09:23 AM EST on Thursday, March 30, 2006

Leading up to the NFL Draft, the Journal's Tom E. Curran will profile a player at a "need" position for the Patriots each day. New England has 11 picks in the draft, six in the first four rounds. Their first-round pick is the 21st overall. Profiles are based on our own analysis and interviews, various draft resources and Pro Football Weekly's 2006 Draft Preview book.

TODAY'S PROFILE:

LENDALE WHITE

POSITION: Running back.

COLLEGE: USC.

HEIGHT: 6 feet.

WEIGHT: 238 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 4.55.

THE LOWDOWN

Coming out after his junior season, after having established himself as a terrific mix of power, speed and intuitiveness with the Trojans. Scored 43 touchdowns the last two seasons. With running mate Reggie Bush, they formed a backfield of rare ability. The combination of size, speed, reliability and big-game experience make White the most attractive player in the draft for anyone looking for an every-down back.

THE PROS

Strong, quick and smart with the football. Knows how to use angles, keep his feet moving, and runs with very nice body lean. He's fast enough to hit the hole and get to the linebackers and secondary and has good lateral quickness to make linebackers miss. Good hands, even though he hasn't caught a ton of passes.

THE CONS

Doesn't have a great work ethic and has benefited from playing behind a tremendous offensive line and in an offense with multiple threats other than himself. Not a passionate pass blocker. Jury is out on how hungry he'll be when he gets to the league.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

Even if Corey Dillon's forgettable 2005 season was an aberration, the Patriots need to start shopping for their next feature back and the blocky, quick and powerful White is the kind of pounder that the Patriots like to get in their stable. They'd probably need to get up into the top 15 to get him, though. The lack of passion -- if it's founded -- will be a concern. The Pats always want to be able to say "football is important to him" about their new employees, and they won't spend a pick on a guy who "kind of likes" playing. As for the blocking, Dillon is good at it. Even Kevin Faulk gives it the old college try. If White is incapable of that -- or unwilling -- he'll drop significantly in their eyes. The price to move up, coupled with the question marks about his commitment, make the chances of White landing in Foxboro remote.

COLLECTION OF CARDS

"Draft Card" will run every day between now and April 28, which is the eve of the NFL Draft. All entries will be archived on projo.com at www.projo.com/patriots