Patriots Could Have Long-Term Center Solution in Rare Talent

"I've had nine or 10 centers go and play in the NFL, and Jared is the most athletic of any of them," Searels told ESPN. "He has the tools to really be good."

Searels has over 30 years of coaching experience in the college ranks, starting at Auburn as a graduate assistant in 1992, and has been with Georgia since 2022. The offensive line coach also blocked for Bo Jackson in the 1980s during his playing days at Auburn.

Wilson displayed the athleticism Searels referred to at the NFL combine, running the fastest 40-yard dash (4.84 seconds) among all the prospects at his position.

The Patriots' new tool has the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, but his main spot is at center. With legendary center David Andrews retiring this offseason, the Patriots signed Garrett Bradbury as the starter in 2025, but that doesn't mean Wilson won't get any playing time.

"He can be a multi-positional player. I do think as a pulling guard, he will be excellent," Searels said. "He can anchor, run in space, get moving, play with leverage, and he has big, strong hands [11 inches]. I think that's so critical in offensive line play."

Wilson played snaps at guard and practiced at tackle while at Georgia in 2023, in addition to his regular center role in 2024.

Wilson's connection with his college coach and the Patriots could be another monumental advantage for the rookie. Although he never coached him, Searels recruited Andrews out of high school and coached former Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones, who played under Patriots' head coach Mike Vrabel from 2018 to 2022.

"I think that connection is going to be huge for Jared," Searels said. "The relationship he'll have with Ben and David -- keep passing the torch for guys that will go and play in that league.

"It's not easy when you have the ball in your hand, a 330-pound nose guard is on top of you, and you see that safety rolling down in protection. I think Jared has the ability to understand line assignments and what the defense is doing, their tendencies, and being able to get you in the right call."

Training camp will be a big test for Wilson, as everyone will have pads on, and that's when the players in the trenches can separate themselves. However, for Wilson, the goal is just to be healthy and on the field.

The Georgia product missed two games last season with a foot sprain and sat out of the Senior Bowl. Wilson watched from the sideline for most of the Patriots' early offseason work, and his first step in training camp will be to get cleared from the list of players physically unable to perform.

Wilson only had one year of starting experience at Georgia because he played guard and center, and Kirby Smart did not want to play both of his centers at the same time in case of injury.

With his versatility, Patriots' director of player personnel Eliot Wolf said after drafting Wilson that he believes center will end up being the rookie's best position, but didn't rule out left guard. The left guard position is the one offensive line spot really up in the air for New England for the 2025 season.

Veteran Cole Strange looks to be the favorite to win the position, but there are a plethora of guys competing for the spot.

The Patriots have high hopes for their rookie third-round pick, and his college coach has all the confidence in him. Not only did Searels praise Wilson's talent and ability, but he added that his character tops it all off.

"He can be the face of the program in the fact that he's such a good kid. He takes it from his mom," Searels said. "Great smile. Great attitude. He's passionate about what he wants to do."