Entering the Patriots‘ 2025 training camp, one of the big questions has been the talent level along the offensive line, and whether this unit would be good enough to allow second-year quarterback Drake Maye and his new slate of weapons to thrive. It’s nice that the Patriots spent heavily to bolster the receiving crew, but it’s for naught if Maye is under constant pressure.
Making the questions even more pertinent is the fact that at least one starter at a critical spot–left tackle Will Campbell–is a rookie. Campbell was chosen with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 draft, a hefty investment that the Patriots need to pay off immediately, as Campbell is expected to be the Week 1 starter.
But a pleasant surprise, too, has been fellow rookie Jared Wilson, one of the team’s third-round picks, chosen No. 95 overall out of Georgia.
Jared Wilson Logs Strong Performance
While the Patriots are asking a lot of Campbell at left tackle, they’re asking much of Wilson, too, who is competing for a guard spot but is also working out at multiple positions, including center. The Patriots had an injury to Garrett Bradbury on Wednesday, which could put the spotlight on Wilson at center, a position he played for only one season with the Bulldogs.
Wilson was declared a “star” from Tuesday’s practice.
From NBC Sports Boston: “If there was a star from the 1-on-1 period, it was the third-round rookie out of Georgia. Wilson was tested by having to go against the top two interior defenders in the team’s defensive line room — Christian Barmore and Milton Williams — and he stonewalled both.
“Wilson took care of Barmore on two separate occasions and handled Williams on the third snap of the period. Good sign for a player who may end up starting at guard or center before too long.”
Patriots Get ‘Sturdier’ Performance From Will Campbell
Campbell, meanwhile, had a rough go of things on Monday in the Patriots’ first padded practices. But he has shown signs of having a good learning curve, and that was evident on Tuesday.
From the Boston Herald: “Rookie left tackle Will Campbell looked sturdier during 1-on-1 drills on Tuesday. … Campbell held his own against Keion White in the first rep, a positive sign after White overpowered the rookie at times on Monday. He also fared well against K’Lavon Chaisson, who has had a strong start to camp.”
Patriots Dealing With Center Injury
It’s unclear how serious Bradbury’s injury is. NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry noted on Tuesday, “Injury situation to watch: Garrett Bradbury left the field limping late in the practice after a run play that was stuffed at the line. Jared Wilson, who had a standout day in 1-on-1s, has been the top backup at center.”
And while the Patriots clearly need depth, fact is that Wilson might well have been in line to replace Bradbury in the middle at some point, either in camp or during the season. Wilson is also a factor in the left guard race, a job held by former first-round pick Cole Strange.
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