Amidst the surprises and some shocking turn of events in the 2025 NFL draft, it came as no surprise when the New England Patriots selected Will Campbell of LSU with the fourth overall pick. It marked the first time New England would pick an LSU player in the draft’s first round.
Campbell was widely viewed as the No. 1 tackle in the 2025 draft class, even though some advocated for Missouri’s Armand Membou, who ultimately went seventh overall to the New York Jets.
Joel Klatt Praises Will Campbell’s Raw Draft Emotions After Having Early Doubts
Prior to the draft, NFL insider Joel Klatt had predicted in his mock draft that Campbell could be a target for the franchise. Klatt claimed that he will add more depth to the offensive scheme and become a perfect guard for Drake Maye in the pocket.
Klatt wasn’t too surprised when Campbell’s name was called, but he said he was worried about Campbell’s mentality when he cried during his press conference after the draft. Klatt then praised Campbell after the former LSU offensive tackle promised to give his all for Drake Maye.
“I want that guy in my team, I want that guy in my locker room, I want that guy on my offensive line, that was awesome. So, Will Campbell, you’ve won me over and there’s no doubt”, said Klatt.
Campbell was questioned about what the Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye would get from him, and he replied, “I’m going to fight, die, and protect him with all I got.”
The Patriots had arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL last season and they came into the draft this year in urgent need of help in the trenches. They needed all the help they could get to protect Maye.
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While the Patriots did make some additions in free agency, most notably signing right tackle Morgan Moses, they needed to find a blind-side protector for Drake Maye. Campbell had been brought in to address that.
Campbell spent three years with the LSU Tigers, establishing himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the country throughout his collegiate tenure.
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