The New England Patriots entered Saturday’s preseason clash against Minnesota with questions surrounding rookie Will Campbell‘s ability to handle an aggressive pass rush.
Those concerns quickly evaporated as the Patriots dominated up front in a convincing 20-12 victory.
Campbell and the starting unit wasted little time making their mark.
They found the end zone on their second possession before calling it a night.
The rookie tackle has emerged as one of the preseason’s most impressive performers.
Pro Football Focus revealed that Campbell stands alone among offensive tackles this preseason, posting both an 80-plus pass block grade and an 80-plus run block grade.
Will Campbell this preseason:
The only OT with an 80+ pass blocking and run blocking grade 👀 pic.twitter.com/S29F9KyS0d
— PFF (@PFF) August 18, 2025
That combination of excellence represents a rare level of dominance for any lineman, let alone a rookie.
Coaches and analysts have praised Campbell’s physicality and his knack for finishing blocks.
He has created solid running lanes for Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson while protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye without allowing a single sack or pressure through game action.
His teammates have noted his composure under fire and quick adaptability to different situations.
Campbell has remained humble about the early recognition, acknowledging that significant room for improvement still exists both individually and as a unit.
The Patriots may have discovered their long-term answer at left tackle heading into the regular season.
Campbell’s emergence could provide the foundation for an improved offensive line that has the potential to change the team’s overall outlook.
His combination of technique and raw ability suggests New England struck gold with their draft selection, giving them hope for sustained protection in the pocket moving forward.
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