With better health, hopefully Campbell will return to his pre-injury form as a starting-caliber left tackle, while some technique and weight-room work will also help him improve. The Pats left tackle tended to struggle in his vertical sets, where his first step was backward into the pocket, creating space between him and the rusher. Rushers then used that space to convert speed-to-power, establishing first meaningful contact while walking Campbell back into his quarterback. If he can develop a stouter anchor and maybe use more angular sets to take the fight to rushers, Campbell can mask his weaknesses (length) more consistently.
With Campbell and Moses projected to return as the Patriots two starting tackles, the interior offensive line could be where we see some maneuvering. Although trades can’t be made official until the start of the league year on Wednesday, the Patriots reportedly agreed to trade Bradbury to the Bears for a 2027 fifth-round draft choice. Trading the veteran to the center-needy Bears paves the way for Wilson to possibly find a permanent home at center. Last season, Wilson started 17 of 21 games at left guard, but he was drafted as a center prospect out of the University of Georgia.
With the 2025 third-rounder likely moving to center, the best course of action for the offensive line might be upgrading the left guard spot next to Campbell, and it’s a great market to do so. By getting a more experienced, possibly stouter left guard, it could help ease some of the burden on Campbell while turning the Pats O-Line into a more physical bunch with added run-blocking ability and power, which is needed.
In free agency, top guards David Edwards (22nd among guards in PFF grade) and Isaac Seumalo (16th) both play the left side at a high level. Jets free-agent Alijah Vera-Tucker is a solid option when healthy, Browns free-agent Joel Bitonio fits the mold as well, and Raiders free-agent Dylan Parham was a McDaniels draft pick in Vegas. Given that the guard market isn’t usually too expensive, the Patriots spending at the top of the free-agent market to land one of the top left guards available makes sense a year after a huge spending offseason. Edwards, in particular, has above-average length and is a solid run-blocker, making him a great fit next to Campbell. Plus, the Pats would be poaching a starter from the Bills.
