NFL teams can visit with up to 30 out-of-town prospects leading up to the NFL draft, and the New England Patriots are using one of their visits on Florida State guard Tre' Jackson.

Jackson confirmed the visit, scheduled for April 12, as part of a Monday appearance on NFL Network's "NFL AM" program.

FSU OL Tre Jackson telling us on @NFL_AM this morning he's had extended conversations w the @Patriots & has a visit scheduled on 4/12 — Rhett Lewis (@RhettNFL) April 6, 2015

Jackson is rated by ESPN as the No. 2 guard in this year's draft class. Given the Patriots' need at the position, and the Patriots' success in selecting Florida State center Bryan Stork in the fourth round last year, it makes sense that the club is taking a closer look.

Former Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia was present at Florida State's pro day last week, where Jackson was one of five offensive linemen working out.

As for what an in-house visit with Jackson truly means, perhaps the most accurate answer is that the Patriots are intrigued to a point that they are investing more time before officially closing the player's file.

Sometimes a visit can solidify interest, other times it can go in the other direction. The visits are often used as a final medical check.