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The New England Patriots experimented with rookie center Jared Wilson moving to left guard in the 2025 season. It was a move that seemed passable until the team reached the playoffs, and it turned out to be downright disastrous.
But Wilson was working against more than just the common growing pains of a rookie offensive lineman adjusting to life in the NFL. He was playing at an entirely different position after being touted as arguably the best center in the 2025 NFL draft.
So what now?
According to MassLive's Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian, the Patriots reportedly haven't ruled out the possibility of moving Wilson back to center.
Daniels and Guregian wrote:
"Jared Wilson was considered one of the top center prospects in last year’s draft before moving to left guard for the Patriots. Will he move back to his true position? We’re told that’s in the cards for the Patriots, but there’s a big hurdle Wilson needs to clear – Garrett Bradbury."
No, Bradbury isn't a superstar center firmly entrenched as a starter due to his elite on-field performances. But he is consistent, and that goes a long way in the NFL.
Bradbury was a solid veteran offensive lineman for the Patriots last season, and Wilson will need to show that he can add at least the same level of dependability before overtaking him as a starter. The Patriots could draft another guard or consider moving Ben Brown up the depth chart.
The goal every season is to field the best offensive line combination on the roster. Even if the Patriots did that last year, it clearly wasn't enough to boost the run game or protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye down the stretch.
With the benefit of hindsight, they can step back, reevaluate and try something new in 2026.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots reportedly considering position change for promising OL
Continue reading...
But Wilson was working against more than just the common growing pains of a rookie offensive lineman adjusting to life in the NFL. He was playing at an entirely different position after being touted as arguably the best center in the 2025 NFL draft.
So what now?
According to MassLive's Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian, the Patriots reportedly haven't ruled out the possibility of moving Wilson back to center.
Daniels and Guregian wrote:
"Jared Wilson was considered one of the top center prospects in last year’s draft before moving to left guard for the Patriots. Will he move back to his true position? We’re told that’s in the cards for the Patriots, but there’s a big hurdle Wilson needs to clear – Garrett Bradbury."
No, Bradbury isn't a superstar center firmly entrenched as a starter due to his elite on-field performances. But he is consistent, and that goes a long way in the NFL.
Bradbury was a solid veteran offensive lineman for the Patriots last season, and Wilson will need to show that he can add at least the same level of dependability before overtaking him as a starter. The Patriots could draft another guard or consider moving Ben Brown up the depth chart.
The goal every season is to field the best offensive line combination on the roster. Even if the Patriots did that last year, it clearly wasn't enough to boost the run game or protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye down the stretch.
With the benefit of hindsight, they can step back, reevaluate and try something new in 2026.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots reportedly considering position change for promising OL
Continue reading...
