Patriots' first-round pick pays tribute to former LSU teammate Kyren Lacy at NFL Draft: 'Special human being'

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It was an emotional night for Will Campbell, the fourth overall selection in the NFL Draft Thursday.

The New England Patriots nabbed the LSU offensive lineman to protect Drake Maye, and Campbell couldn't help but hold back tears.

"It means everything to me," Campbell said. "I'm gonna fight and die to protect them with everything I got."

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LSU Tigers offensive lineman Will Campbell was selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 4 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.  (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

But something else was on his mind on draft night. His former LSU teammate, Kyren Lacy, died last week from a self-inflicted gunshot.

At the draft, Campbell wore a pin with Lacy's No. 2 on his lapel.

"Kyren is a special human being. I feel for his family. They've been through a lot lately. He's got such a great family. He was not only a good football player. He was such a good teammate, a good son, a good older brother and just a good dude in general," Campbell said.

"It's just terrible, everything that's happened. I'm sending many prayers to his family because he was gonna get his name called this weekend. … Even though his name won't be called, he's going to walk across that stage. He's here with us in spirit, and it was an honor to be a part of his journey."

LSU Tigers offensive lineman Will Campbell was selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 4 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL