​When Mike Vrabel took over the New England Patriots in January 2025, he inherited a team that had endured offensive line problems for several years. In his first draft as head coach, the team targeted that issue directly, using its first and third selections on the O-line to strengthen the interior. We will cover first-round pick Will Campbell in a future Patriots scouting report. For now, our focus is on third-rounder Jared Wilson—a rookie whose first season can best be described as a learning experience.
Name: Jared Wilson
Position: Center/Interior offensive line
Jersey number: 55
Opening day age: 23 (born June 5, 2003)
Measurements: 6’3”, 310 lbs, 10 3/4” hand size, 32 3/8” arm length, 80” wingspan
Athletic testing: 4.84 seconds 40-yard dash, 4.56 seconds short shuttle, 32” vertical jump, 9’4” broad jump, 23 bench press reps, 9.82 Relative Athletic Score
NFL team: New England Patriots (2025–)
College: Georgia (2021–24)
Recruiting and college path: Wilson was a three-star interior line prospect from West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina. He initially committed to North Carolina, passing on offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn and others in favor of playing in his home state with the Tar Heels, a choice that would have allowed him to line up with quarterback Drake Maye. However, he ultimately backed out of that commitment and, on the same day, flipped his pledge to Georgia. The move set him on a path to become a Bulldog, a program known for developing versatile interior blockers.
college career arc: Wilson’s collegiate career can be divided into two distinct phases. From 2021 through the 2023 season, he served as a reserve along the interior offensive line and did not start any of the 21 games in which he appeared. During that period, he logged only 204 snaps at center and guard, contributing mainly as a depth option rather than a primary contributor. In 2024, he emerged as a breakout player for Georgia, starting 12 games at center and recording 810 snaps. That season culminated in recognition as a second-team All-SEC selection, a testament to his growth and reliability at the center position.
draft and professional entry: Wilson concluded his college career on a high note, which helped his draft stock. The New England Patriots selected him in the third round, leveraging the late-stage development he demonstrated in 2024.
rookie season overview: In his first season with the Patriots, Wilson appeared in 17 games and started all of them, all at left guard. His transition to the professional level showcased his athleticism and versatility, as well as the learning curve that accompanies moving from college to the NFL.
strengths: Wilson stands out as an impressive interior athlete. He moves quickly off the snap and features smooth footwork, enabling him to function well in space and reach his targets efficiently. His urgency and vision as a puller and second-level blocker help him reach linebackers effectively, and his speed, measured with a 98th percentile 40-yard dash, gives him potential impact in the screen game. His flexible lower body and natural balance support his ability to mirror in pass protection, and he has a knack for recovering when he overextends in his sets. Once engaged, his big hands and grip strength allow him to latch on effectively and keep defenders at bay.
weaknesses: While physically solid, Wilson’s length is not exceptional for an interior lineman, which means he must be precise with his initial punch. In some cases, the length limitation can put additional pressure on the first contact, making initial hand placement and timing a critical area for continued improvement. His lower length also means that, at times, he may rely more on technical discipline and anchor than on reach to secure his blocks, which can become a factor against longer, more athletic defenders.
overall projection: Wilson enters the NFL as a developing interior blocker with substantial athletic traits that translate well to contemporary NFL linemen. His 2024 breakout season at Georgia demonstrated that he can handle a starting role at center in college, which bodes well for his potential to contribute in the interior at the professional level. With continued refinement—particularly in hand placement, punch timing, and leveraging his mobility in pass protection—Wilson has a clear developmental trajectory to become a reliable interior blocker who can function as a flexible piece along the line for the Patriots.