WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Boise State cornerback Jamar Taylor appears to be the kind of player the Patriots like — a talented athlete with leadership skills (team captain) and a solid work ethic. (AP)

JAMAR TAYLOR

Position: Cornerback

School: Boise State

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 192 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-Mountain West first team (media, coaches)

What he brings: Taylor started every game in his senior year, bringing physical play, athleticism and impressive speed to Boise State’s defense. He’s shown the ability to play both man and zone coverage, excelling at the former, and he reads plays well, recognizing routes and anticipating passes. Observers have noted his fluid hips and ability to pursue receivers in motion. As an aggressive defender, he occasionally can be faked out and take an extra second to recover. He missed four full games and most of another in 2011 with a stress fracture in his leg, although after a full 2012 season in which he stayed healthy, that isn’t much of a concern. He hasn’t played press very often, and some scouts have speculated that he could struggle in that area.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 2

Notes: In 2012 at Boise State, Taylor recorded 51 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks. He also had nine pass breakups, four interceptions and three forced fumbles. He was a team captain in his senior year. He’s been praised for his work ethic, and while some aspects of his game need work, his instincts are good enough to make him one of the more highly sought-after cornerbacks in the draft.

Related articles: Idaho Statesman: Boise State cornerback Jamar Taylor’s talent, work ethic could land him in NFL

Idaho Statesman: Boise State’s Jamar Taylor making a good impression

Idaho Press-Tribune: Former BSU cornerback Taylor focused on workouts, not draft hype

Video: Here’s a look at Taylor in action from a couple of games in 2012.

WEEI.com will continue to provide daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Markus Wheaton finished his career at Oregon State as the school’s all-time leader in receptions. (AP)

MARKUS WHEATON

Position: Wide receiver

School: Oregon State

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 189 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-Pac-12 first team (coaches), 2011 All-Pac-12 honorable mention

What he brings: While not a prototypical 6-foot-plus receiver, Wheaton makes up for it with his quickness and agility. Many scouts have been impressed with Wheaton’s knack for consistently gaining a first step on his defenders. Even on poor throws from the quarterback, Wheaton has shown that he can adjust quickly or make the difficult over-the-shoulder catch on deep routes. Wheaton, also a terrific track athlete at Oregon State, has been compared to Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 2

Notes: Before the 2012 season, Wheaton was chosen as one of Oregon State’s four co-captains. By the end of his senior season, Wheaton finished as the school’s all-time leader in receptions with 227. In his final season, he passed the likes of James Rodgers, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. In a September 2012 win over Arizona, Wheaton hauled in 10 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. … His brother Marquese was an All-Conference USA cornerback for Southern Mississippi in 2011. Marquese signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent last summer but was cut during training camp.

Related articles: Gazettetimes.com: Beavers look to replace Markus Wheaton

Dynastyleaguefootball.com: Comparing Markus Wheaton and Quinton Patton

Video: Here’s a look at Wheaton in action vs. BYU in 2012.

WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Johnathan Jenkins is a solid but unspectacular player who can line up in multiple spots on the defensive line. (AP)

JOHNATHAN JENKINS

Position: Nose tackle

School: Georgia

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 346 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-SEC second team (coaches)

What he brings: Jenkins stands out for his size — especially his width — and his strength, though his width does limit his mobility somewhat. When he positions himself well, he’s very difficult to move, and he’s played multiple positions on the Georgia defensive line. Some say he gets out-leveraged occasionally by smaller offensive linemen who get underneath him, and while his quickness is impressive for his massive size, it’s not particularly remarkable overall. He’s effective in battling through blocks to the quarterback, showing good technique and consistent effort as well as overpowering physical strength, but his main role is to clog up lanes and prevent the run.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 2

Notes: Jenkins left Gulf Coast Community College as a highly regarded junior college prospect in 2009, landing at Georgia and appearing in 14 games in his first season. In his senior season, he made 50 tackles, two for a loss, and one sack. NFL.com projects him as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme.

Related articles: ESPN: John Jenkins of Georgia Bulldogs ruled academically ineligible to play in Capital One Bowl

Columbus (Georgia) Ledger Enquirer: Big John is a big pro prospect

Atlanta Journal-Constituion: Big John Jenkins says he bought into UGA’s vision of ‘Dream Team’

Video: Here is a look at Jenkins vs. Alabama in the 2012 SEC championship game.

WEEI.com will continue to provide daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Marcus Lattimore suffered a devastating leg injury in October, but he’s been working his way back into shape since. (AP)

MARCUS LATTIMORE

Position: Running back

School: South Carolina

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 221 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-SEC honorable mention (media), 2011 All-SEC second team (media, coaches), 2010 SEC Freshman of the Year (media, coaches), 2010 All-SEC first team (media, coaches)

What he brings: Numerous scouts have noted Lattimore’s field vision and quick feet. It has also been said that Lattimore is a solid receiver with good hands and is good at blocking and protecting the quarterback when needed. CBSSports.com also notes his ability to break tackles and his strong work ethic.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 4 or 5

Notes: In 2012, Lattimore set the University of South Carolina school record for career touchdowns (34). Also that season, he suffered a severe knee injury against Tennessee, ending his season early for the second consecutive season. In the 2011 season Lattimore ranked near the top of both the SEC and country in rushing yards per game (116.9).

Related articles: Colts.com: Horrific knee injury motivates Marcus Lattimore

NFL.com: Marcus Lattimore hopes past injuries won’t jeopardize NFL career

denverpost.com: Marcus Lattimore hopes to follow Willis McGahee’s path

Video: Here is a package of Lattimore highlights.

WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

All-America wide receiver Terrance Williams leaves Baylor with eight school records. (AP)

TERRANCE WILLIAMS

Position: Wide receiver

School: Baylor

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 208 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-America first team (unanimous), 2012 Biletnikoff Award finalist, 2012 All-Big 12 first team (coaches), 2011 All-Big 12 honorable mention (coaches)

What he brings: Williams’ height has helped him with potential jump balls in the red zone. NFL.com notes that he is good at shaking his defender off the line and credits him with the speed to gain a step down the sideline. It is also being said that Williams tracks the ball and adjusts to it in the air, and has showcased the ability to stop and turn for the back-shoulder fade. CBS Sports points out Williams’ blocking ability and his efforts in route adjustments. Some scouts have compared him to Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 2

Notes: Williams will leave Baylor with eight school records to his name, including career all-purpose yards (4,693), single-season receiving yards (1,832 in 2012), single-season yards per game (140.9 in 2012), single game receptions (17 in 2012), and single-game receiving yards (314 in 2012). His 2012 receiving yards and yards per game total also led the entire nation.

Related Articles: profootballweekly.com: Terrance Williams continues success of Baylor WRs

The Washington Post: Terrance Williams expects big return for RGIII

dallascowboys.com: Terrance Williams hopes to be drafted by Cowboys

Video: Here’s a closer look at Williams with some analysis.

WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one in a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Johnthan Banks (right) won the 2012 Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in the nation. (AP)

JOHNTHAN BANKS

Position: Cornerback

School: Mississippi State

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 185 pounds

Achievements: 2012 Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back), 2011 All-SEC second team (cornerback), 2009 All-SEC freshman team (safety)

What he brings: Entering the draft following a highly successful four-year tenure with the Bulldogs, Banks is a great press coverage corner who also boasts a strong skill set when it comes to stopping interior passing games. When it comes to blanketing a receiver within 10-15 yards of the line of scrimmage, Banks matches up with anyone else in the draft class. Beyond that, though, there are some blemishes.

The first thing that is apparent with Banks is his height and ball skills. With his frame, Banks could easily slide in at safety. In fact, he was recruited at the position and played there as a freshman with the Bulldogs. However, since switching to cornerback, he has shown great quickness when covering short-yardage routes, particularly when talking about a player his size. Additionally, Banks tallied a school-record 16 interceptions during his time at Mississippi State.

However, when it comes to the vertical passing game, Banks comes up a bit short. Unlike a lot of taller cornerbacks, such as FSU’s Xavier Rhodes, Banks is quick, not fast. This comes into play when he has to stick with a receiver in man coverage. At the combine, Banks ran a disappointing 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash. At his pro day, though, he recorded an improved time of 4.51-4.55. As with any player, the 40 does not write one’s NFL success in stone. However, it does nothing to help dispel pre-existing concerns over his inability to keep up receivers downfield. Although, when he is there, Banks plays the ball well, using his height and leaping ability against receivers to make a play on the pass.

The final issue with Banks is a odd one for a big cornerback: his ability to take down ball-carriers. Banks, who was often used with great effect as a blitzer, does a good job punishing players when coming straight down on them. However, Banks has a tendency to overpursue and get caught up in traffic against the run, and can let a runner go if they put a move on him.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 1 or 2

Notes: When it comes to cornerbacks who can provide press coverage, particularly in a Tampa 2 scheme, Banks presents a great value. Although, teams that want him to have a presence near the line of scrimmage will need him to bulk up and improve his tackling game.

In most cases, tall corners are tasked with lining up on the outside and using their press skills to their fullest extent. Banks, though, has exceptional versatility along the defensive backfield. In addition to his experience at safety, Banks’ ability to stick with receivers on short, quick routes makes him ideal for teams looking for a player to slide into the slot in nickel and dime formations. Should he end up adding to his frame and developing his skills in run support, Banks could become a dangerous defender in the box.

While it’s strange to see a receiver at 6-foot-2 (a la Dez Bryant) back receiving punts, it’s even more odd to see a defensive back doing so. Yet that’s exactly what Banks did in college as the team’s leading punt returner his senior year, averaging 10.5 yards per attempt.

Related articles: The Shutdown 50: Mississippi State DB Johnthan Banks

ESPN: Johnthan Banks gets Thorpe Award

Pro Football Talk: Mississippi State’s Johnthan Banks: I can cover Megatron

Video: Here’s a playlist of some of Banks’ performances against SEC competition, starting with a 2012 matchup against Tennessee and the Volunteers’ vaunted wide receivers:

WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one of a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Khaseem Greene returned from a broken ankle in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl to record 136 tackles as a senior in 2012. (AP)

KHASEEM GREENE

Position: Outside linebacker

School: Rutgers

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 241 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-Big East first team (coaches), 2012 Big East Defensive Player of the Year (coaches), 2011 Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year

What he brings: Analysts point out that during his time with Rutgers, Greene had a knack for taking advantage of open lanes by tracking down ball-carriers behind the line of scrimmage or from behind. NFL.com also points out that if Greene is unable to make the tackle, he frequently goes for the strip. He also succeeds when blitzing, thanks to his quickness and flexibility. Greene is solid in zone coverage and has had experience at safety.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 2

Notes: Greene’s father, Raymond Graham, played football at Purdue, while his half-brother, Ray Graham, played at Pittsburgh. Ray, a running back, also is expected to be drafted next month. … In the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, Greene suffered a broken ankle. The injury forced him to miss 2012 spring practices. In 2012, Greene totaled 136 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and six sacks. In his 2011 junior season, when he earned Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, Greene registered 141 tackles, 14.5 for losses. … In his first two years of college football he played safety before moving to linebacker.

Related articles: nj.com: Khaseem Greene determined to improve NFL Draft stock

snyrutgers.com: Khaseem Greene still shows speed, even with added weight

New York Daily News: With his dad, Big Ray Graham, in prison, Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene stayed the course and is now days away from NFL

Video: Here’s a package of Greene highlights.