09:20 AM EDT on Friday, April 7, 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:

SANTONIO HOLMES

POSITION: Wide receiver

COLLEGE: Ohio State

HEIGHT: 5-11

WEIGHT: 188

TIME IN THE 40: 4.45

THE LOWDOWN

Coming out after his junior season, the speedy Holmes had 977 yards on 53 catches with 11 touchdowns in 2005 for the Buckeyes. Reminds some of another former Ohio State receiver taken a decade ago by the Patriots -- Terry Glenn. Holmes had his biggest game of the year against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, catching five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. Gets in the end zone often, scoring 25 times on 140 college receptions. He's 22, has two kids and is the cousin of Jaguars running back Fred Taylor.

THE PROS

Quicker than he is fast (and he is fast), Holmes has very good acceleration and game speed. Tracks the deep ball like a center fielder stalking a fly ball in the gap. Has some return skills, returning 11 of each in 2005. Durable, starting 24 straight games for the Buckeyes. Plays with toughness and savvy and comes out of breaks in a hurry.

THE CONS

A little on the small side. Won't be a great red zone target in the league. Likes to try to make the big play, but needs to secure the ball better and with more consistency. Pro Football Weekly says he's a bit of a diva, and will need to be managed, but there is no talk of that in other reviews.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

We spent most of this week looking at receiver prospects who will be available in the second, third or fourth rounds. The reason? The Patriots feel the value of taking a wide receiver early isn't great, and that wideouts who will fit can be had in later rounds. But last year we said the Pats never would take a guard in the first round, and we were wrong. Thus, a profile of the best receiver prospect in the draft. Holmes' talent, size, quickness, production and durability make him the best fit among the Round 1 receiver prospects. He may be gone before the Pats select at 21. Two other possible Round 1 guys who they could consider if they're on the board when the Pats select are the shrimpy Sinorice Moss (Santana's brother) from Miami and Chad Jackson from Florida, who is 6-1, 205. Bet on Jackson ahead of Moss since head coach Bill Belichick seems to be developing an affinity for the Gators.

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