It’s difficult at New England Patriots training camp to not focus on the headliners – Christian Gonzalez vs. A.J. Brown.
But while those two collide regularly with their good-natured, high-power trash-talking on the outside, another immense battle is brewing a little bit closer to quarterback Drake Maye:
Left tackle Will Campbell vs. edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones.
Challenging each other daily
Each is expected to play a pivotal role this season.
Campbell has been entrusted to protect Maye’s blind side against the top edge guys in the game, just as he did as a rookie.
Jones was brought in as a free agent as coach Mike Vrabel looks to bolster the New England pass rush.
The two have gotten after it.
“I’m getting great opportunities to go against good guys. Dre is a guy that I’ve played in a game (vs. the Titans). He’s a really good player,” said Campbell. “It is good work for both of us I think, because we are familiar with each other. It’s kind of like a little chess match out there.”
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In the end, Patriots come first
They’ve also bonded with one goal in mind.
“It’s the nature of the family feeling in this building,” said Campbell. “As much as we can to kick their ass at practice, and they want to kick our ass, we want them to get as many sacks as possible. They want us to give up as few as possible. We’re all trying to help each other. That’s the way we’re going to be successful in this season.”
Coming off his postseason struggles, much attention has been paid to Campbell in training camp. Looking healthy again, he’s handled it well and continues to progress at the position.
Jones got paid in the offseason
Meanwhile, Jones comes to the Patriots after stops in four cities over his seven National Football League seasons. In 2025, playing for Tennessee and Baltimore, he matched his career season-high with seven sacks and was rewarded with a three-year deal that guarantees him over $23 million.
“I feel real good. I feel real comfortable. I’ve been in the system my entire career. I’ve played different positions in the system, so I understand it pretty well,” said Jones. “I’m ready to roll. I understand what
