FOXBORO — Jared Wilson’s face said it all when he was asked how to felt to switch back to center this offseason.
The 2025 third-round pick responded with a wide smile.
“Very excited. Very excited,” Wilson said. “I’ll keep it at that.”
The Patriots drafted Wilson as a center last spring but moved him to guard since they had already signed Garrett Bradbury in the offseason. The Patriots made it to Super Bowl LX with Wilson at left guard, but the year didn’t come without its struggles for the Georgia product.
Overall, Wilson, who’s switching from No. 58 to 55 this season, earned a 52.2 PFF grade while surrendering eight sacks, seven QB hits and 26 hurries. Wilson played in 17 games and finished second behind rookie left tackle Will Campbell in pressures allowed.
“Honestly, from guard to center, I mean, people say you gotta know all three positions on the interior offensive lineman. That is a very true statement, but it’s very different,” Wilson said. “I was there before, played it in college, so I’m comfortable, but there’s always things to learn, always new things to learn and things to tweak.”
When asked about his favorite thing about playing center, Wilson said, “everything. I like it all.”
He also has the benefit of a year in Josh McDaniels’ complex offense. He said his knowledge of the playbook is where he experienced the most growth last season.
“Josh’s playbook is one of the — woo, it was tough last year,” Wilson said. “It took the whole year to figure out that playbook, but getting thrown into the fire in Year 1 and having to just go, go, go definitely makes you grow, matures you.”
Wilson is expected to be flanked by Aliah Vera-Tucker at left guard and Mike Onwenu at right guard. Campbell is expected to continue to start at left tackle with veteran Morgan Moses at right tackle. The Patriots also added first-round pick Caleb Lomu to the offensive line. Lomu will certainly serve as a backup tackle but could also see time at guard this season.
Wilson is excited about Vera-Tucker.
“Alijah’s a great dude. I love him. Athletic freak. His feet are crazy,” Wilson said. “He’s a smart player. He’s going to be a great guy to have.”
Improvement from Wilson and Campbell will be key in upgrading the Patriots’ offensive line this season.
The line faltered in the postseason and especially in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LX loss to the Seahawks. Vera-Tucker, who has missed significant time with injuries during his five-year NFL career, staying healthy will also be a key factor.