Will Campbell, the offensive tackle out of LSU, was the first offensive lineman taken in the 2025 NFL Draft when the New England Patriots decided to use their fourth overall selection to get him.
Most draft analysts expected the Patriots to select Campbell. This is due to coach Mike Vrabel’s need for offensive linemen, specifically a left tackle, where the Patriots expect Campbell to dominate for a long time.
Once Campbell heard his name called, all the emotions came flooding through. Campbell showed that he wears his heart on his sleeve, and when the Patriots made his NFL dreams come true, he let that passion through. In a viral clip from the immediate post-selection interview, Campbell broke down in tears, and the man he will be protecting for years to come loved it.
Maye Reacts to Will Campbell in Tears
The clip of Campbell breaking down in tears after hearing his name called is making waves on social media, and it caught the attention of his new quarterback, Drake Maye, who loved every second of his latest bodyguard’s interview.
Love this guy already🔥 LFG https://t.co/r5Y5dFdTCv
— Drake Maye (@DrakeMaye2)
“Love this guy already, LFG,” Maye said on X, reacting to Campbell’s emotional message.
In Campbell’s interview, the latest Patriots member was asked what was behind his smile, given that he had not stopped smiling since his name was called. Campbell could barely get three words out before breaking down in tears, showing what getting drafted into the NFL represents for him.
Campbell explained what it means to hear his dreams come true at the NFL draft.
“I worked my entire life to be up here, to be able to get my name called by a franchise like New England, it means everything to me.” Campbell said, surely to the pleasure of Patriots fans everywhere.
However, what got the crowd going was what he had to say about his new quarterback.
“I’m going to fight and die to protect him (Drake Maye),” Campbell said, followed by a roar from the crowd. Maye certainly loved to hear that. Do not be surprised if these two find immediate chemistry in Foxborough.
Campbell Fills Patriots’ Need at Left Tackle
Campbell has the size, strength, agility, and football IQ to step in right away as a starting offensive lineman, just as he did at LSU. His upright blocking stance makes him a unique prospect to watch, but more often than not, he makes it work.
Projecting him at the next level, Campbell seems to have enough range on tape to stick around as a left tackle. His average arm length is his biggest question mark, as there are some instances on tape where edge rushers can enter his chest with long-arm moves and bull rushes.
Nevertheless, he compensates for his length deficiency with elite athleticism, footwork, and rare compact power and torque freedom. It is no surprise that Campbell went as early as fourth overall. Although PFSN has Campbell as the second-best rated offensive lineman in their 2025 NFL draft prospect rankings (behind Armand Membou), Campbell has the potential to be a future All-Pro in New England. Interestingly enough, with Membou being selected seventh by the New York Jets, the two highest-rated linemen will now face off twice a year as division rivals for the foreseeable future.
Campbell and Maye together have the potential to help reshape the Patriots offense. Expect Campbell to dominate the left tackle position for many years as the Patriots’ work to get out of the AFC East basement.
