Before entering the NFL as a rookie free agent signing by the Patriots, Wieland had an eventful college career. Playing in all three phases of the game in high school, he committed to Iowa to play linebacker but had to redshirt during his 2017 freshman campaign because of a torn quad.
Wieland never appeared in a game for the Hawkeyes, instead transferring to Iowa Western Community College. Two years later, he moved again, this time to Grand View.
Following a relatively successful two-year career in the NAIA, Wieland decided to go pro. He did not hear his name called in the 2022 draft, however, and instead had to go the free agency route.
After an unsuccessful rookie minicamp tryout in New England, he remained unsigned until early August. At that point, Wieland indeed signed with the Patriots.
He has appeared in some training camp practices so far and also saw some action in the team’s preseason opener. Other than that, however, his pro-level experience is non-existent.
Coming off a solid 2020 campaign at Grand View that ended with him earning first-team All-American honors in spring, Wieland headed into his junior season as one of the team’s most important players.
He lived up to the expectations and helped lead the Vikings to a 14-1 record as well as a spot in the NAIA championship game. Even though the team fell short of a title, Wieland himself delivered a pretty solid individual campaign during what turned out to be his final year in college.
Lining up in the heart of the Grand View defense, Wieland registered a combined 70 tackles during his 2021 season. He also registered one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery as well as one interception; he also was credited with three pass breakups.
While the numbers were quite solid, Wieland was unable to make it through the season without missing some time — a problem that he has had before. When all was said and done, he had appeared in just nine out of the team’s 15 games.