09:16 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. 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:

ANTONIO CROMARTIE

POSITION: Cornerback

COLLEGE: Florida State

HEIGHT: 6-foot-2

WEIGHT: 203

TIME IN THE 40: 4.37

THE LOWDOWN

He blew out his ACL last July and didn't play in 2005. Coming out after his junior season against the advice of his Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, the fact that he's a near lock for the first round is testament to his immense athletic ability and measurables. Played every game as a freshman and sophomore for the Noles but was only a nickel corner in his sophomore season. Had four picks in 2004. Returns kickoffs to the tune of about 23 yards a whack.

THE PROS

The total package is drool-worthy. To be that big, that fast, that explosive (42-inch vertical leap) that productive, and tough enough to come back from an ACL and rip it up in workouts makes clubs fall in love. Knows how to use that great size and length to his advantage on redirect. Tough to outjump. Comes up to support against the run. Even when a receiver gets separation, Cromartie has the quickness and length to narrow the gap quickly.

THE CONS

The blown-out knee is a red flag. He has to get better playing in schemes and is fairly raw at understanding team defensive concepts. Has gotten by on his great athleticism. It's worth wondering how a guy who'll go from being a nickel corner the last time he played to a likely first-round pick will respond to the step up in play. Will he have a grip on just how good NFL competition -- quarterbacks as much as receivers -- is going to be when he gets on the field with it?

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

This would be a dice roll. If Cromartie's on the board at or near 21, though, one would have to think the Pats would be tempted because his skill set would be unique among a Pats corner brigade made up of overachievers with modest pedigrees. He could be really, really good. He could also blow out his knee again or take slowly to the rigors of the NFL. It might be too much of a gamble for the Patriots to take Cromartie in the first round. He may have more potential than just about anyone, but there are going to be other proven players at need positions on the board when the Pats pick.

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

tcurran@projo.com / (401) 277-7340