Will Campbell Faces Biggest Test Yet as Patriots Prepare for Texans' Defensive Gauntlet
When the Patriots made Will Campbell the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they weren’t just drafting a left tackle-they were investing in a cornerstone protector for their franchise quarterback. Campbell made it clear from Day 1: he was ready to fight for Drake Maye. Now, with a trip to the AFC Championship on the line, the rookie’s resolve is about to be tested in the biggest game of his young career.
The Patriots are heading into an AFC Divisional Round showdown with a Houston Texans defense that’s not just good-it’s historically dominant. And for Campbell, along with fellow rookie lineman Jared Wilson, the assignment couldn’t be more daunting: keep Maye upright against a pass rush that’s built to destroy game plans.
Let’s be clear-this isn’t just another Sunday. This is the kind of matchup that defines careers.
Campbell’s Growth Curve Meets Its Steepest Climb
Campbell’s rookie season has had its moments-both promising and punishing. He’s shown flashes of the elite talent that made him a top-five pick, especially in games where he’s had to hold his ground against premier edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Khalil Mack.
The Patriots came out on top in both of those matchups, but this Texans front? It’s a different kind of beast.
Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter have combined for 27 sacks this season, and they’re not just racking up numbers-they’re wrecking offensive lines. Both bring a rare mix of speed and power that makes them almost impossible to neutralize for four quarters.
Anderson is relentless off the edge, while Hunter brings veteran savvy and raw explosiveness. Together, they form one of the most dangerous edge duos in football.
Campbell, to his credit, isn’t shying away from the challenge. He’s seen Anderson before-back in his college days at LSU-and he grew up watching Hunter dominate from the same program. There’s a respect there, but also a readiness.
“They’re great players,” Campbell said earlier this week. “I played against Will my freshman year in college and watched Danielle since I was a little kid when he was at LSU. They are who they are for a reason.”
That familiarity might not make the job easier, but it gives Campbell a foundation. He knows what’s coming. Now it’s about execution.
The Stakes Are Real-and So Is the Pressure
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Patriots' offensive line has had its ups and downs, especially in their Wild Card win over the Chargers. That game exposed some vulnerabilities, and Houston’s defense is more than capable of exploiting them. If Maye doesn’t get time to operate, the Patriots will struggle to move the ball-plain and simple.
That’s where Campbell becomes the X-factor. He doesn’t have to be perfect, but he has to be steady.
He has to be smart. And he has to be physical.
Because when Anderson or Hunter is lined up across from you, even one misstep can turn into a sack, a turnover, or worse.
What helps Campbell and Wilson is the man calling plays-Josh McDaniels. The Patriots’ offensive coordinator has long been known for his ability to scheme around pressure, and he’ll need to be at his best on Sunday. Whether it’s dialing up quick hitters, leaning into the screen game (which has been largely dormant this season), or going no-huddle to wear down the pass rush, McDaniels will have to be creative.
But as McDaniels pointed out this week, there’s no hiding for long.
“At some point in every play it becomes one-on-one somewhere,” McDaniels said. “We’re not going to double-team everybody on every play.
It’s impossible. And we don’t need to.”
That’s the reality. The Patriots can chip and slide and scheme all they want, but eventually, it comes down to Campbell standing across from Anderson or Hunter and holding his ground.
It’s Not All on Campbell-But It Starts With Him
This isn’t just about one rookie tackle. The entire offensive line will need to be sharp.
Maye will need to get the ball out quickly. The backs and tight ends will have to help in pass protection.
But Campbell is the anchor on the blindside. He’s the guy who was drafted to be the protector.
If he can hold his own, the Patriots have a real shot to move the chains, control the tempo, and keep Maye in rhythm. If not, it could be a long afternoon.
So yes, the pressure is enormous. But this is exactly the kind of moment the Patriots envisioned when they turned in the card for Will Campbell last April.
The stakes are high, the opponent is elite, and the spotlight is squarely on No. 71.
Now it’s time to see if the rookie is ready to meet the moment.