Commitment: Patriots Conviction in Will Campbell at LT Legitimate?
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In this episode of Locked On Patriots, host Nick Cattles addresses fan questions about the Patriots' offensive line depth, focusing on Will Campbell's future at left tackle and the development of rookie Caleb Lomu. Despite Campbell's poor playoff performance, Cattles argues for patience, emphasizing his high draft capital, youth, and the NFL's evolving timeline for tackle development. He envisions a future where Campbell and Lomu form a dominant bookend duo, with Demetrius Crownover as a versatile swing tackle. The discussion also covers realistic expectations for the 2026 draft class, with Lomu projected as a sixth lineman and special teams contributor, while other picks like Gabe Ackes and Eli Raritan are expected to compete for rotational roles. Cattles downplays concerns about linebacker depth, citing solid veterans and the team’s strategic draft trades, and dismisses the significance of Week 1 opponent, predicting the Patriots will face a tough early test as defending AFC champions. The episode concludes with a promotion for the Everydayer Club and a sponsor ad for Rougiette performance medicine.
Will Campbell deserves at least two full seasons to prove himself despite playoff struggles, given his high draft status and youth.
Caleb Lomu is expected to start as the Patriots' sixth offensive lineman, with potential for increased role if injuries occur.
The ideal 2027 offensive line could feature Campbell (LT), Lomu (RT), Crownover (swing tackle), and AVT (LG) — a young, high-potential core.
Expectations for 2026 draft picks should be tempered; most will contribute in limited roles, especially on the offensive line.
Linebacker depth is not a major concern this year, with Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis providing stability.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Will Campbell’s Future at Left Tackle: A Case for Patience
“I did not draft a guy fourth overall to move him inside after one season, especially given the context. That's a pretty hefty investment.”
Caleb Lomu and the Future Offensive Line Core
“If Lomu matures and he improves throughout his rookie season and he puts that weight on and he is productive as your sixth offensive lineman, then he is plan B.”
Realistic Expectations for the 2026 Draft Class
Cattles sets realistic expectations for the Patriots’ 2026 draft picks, emphasizing that most will not be immediate contributors. He projects Caleb Lomu as a rotational lineman, Gabe Ackes in a battle for the third defensive end spot, and Eli Raritan as a tight end with limited snaps in 2026, with a potential leap in 2027.
Addressing Depth Concerns: Linebackers and Free Agency
Cattles reassesses linebacker depth, noting that the Patriots’ draft trades limited their ability to address the position in later rounds. He expresses confidence in Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis, while acknowledging KJ Britt’s limited role and the potential for a veteran like Bobby Okereke to help if he’s willing to accept a backup role.
Week 1 Matchup and Season Outlook
Cattles argues that the Week 1 opponent is less important than fan excitement, citing the 2025 season where a tough Week 1 loss didn’t predict a Super Bowl run. He expects the Patriots to face a high-profile opponent early as defending champions and believes the team is better prepared for road games this year.
“I did not draft a guy fourth overall to move him inside after one season, especially given the context. That's a pretty hefty investment.”
“The Patriots played the Raiders last year at Gillette week one and they looked pretty bad. The Raiders looked pretty good. Geno Smith looked like a stud. And then what happened? Raiders ended up with the first pick of the draft and the Patriots end up going to the Super Bowl.”
“If Lomu matures and he improves throughout his rookie season and he puts that weight on and he is productive as your sixth offensive lineman, then he is plan B.”
Host
Patriots
other
Will Campbell
person
Nick Cattles
person
Caleb Lomu
person
Demetrius Crownover
person
NFL Draft
other
Michael Wenu
person
Morgan Moses
person
Lockdown Podcast Network
organization
Robert Spillane
person
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