With their third pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Tavon Wilson, defensive back from Illinois. A senior with the Fighting Illini, Wilson joins the Patriots' earlier defensive picks Chandler Jones (DE, Syracuse) and Dont'a Hightower (ILB, Alabama), giving New England a defense heavy slate so far. Wilson is seen as a combination free safety / cornerback, which should be a big plus for a versitility-minded Bill Belichick.
The six foot tall, 205lb safety was selected All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention, and in his senior season recorded 74 tackles, seven pass deflections, one sack, one interception and two fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown. The Patriots will be looking for more production like that, as their depleted backfield was a significant issue for them in 2011.
The Patriots' next pick is the 30th pick in Round 2, 62nd pick overall. Belichick has been known to trade down, and unless they do so that will be their final pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
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