New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye won’t really feel snug along with his blindside safety early within the upcoming season.
Following troubles at left tackle in 2024, the Patriots invested within the place by drafting LSU standout Will Campbell with the No. 4 decide in April’s draft.
Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, Campbell has been trending down at coaching camp this summer time.
“All eyes are on him each apply, which is a troublesome spot for a rookie,” Graff wrote of Campbell. “To date, he’s been about what you’d count on from a rookie. He has some sturdy moments, notably within the operating sport. However there have been struggles within the passing sport. He’s been crushed for a sack in nearly each apply, which isn’t nice contemplating he’s often on the sphere every apply for under 15 or so passing performs in full-team drills.
“He tends to get crushed to the within after oversetting, and it most likely doesn’t assist that the Pats don’t but know who their left guard is subsequent to him. Nonetheless, extrapolate these numbers, and that’s permitting two sacks every NFL sport in case you throw the ball 30 instances. Not nice.”
Graff believes the long run is “shiny” for Campbell, however does not assume he can be a top-20 left deal with in 2025.
NFL scouts had questions earlier than the draft about Campbell’s 32⅝ inch (or 33 inches, relying on whether or not one believes the league or LSU) arm size. Some advised he’d be better suited to play guard within the league than left deal with.
If Campbell continues to surrender sacks, the Patriots may take into account shifting the 21-year-old to the inside a part of the offensive line.
Per OurLads, Campbell is projected to win the left tackle starting job for Week 1. If Campbell does not develop shortly within the preseason, Maye’s progress as a thrower within the pocket might take a success within the upcoming season.
