The Patriots’ offensive line is starting to take shape, and it could end up leading to a relatively surprising cut. Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald recently observed that rookie third-round pick Jared Wilson appears to be penciled in as New England’s starting left guard.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss echoed Kyed’s report, noting that Wilson has impressed teammates and coaches with his ability to slow down some of the team’s top interior defensive linemen. Reiss also notes that Wilson’s athleticism could be particularly useful in Josh McDaniels‘ system, which often sees the offense pull the guard.
If Wilson does end up sticking at LG, that means the Patriots will be relying on a pair of inexperienced linemen to protect Drake Maye‘s blindside. Wilson would be lining up next to fourth-overall pick Will Campbell, a configuration that could make some fans queasy. However, it sounds like the two rookies are embracing the unexpected challenge.
“We just talk about how fun it’s going to be,” Wilson said of playing next to Campbell (via Karen Guregian of MassLive.com). “Like you said, there are two rookies next to each other, left guard and left tackle, on the blindside. We know it’s going to be a challenge every day. Teams are going to bring their best to us. Just got to be ready.”
With Wilson reportedly claiming one of the spots on the offensive line, the team’s starting configuration is coming into focus. In addition to the two rookies, it sounds like veteran Garrett Bradbury will man the center spot with tackle Morgan Moses and guard Michael Onwenu handling the right side. That means former first-round pick Cole Strange will be without a role, and that could ultimately cost the lineman his spot on the team.
Kyed wrote recently that Strange could be among the team’s surprise cuts, especially since the impending fourth-year player is struggling to establish himself at guard and center. Strange was already a reach when the Bill Belichick-led regime selected him with the 29th-overall pick in the 2022 draft, and the Chattanooga product hasn’t done much to reward the iconic coach’s faith.
After starting all 17 games as a rookie, Strange was limited to 10 games as a sophomore thanks to a torn patellar tendon. He started the 2024 campaign on the PUP list and ended up finishing last season with only three appearances. The team’s recent investment in the offensive line — both via the draft and free agency — already indicated that Strange was on the outside looking in. While the 27-year-old entered training camp penciled into the starting lineup, it now sounds like he’s fighting for a roster spot.
Strange’s roster spot might also be in doubt because of the versatility of some of his teammates. As Kyed recently noted, Caedan Wallace has been playing some offensive guard throughout training camp. The 2024 third-round pick spent the majority of his rookie campaign playing offensive tackle, but his ability to play multiple positions could make players like Strange expendable.