Former Patriot David Andrews Believes Lomu Will Push Campbell For Starting Role

[Real fan 02]

I agree. In fact, he was overhyped prior to injury. While it was encouraging he was "grading well", I saw a lot of shaky play from him and others being covered up by Maye.

Even if Campbell turned out to be a elite last season, the Pats were drafting a T in round 1 because Moses is old and should be replaced. However, the caveat here is that they drafted a guy who's only played LT in college. That's why Campbell's job is being brought up by the media.

This talk wouldn't have come up had the Pats shut Campbell down for the playoffs. Even if they would've shut him down after the Houston game (where they absolutely should've pulled the plug), the narrative would've been different.

Absolutely correct. Last I checked teams played with 2 OTs. So those clamoring for Lomu! Then great! Now you have an inexperienced rookie to protect the franchise QB.. then how would that play out if they thought Campbell struggled late last season!

 

[40yrpatsfan]

Vrabel isnt going add gas to the fire.

You dont draft a LT round 1 if Campbells job is safe.

They didn't "draft a LT", they drafted the highest rated OT. Pats had a critical need at RT. They (and everyone else) expected that Lomu would be gone early, and that a RT would hopefully fall to 31. When the order got flipped, they made the obvious pick of the last remaining top-tier tackle.

Let's say that Campbell was All-Pro last year. Would they still have picked Lomu? The answer is Yes.

 

[Wozzy]

“We want to end up with the best five.” - Vrabel

This ^ is the reality. There's really no need to argue over it.

If Campbell struggles with speed he will move inside, if not now then eventually.

And there's nothing wrong with that, he will likely become a Pro Bowl caliber guard. Vera-Tucker is made of glass and Onwenu is near the end of his contract barring extension. They need guard depth.

You just want five big dominant starting lineman and a 6th or 7th in reserve or in the pipeline developing. How you got there is irrelevant, only that you got there.

 

[Triumph]

They didn't "draft a LT", they drafted the highest rated OT. Pats had a critical need at RT. They (and everyone else) expected that Lomu would be gone early, and that a RT would hopefully fall to 31. When the order got flipped, they made the obvious pick of the last remaining top-tier tackle.

Let's say that Campbell was All-Pro last year. Would they still have picked Lomu? The answer is Yes.

The Pats need to be better than 2025 for this upcoming season. The schedule is absolutely more difficult and the Pats were exposed in the Super Bowl.

I do not expect to reach the playoffs this season if Wolf drafted Lomu to takeover for Moses when he retires in 2027.

 

[Wozzy]

I do not expect to reach the playoffs this season if Wolf drafted Lomu to takeover for Moses when he retires in 2027.

You don't draft rookies under the assumption they'll automatically start, and you can't predict injury.

They drafted Lomu because as a 21 year old sophomore, had he stayed in school another year he might have been the first overall pick... or top five. He had two more years of eligibility.

Over the course of a season anything can happen, you need the best group of players you can find and the Patriots needed line depth. Both Campbell and Lomu have the athleticism to play guard, both of them, Onwenu and Vera Tucker can play tackle.

They're not concerned with who starts where or does what. They have optimal starters already at certain spots and will allow competition, health and situation determine what happens next. Believe that posters here are more concerned about this than the Patriots are, they know they have a great group... and that's all that matters.