FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots offensive line is undergoing an important transformation in 2025, and two rookies, Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, are right in the middle of it. Both have seen plenty of opportunities early in training camp, and both are leaning heavily on the veterans in their room as they adjust to the speed, complexity, and physicality of the NFL.
Campbell, the Patriots' first-round pick out of LSU, has been taking consistent reps at left tackle. Known for his power and poise in the SEC, Campbell started 38 games over three seasons in Baton Rouge.
"It's been awesome," Campbell said of his first week of training camp. "Just getting back in the swing of things and really looking forward to what's to come."
Campbell noted that his offseason work was guided by feedback from coaches during OTAs, which served as a springboard as he prepared for the start of camp. "Whenever you're a rookie, there's not a lot that you know or have seen," he said. "So you're just trying to get better in every way, shape, and form to help this football team."
Wilson's Versatility Paying Off
Wilson, a third-round pick out of Georgia, has been working at both guard and center. A former Second-Team All-SEC performer, Wilson's intelligence and flexibility have already earned him praise from the coaching staff and increased reps in team drills.
"Whatever they ask me to do, I'll do it," Wilson said. "If they told me to play receiver for two snaps, I'd do that."
Wilson's time at center has helped him see the game more clearly, even when he's lined up at guard. "You're more vocal at center, and it makes you open your eyes a little more," he said. "You know the calls, and you know what could happen."
That awareness has helped him hold his own against a talented defensive front that includes Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. "They're real twitchy and real strong," Wilson said. "They've got great chemistry, and it's a great way for me to get better."
"He's a quick learner," head coach Mike Vrabel said of Wilson. "He's been able to learn two positions inside, center and guard. He was one of those players who wasn't out there much in the spring, but really grasped it mentally and allowed that to carry over."
Learning from Moses
Both rookies pointed to Morgan Moses as a key mentor in their early development. Now entering his 12th NFL season, Moses has been a steady presence in the offensive line room and a willing teacher.
"Big Mo, he's a vet," Wilson said. "I ask him a lot. Even if I asked him the day before, I'll ask him again. He's just a great teacher, a great guy, a great veteran."
Campbell echoed that sentiment, noting that the culture in the offensive line room encourages open dialogue and support. "If I go ask, they're going to tell me," he said. "And if they ask me something, I'll tell them. That's the culture we're trying to create, guys helping each other out."
Vrabel has emphasized that kind of collaboration throughout camp. "We need everybody to function properly," Vrabel said earlier this week. "The better you know somebody, the better it is to work with them."
What's Next
With padded practices set to begin Monday, the real evaluations are about to start. But through the first week of camp, Campbell and Wilson have shown positive strides as they begin their NFL careers.
And with veterans like Moses in their corner, they're building a foundation that could pay dividends for years to come.
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