Jared Wilson, a third-round draft selection for the New England Patriots, is poised for a significant role change in the 2026 NFL season. After a rookie year spent as a starting left guard, Wilson will be returning to his more accustomed position as center, a role he excelled in during his college career at Georgia. This shift is expected to capitalize on his natural abilities and provide stability to the Patriots' offensive line, which has been a focus for improvement under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
When Mike Vrabel assumed leadership of the New England Patriots in January 2025, his immediate priority was to bolster the team's offensive line, a unit that had consistently faced challenges in previous seasons. The team's strategy in Vrabel's inaugural draft reflected this commitment, as they allocated their first and third selections to offensive line prospects. While the first-round pick, Will Campbell, will be discussed separately, the focus here is on Jared Wilson, a third-rounder whose initial professional season can best be characterized as a period of significant growth and adjustment.
Wilson's collegiate journey at Georgia, spanning from 2021 to 2024, unfolded in two distinct phases. Initially, he served as a backup interior offensive lineman, appearing in 21 games between his freshman and junior years without a single start, accumulating merely 204 snaps as a center and guard. However, his senior year in 2024 marked a pivotal change; he elevated his performance, earning second-team All-SEC honors and becoming a 12-game starting center, playing a substantial 810 snaps. This impressive collegiate finish propelled his draft stock, leading the Patriots to select him in the third round. In his rookie year with the Patriots, Wilson remarkably started all 17 games as the team’s left guard, showcasing his adaptability.
Despite his early success, Wilson's rookie season was not without its difficulties. He was sidelined for the Patriots' Week 4 victory against Carolina due to an ankle injury. Later, in Week 12, he sustained a high ankle sprain during the opening drive against Cincinnati, which caused him to miss the subsequent game. Additionally, he entered concussion protocol for the final two regular-season games, though he returned for the playoffs. These physical setbacks, coupled with playing out of his natural position and a developing chemistry with fellow rookie left tackle Will Campbell, made the left side of the offensive line a discernible weak point for the Patriots' offense, particularly evident in the playoffs. However, these experiences also highlighted Wilson's resilience and capacity to adapt not only to a new position but also to the demanding pace of the NFL.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Wilson's move back to center is expected to be a critical turning point. With Garrett Bradbury having been traded and Alijah Vera-Tucker joining the team, Wilson is stepping into the starting center role, a position where he demonstrated considerable aptitude in college. This return to his natural position, along with a jersey number change from 58 to his collegiate 55, is anticipated to foster substantial improvement. His salary cap hit for the upcoming season is $1.41 million, comprising a non-guaranteed base salary of $1.12 million and a guaranteed signing bonus proration of $288,000. Despite not having played center in the NFL outside of preseason, his consistent performance as the top center throughout spring training solidifies his roster spot. This strategic move by the Patriots is a clear indication of their confidence in Wilson's potential to develop into a long-term cornerstone for their offensive line.
