The Patriots used a first-round pick on offensive tackle Will Campbell last April. Now, less than a year later, the organization is looking hard at Arizona State's Max Iheanachor for what could be another early investment in the trenches. That's not a coincidence—it's a statement about how Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf view the offensive line's current state.
Here's the reality: Campbell hasn't solved the position yet. Whether that's a patience issue, a scheme fit issue, or a straight-up evaluation miss remains unclear. But when you're already hunting for his potential replacement before the ink dries on last year's contract, you've got a problem. Iheanachor from Arizona State offers a different profile—a chance to either find the guy Campbell was supposed to be, or to build redundancy at a position where depth matters.
The Territorial Cup matchup against Arizona showed what scouts want to see: a tackle who can move and hold his own in space. Size, athleticism, and consistency are the holy trinity for the position, and Iheanachor checks boxes there. For a Patriots team that's still constructing its identity under new leadership, another swing at tackle makes sense. The current depth chart has James Hudson III, Morgan Moses, and Vederian Lowe competing for snaps—solid veterans, but not foundational pieces.
The real question isn't whether the Patriots should look at Iheanachor. It's whether they're ready to admit the Campbell pick needs company in the trenches. If they're serious about protecting Drake Maye and establishing a ground game, they have to get this right. One first-rounder at tackle hasn't done it. Maybe two will.
Based on reporting from Pats Pulpit.