FoxBorough During Friday night’s Patriots in-stadium practice, would Campbell was given a preview of what life would be like when he starts playing in the NFL in September.
The Patriots’ first-round draft pick was beaming at the conclusion of the 90-minute scrimmage. Before leaving for the locker room, he signed autographs for the fans there, which brought even more joy.
“It’s nice to get out here in the stadium and feel the turf for the first time on the field you’re going to be playing on,” Campbell said.
The rookie left tackle has spent the entire summer learning.
In training camp, the No. 4 overall pick has experienced some highs and lows. He clarified on Friday night, though, that he took offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ guidance and didn’t see the losses negatively.
A few weeks back, Josh McDaniels told me, “You don’t lose.” According to Campbell, you either learn or you succeed. I am a novice. I’m learning out here. I can’t do some of the things I did in college here. I’m trying to figure out what works for me because it’s a different league. Every action you do that doesn’t work out is an opportunity to grow. It is not considered a loss.
This summer, Campbell is being closely watched since he is a draft pick. He analyzes every shot he takes. For instance, the youngster experienced some difficult times last week. In one-on-one drills during the Patriots’ first padded practice, Keion White knocked Campbell down twice.
During a difficult 11-on-11 play on Wednesday, edge rusher K Lavon Chaisson beat Campbell three times for two sacks and a pressure. But the rookie has also demonstrated the capacity to recover.
Several times since that initial padded one-on-one, he has defeated White. Campbell had two clean full-team periods to round out Wednesday’s practice.
“I don’t pay attention to any of the hype or criticism that I’ve received this summer,” the rookie remarked.
It is what it is. I don’t really follow social media or anything that is pointless. According to Campbell, that won’t help me get a rep or do anything on the field. My daily goal is to arrive in the building, present myself in the best possible light, and assist the team in any manner I can.
