Will Campbell might be one of the safest picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but “safe” doesn’t always equal top-four material. Especially when your franchise is resetting the table around a rookie quarterback. The LSU Tigers offensive tackle has long been projected as one of the premier trench prospects in this class, and ESPN’s Mike Reiss recently linked him to the New England Patriots at No. 4 overall. With Mike Vrabel now at the helm and Drake Maye positioned as the future under center, bolstering the offensive line sounds like a no-brainer on paper. Campbell fits the mold of a day-one starter, but that doesn’t mean the league is sold on him as the fourth-best player in the draft.

That’s where the divide begins. Draft expert Todd McShay didn’t hold back in cautioning the Patriots on pulling the trigger too early. “I’d really like to get him at 10 or I’d even like to get him at five. Yeah. Whatever. I don’t care if it’s one spot, five spots,” McShay said on his podcast. “And if it’s not him, then I’ll take Kelvin Banks or I’ll go a different [direction]—like, whatever it is. I just don’t want to have to take Will Campbell at four because I haven’t talked to a single freaking person in the league who—two things are across the board with Will Campbell going to New England.”

McShay went on to outline the real tug-of-war taking place behind closed doors in war rooms. “Yep, I get it. Terrible to be backed up into that need, put in the same situation with that quarterback, that situation, that offensive line. Might have to do it myself,” he admitted. “Going to be a damn good football player. Might be a guard, but he’s going to be a damn good football player. So, you’re getting a really good football player at four. Then the second part that is across the board, everyone I’ve talked to—not worth the fourth pick. Will Campbell is not the fourth pick in this draft.”

It’s a classic NFL Draft dilemma: do you pick for positional need or best-player-available value?

Reiss made Vrabel’s dilemma loud and clear in a recent column. “New Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has highlighted two priorities in building a winning team—providing infrastructure to help quarterback Drake Maye succeed with an efficient passing game and finding a way to affect the opposing quarterback,” he wrote. “Campbell projects as a potential Day 1 starter at left tackle, and at worst, a high-end option at left guard (which is also a need). Georgia pass rusher Jalon Walker is also highly regarded by some top decision-makers with the team.”

That’s the heart of it. Will Campbell is scheme-versatile and checks every box for reliability. But he’s also a player many evaluators feel might kick inside to guard at the next level, which in most war rooms doesn’t scream “top-four value.” Campbell has played 2553 snaps in his three years with the LSU Tigers, allowing just 5 sacks. So he’s technically sound, plays with a balanced base, has violent hands, and is battle-tested in the SEC. Still, he’s not seen as a generational tackle prospect in the vein of a Joe Alt or a Penei Sewell, both of whom were more dominant and physically gifted coming out. Teams picking this high are looking for impact, not just consistency.

For Mike Vrabel and the Pats, the decision isn’t just about Will Campbell—it’s about the domino effect. If they reach slightly to protect Maye, they might miss out on a blue-chip defensive playmaker or even trade-back value. But passing on an offensive lineman, especially when you’re starting from scratch with a young QB, is also risky. Campbell won’t fall far. He’s still a lock to go inside the top 15, and the whispers around league circles suggest he’s not getting past the top 10. The question isn’t whether he’s good. It’s whether he’s the right kind of good at pick four.

Who will Vrabel listen to as he faces his first major test as head coach, making a war room decision that will ripple through Foxborough for years?

McShay’s negative Draft buzz for Will Campbell

Todd McShay stirred the pot a bit on his show a day ago, and his take isn’t exactly music to LSU’s Will Campbell’s ears. Despite being widely considered the best OT in this year’s draft class, McShay says NFL teams just aren’t as high on him as the media hype might suggest.

“Offensive tackle one this year, would be offensive tackle four or five last year,” McShay said bluntly. That’s… not ideal.

Still, Campbell has found himself linked to New England. A high-stakes spot with loads of top-tier talent available. And while McShay acknowledged the chatter—“Will Campbell could go number four to the Patriots”—he followed it with a splash of cold water. “But no one in the league thinks it’s a great idea or that he’s worth that pick.”

It’s a little discouraging, especially considering Campbell came into his junior year carrying the “future elite OT” label. But as always, the draft’s a mystery box. All it takes is one front office to believe. Whether it’s Campbell, Jalon Walker, or another rising star, the Pats have a golden ticket.