Pats Pulpit
If you had to build a defensive end in a lab, you probably would use Deatrich Wise Jr. as a blueprint. Not only does he measure 6-foot-5 and 271 yards, he also offers massive 35 5/8-inch arms.
His length is a defining feature of Wise Jr.’s game, and it played a part in him developing from former fourth-round draft pick to team captain in eight seasons with the New England Patriots. Now a member of the Washington Commanders, he continues to use it to put pressure on opposing offensive tackles.
During Wednesday’s joint practice between his current and former team, Patriots OT Will Campbell was tasked with holding his own against the veteran defender. Campbell and Wise Jr. ended up splitting their 1-on-1 reps, despite the rookie being at a clear disadvantage as far as length is concerned.
“Great guy. Really good at using his hands,” Wise Jr. said after the session. “I would say he does a good job of effort. He told me on the field that he wants to get better and learn. Everything that he does, he takes it as a lesson. So, kudos to him.”
How about the questions about Campbell’s arm length, though? The ever-diplomatic Wise Jr. doesn’t see a problem with it.
“Humbly speaking, no one has my length,” he joked before addressing the issue. “He has really good hands. … I’ve faced tackles who have shorter arms before, longer arms. It’s not about the size of the tackle, but the heart. He has that.”
The Patriots, who opted not to re-sign Wise Jr. in free agency, selected Campbell fourth overall in this year’s draft. One of the big talking points leading up to the event was his comparative lack of size: his 32 5/8-inch arms come in below the oft-mentioned 33-inch threshold teams operate with, sparking questions about a potential move inside to guard.
For New England, such a move never seemed like a realistic scenario. Campbell has been their top left tackle since entering the building, and so far has managed to mostly hold his own both against his teammates and against Wise Jr. and the Commanders.
“Very strong guy at the point of attack,” Wise Jr. added. “I met him in the run game a little bit, we kind of stalemated, ball went the other way. But great player. He has a very high ceiling.”
