The New England Patriots’ 2025 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for a franchise looking to rebuild and restore its former glory. At the heart of their strategy was the selection of LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick, a choice that head coach Mike Vrabel described as “an easy pick.” But how did Campbell, a 21-year-old from Monroe, Louisiana, become the cornerstone of the Patriots’ draft class? This is the inside story of how Will Campbell became the Patriots’ first-round pick.
A Franchise in Need of Stability
The Patriots entered the 2025 offseason with a clear priority: protect quarterback Drake Maye, their 2024 first-round pick, and address the glaring instability at left tackle. The 2024 season exposed a revolving door at the position, with players like Vederian Lowe, Demontrey Jacobs, Chukwuma Okorafor, and Caedan Wallace struggling to provide consistent protection. Pro Football Focus ranked Lowe and Jacobs 102nd and 138th, respectively, among 141 offensive tackles, underscoring the dire need for a franchise left tackle.
Mike Vrabel, hired as head coach after Jerod Mayo’s firing, brought a clear vision to Foxboro. A former linebacker known for his toughness and football acumen, Vrabel prioritized building a physical, dependable offensive line to support Maye and revive the Patriots’ winning culture. At the NFL Combine in February 2025, Vrabel hinted at the team’s direction, emphasizing the need to restore the franchise’s identity after years of dysfunction.
Discovering Will Campbell
The Patriots’ interest in Campbell began early in the 2024 college football season. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf attended an LSU practice around Week 5, where Campbell, a three-year starter at left tackle, caught his attention. Campbell, a Monroe native who had never visited New England before his pre-draft process, boldly told Wolf and area scout Alex Brooks, “This is where I wanted to be.” His confidence and alignment with the Patriots’ storied history resonated with the front office.
Campbell’s on-field resume was impressive. A four-star recruit, he enrolled early at LSU and started every game but two over three seasons, earning the prestigious No. 7 jersey in 2024, awarded to LSU’s most electric playmaker. In 2023, blocking for Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, Campbell didn’t allow a single sack, conceding only five quarterback hits and 12 hurries. In 2024, he led all draft-eligible tackles with 229 true pass sets, allowing zero sacks and just 12 pressures.
However, Campbell’s measurables raised eyebrows. His wingspan, measured at 77 3/8 inches, was shorter than the typical NFL tackle’s, leading some scouts to project him as a guard. Despite this, Vrabel and the Patriots saw Campbell as a left tackle, citing his performance against elite SEC competition. “I don’t understand how you can watch him play in the SEC, the best conference in college football, against guys that are going to get drafted, and project him anywhere else,” Vrabel said at the NFL league meetings in March 2025.
The Vrabel Connection
The turning point came during a private workout in Louisiana the week before the draft. Vrabel, known for his hands-on approach, personally participated in the session, donning pads to rush Campbell. In a moment that became lore, Campbell admitted to putting his future coach “on his butt,” a display of strength and competitiveness that left Vrabel convinced. “He showed up with one purpose,” Vrabel said, “and that was for us to pick him.”
Vrabel saw Campbell as a cultural fit, embodying the dependability and accountability he valued. Campbell’s football intelligence and leadership, traits that sold Vrabel during the pre-draft process, were evident in his ability to quickly correct mistakes. “He’s a quick study,” Vrabel noted. “Whatever mistakes showed up, he recovers quickly and can fix those.”
Campbell’s versatility also appealed to the Patriots. While he preferred left tackle, he expressed willingness to play any position to help the team win, even joking about lining up at tight end or receiver. “I’m a team guy first, and I want to win now,” Campbell said. This selflessness aligned with Vrabel’s vision of a selfless, hard-nosed team.
The Draft Night Moment
On April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Patriots’ draft room buzzed with excitement as they prepared to make their selection. Despite rumors of trade offers, Vrabel confirmed the team received none for the No. 4 pick, making Campbell the obvious choice. “We’re happy as hell,” the draft room echoed as Campbell’s name was called.
For Campbell, the moment was bittersweet. Surrounded by family in the green room, he carried a photo of his late cousin, Tarver Braddock, who tragically passed away in a 2024 fire at age 16. As Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” played—featuring the lyric “I got that sunshine in my pocket”—Campbell felt Tarver’s presence. The photo, tucked in his suit pocket, symbolized the personal drive fueling his journey.
A New Chapter in Foxboro
Introduced at Gillette Stadium the next day, Campbell stood alongside owner Robert Kraft, who compared him to Richard Seymour, the Patriots’ 2001 first-round pick and Hall of Famer. Campbell, wearing No. 66, expressed his desire to win and contribute to a franchise with a championship pedigree. “The biggest thing for me was I wanted to play for an organization that had history, that cared, that wants to win,” he said.
Scouts and analysts praised the pick, with an AFC South scout noting, “I thought they did a really nice job, should be able to get early contributions from a lot of them.” While some, like Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, compared Campbell to Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater—a projected guard who thrived at tackle—others remained skeptical about his arm length. Yet, Campbell dismissed these concerns, pointing to his success at LSU and his athleticism, including a 93rd-percentile 40-yard dash and broad jump.
Looking Ahead
Campbell’s selection marks the beginning of a new era for the Patriots. With Maye as the offensive commander and Campbell protecting his blindside, the team hopes to rebuild around a young, talented core. Vrabel’s first draft class, headlined by Campbell, earned high marks for its potential to provide immediate impact and long-term stability.
As Campbell prepares for his rookie season, he carries the weight of expectations and the memory of Tarver Braddock. His journey from a small town in Louisiana to the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft is a testament to his talent, resilience, and character. For the Patriots, Campbell represents more than a left tackle—he’s a symbol of their renewed commitment to winning, one block at a time.