Going into the 2025 NFL draft, a lot of questions arose regarding whether or not Will Campbell could play tackle at the professional level.
Those questions are resurfacing again as, after a shaky showing in the first three rounds of the playoffs, Campbell had an all-time disappointing performance in Super Bowl IX. The fourth overall pick allowed the most pressures (14) in a single game this season, according to Next Gen Stats. It was an ugly showing for both the eye test and the stat sheet.
Campbell is facing scrutiny from both the public and the media. After the Super Bowl, he was one of the only players who didn’t speak to any reporters after the game. Campbell reportedly declined multiple times to speak with the media and left the locker room without saying anything, according to the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
While it’s clear Campbell struggled during the postseason, the issue isn’t as black and white as it seems. So the question becomes, should the Patriots at least consider switching him to guard?
The Case to Switch Will Campbell to Guard
As previously mentioned, a lot of questions about Campbell’s ability to play at the NFL level surfaced right before the draft. Most of those had to do with his arm measurements.
Most elite tackles have an arm measurement of over 34 inches, so they can not only have the ability to block in the run game, but also handle outside edge rushers looking to sack the quarterback. Campbell, who at the time was a left tackle prospect out of LSU, measured at 32 ⅝ inches at the NFL Scouting Combine and 33 inches at the Tigers’ pro day, according to CBS News.
Critics of the tackle prospect believed that the lack of arm length would hurt not only Campbell but the team that drafted him. It’s evident that after his imperfect postseason debut, the LSU product needs to change something about his game. And that much just be a switch to the inside of the line.
Patriots Past Success Shifting Positions
A position switch has worked out well in New England before. In 2010, the Patriots drafted Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty, who shone in his rookie campaign with seven interceptions. But during his sophomore year, McCourty was one of the worst cornerbacks in the league, and he became a liability.
After a midseason trade for Aqib Talib during the 2012 season, Bill Belichick decided to switch McCourty to free safety. It was a risky choice; the young defender would have to learn an entirely new position while assuming a quarterback-like role in the secondary.
That move paid off in strides, as McCourty became the defensive back signal caller the Patriots needed. Throughout his career, he garnered two Pro Bowls, three All-Pros, and most importantly, three Super Bowl championships.
Making a change is not admitting defeat; in fact, it’s the opposite. Players should utilize their talents to the best of their abilities, and sometimes it’s in a different place than the organization originally thought.
Will Campbell obviously has the talent. Therefore, the Patriots might be better to utilize it on the inside line rather than on the blindside.
Change Isn’t Always Good
It’s hard not to overreact after a dreadful Super Bowl loss, but let’s not overreact.
Campbell is only 22 years old. He just wrapped up his rookie season, and most importantly, he has shown he is capable of playing left tackle. To start the season, the rookie provided some stable play at his preferred position, even showing flashes of franchise-level play at times.
During the Patriots’ Week 12 matchup against the Bengals, Campbell suffered a torn MCL. The team originally thought the injury was season-ending, but Campbell managed to return during the final week of the regular season. However, he was far from 100%.
Furthermore, the rookie — in his first postseason, no less — immediately faced four of the best defenses in the league in the Chargers, Texans, Broncos, and Seahawks upon his return to action.
Let the top-five pick recover and see what he has during training camp. If he continues to struggle, then conversations need to be had. But it’s foolish to overreact now, especially so early in his career. And if the Patriots do decide to move him to the inside, that creates an immediate need at left tackle, a position that’s extremely hard to fill.
Something’s Gotta Give
Regardless of what decision the Patriots make, changes to the offensive line will need to be made this offseason to stay competitive in the conference. The AFC will likely be much more menacing next year, and the “easy” schedule that has dominated headlines all season long will be much tougher next year.
Campbell is at a major point in his young career. The question remains as to whether or not he’ll face it as a tackle or as a guard.
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