The Pittsburgh Steelers know as well as any team that rookie offensive lineman have a wide range of success. Sometimes you get a disaster like Kendrick Green or Broderick Jones, other times you get a massive win like Zach Frazier.
The New England Patriots are hoping to get a result more similar to Frazier with their 2025 first-round pick. LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell was their choice at fourth overall, and he is expected to be the day one starter at left tackle.
With the Steelers traveling to Foxborough in Week 3, Campbell will have his hands full with the Steelers' dominant pass rush. It could easily become a classic "Welcome to the NFL" moment for the young offensive lineman.
Pittsburgh Steelers could make Will Campbell's life a nightmare in Week 3 meeting
Will Campbell was a highly touted prospect for a reason, and the Patriots are confident he will be a quality starter from the start. However, there are a few issues with his profile that could lead to a switch to guard early in his career.
He has shorter arm length than most NFL tackles, giving edge rushers a higher chance of winning the initial battle. He also has the shorter wingspans you will see for any offensive lineman, let alone tackles. That lack of measurables doesn't guarantee he can't stick at tackle, but it would make him an outlier in many ways.
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His battle against the Steelers' defensive line in Week 3 will be very telling. Alex Highsmith will be his primary opponent, and few edge rushers threaten with speed as well as Highsmith can. If Campbell can't consistently get his hands on him, it could be an ugly day for the rookie.
If he has to face T.J. Watt or Nick Herbig for any significant snaps as well, it could get even uglier. Watt is, of course, one of the best defenders in the NFL, and Herbig may be even scarier for shorter-armed tackles to deal with. He may even have to occasionally deal with the power of Cam Heyward, something few players, rookie or not, can handle.
The LSU product will have two weeks to get acclimated to the NFL before facing the Steelers, but it will be a tough challenge nonetheless.