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Insider Reveals Why Patriots Third-Round Pick Missed Minicamp

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 10:30 AM ET

The New England Patriots saw a number of its star players – most notably, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback Carlton Davis III – miss a significant portion of the team's voluntary OTA's, but they attended mandatory minicamp in full.

There is, however, a notable name who has been missing from the Patriots' practices since rookie minicamp in early May: center Jared Wilson, New England's third-round (No. 95) overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Unlike some players' offseason absences, Wilson's non-attendance was not contract-related, as Wilson had already signed a four-year, $6.2 million rookie deal with the Patriots on April 26. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the real reason behind Wilson's inaction had more to do with his health.

"Third-round draft choice Jared Wilson, the center/guard from Georgia, was mostly a spectator during spring practices after taking part in the team's initial rookie minicamp," Reiss wrote. "Considering the offensive line remains arguably the Patriots' top question mark, Wilson's undisclosed injury was an important, but perhaps overlooked, storyline."

Reiss added that Wilson's recovery from said undisclosed injury will be something to monitor as the offseason continues.

"While veteran Garrett Bradbury projects as the starting center – with former NFL coach and current Sirius XM analyst Todd Haley calling him among the team's most important free-agent signings because of the help he can provide quarterback Drake Maye – Wilson could be in the mix for the wide-open left-guard job. He could also be a top interior backup on game-day," Reiss wrote. "Thus, his readiness for the start of training camp is near the top of the team's list when it comes to injuries/rehabilitation."

Prior to joining the Patriots organization, Wilson made 33 appearances (including 12 starts) across four seasons with Georgia. He was a two-time national champion and one-time All-SEC Second Team selection with the Bulldogs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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