IRVING, Texas -- The comparisons started from the moment fifth-round pick Danny Coale was drafted.

Wes Welker of the New England Patriots is a speedy receiver who does damage from the slot. In four of his five seasons in New England, Welker has gained at least 1,000 receiving yards. Last year, Welker caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns.

"It’s nice to be mentioned in the same sentence as him, but at the same time he’s Wes Welker for a reason," said Coale, who finished his career at Virginia Tech second in receptions and receiving yards. "He's been there and he's done it and I haven’t. I'm nowhere near that level of play. I hope some day I can have a sliver of success as he's had. He's an incredible player and I admire his style of play. The way he plays the position, he's someone I try to be like."

Coale will compete with Andre Holmes, Dwayne Harris, Kevin Ogletree and Raymond Radway for three roster spots at wideout behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.