Is it time for the Patriots to give some serious consideration to drafting a wide receiver in the first or — at worst — second round of the NFL draft? Time to give QB Tom Brady some young weapons?

Yesterday, New England signed longtime NFL veteran WR David Patten, but this seems nothing more than a charity move, almost a signing given to a veteran in hopes that he still has something left in the tank. The idea is that Patten — a former Patriot — can fit into the offensive system yet again in New England.

But, how many cornerbacks in the league can Patten win against at this stage in his career?

Today in the Boston Herald, Karen Guregian — citing sources — writes that WR Wes Welker is “doing very well” is his recovery from ACL surgery is his left knee, but a return to action in Week One might be unrealistic at this point — as are expectations for a skill player at this level to come back and put up the same numbers we are accustomed to seeing after ACL surgery.

Recovery takes time, and counting on early production from Welker in September and October is sketchy.

I still love Randy Moss’ game, and I am still of the opinion that he is without a doubt the No. 1 deep-ball threat in the NFL at this stage of his career. But we have all heard his comments and his desire to get “paid” in the final year of his contract.

Time to look at a rookie who can play in the NFL starting in September?

I think so, and the key to any successful QB in the NFL is giving him the tools to work with. Maybe it is time to reload in New England around Brady and draft a player who can align opposite Moss as the “X” receiver, or maybe take his spot once he leaves after 2010.

NFP scout Wes Bunting has the Pats drafting Cal RB Jahvid Best in the first round at No. 22 in his latest Mock Draft — a pick that makes sense — but what about a WR?

New England won’t get Okie State WR Dez Bryant unless it moves up on draft day, but with names like LSU’s Brandon LaFell and Illinois’ Arrelious Benn, the Pats could get first-round quality at the wide receiver position.

Or, maybe they look later in the draft, at players such as Kansas’ Desmond Briscoe or Notre Dame’s Golden Tate. Plus, we can’t forget about Syracuse’s Mike Williams — who has first-round talent but will fall into the later rounds because of the red flags attached to his name. This is a guy who has the size/speed combo to win against NFL defensive backs.

With Moss already having a foot out the door, Welker in knee rehab and Julian Edelman as the only sure thing right now, it is time for the Patriots to look at wide receivers in Indy at the combine.

Brady needs the weapons.

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