One of the biggest surprises in the NFL this past season was the New England Patriots. After consecutive 4-13 seasons, the Patriots finished 13-4 and made the Super Bowl. While they came up short in the big game, it was a successful season compared to the prior two.
A main reason for the Patriots' success this past season was the influx of new players through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. In free agency, the Patriots added multiple key contributors like Milton Williams and Stefon Diggs. During the draft, New England landed Craig Woodson, who helped an already impressive secondary.
With the draft right around the corner, one player from last season's draft could be set up for success this year. And that's Jared Wilson.
Jared Wilson Set Up for Success This Season
Entering last season's draft, the biggest need for the Patriots was on the offensive line. After landing franchise quarterback Drake Maye in 2024, New England needed to get him help up front. They did that, taking Will Campbell fourth overall and Wilson with the 95th pick in the third round.
Coming out of college, Wilson earned second-team all-honors at Georgia in his senior season as the Bulldogs' starting center. Once the Patriots drafted him, he began preparing to play left guard, with New England looking to start Garrett Bradbury at center.
In his rookie season, Wilson played and started in 13 games, missing the other four due to an injury, but returned for the playoffs. On the field, Wilson had some moments but wasn't consistent and had his fair share of struggles. Now with Bradbury gone and Alijah Vera-Tucker in the mix, Wilson will move back to his natural position.
Wilson back at center, it allows him to play a position that he's familiar with. Not only that, but having Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu on both sides will allow him to elevate his play. At guard, Wilson would get overpowered by pass rushers. Moving Wilson back to center would negate some of the issues he faced this past season.
As the season gets closer, we'll get a clearer idea of how the Patriots feel about the offensive line at the NFL draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 23. New England believes that Wilson is better suited at center. Considering he has one year of experience in the NFL and has better players around him, Wilson is poised to be more effective in 2026 for this team.
More New England Patriots News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google