MOST PUZZLING
Patriots raise eyebrows.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick is as respected a talent evaluator of defensive backs as anyone in the league, but many of his peers were still raising their eyebrows when he selected Illinois cornerback-safety Tavon Wilson with the 48th pick of the draft. Many teams had a sixth-round grade on Wilson, but the Patriots work the “short” board with fewer players to consider and will often have players ranked far higher than others.
PHYSICAL FREAK
Jumping Zach flash. North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown, at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, set the school record in the 60-meter dash for the school’s indoor track team at 6.72 seconds. Scouts say he is one of the fastest players in the football program’s history. The Titans selected Brown 52nd overall and will play the speedster at an outside linebacker spot.
PRIME POSITION
Wide receivers in demand. Pass catchers ruled the second day of the draft with nine wide receivers selected, including five in the third round, and Quick to the Rams with Friday’s first pick. There were eight defensive tackles selected Friday to go with seven offensive tackles.
Six linebackers and six cornerbacks were selected as well.
WHO’S LEFT?
Available talent.
Miami running back Lamar Miller took an unexpected plunge. Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin is one of the draft’s better returners available. Others significant players available are Boise State defensive end Billy Winn, Mississippi tackle Bobby Massie and Oklahoma linebacker Ronnell Lewis.
