New England made Campbell the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the days leading up the 2025 NFL Draft, it became increasingly clear that the New England Patriots would end up selecting LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick.
For the Patriots, it was the culmination of a process that had started several months ago. For Campbell, it was more than that.
It was ending up in his dream landing spot.
As the 21-year-old said during an introductory call with the New England media shortly after getting picked on Thursday night, landing with the organization was his hope from the get-go. He even told them as much when they visited with him during the 2024 season.
“This is where I wanted to be since the start. Eliot Wolf came to my practice in probably Week 5 of the season, and I told him this is where I wanted to be,” Campbell explained.
“I told him and area scout Alex Brooks that I wanted to be a Patriot, and that happened in the middle of the season. I’ve had great interactions with everybody throughout the process. A lot of them — private workouts, 30 visit, just being up there and meeting everybody. This is where I wanted to be, and I’m just super excited to get there.”
What did the Patriots offer that Campbell was so attracted to, though? He mentioned the team’s history, and his memories watching the team dominate growing up.
He also pointed at the the culture that is being built in Foxborough under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
“I believe in the guys in that locker room. I believe in the quarterback,” Campbell said. “And Coach Vrabel, he’s my kind of guy. He’s all ball and no BS, and that’s what I want to play for. He’s very hands-on. He loves the players that he coaches, and I just want to be a part of that.”
A 38-game starter at LSU and consensus All-American last season, Campbell is expected to fill New England’s vacant left tackle spot upon his arrival. Explaining his play style as “nasty” he vowed to bring the same high energy to the Patriots that he showcased regularly during his three-year college career.
“I’m going to go out there and give everything I have every single play,” he said. “Protect my teammates, protect my quarterback and just put the Patriots in the best position possible to help them win games on Sundays.”