Illinois Program Bodes Well for the Future of Patriots’ Tavon Wilson

May 16, 2012   ·   Randolph Charlotin   ·   Jump to comments

Just as rookie minicamp got underway, defensive back Tavon Wilson—a second-round pick out of Illinois—signed his rookie contract for four years and $4.2 million.
Will he be worth it?
Analysts questioned the selection, saying Wilson wasn’t rated a second-round talent. Though Wilson has the versatility that head coach Bill Belichick likes, there were other safeties available with higher draft grades than Wilson.
People will question the logic behind the Wilson selection, but it’s tough to bet against the history behind University of Illinois defensive backs. Start by looking back just 10 years.
Back in the 2003 NFL Draft, New England spent a second-round selection Eugene Wilson, a cornerback out of Illinois. The season started with an embarrassing 31-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
By the second game of the season, Wilson was in the starting lineup at safety.
The decision paid off—Wilson finished the season with four interceptions ...

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