’6” and 320 pounds, Campbell had all the physical traits scouts dream about in an offensive tackle: length, power, and quick feet for his size. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and open up lanes in the run game made him a foundational piece of the LSU offense. However, despite his obvious talent, Campbell found himself frequently the target of criticisms that were often based on perceptions rather than objective analysis.

It’s easy to look at a player of Campbell’s caliber and think that the criticism is either unwarranted or exaggerated. Unfortunately, in Campbell’s case, a number of these critiques stemmed from factors outside of his control. One key criticism throughout his college career was that Campbell wasn’t dominant enough in pass protection. However, what many failed to consider was the situation surrounding him—namely, the inconsistent quarterback play at LSU during his time there. A poor quarterback performance can put a lot of strain on an offensive lineman, especially one tasked with protecting the blind side.

Further complicating matters were injuries to key players on the offensive line, which meant Campbell was often playing alongside players who weren’t as well-suited to their positions. This disrupted the cohesion of the LSU offensive line and contributed to the struggles that often led to sacks or pressures on the quarterback.

Additionally, there was a tendency among critics to focus too heavily on Campbell’s occasional struggles against elite edge rushers. In college football, every player faces challenges, and Campbell’s was no exception. However, the intense criticism he faced for these moments seemed disproportionate when considering that even NFL-caliber players struggle at times against the best in the business.

Despite the unfair criticisms, Will Campbell’s undeniable talent did not go unnoticed by NFL scouts. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Campbell was selected by the New England Patriots, an organization known for its strong emphasis on developing offensive linemen and protecting its quarterbacks. The Patriots’ decision to draft Campbell is a testament to his skill set and potential, as they clearly saw in him the ability to thrive in their system.

The news of Campbell being drafted by the Patriots was welcomed with much anticipation, particularly because he was joining a team with a longstanding reputation for offensive line excellence. Campbell’s first major assignment as a Patriot is one that will likely shape the trajectory of his NFL career: protecting quarterback Drake Maye, the future star the Patriots plan to build around.

Maye, who had an exceptional college career at North Carolina, enters the NFL with high expectations. A prototypical pocket passer with the skills to lead a franchise, Maye’s ability to thrive in the NFL will largely depend on the protection he receives from his offensive line. As a high draft pick, it’s clear that the Patriots have high hopes for both Maye and Campbell, seeing them as complementary pieces to build an offense around. The importance of Campbell’s role in defending Maye, particularly in providing him with the necessary protection to execute plays, cannot be overstated.

With the pressure of protecting an emerging star like Maye comes the weight of proving all of his critics wrong. Campbell, however, seems poised to meet the challenge head-on. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and an ability to respond positively to adversity, qualities that have helped him overcome the harsh and often misguided critiques levied against him.

First, Campbell’s physical attributes give him a distinct advantage at the next level. His size and strength make him a formidable presence on the line, and his quick feet and agility allow him to stay in front of defenders even when they try to take unconventional angles. These traits, combined with the Patriots’ reputation for developing linemen, should help Campbell elevate his game to the next level.

Additionally, Campbell has proven himself to be a student of the game. In college, he displayed an ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continue to improve his play. It was often said that Campbell worked relentlessly on his technique, recognizing the areas of his game that needed improvement and addressing them with determination. This level of self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement will serve him well as he steps into the pressure cooker of the NFL.

By all accounts, Campbell’s transition into the Patriots’ system has been smooth thus far. Reports from training camp indicate that he has been thriving under the guidance of offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, a respected figure known for his ability to develop young talent. Through disciplined coaching, Campbell has been refining his skills in both pass protection and run blocking, demonstrating his readiness to take on the challenges of playing in the NFL.

The relationship between a quarterback and his offensive line is crucial for the success of an offense. For a rookie quarterback like Drake Maye, having an experienced and capable offensive line is essential to his development. Maye’s ability to settle into the NFL will depend on how well his offensive line—led by Campbell—protects him from opposing pass rushers.

Will Campbell’s role is pivotal for Maye’s growth, especially considering the challenges that come with being a young quarterback in the NFL. Defensive coordinators will likely test Maye early on, sending blitzes and stunts to try and throw him off his rhythm. The Patriots need Campbell to be a steady force on the left side of the offensive line, ensuring that Maye has time to go through his progressions and make plays. With Campbell’s ability to handle elite pass rushers and protect the pocket, Maye should have a better chance of staying upright and succeeding in his rookie campaign.

Will Campbell’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. The criticism he faced in college often overshadowed his accomplishments, but the draft selection by the New England Patriots marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career—one in which his potential will finally be realized.

With the chance to defend Drake Maye and protect a rising star quarterback, Campbell is in a position to shut down the critics once and for all. His skill, determination, and commitment to improvement will be on full display as he enters the NFL, and with the Patriots backing him, it’s clear that the sky is the limit for Will Campbell.

This season, as he lines up to protect Maye’s blind side, Campbell will be able to demonstrate to the world exactly what he’s capable of—proving that all the criticisms he faced along the way were nothing more than obstacles on his path to greatness.