GREEN BAY, Wis. ― On April 16, eight days before the start of the NFL Draft, Louisiana State offensive linemen Will Campbell and Miles Frazier prepared for a private workout on campus with the Patriots. They had heard that coach Mike Vrabel, a 14-year NFL linebacker, still liked to get in the mix and grapple with players. They prepared accordingly.

Mike Vrabel was convinced Will Campbell was the Patriots' guy when the left tackle took him out during a pre-draft workout.

Dependable. Accountable. A quick study. Vrabel called him an easy pick, one that became clear after the Patriots sent their top brass to work out Campbell last week on a trip to Louisiana. “We spent a lot of time with him,” Vrabel added.