"It was certainly bold for a team like the Patriots, starving for offensive line talent, to enter mid-March with no clear plan at left tackle, center, or left guard. The Minnesota Vikings provided a lifeline, of sorts, when they cut former first-round center Garret Bradbury (the Patriots quickly scooped him up on March 18). But Vrabel's preseason gamble was clear as day - the Patriots were going to address two of their biggest problems on offense through the draft, for better or worse."
"Thankfully for quarterback Drake Maye, New England's questionable offseason game plan appears to be paying off with a pair of rookie bullseyes. The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Maye. Their search for a true No. 1 wide receiver will likely continue into 2026. But they appear to have struck gold with rookie left tackle Will Campbell, who wound up being a scrutinized selection at No. 4 overall. Campbell's arm length has not stopped him from performing among the NFL's top tackles through two games."
"Campbell did not allow any pressure this week against Miami and was beaten on just one rep, when he erred on a stunt exchange. The result was an outstanding 81.3 PFF pass-blocking grade in his second NFL game."
New England entered free agency with limited plans for left tackle, center, and left guard, picking up Garret Bradbury after his release by Minnesota. Coach Mike Vrabel prioritized addressing offensive line issues in the draft rather than free agency. Early returns show the draft strategy producing results, as rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson have delivered strong play. Campbell, a No. 4 pick who faced scrutiny over arm length, has performed among the NFL's top tackles through two games and graded highly in pass protection against the Dolphins. The offensive line improvement has benefited quarterback Drake Maye, while receiver needs persist.
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