Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (28) runs with the ball against Illinois defensive back Tavon Wilson (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, in Champaign, Ill.

The New England Patriots used the 48th selection of the 2012 NFL Draft to select safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round.

Wilson is the third selection for the Patriots in the draft and all have been on the defensive side of the ball with a defensive lineman, a linebacker and now a safety as the team tries to fix the leaky defense it had last season.

Wilson was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for defense in 2010 and 2011 and was named the teams outstanding defensive back this past season.

He played all 13 games at safety making 48 tackles and had 1 INT and recovered two fumbles.  He has also played about two dozen college games at cornerback as well.  Not doubt the Patriots see him as a versatile performer on defense and as a punt return option as well.

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photo credit: AP Photo