Tavon Wilson. In BB We Trust.
So, after a day of fan fare and high profile picks, Belichick comes out of left field in selecting an unheralded FS/CB. Let us remember that pre-draft analysis does not make tackles, win games, or hoist trophies. This guy could be just what the doctor ordered, but I think the biggest criticism of this pick is that many people feel that this same player could have been selected much later in the draft.
Perhaps there were no suitors for a trade, but I doubt it. I have to believe that Tavon Wilson was high on Belichick's short list of Safeties. He must have graded well on Belichick's football IQ test, he must have heart, work ethic, and leadership qualities. I am presuming that Belichick made a good decision, even if his pick does not pan out into a pro-bowler.
There is no corroborating evidence that I can find to suggest that Wilson is worthy of a high second round pick, but Belichick must be pretty high on him. I doubt that he would go against his M.O. without good cause. The safety class is very thin, and perhaps Wilson was the last remaining "Belichick Guy" after Harrison Smith and Mark Barron. This pick makes sense if Belichick was not willing to risk losing him to another surpsrise team.
On the plus side, Wilson has good size for a free safety at 6 ft 205 lbs, not "lengthy" but good. Also, his 4.53 40 time is just a hair faster than Harrison Smith's 4.57. Smith is a bit bigger at 6'2" 213 lbs, but most of Wilson's measureables (from Illinois Pro Day) compare favorably to Smith.
40 - Smith - 4.57 / Wilson 4.53
Bench - Smith 19 reps / Wilson 17 reps
Vertical - Smith 34 inch / Wilson 32 inch
Broad - Smith 122 inch / Wilson 124 inch
3 cone - Smith 6.63 s / Wilson 7.04 s
20 shuffle - Smith 4.12 s / Wilson 4.16 s.
The 3 cone drill which tests change of direction is important for a safety, and Harrison Smith shows his superiority here. However, the difference is negligible beyond the 3 cone drill. Smith would display better breaks on the ball, but I do think that Wilson is comparable in many areas.
There was very limited exposure for Wilson (not invited to combine), but I imagine that the intangibles are there because of the value that the Patriots assigned to him with their selection. Belichick wants a guy that wants to continually improve his game, and Wilson must have tremendous upside in BB's eyes. I am thinking that this pick is at best Sebastian Vollmer, at worst Jermaine Cunningham.
Perhaps there were no suitors for a trade, but I doubt it. I have to believe that Tavon Wilson was high on Belichick's short list of Safeties. He must have graded well on Belichick's football IQ test, he must have heart, work ethic, and leadership qualities. I am presuming that Belichick made a good decision, even if his pick does not pan out into a pro-bowler.
There is no corroborating evidence that I can find to suggest that Wilson is worthy of a high second round pick, but Belichick must be pretty high on him. I doubt that he would go against his M.O. without good cause. The safety class is very thin, and perhaps Wilson was the last remaining "Belichick Guy" after Harrison Smith and Mark Barron. This pick makes sense if Belichick was not willing to risk losing him to another surpsrise team.
On the plus side, Wilson has good size for a free safety at 6 ft 205 lbs, not "lengthy" but good. Also, his 4.53 40 time is just a hair faster than Harrison Smith's 4.57. Smith is a bit bigger at 6'2" 213 lbs, but most of Wilson's measureables (from Illinois Pro Day) compare favorably to Smith.
40 - Smith - 4.57 / Wilson 4.53
Bench - Smith 19 reps / Wilson 17 reps
Vertical - Smith 34 inch / Wilson 32 inch
Broad - Smith 122 inch / Wilson 124 inch
3 cone - Smith 6.63 s / Wilson 7.04 s
20 shuffle - Smith 4.12 s / Wilson 4.16 s.
The 3 cone drill which tests change of direction is important for a safety, and Harrison Smith shows his superiority here. However, the difference is negligible beyond the 3 cone drill. Smith would display better breaks on the ball, but I do think that Wilson is comparable in many areas.
There was very limited exposure for Wilson (not invited to combine), but I imagine that the intangibles are there because of the value that the Patriots assigned to him with their selection. Belichick wants a guy that wants to continually improve his game, and Wilson must have tremendous upside in BB's eyes. I am thinking that this pick is at best Sebastian Vollmer, at worst Jermaine Cunningham.
Rotoworld mentioned that Jake Becquette's drafting could mean the possible absence of Andre Carter in the next season. Becquette seems like a depth pick, as he has his big working parts from the first round. Alternatively, it could mean that Carter is more likely to return for both production and mentoring. (I'm not sure he ever functioned as a leader--doubtful, given Vince Wilfork). I hope Carter comes back. He just... fit.
ReplyDeleteYour research into Tavon Wilson re. Harrison Smith is insightful, especially as his prospect as a developing safety. It's funny in a slightly ironic way that a team so founded on precision require--above else--flexibility and multiple talents. As you mentioned, all the other safeties in this class seem to be more, well not one dimensional players, but they look more like specific tools, which is probably why Bill wasn't as keen on them. But hey, it works; his track record indicates that the strength of the setup is greater than the strength of the player.
Though, I myself had hoped for a safety sign because I think Devin McCourty could resume being a shutdown corner. (That hope isn't really based in anything concrete, just that he's struggled as a safety this season, and I think that has to do with both a changing of required skillset).
By all accounts that I have seen, Carter was a tremendous veteran presence in the locker room, but he is not looked to as a captain. I think that a 1-year deal could be made with Carter because of his leadership. I think it would be smart to bring him back.
ReplyDeleteTavon's biggest strengths are his attitude, character, and versatility. This is not something that can be taught. Tavon Wilson should be a talent upgrade from Ihedibgo regardless, but I think that he can be a solid schematic player. Certain guys are just good at being in the right position (without crazy speed). Belichick must see that intangible awareness in him.
I do think that McCourty will move around from outside to inside, and play everywhere except the slot. I would like to see McCourty, Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, and Sterling Moore as the corners, and Chung, Wilson, McCourty as the safeties. McCourty is best in zone coverage, so I assume that his role will reflect that. Dowling should be the man-up guy on the outside. Arrington in slot. Moore as the nickle/dime back. I expect Chung to cheat up into the box at times, and Wilson to play center field.