FOXBORO — Patriots quarterback Drake Maye should have better protection up front this season, but that will ultimately be determined by the development of two second-year offensive linemen.

The Patriots’ offensive line struggled in the postseason last year, and especially in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks, as Will Campbell dealt with a knee injury and left guard Jared Wilson played like what he was: a rookie playing out of position.

Campbell is now healthy and Wilson has switched back to his natural position at center.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is high on both players.

“I don’t really look at it as a rebound. I look at it as a progression of a second-year player,” McDaniels said of Campbell. “And we had a lot of contributions from the guys that played last year for the first time. … A lot of guys played pro football for the first time in a long season. So there’s a lot of value to all the things that they did. We talked about it all year last year. Either we did something well, or we would learn from it. I think that’s true of every player and every coach, but I think he’s had a good mindset all year.

“Locked in, good spring, good camp. Trying to work on the things that he knows that at his position are important and critical to his improvement. So I’m looking forward to watching those guys play. It’s the first opportunity for this group to get out there and do it in a game setting. I know we’ve had some joint practices, but really looking forward to seeing how they play.”

McDaniels laughed at the idea that Wilson had challenges learning the Patriots’ offense last season.

“We’ve got a really smart group. These guys talk about how hard it is to learn. Jared’s been great,” McDaniels said. “He honestly, like when the season ended, I don’t know how many weeks he spent away from here, but just what a great approach and a great mentality for a young player coming off of a rookie season where he played a ton of football to kind of invest the time that he did in his body, in the strength and conditioning program, in just being here and preparing himself for his second season. I couldn’t say enough about that.

“I think he has a comfort level with this position that he’s going to play this year, just because he’s had more experience at it, obviously. He’s a really good communicator. He, you know, because quarterback and the center, if they’re not on the same page, doesn’t really matter. So, whatever we talk about with Drake, I mean, you kind of also are talking about Jared. So they’re both — they distribute a lot of information to their teammates, and they do a really good job of it. They’re both accountable, but just really eager and excited to see him play and start this second season. Different position, different role, much different in terms of his leadership and command of our offense. Really setting the table for those guys up front. But looking forward to it. Excited for him. I know he’s excited as well.”

The Patriots signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to replace Wilson at left guard and still have Mike Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle.