FWIW, here's a comparison of the measurables and stats of Tavon Wilson, Brandon Meriweather (taken 24th overall in 2007) and Eugene Wilson (taken 36th overall in 2003), all FS for the Pats:
1. Tavon Wilson: 5' 11 6/8", 204#. 4.52 40, 1.60 10-yard split. 4.16 short shuttle, 7.04 3-cone. 32" vertical, 10'4" broad jump. 17 reps @ 225#. Team captain. Selfless player who changed positions based on the needs of the team. Experience at both FS and CB. Experience in zone and man coverage, and in the slot. Played extensively on special teams. Had 81 tackles, 1 sack, 6 passes defended, 1 INT, 6.5 TFL and 2 forced fumbles as a senior. As a senior, his team with 4th in the NCAA in fewest passing yards/game allowed.
2. Brandon Meriweather: 5' 11 5/8#, 195#. 4.47 40, 1.53 10-yard split. 4.33 short shuttle, 7.06 3-cone. 35" vertical, 9'3" broad jump. 11 reps @ 225#. Suspended for stomping on a player during a on-field brawl. Character questions, had some off field incidents. Compared himself to Ed Reed. 2 time second team all-ACC, Thorpe award finalist. Had 91 tackles, 1 sack, 8 PD and 1 INT as a senior. Had 293 tackles in 4 years at Miami.
3. Eugene Wilson: 5' 10 3/8", 192#. 4.48 40, 1.60 10-yard split. 4.05 short shuttle, 7.18 3-cone. 38" vertical, 10'2" broad jump. 15 reps @ 225#. Thorpe award semi-finalist and team captain. Played exclusively CB for the Illini. Had 66 tackles, 2 sacks, 14 passes defended, 1 INT and 2 forced fumbles as a senior. Had 11 interceptions for his career. Also returned punts.
I don't understand the big deal. Wilson was productive for a Big-12 team that had a very solid pass defense. He was a team captain and leader of the secondary. He played multiple positions, and was selfless in switching positions for the good of the team. He was able to support the run and make plays (6.5 TFL and 2 FF) as well as play man and zone coverage, and the slot. He had no character issues. And, most importantly, he passed the test of being scrutinized under a microscope by the Pats' scouting department and coaching staff, who deemed him worth a mid-2nd round pick. Against that is merely the fact that the mediots and the people that make up the Combine and bowl invitations, following the national scouting services, rated him a late round/FA pick in spite of his productivity and chose not to extend any invitations to him.