01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, April 6, 2006

TOM CURRAN'S

DRAFT CARD

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. Its 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 STOVALL

POSITION: Wide receiver

COLLEGE: Notre Dame

HEIGHT: 6-4 1/2

WEIGHT: 217

TIME IN THE 40: 4.58

THE LOWDOWN

This is a player whose stock is on the rise, and he has former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to thank for that. For three years, he was a "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" type, making just 61 catches in three seasons. As a senior in Weis' explosive offense, Stovall caught 69 passes for 1,149 yards and 11 touchdowns. Everything about his game is trending upward, from toughness to work ethic to understanding the nuances of the passing game.

THE PROS

He's tall and long and can be compared in physical stature to Terrell Owens and Ernest Wilford. Really goes up to get the ball and has the ability to adjust to it in the air. Makes an effort to catch it at its highest point. He has shown he knows how to use his body in tight spaces, which would make him a nice red zone target. Likes to block (although he's not quite proficient at it) and has no qualms about going over the middle. A good deep threat because of his size and athleticism.

THE CONS

Didn't have much production before his senior year, sparking concern that his stats were inflated because of Weis' system. Doesn't have great speed or elusiveness. Not that quick in change of direction or breaking out of cuts. Had injury issues in 2004 (hamstring). Needs to keep improving in all areas, including concentration and avoiding drops.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

Stovall could have a leg up on the other receiver prospects in the eyes of the Patriots because he worked under Weis in an offense very similar to New England's. His work ethic and effort improved as a senior, which should bode well for him. He'd create red zone mismatch problems, something the Pats now could use at the wide receiver position because of the departure of another Notre Dame player, David Givens. With his stock rising so quickly, Stovall could wind up being a first-round pick, which would almost certainly mean he'd be gone before the Pats turn their attention to the receiver spot. He still needs to develop, but even the things he doesn't do well he should be able to improve on, such as getting quicker out of cuts and setting up defenders. The Patriots generally like to see more production than Stovall has had so far, and for New England to deem him worthy of a second-round pick doesn't seem likely, especially since other wideouts with more savvy and production will be available later on.

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