While New England Patriots second-year center Jared Wilson has focused on developing his communication and chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye this offseason, constructive dialogue is also at the root of his learning with offensive line coach Doug Marrone.
Before Sunday’s training camp practice, Marrone noted how intentional Wilson has been about communicating with him throughout the offseason.
“Our communication is outstanding. So, [Wilson is] someone that’s very easy to communicate with,” Marrone said. “He’ll tell you how he feels, and that’s what you like as a coach. You have that communication. You have the player today: ‘This feels good; this doesn’t feel good.’ Because there are a lot of different ways to do things.
“And then we’re just trying to find a way of what he’s thinking, what’s comfortable for him and what’s going to give us the most chance of success in whatever we’re doing, whether it’s the pass or run.”
The Patriots selected Wilson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft as a center prospect from Georgia. But as he struggled delivering snaps to Maye that offseason and veteran Garrett Bradbury proved reliable manning the middle of the offensive line, he moved to left guard, where he became a starter.
Now, with the signing of Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, Wilson is transitioning back to center.
“I think it was easy for him because he’s done it, and that’s where he felt comfortable prior to it,” Marrone said about how Wilson is handling the return to his college position. “I think it was a tougher transition last year, going from being a center in college and going to guard. So, I think that’s been easier.”
Marrone adds that playing center in college is very different from the NFL, incorporating varied looks and techniques that young players are exposed to.
Wilson, at 23 years old amidst the switch, will need to adjust. Still, according to his coach, he’s “competing his butt off.”
“There are things that may come up that he might not have had experience before in college. You know, we talk about it, we go over it, and he’s very steady,” Marrone added. “That’s the one thing about Jared I would say as far as you never see him really too high. He’s never really too low.
“He kind of approaches the job very well [from] an understanding, and he’s a very good communicator. ‘Hey, this doesn’t feel right. This doesn’t feel good. What can we do to make it better?’”
The willingness to communicate proactively with Marrone has fostered a strong relationship between them. Wilson uses his coach’s league knowledge as a resource.
“Man, I love Doug. I can just come to him — he’s been around this game for so long, I kind of don’t know how to say what I just saw, but he says it, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s exactly what I just saw,’” Wilson said after Tuesday’s practice of Marrone. “So, our connection is great. I love talking to Doug. I’m very grateful to have him as the offensive line coach.”
As a pair, Vera-Tucker joined Wilson to speak with the media on Tuesday. Entering 2026, the left guard is sandwiched between two second-year linemen in Wilson and left tackle Will Campbell.
However, Vera-Tucker said he doesn’t feel like he’s working alongside year-two players as he approaches his first season in New England.
And for Wilson, he says his connection with Maye has always been strong for a “really long time” with their shared North Carolina backgrounds.
