Patriots select Will Campbell with No. 4 pick in NFL draft - ESPN

In a move aimed at building better infrastructure around second-year quarterback Drake Maye, the New England Patriots selected LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell with the No. 4 pick in the NFL draft.

The 6-foot-6, 319-pound Campbell started 38 straight games at left tackle over the last three seasons. Just as he started as a true freshman at LSU in 2022, he'll have a chance to step immediately into the starting lineup with the Patriots, as left tackle is arguably their largest void.

The Patriots ranked 31st in pass-block win rate last season, and they were 32nd in 2023. They allowed pressure on a league-worst 39.4% of their dropbacks last season, according to ESPN Research.

After the pick was announced, Campbell broke down in tears on stage and vowed to do his job for Mayes: «I'm gonna fight and die to protect him.»

«That logo speaks for itself,» Campbell said about landing with the Patriots. «Coach [Mike] Vrabel is a guy I want to play for. I love everything that everyone in that building is about. It's a complete honor to be able to wear this hat right now.»

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Campbell, who turned 21 on Jan. 6, has long been on the Patriots' radar.

The Monroe, Louisiana, native took a pre-draft visit to New England in March and noted this week that he has spoken with members of the franchise «a lot» leading up to the draft. He was a consensus All-America selection last season, a two-time first-team All-SEC pick, and he won the SEC's coveted Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

But Campbell's arm length, which measured 32 5/8 inches at the NFL combine and 33 inches at LSU's pro day, has sparked debate in some scouting circles