Because the Mike Vrabel era in New England began with focusing on improving the defense in free agency, it's unsurprising that the opposite can be said about how they have approached the draft so far. Building a solid roster around Drake Maye for the 2025 season and beyond is clearly the primary goal, and that has earned the Patriots tremendous grades for their picks through three rounds.
They kicked it off by selecting LT Will Campbell fourth overall, following that with the addition of RB TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Kyle Williams, all of whom earned rave reviews during their careers and their fits for what the Patriots hope to put together with their roster.
The work continued after trading back a few times to acquire more picks, even another fourth-rounder in 2026. That inevitably led to center Jared Wilson becoming their final third-round pick, quickly earning the spot of David Andrews' eventual replacement as the starting center as soon as this fall.
The Patriots continue their best efforts to make a formidible offense around Drake Maye with Jared Wilson selection
Although drafting an offensive lineman is almost never exciting, the Patriots were able to snag the only true center considered in the 2025 class. He immediately fills the vacancy left by the shocking release of Andrews last month, with questionable replacements on the roster to fill that void. Wilson will now compete for that role in 2025.
The Patriots select Georgia center Jared Wilson with their final third-round pick (No. 95):
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 26, 2025
🏈 6-foot-3, 310 pounds
🏈 Athletic (4.84 in 40, leading all centers at combine)
🏈One-year starter; young at position, moving to it in 2022
🏈 11-inch hand size is over average
The athletic Georgia alum is exactly what the Patriots need on their offensive line, beyond potentially becoming the starting center. The o-line needs all the help it can get, so regardless of whether he's a starter immediately or not, he will be a tremendous asset for the offense.
From all accounts, he has a high ceiling, and his natural athleticism will be a welcome addition to an otherwise improving group.