"One of the things that really stands out is what he's able to do on the move.. Climbing up to the second and sometimes even the third level. When you watch games like Tennessee or South Carolina picking on corners and safeties, it's pretty special," Manyweather continued.
Manyweather admitted that comparing Wilson to Kelce was setting a high bar. However, Wilson's trainer for the scouting combine and his rookie season had another pro comparison for the Patriots third-round pick.
"Jared is very similar to Erik McCoy in New Orleans. Erik is a phenomenal athlete, but Jared is an even better athlete than Erik," Manyweather said. "If you look at some of the things that Erik McCoy is able to do on the move, or Aaron Brewer down in Miami, those are all highly athletic centers that can get out and do a lot of different things for an offense."
McCoy is a two-time Pro Bowler for the Saints who has started at center for the last six seasons in New Orleans. Certainly, the Patriots would take that kind of production from a third-round draft choice. However, one question that some scouts had about Wilson was his inexperience. The Pats rookie only started one season (12 games) in Athens, serving as a top backup in his first two seasons. Wilson earned second-team All-SEC honors in his one year as a starter, while Manyweather explained how Wilson was still battle-tested in college despite a lack of in-game reps.
"He played against so many top defenders in practice, having been a backup at all three interior positions for the years prior, so that really gave him some crucial experience," Manyweather said. "When he stepped into the starting role at Georgia, he didn't miss a beat. He improved the pivot position of center for the Georgia Bulldogs."
To Manyweather's point, Georgia has had its fair share of elite defensive line prospects roll through Athens in recent years. Wilson faced future pros Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, and 2025 first-rounders Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker on the practice field. Although it wasn't a game setting, it will prepare players for NFL-caliber competition.
"Jared is a very consistent person, which has made him a very consistent player," said Manyweather.