Pats Pulpit
The third-round rookie quickly earned a starting spot along the offensive line this training camp.
It took just one week of practice for Jared Wilson to insert himself into the New England Patriots’ starting offensive line line.
Despite spending the entire spring limited, the 21-year-old rookie made a strong impression rather quickly to earn the opportunities.
“Nothing’s set in stone with the roster or the lineup — but certainly want to give Jared the opportunity that he’s deserved, which I think is to be out there with the ones in the last couple days and going forward into next week,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday. “I think we talked about the players that don’t participate in practice but have the ability to stay engaged with the installation and stay up with the installation, and he did that through the spring.
“He wasn’t able to be out there physically, but was able to learn all the interior line positions and then really got off to a good start here in training camp. So, try to tell the team that, take advantage of your opportunities and you get more opportunity.”
Starting one year at center for the Georgia Bulldogs, Wilson’s versatility along the interior was pointed out on draft night by Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. That has showed early in camp, as Wilson has joined the starting offensive line at left guard with veteran Garrett Bradbury taking the top center reps.
“It’s a great thing, especially coming from Vrabel, a guy who’s played 14 years in this league,” Wilson said about Vrabel’s comments.
“That’s a good thing to hear, but at the end of the day, you got to come into work every day, still got to earn it, still going to prove to your teammates that you’re worthy of it. That’s the exciting part.”
To open camp, Wilson has taken advantage of his opportunities. That was especially true during some dominant 1-on-1 wins last week against New England’s top interior pass rush duo of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams.
If the 2025 third-round pick maintains his spot moving forward, New England would open the season with an all rookie left side of the offensive line. First-round draft choice Will Campbell has been a mainstay at left tackle.
While the duo would be inexperienced, the chemistry between them is clear after they spent the months prior to the draft training together.
“We just talk about how fun it’s going to be,” Wilson said. “It’s just two rookies next to each other, left guard and left tackle on the blind side. We know it’s going to be a challenge every day. Teams are going to bring their best on us. Just have to be ready.”
