With draft season set to get underway, we’ve come across 12 prospects that appear to match up with the Patriots needs -- based in part on this article, as well as a realistic belief that they could be available when New England picks. (To refresh, the Patriots have three picks in the first three rounds -- 29th, 59th and 91st overall -- as well as two seventh-rounders.) While WEEI.com will be providing comprehensive draft coverage between now and the end of April, consider this article an introduction to a dozen potential Patriots -- guys New England fans will be hearing a lot more about over the next three months.

Safety Matt Elam, Florida: We’ve already discussed the Patriots need for a safety, and Elam could be that guy. The 5-foot-10, 202-pounder has been a versatile presence as a collegian, and he comes with a good rep that includes great ball skills. He was a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC this past season, and had 76 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and four interceptions last season. (And as far as Bill Belichick is concerned, even if his BFF Urban Meyer isn't there anymore, you can't have enough Florida guys.)

Defensive end Alex Okafor, Texas: The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Okafor was a three-year started for the Longhorns, and finished his college career with 22 sacks, including 12.5 as a senior. A two-time first team All-Big 12 choice, Okafor is known as one of the better pass rushers in the draft, and likely projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL. (That could change if he puts on 10-15 pounds.)

Defensive end Datone Jones, UCLA: The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Jones played both end and tackle over the course of his college career (he was at both left and right end at the Senior Bowl), and also made a name for himself as a pass rusher. He had 6.5 sacks as a senior with the Bruins, and 13.5 sacks in his time at UCLA. Quickness, strength and versatility are all things that the Patriots look for in their players, and it appears Jones has all of these traits.

Wide receiver Robert Woods, USC: At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, it’s hard not to be impressed with Woods resume, which includes a Pac-12 record 111 catches in 2011. A three-year starter for the Trojans, he leaves as all-time school leader in receptions (252) to go along with 2,930 receiving yards. He finished with 4,619 all-purpose yards in his college career.

Defensive tackle Sylvester Williams, North Carolina: The 6-foot-3, 313-pound defensive tackle can bring an interior pass rushing presence -- he posted 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses and 6.0 sacks last season with the Tarheels. New England has addressed this spot with Armond Armstead, a CFL product who could also offers some hope as an interior pass rusher, but Williams remains an intriguing prospect.

Wide receiver Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech: A small-school guy who opened some eyes at the Senior Bowl, this 6-foot, 202-pounder caught 104 passes for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games this season. He finished the year averaging 13.4 yards per catch and 116.0 yards per game, ranking fourth in the nation in receiving yards per game and fifth in the nation in receptions per game.

Offensive lineman Travis Frederick, Wisconsin: A 6-foot-4, 338-pounder, Frederick played both center and guard while in college. After starting mostly at left guard as a freshman and sophomore, he started all 14 games at center for the Big Ten champion Badgers in 2012 and was All-Big Ten honorable mention. The Patriots could always use more depth along the offensive line -- particularly the interior -- and Frederick could fill the bill.

Wide receiver Tavon Austin, West Virginia: Known as one of the more exciting players in college football this season, the undersized (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) Austin put up terrific numbers as a receiver and return specialist at West Virginia. A first-team All-American as a senior, Austin has caught 110 passes for 1,259 yards and 12 touchdowns at slot receiver while rushing for 598 yards and three scores as a running back. He has also produced 903 yards in punt and kickoff returns -- that adds up to 2,760 all-purpose yards. No wonder he was eighth in the Heisman voting.

Wide receiver Stedman Bailey, West Virginia: Another Mountaineer wide receiver, Bailey and Austin were the two biggest beneficiaries of quarterback Geno Smith’s tremendous season. Despite being slowed by ankle problems, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Bailey finished the season with 106 catches. He averaged 120.8 receiving yards per game (good for third in the nation) while catching a nation-leading 23 TDs.

Defensive lineman Kawann Short, Purdue: Another interior defensive lineman who has flashed some pass rushing skills, the All-Big Ten first-team selection led the Boilermakers in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (6.0) last season. For what it’s worth, the 6-foot-3, 308-pounder comes from the same school that has produced Rosevelt Colvin and Rob Ninkovich, two guys who have shown a pretty good ability when it comes to getting after the passer here in New England.

Defensive back Desmond Trufant, Washington: A 6-foot-1, 186-pounder, Trufant could be that big, physical corner the Patriots have needed. He’s got impressive bloodlines -- he’s the younger brother of former Washington State star and current Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant, while another older brother, Isaiah, played at Eastern Washington and with the Jets. He had six picks over the course of his college career.

Defensive back D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina: The 5-foor-11, 210-pounder is known as a physical defender who has good versatility -- he played both safety and corner in college. He was a four-year starter for Steve Spurrier, and had six picks and 16 passes broken up as a collegian.