​The New England Patriots currently have players scattered across the country as they wait for training camp to begin, with the first group scheduled to report in about ten days. For now, the offseason lull remains, keeping things relatively quiet. Consequently, our weekly Pats Pulpit wrap-up—covering stories not typically highlighted elsewhere—will again come in on the shorter side, roughly 2,000 words. That will change as the summer unfolds, but for today here is another more concise edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.
Coming off a Super Bowl appearance and led by an MVP-caliber quarterback entering just his third NFL season, the Patriots are clearly on an upward trajectory. This is true for the team as a whole and for several individual players who could emerge as breakout talents. One such player is the new starting center, Jared Wilson. A recent ESPN analysis even named him a starter, underscoring the progress he has made.
Wilson has already accomplished one of the more challenging feats for a rookie: winning the starting center job, even though he was not a first-round pick. A third-round pick who played college center but shifted to left guard, he managed to hold his own. But his optimal position has always been center, and that job now belongs to him following the Garrett Bradbury trade this offseason. Wilson brings a valuable blend of quickness, balance, and the speed required for modern centers to be central components of the running game. With fewer one-on-one matchups against power rushers than last season, he could flourish. If he can manage the pre-snap responsibilities effectively, he should be an above-average starting center by this time next year. After a challenging rookie season spent out of position, Wilson is a focal point to watch this year. His offseason work as the starting center in front of Drake Maye also reflects the Patriots’ commitment to his development.
Wilson isn’t the only player with breakout potential. Among the team’s sophomores, offensive tackle Will Campbell showed flashes of talent throughout 2025, though his rookie campaign was hampered by a knee injury. TreVeyon Henderson, a big-play threat at running back, also has the capability to take a meaningful step forward. Yet perhaps the most intriguing name is Craig Woodson. Having already led the team in defensive snaps last season, the fourth-round pick is expected to make a Year 2 leap in a secondary that features fellow starters Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, and veteran free-agent addition Kevin Byard. If Woodson can elevate his consistency and performance, his growth could lift the entire New England pass defense.
On the more seasoned side, there are a couple of established players who could still break out. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who showed promise in Green Bay but hadn’t consistently produced at a high level, and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who has the potential to contribute at a higher level, are among those candidates. As the offseason progresses, the Patriots will continue to shape a roster poised to capitalize on both youth and experience, aiming to convert potential into tangible on-field impact.