Will Campbell's arm length not root of struggles, NFL O-Linemen say

Seattle Seahawks’ dominant defensive performance propelled them to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60. While the Seahawks celebrated, the Patriots faced significant questions, particularly surrounding the protection of quarterback Drake Maye and the performance of rookie left tackle Will Campbell.

A Difficult Super Bowl for the Patriots’ Offensive Line

The Patriots struggled to keep Drake Maye safe throughout the Super Bowl. Much of the blame fell on 22-year-old Will Campbell, who allowed a league-leading 14 pressures during the 2025 season, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. This performance was particularly noticeable against Seattle’s formidable defensive front.

Campbell’s struggles extended beyond the Super Bowl itself. He surrendered a total of 29 pressures throughout the Patriots’ four-game playoff run. He was also credited with allowing four of the 21 sacks Maye took during the entire playoff push, as reported by Pro Football Focus.

Did You Know? Will Campbell allowed 14 pressures against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 – the most by an individual player during the 2025 NFL season.

Scrutiny and Debate Over Campbell’s Future

Campbell’s performance has sparked debate about his long-term potential with the Patriots. Pre-draft concerns regarding his 32 5/8-inch arm length have resurfaced, leading some to question whether he might be better suited to play guard. He was originally selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, support for Campbell has emerged from veteran NFL offensive tackles. These former players suggest that Campbell’s issues are more related to technique – something that can be improved – rather than inherent physical limitations.

Terron Armstead, formerly of the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, pointed to Campbell’s footwork as a key area for improvement. Armstead noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Campbell’s feet were “constantly moving backwards before contact on 90% of these reps!” and that this made it “damn near impossible to anchor against power.”

Justin Pugh, an 11-year NFL veteran, acknowledged that arm length could have a “slight” impact but emphasized that Campbell is “still learning.” Other former players, including Willie Anderson, Mitchell Schwartz, and Duke Manyweather, identified areas such as set mastery and punch timing as areas for development.

Expert Insight: The immediate post-Super Bowl scrutiny of Will Campbell highlights the intense pressure placed on rookie offensive linemen, particularly those drafted high in the NFL Draft. While his performance was undeniably a factor in the Patriots’ loss, the support from veteran tackles suggests that focused coaching and development could yield significant improvements.

Looking Ahead for Campbell and the Patriots

Campbell will have the entire offseason to address the issues that surfaced during his rookie season, and to recover from an MCL sprain sustained in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL campaign. While the Patriots may explore options to bolster their offensive tackle depth, they currently appear inclined to continue developing Campbell as their starting left tackle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Super Bowl 60?

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.

How many pressures did Will Campbell allow in Super Bowl 60?

Will Campbell allowed 14 pressures in Super Bowl 60, the most by an individual player during the 2025 NFL season.

What did former NFL players say about Will Campbell’s performance?

Several former NFL offensive tackles offered support for Campbell, suggesting his issues were more about technique than arm length and could be corrected with coaching.

What role does consistent technique play in the success of an NFL offensive lineman?

Will Campbell’s arm length not root of struggles, NFL O-Linemen say