Around this time last year, one of the biggest questions coming out of Patriots training camp was whether or not New England could trust its offensive line enough to play then-rookie quarterback Drake Maye right away.
This year, the conversation is much different. Maye, with a year of NFL experience under his belt, is the unquestioned starter. The new coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel, is trusting a pair of rookies to protect his blindside.
There’s no surprise that No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell has been penciled in at left-tackle right away. Top-5 picks are supposed to come in and contribute immediately, and they had a huge hole at his position heading into the draft.