Eliot Wolf Is Certain Will Campbell's Drop Off Was Caused By His Knee Injury

The New England Patriots’ evaluation of rookie left tackle Will Campbell centers heavily on the timing and lingering effects of the torn right MCL he suffered Nov. 23. Up until that point, Campbell had started all 12 games of the season and was viewed internally as one of the team’s most consistent offensive linemen, particularly in pass protection for quarterback Drake Maye. The injury occurred late in the third quarter of a 26-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and forced him to miss four games on injured reserve.

According to executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, Campbell’s play noticeably dipped after he returned. Wolf said he personally observed reduced lower-body strength, something that showed up on film and affected Campbell’s anchor against power rushers. Three of Campbell’s four lowest-graded performances came during the postseason, when competition intensified and defensive lines were more physical. Wolf emphasized, however, that before the injury, Campbell “played really well all year,” reinforcing the organization’s belief that the late struggles were more circumstantial than developmental.

Campbell’s most difficult outing came in the Patriots’ 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. The entire offensive line had trouble handling Seattle’s pass rush, but Campbell’s issues were magnified because of his role protecting Maye’s blindside. Despite that performance, head coach Mike Vrabel has publicly stated the team remains committed to Campbell at left tackle rather than considering a position switch.

Medical expectations appear optimistic. Sources close to Campbell indicate surgery is not required, and the focus is on rebuilding strength and stability in the knee. He is expected to fully participate in the team’s voluntary offseason program beginning in mid-April. At 22 years old, the Patriots believe normal physical development and another offseason in an NFL strength program should help him regain pre-injury form.

Campbell himself declined to blame the injury for his postseason play. After the Super Bowl, he acknowledged the knee was not 100% but stressed he was healthy enough to compete and did not want to use it as an excuse. That mindset aligns with the organization’s tone, acknowledging the injury’s impact without letting it define his evaluation.

Wolf also addressed pre-draft and ongoing concerns about Campbell’s arm length, a common measurement scrutinized for left tackles. He argued Campbell compensates with quickness out of his stance, refined technique, and an expanding repertoire of pass sets to counter different types of edge rushers. The Patriots view those technical traits, combined with his age and work ethic, as indicators of continued growth.

Alongside Campbell, rookie left guard Jared Wilson also played a major role in the team’s postseason run. Together, they became the first pair of rookie offensive linemen to start a Super Bowl. Wilson started 13 regular-season games and four playoff contests at left guard, despite having primarily played center at Georgia. Wolf said the team is open to moving Wilson back to center, citing his intelligence and communication skills, which would give the Patriots flexibility as they evaluate the best long-term configuration of their offensive line.

Overall, the organization views Campbell’s late-season downturn as injury-related rather than a sign he cannot handle the position. Internally, the belief is that with a fully healthy offseason and continued development, he remains their best long-term answer at left tackle.