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A closer look at Patriots’ second-round pick Tavon Wilson 04.27.12 at 8:32 pm ET
By

Tavon Wilson (No. 9) makes a tackle. (AP)

FOXBORO — The last defensive back of note the Patriots took out of Illinois was Eugene Wilson in 2003. They went back to the well on Friday, picking defensive back Tavon Wilson out of Illinois with the 48th selection of the draft.

A 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back, the 22-year-old was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2011 after finishing the year with 81 tackles (51 solo) in 13 starts. For his collegiate career, the former team captain ended his college career with 50 games played, 214 total tackles (141 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 22 pass breakups. He has some positional versatility, having played both corner and safety as a collegian.

The first defensive back taken by the Patriots in this draft, he was an unheralded prospect coming out of college, so much so that he did not receive an invite to the combine. Named the team’s outstanding defensive back at the annual postseason banquet, he will likely have to prove himself on special teams before he starts to enter into New England’s rotation at defensive back.

There’s precious little video of Wilson available, but here’s a quick piece we just found on YouTube:

Read More: 2012 NFL Draft, Eugene Wilson, Tavon Wilson, Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Guest

    Now that’s the BB we know and love.

  • Anonymous

    This is an ffnn joke right?? with all the talent thats still out there. why not wide reciever.o-line but a stiff that wasn’t even invited to the combine

  • diesel

    Sebastian Vollmer wasn’t invited to camp either…How’d that turn out.

  • Bigfan

    welcome to the PATS MY MAN,

    the real fans are pumped to see you on the field!!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1414549334 Chris Synan

    after this video I already like this kid

  • Rickkyr

    Hey man. BB is a lot smater than you think. This kid is going to be great. The combine is just a meat market. It doesn’t show a players heart or determination. Jumping high and running a fast 40 doesn’t win it In between the stripes. We all said WTF when we had 3 TE’s. No who are the colts trying to copy give this kid a shot. I don’t think he will disapoint us

  • spsvmi99

    In Bill we trust.

  • Spikey

    damn, his end of college stats are pretty good.  22 pass breaks up is impressive.

    and between him being a captain, being really smart, and after watching this video this guy is what  the Hooded One looks for

  • DAPATS

    Welcome to the Pats, Tavon!!   Hit them hard!  In Bill I Trust!!! Go PATS!!!!!!

  • DAPATS

    Give Tavon a break you fing doubters…….Let’s see Ryan Leaf, Brian Bosworth, etc, etc need I say more……………..Go PATS!!!!!

  • Johnytrumain

     really?!…pats do great with late round pics and those borderline undrafted guys…I’d rather take a shot on 3 guys instead of 1…remember: Brady was a 6th round pick…Troy Brown was an 8th round pick…more picks = more chances for those types of picks

  • Anonymous

    this guy would have been a UFA   WASTED 2nd rd pick

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