Patriots make the right call selecting LSU's Will Campbell

The Patriots have truly embraced the rebuild after going 4-13 in their first season without former HC Bill Belichick. In last year's draft the Patriots grabbed QB Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick, and while their record wasn't great, Maye showed great promise as a possible franchise quarterback. 

Now with back-to-back top five picks on their roster and having a busy offseason, New England hopes to now have enough talent to compete in the AFC East and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 

A particular issue for the Patriots has been their offensive line. Last year the Patriots allowed 52 sacks, fifth-most in the NFL. Maye was constantly under threat and was taking devastating hits throughout the season.

In selecting Campbell, the Patriots now have the protector worthy of their franchise quarterback. They made the right call, securing a strong foundation on the line. Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, New England can finally to get out of the doldrums and return its to winning ways. 

The only other time the Patriots have ever drafted an offensive lineman in the top 10 of a draft was another SEC tackle: Hall of Famer John Hannah in 1973. While New England can only dream of its new rookie living up to that legacy, Campbell just might have the chance to do so.