Center Jared Wilson is the least-talked-about pivotal New England Patriot in training camp this summer.
Unless there is a botched snap between him and the quarterback – and there have been a couple of those in camp already – the center is usually overlooked.
Garrett Bradbury, taking over for two-time Super Bowl champ David Andrews in 2025, was barely mentioned on the way to Super Bowl LX. And that was a great thing for the Patriots.
Wilson, the starting left guard as a rookie, is hoping for similar anonymity as he slides over one slot to the right.
Building bond with Drake Maye
He has locked on to QB Drake Maye in the early going, just to be sure the offense gets off to a smooth start.
“Me and Drake, our connection is very important,” said Wilson at camp this week. “Snap and communication. First it’s the communication then you have to get the ball to him. That’s the most important two things.”
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Continuity inside on O-line
The inside trio of newcomer Alijah Vera-Tucker, Wilson and Mike Onwenu has not wavered through camp as they develop that unity in the interior of the group. They’ve been solid.
“Reps are everything. You don’t get the reps … I’m not even going to say you don’t trust each other, but you’re just not confident in the connection that we need to have,” said Wilson. “So reps are everything.”
Learned from a good one
The aforementioned Bradbury may have only been here for one season, but he has clearly left an impact that might be a difference-maker for Wilson, who played center mainly during his years at the University of Georgia.
“Great teammate, great dude, great father, great husband. I was very grateful to have Garrett with me my rookie year,” said Wilson. “I honestly wouldn’t be here without him.”
