NFL Draft 2012: 6 Wide Receivers Who Will Improve the New England Patriots

Though the New England Patriots desperately need to strengthen their defense, their problems at wide receiver should not be overshadowed.

Wes Welker, who is likely to be franchised, carried most of the load at wideout last season.

But beyond Welker, there is not much depth to brag about.

The Patriots are due for some serious spring cleaning this offseason.

In the 2012 draft, they have two first-round picks (No. 27 and No. 31 overall) and two second-round picks (No. 48 and No. 63).

Based on the fact that they also need to draft defensive talent early, here's a look at six fresh guys they could realistically get and should consider drafting.

Mohamed Sanu

Mohamed Sanu of Rutgers University does it all, and that's exactly the kind of guy the Patriots love.

The wideout broke the Big East record for single-season receptions with 115 for 1,206 yards.

Sanu also finished his three-year career at Rutgers with 653 rushing yards and four passing touchdowns, and he returned (and occasionally kicked) punts and even snagged a pick when stepping in on D.

In other words, he's a true athlete.

After a season in which Julian Edelman stepped up to help out a depleted New England defense, it couldn't hurt to pick up a guy like Sanu.

Given his versatility and Bill Belichick's love affair with Rutgers players, Sanu would be a great draft pick for the Patriots.

Kendall Wright

After four years as a Baylor Bear, Kendall Wright is ready for the NFL.

Wright is another versatile player. He was recruited to play quarterback, running back and cornerback before finding his role as a wide receiver at Baylor.

Wright posted 108 receptions for 1,663 yards this season.

In the Valero Alamo Bowl against Washington, Wright finished with 91 receiving yards and a touchdown in Baylor's 67-56 victory.

Wright would add good perimeter route-running and could be the deep threat New England needs to fill the void left by Randy Moss's departure two years ago.

Alshon Jeffery

Hailing from the University of South Carolina, Alshon Jeffery would bring size to New England's wide receiver squad.

The Patriots could use a 6'4" and 229-pound guy to snag in passes at wideout.

Of the five wide receivers on their depth chart from 2011, Chad Ochocinco was the only guy over 6 feet tall (6'1").

Tom Brady enjoys throwing to Rob Gronkowski, another big target whose brute strength has allowed him to muscle his way through yards after the catch.

Though Jeffery is by no means the fastest receiver the Patriots could grab, he could be a good addition size-wise to a tiny Patriots receiving corps.

Brian Quick

Appalachian State's Brian Quick is big and fast—two qualities that would stand to benefit the Pats receiving corps.

This season, he logged over 1,000 receiving yards as a Mountaineer.

Quick is good at going deep. Last season, he had five games in which his longest reception was over 40 yards, and in his career at Appalachian State, he averaged 16.9 yards per reception.

If the Pats decide to hold off until the second round to draft a wide receiver, they should grab Brian Quick.

Tommy Streeter

Tommy Streeter will be another interesting guy for the Patriots to watch.

The Miami Hurricane declared for the NFL draft after finishing 2011 with 46 receptions for 811 yards.

And he can accelerate his 6'5", 215-pound body to lightning speeds, running the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds while at Miami.

The Patriots would benefit with Streeter fighting over jump balls. He'd be a good go-to in the red zone as well.

Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd wrapped up his best season yet with Notre Dame. The receiver recorded 100 receptions for 1,147 yards.

Despite an injury that kept him sidelined at the Senior Bowl, Floyd looks good to go for the NFL combine.

Floyd is a true playmaker and one of the top college receivers who will go in this year's draft.

He did, however, get tagged with a DUI the summer before this season.

This will likely be a red flag for the Pats, who tend to cautious against adding behavioral liabilities to their team.