The Patriots’ Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins didn’t just highlight the progress of second-year quarterback Drake Maye -- it also served as a coming-out party for rookie left guard Jared Wilson.
Tasked with facing a talented Dolphins defensive front, Wilson rose to the occasion, delivering a dominant outing in pass protection. Across 33 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed zero pressures, sacks, or hurries, a rare feat for any lineman, let alone a first-year player adjusting to the NFL’s speed and complexity within its front.
New England’s front office, now fully aligned with head coach Mike Vrabel’s vision, made it clear this offseason that the focus would be on strengthening the trenches. By selecting Wilson in the third round, the Patriots continued a longstanding organizational philosophy: build from the inside out.
It was a decision rooted in protecting Maye, who showed flashes of promise as a rookie but needed cleaner pockets to operate consistently. Through two weeks, the plan appears to be working.
Drake Maye when targeting past the sticks vs the Dolphins:
— PFF (@PFF) September 15, 2025
🎯 7/8
🎯 133 passing yards
🎯 2 TDs | 0 INTs
🎯 Perfect 158.3 passer rating pic.twitter.com/vw58JUdsEm
The Patriots appear to have drafted the right linemen to build around Drake Maye
Wilson’s game against Miami stood out not only statistically but also in the subtleties of his technique. His ability to anchor against bull rushes, keep a wide base, and reset his hands neutralized multiple Dolphins stunts and inside counters. While his run blocking still has room for refinement, Wilson’s poise and awareness in pass protection are already advanced for a player at this stage of his career.
For Maye, that stability on his blind side provides the confidence to step up in the pocket and deliver throws without hesitation.
The Patriots’ offensive identity is still taking shape under Vrabel, but Wilson’s emergence could accelerate the process. Vrabel, a former player who understands the importance of winning in the trenches, has emphasized physicality and discipline as the foundation for his young roster. With Wilson joining veterans like Garrett Bradbury and Mike Onwenu, the interior of the offensive line looks like a strength New England can rely on throughout the season.
What makes Wilson’s performance even more encouraging is the long-term outlook. Third-round picks are often seen as players with traits, but require further development, and Wilson is proving he can contribute right away.
Should he continue to progress, the Patriots may have found a cornerstone guard who can grow alongside Maye, anchoring the left side of the line for years to come beside 2025 top 10 pick Will Campbell at left tackle.
For a franchise in transition, discovering reliable young pieces is essential. Wilson’s Week 2 performance is a reminder that the Patriots’ rebuild doesn’t need to be rushed -- it just needs to be built the right way. And in Jared Wilson, New England may have secured both immediate stability and a foundational piece for the future.