Garrett Nussmeier attended the NFL scouting combine prepared to answer queries about his own draft prospects, but he also used the occasion to defend a former LSU teammate.
Garrett Nussmeier responds to detractors of Will Campbell.
The quarterback did not mince words while defending New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell, vehemently contesting criticism of Campbell’s rocky conclusion to his rookie season. His comments, along with information about his own injury-plagued season, gave new depth to an already intriguing pre-draft narrative.
When questioned about Campbell’s late-season troubles, Nussmeier gave the Patriots’ young left tackle a strong recommendation. Campbell, who took over as starter at the age of 22, began his rookie season with consistent performance. He started 13 games, assisting New England to a 14-3 record. Throughout the regular season, he allowed only five sacks and was penalised seven times.
The attitude altered during the postseason. Campbell injured his right MCL on November 23 and missed four games on injured reserve before returning shortly before the playoffs. Patriots personnel executive Eliot Wolf admitted that the damage seemed to take a toll, stating that Campbell “probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs” and did not exhibit his usual lower-body strength.
In a detailed examination against the Chargers, Campbell surrendered five pressures and a sack, which resulted in a fumble, giving him the lowest pass-protection efficiency score of the season. Nussmeier felt irritated by the internet criticism that followed that period.
“It kind of shows me that people sometimes don’t know what they’re talking about and want to get on Twitter, live in their parents’ basement… They don’t understand football,” he stated. He subsequently stated, “I’m more simply defending my youngster here, because he’s a terrific football player. He will play in the NFL for a very long time and be quite fine.
While defending Campbell, Nussmeier also answered inquiries about his own stormy season. Not long ago, he was considered as a co-favorite to be the first overall selection in the 2026 draft. Since then, projections have changed.
Fernando Mendoza, fresh off a 16-0 season with Indiana that featured a Heisman Trophy and a College Football Playoff national title, is widely anticipated to be the first overall choice, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson close behind him.
