Will Campbell was the Patriots’ fourth overall draft pick in 2025 out of LSU. He immediately won the Patriots’ fanbase over with his draft interview, where he said, “I’m going to fight and die to protect (Drake Maye).”
Campbell put together a good regular season. Per Pro Football Focus, Campbell was given a 76.1 passing blocking grade (23rd among tackles) and a 67.7 run blocking grade (39th among tackles). He also allowed five sacks and 26 pressures during the regular season. His rookie campaign was far from perfect, but he showed promise for the future, especially for a 22-year-old kid. His rookie season was cut short in the Cincinnati Bengals game, where it looked like he could be done for the year. He was sidelined for four weeks and made his return a week before the playoffs started. The severity of his injury was kept rather quiet because the Patriots kept him off the injured reserve list.
Will Campbell’s Return To Action Needs To Be Discussed
Campbell’s Rough Start To The Playoffs
Will Campbell has had his hands full in the first two rounds of the playoffs. He’s had to deal with the likes of Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, Danielle Hunter, and Will Anderson Jr. That’s a tough task for any tackle, but it’s been particularly difficult for Campbell so far.
#Patriots LT Will Campbell against the Texans (via PFF):
🔹34 Pass Block Snaps
🔹2 Sacks (Team High)
🔹0 QB Hits
🔹4 Pressures (Team High)
🔹2 Hurries
🔹16.5 Pass Block Grade🔹31 Run Block Snaps
🔹65.5 Run Block Grade🔹45.8 Offensive Grade
The rookie needs to step up. pic.twitter.com/4jGN0ZHAXT
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) January 20, 2026
Will Campbell in 2 playoff games has allowed 9 pressures, 6 hurries and 3 sacks. The 4th overall pick had a 16.5 pass blocking grade from @PFF against Houston. New England will need him to be better in Denver pic.twitter.com/21jNPI7ttF
— Brady Penn (@bradypenn21) January 19, 2026
He looks a step slower and not as powerful as he did before his injury. It’s fair to assume he is still recovering from that knee injury, but the playoffs are not the time to ramp up. He simply needs to be better against another great pass rush in the Denver Broncos. If the Patriots are able to advance to the Super Bowl, Campbell will get another week to rest, but he needs to do a better job of protecting Drake Maye immediately. The Broncos’ pass-rushing duo of Nik Bonito and Jonathan Cooper has been wreaking havoc all year long. The Broncos lead the NFL in total sacks this year with 68. Will Campbell has had to play some of the best rushers the league has to offer so far in the postseason. That remains the case this Sunday in Denver.