Troubling report surfaces on Patriots’ first-round rookie

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

Following troubles at left deal with 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 time.

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

“He tends to get crushed to the within after oversetting, and it in all probability 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 for those who throw the ball 30 occasions. Not nice.”

Graff believes the long run is “shiny” for Campbell, however would not suppose he will probably be a top-20 left deal with 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 prompt he’d be higher suited to play guard within the league than left deal with.

If Campbell continues to surrender sacks, the Patriots would possibly contemplate transferring the 21-year-old to the inside a part of the offensive line. 

Per OurLads, Campbell is projected to win the left deal with beginning job for Week 1. If Campbell would not develop shortly within the preseason, Maye’s progress as a thrower within the pocket might take a success within the upcoming season.