There’s been plenty of debate this offseason about prospect Will Campbell’s arm length – or lack thereof.
After his arms measured below 33 inches at the NFL Combine, there’s been speculation that Campbell is better suited at guard instead of tackle. At LSU, he started every game played at left tackle and was one of the best in college football.
After his arms measured 32 5/8 inches, many wondered if that would affect his draft stock.
However, that doesn’t appear to be the case for Campbell, who’s been linked to the Patriots with the No. 4 overall pick.
On Friday, ESPN released a ’2025 NFL draft buzz’ story which featured multiple tidbits about several prospects. Under the section, ‘What’s the most fascinating thing you heard off pro day workouts,’ Field Yates had a noteworthy quote about the LSU tackle.
“The number of evaluators who are unbothered by Will Campbell’s arm length really stands out to me,” Yates wrote. “I was hard pressed to find an exec or coach who doesn’t view LSU’s Campbell as the best tackle of this class, and those same people told me his length wasn’t a concern on tape. I’m not ignoring his 32 5/8-inch arm length from the Combine, but most people I talked to are bullish on Campbell becoming a really good left tackle. He has excellent footwork, balance, and body control to hold up as a pass protector.”
That’s very noteworthy when it comes to the Patriots.
Entering this draft, left tackle is by far the team’s biggest need. They’re coming off a season where the Patriots allowed 52 total sacks. That’s the sixth most in franchise history and the most allowed in New England since the 1999 Patriots.
This offseason, the team added veteran right tackle Morgan Moses and veteran center Garrett Bradbury. However, the left side of their offensive line doesn’t feature a bona fide starter at left tackle or left guard. Considering that they need to protect Drake Maye, that’s a big issue.
That’s where Campbell could come in.
At the NFL Owners Meetings, Mike Vrabel disputed the notion that Campbell is a guard, saying that his play at left tackle did the talking.
“Yeah, I think you have to,” Vrabel said. “I don’t understand how you can watch him play in the SEC — which is the best conference in college football, against guys that are going to get drafted at that position — so I don’t think you have to project it, you can just actually watch and say there’s the snaps at left tackle, evaluate it, and see what you think.”
That comment wasn’t surprising. At the NFL Combine, sources told MassLive that the Patriots view Campbell as a left tackle.
Does that mean they view Campbell as the best fit at No. 4?
We’ll only learn that on April 24 during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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