This season, Jared Wilson has transitioned back to his natural center position for the New England Patriots and has strengthened the middle of the team’s offensive line. In Week 3, despite New England’s 35-6 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Wilson played his tail off, not allowing a pressure, quarterback hit, or sack. He was rewarded for his stellar production by earning PFF’s highest center score.
The second-year player has proven that his Week 3 performance wasn’t an anomaly. Through three games, Wilson leads all centers in penalties (0) and sacks allowed (0), and his 67.3 PFF grade ranks seventh among all centers.
Not Bad For His First Season at Center
Last season, New England selected Wilson with their third-round selection, 95th overall, after a successful season as Georgia’s starting center. This was considered a steal for New England as Wilson ranked as the best center in his draft class.
However, after the Patriots signed Garrett Bradbury to be their starting center, Wilson was forced to shift one spot over to left guard. Playing out of position for a majority of the season, Wilson struggled, as evidenced by his 52.2 PFF grade.
After an offseason trade that saw Bradbury depart for the Chicago Bears, New England made the right decision to move Wilson to his natural position at center.
Season Outlook
New England’s offensive line has been ravaged by injuries to start the season. Not only did Mike Vrabel lose his starting right guard, Mike Onwenu, but he also lost his backup, Greg Van Roten. In addition, Morgan Moses was taken out of the Jaguars’ matchup, who had been dealing with a foot injury leading up to the game.
While the right side of the offensive line is in shambles entering a Week 4 challenge against the Bills, Wilson, now that he is back at his natural position, has excelled.
After two four-win seasons, New England shocked the NFL world by winning the AFC Championship Game. Now that the Patriots are the hunted this season, the team needed to get better, as it faces a dramatically more difficult schedule. So far this season, Jared Wilson has stepped up to the challenge.
