Many astute observers have raved about the Patriots' 2025 draft class, with analysts already suggesting some rookies' ceilings could be Pro Bowl caliber. Considering how impressive the Patriots class appears already, high ceilings would seem to be the order of the day—or should they?
Real NFL football has a way of tamping down rosy expectations or, at times, making low evaluations look like fantasy. Players like former first-round pick N'Keal Harry come to mind as one who never met expectations. Conversely, those for whom the expectation was low can surprise. Former 2000 sixth-round pick Tom Brady is the archetypal example.
Here we'll take a look at Cam Garrity of Patriots Wire's projections of ceiling and floor for one of the Pats' most interesting draft picks, center/guard, Jared Wilson from Georgia. Their ceiling seems low, and their floor should be higher. Let's see what they said.
Rookie center Jared Wilson will exceed expectations and be a Pro-Bowler
Garrity's ceiling prediction for Jared Wilson is exactly what the Patriots need
Wilson is one of the Patriots' most underrated draft picks. Having cut ties with both David and Jake Andrews this offseason, the door is wide open for a player of Wilson's caliber to step in and seize either the starting center position, from presumptuous starter, veteran free agent signee, Garrett Bradbury, or take over left guard from any of a gaggle of underperformers from 2024.
Here's Garrity's explanation on his upside:
- "Ceiling: Tyler Linderbaum – Athletic, technically refined and able to make impact plays in space. He has all the traits to be an elite NFL lineman and someone Drake Maye can feel protected by, while running backs TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson are smiling ear to ear running behind him in the offensive backfield."
Liderbaum is a Pro-Bowler, and that ceiling sounds on target. Yet, Wilson's upside may be even higher. His technique is outstanding. While a bit undersized (expect that to be embellished a bit), he anchors like the Rock of Gibraltar against a bull rush and squares up against interior linemen with ease. His ceiling is All-Pro, and his comp may very well be former All-Pro Dolphins center Dwight Stevenson.
Garrity's floor prediction for Jared Wilson isn't too shabby
Patriotswire.usa.com has an interesting comp for Wilson. It's the Patriots' veteran free agent signee, Garrett Bradbury. He's been a solid NFL starting center for six years and will be a candidate to start from Day One, unless Wilson shines immediately at the center position, which could happen. Here's what they say,
- "Floor: Garrett Bradbury – A solid, undersized zone-center who can start but might struggle in power matchups. An NFL starting center is not a terrible floor for a player with the elite traits Wilson possesses."
Alternatively, Wilson could plug into the woeful left guard position alongside Bradbury, completing an 80 percent makeover of the Patriots' dreadful 2024 offensive line. Either way, Wilson will probably replace Bradbury as the Patriots' starting center in 2026. His ceiling is an All-Pro, and his floor is a Pro-Bowler.