The New England Patriots made took the first step toward building their roster in Mike Vrabel's vision selecting LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the 4th overall pick. The selection gives the Patriots a franchise left tackle they can count on to protect franchise quarterback Drake Maye. While a ton of the team's evaluation is based upon Will Campbell's three years of tape and his performances during the combine, more than meets the eye goes into the selection.
Former Tennessee Titans Head Coach and the man in charge of the new era of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel is one of the best at evaluating offensive linemen. Vrabel built a great career in the NFL as a member of the Patriots as a linebacker. In the pre-draft process, Vrabel is known to get his hands dirty seeing how an offensive lineman plays first hand.
After being selected by the New England Patriots, Will Campbell confirmed to the media that Mike Vrabel got to experience his power first hand as the LSU offensive tackle got the best of Mike Vrabel during a workout.
Will Campbell speaking to the media in Foxboro now via Webex.
— Nick Coit (@NCoitABC6) April 25, 2025
Campbell says he did knock over Mike Vrabel during a workout recently: “I got him, I’m not gunna lie.” @ABC6 #Patriots pic.twitter.com/5BjkAR35e3
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Will Campbell may have undersold his battle with Mike Vrabel as Campbell's punch to the blocking pad knocked Mike Vrabel to the ground, making for one of the most legendary pre-draft stories.
Our hit from the ABC Draft on how Will Campbell of LSU aced his job interview by punching his future boss, Mike Vrabel, and knocking him over on his derrière. Vrabel loved it. Campbell became a Patriot. pic.twitter.com/8OooMAqcYM
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 25, 2025
While Mike Vrabel may be a bit embarrassed by the fact that Will Campbell got the best of him, he shouldn't feel too bad. For three seasons, Will Campbell got the best of some of the best defensive linemen in College Football who have gone on to make massive waves in the NFL.
After selecting Will Campbell, Mike Vrabel got to share his take on Will Campbell and why the Patriots fell in love with Campbell through the draft process.
Mike Vrabel reacting now to the selection of Will Campbell by the #Patriots in the 1st Round.
— Nick Coit (@NCoitABC6) April 25, 2025
Thanks those in the organization who’ve helped through the draft process.
“Adding Will to our football team…a foundational piece…durable, physical, accountable.” @ABC6 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZyveInM9bQ
The New England Patriots and Mike Vrabel will now have incredibly high standards for Will Campbell as you can't knock your boss down during the draft interview and not bring that same energy to the field. Will Campbell has only been a Patriot for a few hours but, he's already becoming a legend in New England.