Patriots’ Drake Maye Defends Will Campbell Amid Recent Criticism

The New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl, and left tackle Will Campbell has been facing plenty of criticism.

Campbell did not play well and declined to speak to the media after the game. The fourth overall pick had a solid season, but was inconsistent at times. On Tuesday, he revealed that he tore a ligament in his knee in November and played through it, but did not use it as an excuse.

Amid the criticism of Campbell, his quarterback spoke highly of him, despite his poor outing in the Super Bowl.

“The expectations of a first round pick, I think he’s dealt with so much this year,” Drake Maye told reporters, per MassLive’s Karen Guregian. “It’s only going to be great for him in the future. He’s going to be a great player in this league. He’s already a great player in this league. I look forward to seeing him in the offseason, hanging out with him, and getting back to OTAs.

“I love Will, and I look forward to playing with him for a long time.”

There has been talk among analysts of Campbell needing to move to guard. The Patriots invested a high first-round pick into Campbell, expecting him to protect Maye’s blind side for years to come.

Even though Campbell did not play well in the Super Bowl, fans may need to be reminded that he was just a rookie and playing through injury. He is 22 years old and has plenty of potential to be great.

He will be going into next season with actual NFL experience, and hopefully be healthy once again.