New England Patriots: 5 First Round Targets in 2017 NFL Draft

1. Quincy Wilson: University of Florida

Just like some of the prospects on this list, the Patriots need to make a trade to get Quincy Wilson. Regardless, he needs to be a target for the Patriots.

Now this is a hypothetical: Patriots trade Jimmy Garoppolo to the Cleveland Browns for the 12th overall pick in the draft, with that pick they pass over Derek Barrett, and select Wilson. He would add a big addition to a defensive back group bound to lose Logan Ryan.

Wilson is a 6’1″ corner who, according to the Washington Post, notched 6 career interceptions with the Gators. After watching some game film I came away thinking that he can shut down a big wide receiver on the outside while also playing a lot of snaps covering the slot. That is something Logan Ryan does now for the Patriots.

However, the 6’1″ Wilson would provide more size to the Patriots than the 5’11” Ryan. Wilson possesses the talent to be the most physically imposing corner the Patriots have had since Brandon Browner. Minus the excessive holding penalties.

Often times throughout the season, big time wide receivers would run through the Patriots secondary due to an inability to match up well. They often had to use Devin McCourty to play a lot of cover 2 on star wide receivers.

Next: 5 Reasons Why Pats Can Repeat as Champs

Although the Patriots were 1st in scoring defense, they gave up a lot of plays to receivers that were bigger than the defensive backs covering them. It nearly cost them the Super Bowl when Julio Jones made a freak sideline catch to nearly seal the game. If not for a few plays, it could have served as another Tyree moment.

The Patriots should use an early pick in the draft, should they get one, to secure a future number 1 corner in Quincy Wilson.