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Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) works with a member of the coaching staff during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
One year into his NFL career, Patriots left tackle Will Campbell no longer feels like a rookie.
After starting 17 games, making a run to Super Bowl 60 and playing through a knee injury late in the season, Campbell entered Year 2 with a much better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
“I know what to expect now. I know what it takes to win and play at a high level in this league, and then what stuff can get you hurt,” Campbell said. “Just trying to be more consistent, not make rookie mistakes… Try to be a guy up front that they can count on and help lead the team.”
Through the first several padded practices of training camp, Campbell has backed up those words.
The offensive tackle has protected Drake Maye’s blindside at a high level and added two more wins to his impressive 1-on-1 record Monday. Campbell has also looked fully healthy after last year’s knee injury and appears to have expanded his pass-set toolbox.
“I feel good. My body feels good,” Campbell said. “I’m just trying to be consistent as I possibly can be every single day and get better. And find something that I might not being doing well out at practice and try to attack that the next day.
“Getting some great opportunities to go against really good guys. Dre’[Mont Jones] is a guy I played in a game and he’s a really good player. It’s good work for both of us because we’re familiar with each other. It’s kind of like a little chess match out there. So, it’s been fun and I’m excited to keep going.”
After being selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Campbell started the Patriots’ first 12 games at left tackle before suffering an MCL injury. He returned for the regular-season finale and remained on Drake Maye’s blindside throughout the Patriots’ four-game playoff run, but struggled as he was not 100 percent healthy.
Now healthy entering his second season, Campbell believes the continuity around him has allowed him to play faster and with more confidence.
“I think the confidence comes knowing that the guys that we have on this team, everybody believes in each other. Also we’re in the same system for the second year,” Campbell said. “It’s a lot less thinking. OTAs last year when I got here was a lot of installing and taking more time. This year, we were kind of just able to hit the ground running from where we left off.
“We added a few new guys, so we had to teach them, but for the most part, we just hit the ground. That’s how we’ve been doing it and that gives you a sense of confidence, just the familiarity and what we’re trying to get done.”
Campbell’s new left guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, believes the differences can help the 22-year old take the next step.
“I think that he’s a very smart two-year guy,” Vera-Tucker said. “And I can see him making that very big two-year jump. But I only say that because he is a competitor. I know what kind of talent he has.”
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