NFL Draft Rumors: New England Patriots to work out Evan Wilson

The New England Patriots reinvented the tight end position, featuring two star players in recent years. However, with Aaron Hernandez in jail and Rob Gronkowski dealing with injury after injury, the Patriots are looking to add a couple of tight ends, likely in May’s draft.

One under-the-radar prospect the Patriots are looking it is 6’6, 250-pound Illinois Illini tight end Evan Wilson.

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, Wilson will work out for the Patriots this week.

"Patriots vice president of player personnel Nick Caserio is scheduled to head to the Midwest early this week to work out under-the-radar Illinois tight end Evan Wilson, and from what I understand, Caserio has led several private workouts with tight ends over the past few months. It makes sense when considering former Patriots tight ends coach George Godsey is now coaching quarterbacks in Houston, and his likely replacement — Brian Daboll — underwent knee surgery this offseason that has affected, in part, his ability to travel (he didn’t attend the combine) and conduct workouts. As for Illinois’ Wilson, he had just six receptions in his senior season and wasn’t invited to the combine, but later tested extremely well at the school’s pro day. When that happens, it often results in some catch-up work from those on the personnel side. Overall, this year’s tight end class is considered light."

Wilson had 67 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions last season.