💥 Maxx Crosby Tells the Truth: Why Patriots Rookie Will Campbell Is Built for the NFL. DH

Maxx Crosby Delivers Blunt Take on Patriots LT Will Campbell

When Maxx Crosby speaks about offensive linemen, people listen. One of the NFL’s most relentless pass rushers doesn’t hand out compliments lightly — especially not to rookies.

That’s why his recent comments about New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell stood out.

Speaking on The Rush Podcast, the Las Vegas Raiders star delivered a refreshingly honest assessment of Campbell’s rookie season — one that cuts through box scores and playoff panic.

“He’s gonna be a great player in this league, I have no doubt about that,” Crosby said.
“He’s got the right mindset, he’s tough as hell, he’s got great athleticism.

As a rookie, you’re gonna have your ups and downs no matter where you’re drafted. … He’s been a starting left tackle, and that team has made it to the Super Bowl with him starting there.”

Coming from a defender who has built a career exposing offensive line weaknesses, that’s not empty praise.

A Trial by Fire in the Playoffs

Campbell’s postseason résumé doesn’t look friendly at first glance.

In the Wild Card round, he drew Khalil Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year. One week later, he faced Will Anderson, a First-Team All-Pro edge rusher. Over those two games, Campbell allowed three sacks, which immediately fueled criticism about whether the rookie was ready for the NFL’s biggest stage.

But Crosby sees that stretch differently.

Those weren’t failures — they were lessons.

Quiet Progress When It Mattered Most

Lost in the noise is what happened next.

In the AFC Championship Game against Denver, Campbell faced edge rusher Nik Bonitto — one of the league’s most explosive pressure generators — and did not allow a single sack on his side.

That performance didn’t produce viral clips or headline stats, but for New England, it was critical. With rookie quarterback Drake Maye dealing with a shoulder injury and constant pressure throughout the playoffs, Campbell’s ability to stabilize the blind side mattered more than ever.

Playing Through Injury

Another overlooked detail: Campbell has been playing through an MCL injury during the postseason. That context explains some of the inconsistencies in his footwork and anchor early in the playoffs.

Instead of treating that as an excuse, Crosby framed it as part of the developmental process.

“You have to go through it,” he said. “That’s how you learn who you are.”

What Crosby Actually Sees

Crosby’s endorsement isn’t about technique or stats. It’s about mentality.

Campbell didn’t shy away from elite matchups. He didn’t unravel after giving up pressure. He kept his job, adjusted on the fly, and improved against top-tier competition — all while protecting a rookie quarterback on a Super Bowl-bound team.

For a veteran pass rusher, those traits matter more than a clean stat sheet.

The Bigger Picture for New England

The Patriots didn’t just find a quarterback in Drake Maye — they may have found a long-term answer at left tackle.

Campbell isn’t finished. He’s not polished. And he doesn’t need to be yet.

What matters is that he’s absorbing high-level reps, surviving elite competition, and getting better under pressure. According to one of the league’s best defensive players, that’s exactly how future cornerstone linemen are made.

If Maxx Crosby believes Will Campbell has “no doubt” potential, that’s a signal Patriots fans should pay attention to.

The sacks were part of the process.
The progress is the story.

And the future, at left tackle, looks a lot brighter than the noise suggests.