09:32 AM EDT on Tuesday, April 11, 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 a total of 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:

MAURICE DREW

POSITION: Running back

COLLEGE: UCLA

HEIGHT: 5-foot-6 3/4

WEIGHT: 207

TIME IN THE 40: 4.42

THE LOWDOWN

Coming out after his junior season. Set the UCLA record for all-purpose yards (4,688) in three years. Caught 64 passes for 819 yards and four TDs in his career. Averaged more than 26 yards per kickoff return in his career and an amazing 28.5 yards on punt returns in 2005. Went to powerhouse high school De La Salle in California. Ran for 322 yards and 5 touchdowns against Washington State in his junior year.

THE PROS

Incredibly creative and powerful with game-breaking ability. Has excellent hands as a receiver and can play with power and run between the tackles because he gets to top speed quickly and has a knack for burrowing through defenders. A very willing pass blocker and a high-energy, high-character player who refuses to put himself above his teammates. Absolutely electric in the open field. Can help a team in a lot of ways.

THE CONS

Because of his height, there's doubt he can be an everydown back in the NFL. He's suffered some ankle injuries. His penchant for creating and trying to wring too much out of plays sometimes puts the ball in compromised situations. Could have a tough time in blitz pickup because of the size mismatches so he'll have to hone those skills.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

Drew would be a severe first-round reach but he will be a player the Pats take a long look at if he's on the board in the second round. New England loves heart and production and he brings a ton of both. The Patriots are without a punt returner and Drew might be the best return man in the draft. Selflessness is a plus. The Patriots tend not to get hung up on height, especially in running backs, and Bill Belichick has said in the past that short backs sometimes have an advantage because they get lost in line of scrimmage mayhem. Could be a quick successor to the aging Kevin Faulk.

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