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 decide 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 follow, which is a tricky spot for a rookie,” Graff wrote of Campbell. “To this point, he’s been about what you’d anticipate from a rookie. He has some robust moments, significantly within the operating sport. However there have been struggles within the passing sport. He’s been overwhelmed for a sack in nearly each follow, which isn’t nice contemplating he’s normally on the sphere every follow for under 15 or so passing performs in full-team drills. 

“He tends to get overwhelmed 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 sport should you throw the ball 30 instances. Not nice.”

Graff believes the longer term is “vivid” for Campbell, however does not suppose he will likely 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 instructed he’d be higher suited to play guard within the league than left sort out.

If Campbell continues to surrender sacks, the Patriots would possibly take into account 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 does not develop shortly within the preseason, Maye’s progress as a thrower within the pocket might take successful within the upcoming season.