Will Campbell’s Super Bowl debut didn’t go the way he-or the New England Patriots-had hoped. The rookie left tackle, drafted fourth overall in 2025 out of LSU, was under siege against the Seattle Seahawks’ relentless pass rush, allowing a staggering 14 pressures.
That’s the most by any player in a single game all season, according to NextGenStats. In a game where every snap matters, that kind of number stands out-and not in the way you want.
Campbell’s postseason struggles weren’t limited to just one game. His performance throughout the playoffs raised concerns about whether he’s built to hold up at tackle in the NFL. Critics have pointed to his shorter arm length and what they perceive as a lack of functional strength, questioning whether he might be better suited to kick inside to guard down the line.
But not everyone’s ready to write off Campbell’s future on the edge.
Former All-Pro tackle Mitchell Schwartz weighed in with a detailed film breakdown on Monday, offering a much-needed dose of perspective. Schwartz, who carved out a decorated nine-year career at right tackle, knows a thing or two about overcoming less-than-ideal measurables.
He pointed out that his own arm length-33 ½ inches-wasn’t much longer than Campbell’s 32 5/8 inches. Their frames are nearly identical as well: Schwartz played at 6’5”, 318 pounds; Campbell stands 6’6”, 319.
Schwartz didn’t just rely on the tape, though. He highlighted Campbell’s elite athletic profile, referencing the 9.91 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) the rookie posted at last year’s NFL Combine.
That kind of athleticism doesn’t come around often, especially in a player with Campbell’s size. In Schwartz’s eyes, the physical tools are there-the issue is technical.
The film tells a story of a young player still learning the finer points of playing tackle at the pro level. Schwartz pointed out several reps where Campbell’s timing was off-his feet weren’t grounded, or his punch came late.
Those kinds of mistakes get magnified on the biggest stage, especially against a defensive front like Seattle’s. But Schwartz also showed clips where Campbell got it right: solid footwork, well-timed strikes, and the ability to neutralize rushers when his technique clicked.
That’s the part that offers real hope.
Schwartz’s takeaway was clear: arm length isn’t what’s holding Campbell back. The rookie’s issues are fixable, and with the right coaching and offseason work, he’s got everything he needs to become a high-level NFL tackle. This isn’t a case of a player being physically overmatched-it’s about refining the details.
And if you followed Campbell’s college career at LSU, you know he’s wired to put in the work. He’s not the type to let one rough game-or even a tough postseason-define him.
The Super Bowl struggles are part of the story, sure. But they don’t have to be the final chapter.
For the Patriots, the key now is development. They invested a premium pick in Campbell for a reason.
The flashes are there. The athleticism is rare.
The mindset, by all accounts, is what you want in a cornerstone left tackle. If Campbell takes the next step in his technique, the narrative around him could shift quickly-and dramatically.
So while the Super Bowl spotlight wasn’t kind to the rookie, it’s far too early to close the book on Will Campbell.