Melvin Ingram could be on the Patriots' radar. (AP)

Three very interesting college prospects have recently connected with the Patriots: South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, West Virginia defensive end/outside linebacker Bruce Irvin and Iowa safety/return man Jordan Bernstine:

1) Ingram, who told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday night that he was headed to meet with the Patriots, is an intriguing name. He’s considered by many to be one of the best pass-rushers in the draft, and at 6-foot-1 and 264 pounds, has some positional versatility as a 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s likely to be a Top 10 selection, which would mean the Patriots, who have picks at No. 27 and No. 31, would have to trade up to try and draft him.

2) Irvin is one player who has seen his stock increase as the draft draws closer — one theory is that despite some initial concerns about his character, the West Virginia product is getting a chance to meet with teams, and because of those sitdowns, he’s taking advantage of the chance to nip any of those questions in the bud. According to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post, the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder is scheduled to take 12 visits to NFL teams, including the Patriots. Considered a hellacious pass-rusher, he projects to be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Our DJ Bean wrote a great piece on him after talking with him at the combine in February.

3) The Patriots are one of three teams thus far who have conducted a private workout with Bernstine (that group includes the Eagles and 49ers, and he’s also reportedly scheduled a visit with the Raiders, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com). Considered to be a late-round/undrafted free agent possibility who could provide depth at safety and work as a special teamer, Bernstine has some interesting Pro Day numbers, which included a 6.98 time in the 3-cone drill. (And we all know how much the Patriots value a good 3-cone time.) The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder also has the Belichick University angle working for him as well — as a collegian, he was coached by former Bill Belichick assistant Kirk Ferentz.