What Will Campbell Told Robert Kraft Before Patriots Introduction

Will Campbell landed exactly where he wanted to be.

Well before the Patriots knew for sure they’d be in a position to draft Campbell, the LSU product made it clear to New England executives that he wanted to become Drake Maye’s new blindside protector. That dream came true last Thursday when the Patriots selected Campbell fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

After sharing the draft stage with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in Green Bay, Campbell spent the next day in Foxboro, Mass., where he was formally introduced by the Patriots. But before the 21-year-old spoke with the media on his new home field, he passed along a message to owner Robert Kraft with his family standing by.

“I’ve been telling them all: This is where I wanted to be,” Campbell told Kraft, per a video shared by the Patriots. “So, whenever I saw the area code pop up, I didn’t even know what to say. I was just so excited.”

Campbell has every reason to be excited about his NFL home. The Patriots are one of the most accomplished organizations in the league, and while recent years weren’t kind to the franchise, the future in New England seemingly is bright thanks in large part to Maye and new head coach Mike Vrabel.

And Campbell, arguably the best offensive lineman in the 2025 draft class, figures to heighten that optimism.