Brandon Tate (AP)

The Patriots selected two running backs, two offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a quarterback, a tight end and an outside linebacker in the 2011 draft, but no wide receivers. New England has usually gone after a receiver — seven of the last nine drafts before this past season, they have drafted a wideout — but none this year.

While the Patriots might go after some wide receivers in free agency, veteran Wes Welker thinks the fact that New England didn’t try and add any receivers in in the draft could be seen as a show of support for some of the young receivers on the roster, particularly Brandon Tate and Taylor Price — two youngsters who didn’t see many reps the last season or two. (That duo combined for 27 receptions in 2010, with 24 of them coming from Tate.)

“Oh yeah — those guys have a lot of ability. They’re still young,” said Welker of the youngsters. “It takes time for a receiver, especially in this offense. I think it’s always hard, especially in our system, for young, drafted receivers to come in and really do something. They really have to do their homework and it’s hard for young guys to understand that. They’ve been great and hopefully we just keep working these guys along and bring them along, and hopefully be a threat for us next year.”