Will Campbell gets surprising trade valuation from ESPN writer

New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell is entering a crucial sophomore season in 2026.

The Patriots will have to decide if he is the long-term answer at the left tackle position. However, ESPN's Bill Barnwell put together a hypothetical list of players worth a first-round draft pick in trade value. Campbell, the Patriots' 2025 first-round draft pick, made the list.

The LSU product had a strong rookie season before going down with an MCL injury in a Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. He never reached the same level of play when returning from that injury for the playoffs. It culminated in the rookie allowing 14 pressures against the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl LX.

Barnwell explained why he believes Campbell is worthy of a first-round draft pick and more:

"Campbell was a top-five pick a year ago in a much better draft, and while the LSU product saw his first season end in brutal fashion as he was overwhelmed in the Super Bowl, closer inspection has suggested that his struggles were a product of returning quickly from a knee injury as opposed to issues with his levers. Campbell was playing solid football before the injury, and there are enough teams that see him as a left tackle (and need help at the position) to justify something more than a first-rounder for a player who is still only 22."

Campbell still has room to grow as a young player in the NFL.

He will have an opportunity to silence the critics and solidify his position as the lead offensive tackle on the left side. The Patriots brought in legitimate competition after using another first-round draft pick on former Utah standout Caleb Lomu in the 2026 NFL Draft.

If anything, that should light an even bigger fire under Campbell to perform well in training camp.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Will Campbell gets surprising trade valuation from ESPN writer