01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, April 5, 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 10 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:

JASON AVANT

POSITION: Wide receiver

COLLEGE: Michigan

HEIGHT: 6-foot-1

WEIGHT: 212

TIME IN THE 40: 4.6

THE LOWDOWN

As a Michigan team captain this year, Avant flourished, catching 82 passes for 1,007 yards and eight touchdowns. When the talented Braylon Edwards was in Ann Arbor, Avant was the Wolverines' "other" receiver. This year, his productivity exploded. A smart player, Avant is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Has a good build and speed for special teams, if necessary (and it probably will be). Has developed a friendship with Pats safety Rodney Harrison (the two share the same trainer), and Harrison has helped Avant bone up on what it will take to succeed at the next level.

THE PROS

A professional young man. Smart, serious, hard-working, understands game situations and is an aggressive blocker. He has excellent hands and catches the ball away from his body. Has good body control and runs sharp routes. Knows how to read a defensive back and secondary. Can make plays in traffic and raises his play in big situations. Gets in and out of breaks well.

THE CONS

Doesn't have ideal speed. Doesn't have ideal height. His lack of speed may make it hard for him to get good separation. Lacks an extra gear when he gets going in the open field.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

He is as close to David Givens as one can get. From the size to the character to the serious demeanor, Avant is almost a clone of the now-departed wideout who built himself from a seventh-round pick into the most coveted free-agent receiver this spring. He'd be a very nice complementary player in the Pats' scheme, and likely could make an impact fairly early given his smarts and businesslike approach. Harrison already has articulated what the NFL is all about. A second-round possibility and someone who definitely is on New England's radar.

COLLECTION OF CARDS

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