tavon-austin.jpg

Tavon Austin

(Photo by AP)

INDIANAPOLIS -- The New England Patriots coaching staff and front office will spend the next week trying to figure out which college hopefuls best fit their system. Here's a look at a few wide receivers New England may have an eye on during the Scouting Combine.

Tavon Austin, West Virginia – If the Patriots are looking for a way to replace Wes Welker, Austin may be the most passable replica on the market. Austin runs many of the same routes as Welker, can contribute in the running game and can be a dangerous return man.

DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson – Hopkins has good speed and routinely got deep throughout his college career. He could be a fit on the outside. Checkout his hands in the video below.

Terrance Williams, BYU – Williams has great hands and is lauded for his route running and ability to get open, but he doesn't have great speed. Many talented players had the same knock coming out of college, so the Patriots will need to determine if his game speed is good enough.

Keenan Allen, California – Allen has a big body and has drawn comparisons to Baltimore's Anquan Boldin for his ability to use his size to create mismatches. The knock, once again, is that he doesn't have great straight-line speed.

Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech – One of the more impressive players at the Senior Bowl, Patton is a burner who can get deep. He could be a good player to complement New England's other weapons.

Markus Wheaton, Oregon State – Whaton has good hands and can run solid routes. Projected to run a 4.40 40-yard dash, he could draw some interest in the middle rounds.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee – Patterson has elite speed and will likely be the first receiver off the board. It's doubtful that he'll last until the Patriots come on the board.