After the New England Patriots selected LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Campbell made headlines by claiming he had knocked Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel to the ground during a pre-draft workout. This bold statement caught attention, particularly because Vrabel is a seasoned former NFL linebacker known for his toughness and competitive nature.
Mike Vrabel addressed the incident while speaking on Boston College coach Bill O’Brien’s podcast. When asked by O’Brien if Campbell had truly “knocked \[him] stiff,” Vrabel provided some context. He explained that they were working on a drill involving the “4i” technique, which positions the defender on the inside shoulder of the tackle—an alignment used to simulate backside cutoffs on inside zone plays.
Will Campbell (NFL)Vrabel Reflects on Taking Hit From Rookie Campbell During Intense Pre-Draft Workout Drill
O’Brien questioned Vrabel’s decision to line up in a 4i against someone as powerful as Campbell. Vrabel admitted he wanted to experience it firsthand, adding that Campbell “kind of jumped the snap count” on one of the reps. Although he didn’t outright say Campbell false-started, he conceded that the young tackle “caught \[him] pretty good on the second snap,” hinting at Campbell’s strength and quickness.
Vrabel, a 14-year NFL veteran and former first-team All-Pro, is known for actively participating in team practices, often putting on a scout-team jersey and getting involved with drills. As he approaches his 50th birthday in a couple of months, his willingness to still mix it up with players like Campbell showcases both his passion for coaching and the competitive spirit that defines his leadership style.
