Will Campbell has impressed a Patriots Hall of Famer.
Dante Scarnecchia, New England’s longtime offensive line coach under Bill Belichick, believes Campbell already has showed traits that made him worthy of the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I love the motor that he has,” Scarnecchia told Patriots insider Phil Perry during the Next Pats podcast. “He is a dynamic run blocker and a great finisher, all those things. He competes on every down. There’s plenty there that we all saw and you say, ‘OK, that’s why he’s here.'”
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Campbell was widely criticized for his lack of length during the pre-draft process. Many felt the 6-foot-6, 319-pound left tackle wouldn’t be able to hold up on the edge given his arm length measured less than 33 inches and his wingspan measured less than 78 inches.
Scarnecchia doesn’t believe it’s proven to be a shortcoming thus far, however.
“I don’t think it has, honestly,” he said. “I think that the technique — he’s got great feet, he bends very well, he’s quick to where he needs to be, to the junction point, getting there before the defensive guys get there, and it looks like he has improved his hand usage as it goes forward.”
He added: “The length he has, he’s got to maximize it to the highest level possible. And I suspect that he will.”
That’s not to say Scarnecchia views Campbell as a ready-made prospect. The LSU product has been in the league for less than five months and experienced some highs and lows during training camp. Campbell credited a few of those lowlights to the heightened level of competition. Scarnecchia echoed some of those sentiments, expressing how it could take time to gain comfortability.
It’s a transition period, Scarnecchia said, and he’s learning in real time.
“He can be a dominant guy, but there’s so many of these guys that are just really, really skilled,” Scarnecchia said of the pass-rushing talent in the NFL. “Even in the Southeast Conference, which is excellent, to come to this level and ‘OK, this guy’s a lot faster than some of the guys I’ve ever played against or (have) really great pass rush moves.’
“He’s practiced against everyday guys like (Keion) White and (Anfernee) Jennings and (K’Lavon) Chaisson. He’s seeing the kind of speed that he’s going to get. It’s just different when the lights are going to go on or that game is going to start on Sunday. It’s just different.”
Scarnecchia is optimistic about Campbell. He doesn’t foresee the rookie being starstruck when the lights come on — probably a safe bet given Campbell played in front of 100,000-plus fans at Tiger Stadium.
“My expectations for him are very high and I think he’ll do well,” Scarnecchia said.
Also in this episode:
Scarnecchia talks about rookie Jared Wilson also starting on the line
College players to keep an eye on
Patriots Mailbag