When the New England Patriots offense takes the field for their opening drive in Super Bowl LX, it won’t just be another snap-it’ll be a moment of NFL history. For the first time ever, a team will start two rookies on the offensive line in a Super Bowl: left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson.
That’s not just a trivia nugget-it’s a testament to how quickly these two young linemen have earned the trust of the Patriots’ coaching staff and carved out vital roles on a team that’s surged back into championship contention.
Let’s start with Campbell. The No. 4 overall pick out of LSU didn’t just meet expectations-he played like a guy who belonged from day one.
Thirteen starts. Nearly 800 offensive snaps.
And a pass-blocking grade that landed him 23rd among all tackles, per PFF. That’s no small feat for a rookie protecting a first-year quarterback in Drake Maye.
Sure, there were some growing pains-five sacks allowed and seven penalties-but Campbell’s presence on the edge was a stabilizing force for an offensive line that had its share of moving parts.
His midseason knee injury, suffered in a gritty win over the Bengals, could’ve derailed things. Instead, he battled back to return for the regular-season finale and has been in the trenches throughout the Patriots’ playoff run. That kind of resilience, paired with his physical tools and poise under pressure, is exactly what you want in a franchise left tackle.
Then there’s Wilson, the third-rounder from Georgia who stepped into the left guard spot and never looked back. He started 13 games before a late-season concussion sidelined him for the final two.
His overall PFF grade (49.9) might not jump off the page, but context matters. Wilson played nearly every snap available to him, showing durability and the kind of athleticism that makes him a weapon in space.
His pass protection was solid for a rookie interior lineman, and while his run-blocking numbers suggest there’s room to grow, the foundation is clearly there.
What stands out most about Wilson is his mindset. Calling his rookie season “unsatisfied” speaks volumes.
That’s not just posturing-it’s a reflection of a player who knows he can be better and is already thinking about how to get there. With the versatility to potentially shift back to center in the future, Wilson’s long-term upside is something the Patriots clearly value.
Together, Campbell and Wilson have helped solidify an offensive line that’s been instrumental in Drake Maye’s breakout campaign. They’ve handled the pressure, the learning curve, and the physical toll of an NFL season-and now they’re about to line up on football’s biggest stage.
Starting two rookie linemen in a Super Bowl? It’s never been done before. But based on what we’ve seen all year from Campbell and Wilson, it’s not just a bold move-it’s a smart one.