When it comes to Will Campbell, most of the conversation revolves around his arm length. Or lack of such.
It was a huge debate about the Patriots’ first-round pick, and he was ranked fourth overall.
But once you cross your arm, there's more to know about Patriots rookie left tackle.
A Campbell feature that doesn't require review?
He has the ability to lead and build the culture he needs.
While noobs usually feel less comfortable enough when they claim themselves early, Campbell is not the type to wait for the right time.
Campbell will immediately build his presence by listening to his offensive line coach Brad Davis at LSU. He watched him do this as a freshman, witnessing the transformation of the line, and there was no doubt that Campbell's influence would be immediately created.
"As a rookie, as a young player, he can get into the culture of the offensive line in the organization," Davis said on arrival last week. "He doesn't have to go there to do anything different. He just needs himself."
Between his work ethics, practice habits, preparation, it’s hard for others not to pay attention to Campbell’s care and how much he wants to win.
Davis said Campbell would arrive at 2:00 if he had a meeting at 2:30. He would watch movies and take notes to take advantage of his 30 minutes before the meeting.
Campbell will be at 5 if the player is expected to hold a weight room lift at 6:30. During his three years at LSU, Davis said there was no deviation.
"He doesn't have to come in and fight for his voice. People like him, with a real love for the game and a desire to improve, they will lean towards him," Davis said. "He will be able to develop a culture of people who want to win. That's the makeup of this kid."
This is the culture Mike Vrabel is trying to build. He hopes that players who will buy and put the team first.
He also cleaned the old guard's house and separated the road from last year's five captains (David Andrews, Joe Cardona, Deatrich Wise, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jacoby Brissett). Therefore, there is room for a new leader in the room.
During his introductory press conference, Vrabel described his vision for the type of players he wanted to bring and fight with.
"Winners come in all shapes and sizes. We will have leaders. Leaders will identify themselves," said Flaber. "I know that it may be easier for our employees and the ability to create winners and competitors than to create leaders, and leaders will identify themselves. Leaders will become leaders that define culture. Culture will be something that drives and gives you the results we have afterward."
Davis believes that what Vrabel and the Patriots are building is that Campbell is not only going to thrive in the ideal environment, but also coax others to do the same.
According to Vrabel's speech, Campbell will be in town at the start of the Patriots rookie small training camp on Friday, which is certainly a good fit. He is not only the foundation in the field, but also the foundation in the locker room.
"If you have such rare talent, have this trait, and support him, and surround him with someone like him, then, you just let him do whatever he can - that's the leader," Davis said. "He's the leader of our team. For that, the heartbeat of our team.
"He will definitely change the organization. Not that this place needs to change, it's a really good organization. But I'm going to tell you that this kid will have an impact that isn't felt there for a while.
"He's special. I'm not because I'm his coach. I'm just telling you who he is."
Campbell's approach, he's ready to get in touch with the opposing team's best passer is another sign of his role. His desire to win.
According to Davis, Campbell did not hesitate to have no stones.
"He won't surpass everyone he's against. He's just going out and working hard. He'll be preparing for the whole week. He'll be studying his opponents," Davis said. "He's going to give himself every advantage so that he's not only relying on his physical talent, but also the most complex parts of the defender's game. Their position, their gestures, their position, their consistency... from Sunday to Friday, that's where he excelled. That's the part that Patriots see."
Davis believes that Vrabel & Co. would have been “crazy” and should not win Campbell with the fourth pick.
Campbell did more as Drake Maye's blind spot protector when he checked out the box for the main needs.
He kept pushing the envelope.
"His traits are consistent with very successful people. It's almost an insanity that most people can't match because he loves football very much."
Prior to joining LSU, he recruited Campbell as a high school player at Davis, Arkansas. He became famous for Louisiana natives for a while.
While some question how successful he will be in measuring tackle, Davis has no doubt.
“He didn’t expect it to fail,” Adams said of Campbell. "He will be in charge of the organization. He will be the face of that franchise. This place will be on fire. He is special."