The NFL Combine has just concluded, and the buzz surrounding player measurables is at an all-time high. Similar to how car shoppers can get too focused on horsepower numbers, NFL analysts and media personalities are zeroing in on 40-yard dash times, vertical jumps, and bench press reps. While these metrics are important, history has shown that some of the NFL’s greatest players weren’t standout performers at the Combine. Now, Patriots center David Andrews has weighed in on the discussion, making it clear what truly matters in football.
Recently, Andrews spoke in an interview about the Patriots’ approach to talent evaluation and specifically addressed the debate over LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell. He emphasized that certain measurables should not be the sole determining factor in evaluating a player’s potential. Reflecting on his own career, Andrews noted that he was considered too small with short arms, yet he has had a successful NFL career. He also pointed out that the same thing happened with Tom Brady—there was little excitement around him when he first took over as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. Andrews’ comments serve as a message to Patriots coach Mike Vrabel: raw measurables don’t define a player’s impact on the field.
The debate over Will Campbell has intensified after the NFL Combine, where his arm length measurement came in slightly shorter than expected. According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell is considered one of the top left tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, analysts have been scrutinizing the fact that his arm length measured 32 5/8 inches instead of the anticipated 32 7/8 inches. While this difference of just 3/8 of an inch may seem minor, some analysts argue that it significantly affects his ability to play tackle in the NFL, potentially pushing him to the guard position.
Matt Dolloff of 98.5 The Sports Hub weighed in on the situation, emphasizing how minor physical differences are sometimes exaggerated in the draft evaluation process. Many believe that such an insignificant measurement should not overshadow a player’s overall skill set. David Andrews’ perspective reinforces this notion—performance and football IQ matter far more than a fraction of an inch in arm length.
Campbell is widely regarded as an excellent offensive lineman and is considered a strong candidate for the Patriots, especially given their struggles on the offensive line in 2024. If they don’t find a tackle of Ronnie Stanley’s caliber, Campbell could be their best option. Even if the Patriots draft a left tackle, Campbell is still expected to start at right tackle from Day One. His slight deficiency in arm length should not prevent him from being a valuable asset to New England’s offensive line.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have also been linked to Campbell in mock drafts, with speculation that they could select him with the No. 10 pick. The Bears’ need for a long-term solution on the offensive line is evident, especially considering potential future free agency losses. Despite their recent moves in free agency, Campbell remains a popular choice in draft projections. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, he appears in 22% of 1,095 tracked mock drafts for the Bears, making him the most frequently selected player for their No. 10 pick.
General managers must think long-term when drafting players. The Bears could face challenges in retaining their left-side offensive linemen after the 2025 season due to salary cap constraints. With only $35.5 million projected for the 2026 cap, securing young talent now would be a smart investment. The big question is whether the Patriots will pass on Campbell over minor concerns about his arm length—potentially regretting it later.
Ultimately, the debate over Will Campbell’s arm length highlights a recurring issue in player evaluation—overemphasis on Combine measurements rather than a player’s actual performance and skills. With draft day approaching, teams must decide whether they prioritize raw measurables or trust a player’s ability to contribute at a high level on the field.