Tavon

Wilson

Wilson, 31, played 15 games for the Colts last year, mostly in a rotational role. Before that, Wilson started 43 games for the Patriots and Lions over eight seasons. He won’t figure prominently in the 49ers’ secondary barring a rash of injuries.

Wilson, 30, has started 43 games for the Patriots and Lions over the past eight years. He posted a career-high 98 tackles in 2019. The Colts needed safety depth after two of their reserves opted out of the season.

Wilson is coming off one of his better years, posting 98 tackles, five passes PBUs, and a sack over 13 starts. He’s a favorite of coach Matt Patricia from their New England days. The Lions are unlikely to re-sign Wilson before the start of free agency but haven’t ruled out bringing him back.

Wilson will now earn a $1 million base salary in 2019. Re-signed to a two-year deal last March, Wilson played just 304 snaps on defense last season. With Glover Quin gone, Wilson could play a bigger role on defense this year.

An honorable mention All-Big Ten member with 81 tackles last season, Wilson is a virtual unknown outside of NFL circles. However, plenty of teams showed interest in the pre-draft process in terms of visits and workouts. At 6'0/205 pounds and 4.52 forty speed, Wilson has prototypical size and speed for the position. Possibly benefiting from Whitney Mercilus’ 16 sacks in front of him, Wilson is an interesting selection in the second-round.

Wilson wasn’t invited to any pre-draft all-star games of note, and draft prognosticators were shocked when he went to New England with the 48th overall pick. Wilson has solid measurables, though, at 6-foot, 205 with 4.53 wheels. He played both cornerback and safety at Illinois, which undoubtedly caught Bill Belichick’s attention. Wilson will compete to start as a rookie.

He got a $1.507 million signing bonus. Hardly known by draftniks and pre-draft all-star game directors alike, Wilson was one of this year’s most surprising early-round selections. He does draw high marks for versatility and playmaking ability and runs in the low-4.5s at 6-foot, 205. Wilson is expected to battle Steve Gregory for the starting free safety job in training camp.

The execs insisted Wilson “should have been selected farther down in the draft,” based on the fact that he “doesn’t possess any outstanding qualities.” Per Caplan, the Wilson pick was “largely criticized” in the NFL scouting community. Wilson will compete for playing time with FS Steve Gregory this season.

The quick progression of the rookie trio is key for last season’s 31st-ranked defense. Jones is penciled in as the team’s starting right end, while Hightower is the favorite to start at strong-side linebacker. Wilson has a shot at No. 3 safety duties behind Steve Gregory and Patrick Chung.

Other potential candidates include second-round FS Tavon Wilson, James Ihedigbo, and veteran CB Will Allen. Gregory figures to open training camp as the starter based on seniority, but will likely face heavy competition from Wilson, who’s the superior talent.