Patriots rookie doubles down on bold draft day statement about quarterback Drake Maye

Julian Edelman joins Colin Cowherd to discuss what he expects from Mike Vrabel in his first year as head coach of the New England Patriots and how the team approached the 2025 NFL Draft.

New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell was the team’s first-round pick in April, and he made a bold draft day declaration that he would be willing to die for his quarterback, Drake Maye.

Campbell, 21, was asked if he still stands by what he said, and the former LSU star doubled down. 

"I would. That’s my guy. That’s my guy. I don’t know what made me say it in the moment, but it came out great. It’s kinda just the emotions flowing. … I stand by it," Campbell said during an appearance on "Dudes on Dudes" with former Patriots stars Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. 

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Will Campbell of the New England Patriots during the third quarter of a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis Aug. 16, 2025. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Unfortunately for Campbell, he is not a sure thing to play in the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday. 

Campbell was listed as a limited participant in the team’s practices on Thursday and Friday with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. 

The Patriots selected Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft with the hope he will become the franchise’s star left tackle and Maye’s blindside blocker for years to come. 

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New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbel takes a break during warmups at training camp at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., July