New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye won’t really feel comfy together 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 choose in April’s draft.
Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, Campbell has been trending down at coaching camp this summer season.
“All eyes are on him each observe, which is a troublesome spot for a rookie,” Graff wrote of Campbell. “Thus far, he’s been about what you’d anticipate from a rookie. He has some sturdy moments, notably within the working recreation. However there have been struggles within the passing recreation. He’s been overwhelmed for a sack in nearly each observe, which isn’t nice contemplating he’s often on the sphere every observe for under 15 or so passing performs in full-team drills.
“He tends to get overwhelmed to the within after oversetting, and it in all probability 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 recreation should you throw the ball 30 instances. Not nice.”
Graff believes the longer term is “brilliant” for Campbell, however would not assume he will probably be a top-20 left sort out 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 sort out.
If Campbell continues to surrender sacks, the Patriots would possibly think about transferring 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 would not develop shortly within the preseason, Maye’s progress as a thrower within the pocket might take successful within the upcoming season.
