Will Campbell: The Next Matt Light or Just an Incomplete Copy?

When the New England Patriots used the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Will Campbell, the message was clear: protect Drake Maye at all costs. The LSU left tackle, known for his nastiness, consistency, and polished technique, instantly drew comparisons to some of the Patriots’ legendary offensive linemen—especially Matt Light. But is Campbell truly the next blindside protector in Foxborough’s lore, or are expectations being set a little too high, too soon?

At LSU, Campbell was a model of durability and excellence. Starting 38 straight games, allowing just four sacks across three seasons, and showcasing an NFL-ready frame at 6’6″ and 319 pounds, he checked every box teams covet in a cornerstone left tackle. His 2024 season was particularly eye-catching—zero sacks allowed in 229 true pass sets. Those numbers mirror the type of steady dominance Matt Light once provided for Tom Brady during the Patriots’ dynasty years.

But the path from college standout to NFL stalwart is filled with landmines. Light didn’t just survive in the NFL; he thrived for over a decade, becoming a three-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler. His technique, mental toughness, and ability to neutralize some of the league’s fiercest pass-rushers were the real secrets behind his longevity. That’s a level Campbell must now aspire to—not just in flashes, but over season after season of elite performance.

There are certainly promising signs. Campbell’s pass protection against premier talent like Alabama’s Dallas Turner—whom he effectively erased in a crucial 2023 matchup—shows he can rise to the occasion against NFL-caliber competition. Scouts and analysts rave about his “football IQ” and “nasty streak” (@NFLDraftBites, @NBCSportsBoston), two intangible qualities that separate good tackles from great ones. His leadership at LSU, where he was often the emotional anchor of the offense, echoes the quiet but fierce leadership Matt Light brought to New England’s locker room.

Still, there are valid concerns. Some scouts pointed to Campbell’s shorter-than-ideal arm length (32 5/8 inches) as a limiting factor against NFL edge rushers who specialize in speed and leverage. Light also faced doubts early in his career but answered them with flawless footwork and strategic hand placement. Campbell will need to do the same—and quickly—if he’s going to handle the likes of Matthew Judon, Josh Allen, or even Micah Parsons in high-pressure matchups.

Beyond technique, the true test for Campbell will be consistency. Can he keep Maye’s blindside clean week after week? Can he anchor a new offensive line culture for a franchise rebuilding its identity post-Brady and post-Belichick? History shows that the Patriots don’t just need good players; they need tone-setters, warriors who define eras.

For now, the comparison to Matt Light is fair—but it’s also aspirational. Campbell has the tools, mindset, and early flashes of greatness. But the NFL isn’t about flashes; it’s about endurance, resilience, and becoming the player your team can trust when it matters most.

Will Campbell could be the next Matt Light.
Or he could just be another highly-drafted “what if.”
The choice—and the challenge—is his.