Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State University offensive lineman Will Campbell (OL05) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Watch: Patriots First-Round Target Takes On Top Defenders

Originally posted on New England Patriots on SI
By Kevin Sinclair | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Although receiver and edge represent positions of need for the New England Patriots in this week's 2025 NFL Draft, there's a strong argument that left tackle is the most important role that needs to be addressed.

With that, LSU Tiger Will Campbell has long been linked to New England as the potential No. 4 overall draft selection.

Only four teams allowed more sacks than the Patriots (52) last season, an organization looking to develop its quarterback Drake Maye - selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft - into a true franchise passer.

To gain a better sense of what Campbell has to offer, arguably the No. 1 tackle prospect despite arms measuring just 32 inches, there are multiple highlight reels that have surfaced on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, displaying the LSU product battling some of the best edge rushers in college football.

For example, a collection of clips from November 9, 2023, when LSU traveled to Alabama, Campbell is shown below taking on Dallas Turner who was selected 17th overall in last year's NFL Draft.

LT Will Campbell vs Dallas Turner pic.twitter.com/bHww4jilCc
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 21, 2025

Additionally, there is quality footage available of Will Campbell battling a pair of quality defensive linemen from Florida State in Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

Over his final two seasons as a Seminole, Verse - selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft - recorded 89 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks. As for Fiske, he logged 102 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks over 2023 and 2024 combined.

You can check out those highlights below.

LT Will Campbell vs Jared Verse and Braden Fiske pic.twitter.com/eNnv59Rm0O
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 21, 2025

In recent years, the South Carolina Gamecocks fielded two future NFL defensive ends.

A 2025 NFL Draft prospect, Kyle Kennard recorded 16 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks last season. Teammate Dylan Stewart put together 11 tackles for loss and six-and-a-half sacks as an underclassman.

26 seconds of LSU left tackle Will Campbell stonewalling future top-100 picks on the South Carolina defensive line. What an absolute stud. pic.twitter.com/GG5i5FUCAY
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) November 27, 2024

On April 24, Patriots fans will watch closely as New England looks to maneuver its No. 4 pick by addressing one of the most pressing needs or trading down to generate more Day Two selections.

If it's the former and not the latter, there's a decent chance the Patriots will select Campbell, shoring up a position that needs a boost heading into the 2025-26 season.

This article first appeared on New England Patriots on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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