Patriots' Will Campbell Is Working With Pro Bowl OTs, Vrabel Says the Growth Is Showing

Mike Vrabel left a stern message when he broke up the New England Patriots' minicamp back in June with a six-week break before training camp.

"Those weeks from the end of their time here until training camp are some of the most important days of the entire season. That's just what it is," said Vrabel.

Second-year left tackle Will Campbell was clearly paying attention.

Getting work in with the best

In an Instagram reel posted by Mitchell Hooper this week, Campbell, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2025 out of Louisiana State, is shown working at his pass-blocking sets with National Football League tackles Lane Johnson of Philadelphia, Buffalo's Dion Dawkins and Dallas' Tyler Guyton.

Johnson and Dawkins have a combined 11 Pro Bowls between them -- just as the boss suggested back in June.

"It's human nature to go harder and compete when you're on a schedule, next to guys you're going to be competing with for spots or play time, and everything that goes along with the NFL and the process, that you work a little harder," said Vrabel, offering insight on the best way for players to attack the current time away from the team.

"They have to somehow either be around guys or other players that are doing the same thing, getting ready for the same thing that they're getting ready for or they have to put themselves in the mindset, ‘what was it like on Thursday when I lifted and the other guy at my position was lifting, and he was running or training.' That's what they have to do. That's the balance we wage."

Tough playoff run inspires him

Campbell, who struggled mightily in the Patriots postseason run to the Super Bowl, allowed a record 14 quarterback pressures against the Seahawks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He returned to the team for spring workouts ready to make amends.

Vrabel liked what he saw, at least without the pads on.

"Maturity, he's studying the game, trying different things, working on different sets, trying different techniques," the coach said. "He's worked hard in conditioning, pushing himself and pushing that group."

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