Troubling report surfaces on Patriots’ first-round rookie

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye may not really feel snug along with his blindside safety early within the upcoming season. 

Following troubles at left sort out in 2024, the Patriots invested within the place by drafting LSU standout Will Campbell with the No. 4 choose in April’s draft. 

Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, Campbell has been trending down at coaching camp this summer season.

“All eyes are on him each observe, which is a troublesome spot for a rookie,” Graff wrote of Campbell. “Up to now, he’s been about what you’d count on from a rookie. He has some sturdy moments, significantly within the working recreation. However there have been struggles within the passing recreation. He’s been crushed for a sack in nearly each observe, which isn’t nice contemplating he’s often on the sector every observe for less than 15 or so passing performs in full-team drills. 

“He tends to get crushed to the within after oversetting, and it most likely doesn’t assist that the Pats don’t but know who their left guard is subsequent to him. Nonetheless, extrapolate these numbers, and that’s permitting two sacks every NFL recreation when you throw the ball 30 occasions. Not nice.”

Graff believes the longer term is “shiny” for Campbell, however would not suppose he can be a top-20 left sort out in 2025.

NFL scouts had questions earlier than the draft about Campbell’s 32⅝ inch (or 33 inches, relying on whether or not one believes the league or LSU) arm size. Some recommended he’d be higher suited to play guard within the league than left sort out.

If Campbell continues to surrender sacks, the Patriots may think about shifting the 21-year-old to the inside a part of the offensive line. 

Per OurLads, Campbell is projected to win the left sort out beginning job for Week 1. If Campbell would not develop rapidly within the preseason, Maye’s progress as a thrower within the pocket may take successful within the upcoming season.