01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, April 16, 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 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:

CHAD GREENWAY

POSITION: Outside linebacker.

COLLEGE: Iowa.

HEIGHT: 6-feet-2 1/2.

WEIGHT: 242 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 4.78.

THE LOWDOWN

Very productive outside linebacker who made 156 tackles (10 for a loss) in 2005, 113 tackles (8 for a loss) in 2004 and 132 tackles in 2003. Also had four interceptions in his career. Played for Bill Belichick protégé Kirk Ferentz at Iowa. Rare athlete who triple-jumped 49 feet in high school and played quarterback/safety for his 8-man high school football team.

THE PROS

Combines athleticism, instincts and power to make himself a likely long-time linebacker in pro football. Plays fast, thanks to his anticipation and instincts. Very good pass rusher. One of the best coverage linebackers in the draft and is able to hang with recievers out of the backfield. Plays with excellent fundamental skills. Football is important to him and he plays with maturity and seriousness.

THE CONS

The downside on this otherwise complete linebacker is that he put up 225 pounds just 16 times in the bench press. Most linebackers are in the 22-26 range. He'll need that power to keep blockers off of him. Teams will try to run at him instead of around him because his quickness and anticipation are so good. Puts a lot of pressure on himself.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

Sure he could. He's smart, athletic and works very, very hard. It's just a question of how well he fits in the New England 3-4 system compared to other very attractive linebackers on the board. Greenway would most likely be an outside linebacker in the 3-4 in the Pats' system, so his speed and coverage skills can be taken advantage of. He may not be the best edge rusher out of this year's crop of linebackers (Bobby Carpenter of Ohio State and Kamerion Wimbley of Florida State are), but he's the best coverage guy. According to most expert predictions, he won't last past No. 25.

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.