Will Campbell Shines in First Joint Practice with Commanders
FOXBOROUGH — Will Campbell, the Patriots’ first-round draft pick, showcased his potential in his inaugural joint practice against the Washington Commanders. The rookie left tackle demonstrated notable prowess during crucial team periods, holding his own despite a summer of inconsistent pass protection.
Faced with a new opponent, Campbell successfully defended against notable players like former Patriots captain Deatrich Wise and NFL tackles Javon Kinlaw and Dorance Armstrong. Throughout the 11-on-11 drills, he held steady, allowing quarterback Drake Maye to complete 15 of 21 passes without conceding a sack. Wise praised Campbell’s strength at the point of attack, calling him a "great player with a very high ceiling."
In 1-on-1 pass rush drills, Campbell faced Wise in all three reps, which ended with mixed results—a sign of his competitive spirit. He managed to fend off Wise’s bull rush, while also showcasing improvement by throwing Wise off balance during another attempt. However, Wise did manage to gain the upper hand in one exchange, showing that Campbell still has room for growth.
The highlight of the day came when tensions flared during an 11-on-11 period. Known for his tenacity from his time at LSU, Campbell sprang into action when a brawl broke out after TreVeyon Henderson clashed with a Commanders defensive player. In a bid to protect his teammate, Campbell dove into the fray, creating a chaotic pileup. This fiery display caught the attention of head coach Mike Vrabel, who was himself injured in the altercation, illustrating Campbell’s commitment to his team’s camaraderie.
Overall, Campbell’s performance solidified his potential as a vital asset for the Patriots as they head into the season.
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