Courtesy of the New England Patriots

The Patriots selected LSU left tackle Will Campbell with their first round pick on Thursday night. Campbell to the Patriots was universally expected as he had been projected to be their pick for weeks. 

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, VP of Football Ops Eliot Wolf and front office executive Ryan Cowden were part of a contingent that visited and worked out Campbell last week at LSU. According to Vrabel, that is when the decision to draft Campbell was made.

“I think probably last week when Eliot and I, and Ryan [Cowden] and a few others, went down and spent time with him and worked him out, and then went and worked out a few more players the same day. We made a circuit, and I think when we came back and we slept on it and had the conversations about where it would be if he was on the board, I think probably then.”

Vrabel described Campbell as dependable, tough and accountable during his opening statement after the team picked him fourth overall. A player that will be a foundational piece for the Patriots as they move forward in this new era for the organization.

“Adding Will to our football team is about a foundational piece, a young 21-year-old that’s mature beyond his years. He’s a leader. He’s durable. He’s physical, dependable, accountable. He’s a quick study. We spent a lot of time with him. Whatever mistakes that showed up, which they all do, he recovers quickly and can fix those mistakes. We spent a lot of time, and we looked at a lot of other players and worked a lot of other players out. He made a huge impact on us, and we’re excited about adding him and look forward to seeing him and his family here tomorrow.”

Campbell was a three starter at LSU. He made 38 career starts for the Tigers, allowing only five sacks in his career. Campbell’s tape is clean but the never ending questions about his arm length and wingspan dogged him throughout the draft process. Campbell was asked after selection if he is entering the NFL with a chip on his shoulder because of the arm length talk.

“I’m just excited to get any opportunity that presents itself to help the team in any way that I can, wherever that might be, and I’m just excited to be a Patriot.” 

Campbell deflecting is not a surprise but the reality is, he sees himself as a left tackle and so do the Patriots. Vrabel was asked about the possibility of Campbell playing guard and he dismissed the notion. 

“I think that what we’re focused on is where he’s going to be tomorrow and the next day and not what the misevaluation is. We coveted this player. This was a very good football player. I think part of the draft is adding great pieces and great players to your roster, which is what we did. He hasn’t even shown up here in Foxboro, and we’re not going to talk about where he’s going to play or what he’s going to do. I’m going to let everything really speak for itself, and let his play, what he does in the community and most importantly on the field, before we start talking about that. I just think that’s not fair. I’ve never thought about that one time. We’ve watched every game that he’s played, put a lot of work into this, and we’re all excited and happy that he’s here.”

One night in and it seems like the Patriots and Campbell were meant for each other. Perhaps the moment that cemented Campbell becoming a Patriot was when he reportedly knocked Vrabel down during a drill when Vrabel worked him out. Both acknowledged that it happened but Vrabel made sure to remind whomever recorded the workout, not to release the footage. 

“Yeah, they all knock me around pretty good. I realize I’m close to 50, and if that tape ever gets out, people are going to have some problems. I hope that tape never sees the light of day. I think it was important for me to get out there, feel them and feel every player that we evaluated at the line of scrimmage.”

Campbell later confirmed that he did in fact rough up his new coach.

“It was amazing. Him and some of the other staff came in, and we had a great workout, got some good work in. They taught me some new stuff, and yeah, I mean, I got him. I’m not going to lie; I got him on the ground. I know we had a great lunch after, a bunch of great guys. I’m just super excited for this opportunity.”

Based on early impressions, the Patriots landed a player who fills a need but more importantly, he brings toughness and an attitude to a unit that desperately needs it. When asked to describe his playing style, Campbell did not mince words. 

“Nasty. I’m going to go out there and give everything I have every single play to protect my teammates, protect my quarterback, and just put the Patriots in the best position possible to help win games on Sundays.”

How can you not like this kid? If his only issue is arm length, he is going to be just fine. Even if he has to play guard.

You don’t have to like the pick, but you better learn to love it. Campbell is going to be here a while. Drafting him was the right decision.