Patriots Prioritize Resolving Will Campbell Dilemma | Karen Guregian

Following a disappointing loss in Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots face critical roster decisions. A top priority is resolving the Will Campbell dilemma. The rookie left tackle, selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, showed promise during the regular season but faltered in the playoffs.

Will Campbell’s Super Bowl Struggles

During the Super Bowl, Campbell’s performance drew concern. He allowed 14 pressures, the highest among offensive linemen this season, and totaled 29 pressures throughout the playoffs. This raised significant questions about his future with the team.

Assessing Campbell’s Future

• Option 1: Continue developing Campbell as a left tackle.
• Option 2: Move him to left guard and pursue a new left tackle through the draft or free agency.

While some believe Campbell may excel at guard, finding a premier left tackle is a challenging task. The scarcity of elite left tackles complicates any decision, as moving Campbell could leave a critical gap in protection for the quarterback.

Quarterback Performance Under Pressure

Drake Maye, the Patriots’ quarterback, struggled throughout the game, being sacked six times in the Super Bowl. He had a record-breaking tally of 21 sacks over four playoff games, hindering his ability to perform effectively.

Technical Challenges and Area for Improvement

Campbell’s shorter arm length has been a topic of discussion among analysts. At times, he compensates by leaning outward, exposing him to vulnerabilities. Improved technique could help mitigate these issues, but it remains to be seen how much progress can be made.

Other Offensive Line Concerns

The issues extend beyond Campbell. Rookie left guard Jared Wilson struggled against Seattle, and his college experience as a center may prompt a position change. Additionally, veteran Morgan Moses, nearing the end of his contract, raises concerns about the right tackle position.

Coach’s Perspective

Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the team’s performance, stating, “Nobody played good enough for us to win.” He emphasized that sacks are a collective responsibility and highlighted the need to improve the offensive line, particularly the left side.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for the Patriots

As the Patriots regroup, addressing the left tackle position is essential to ensuring better protection for quarterbacks like Maye. The coming offseason will be pivotal in determining how the team navigates the Will Campbell conundrum and strengthens its offensive line.