01:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 17, 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: MANNY LAWSON POSITION: Outside linebacker/defensive end

COLLEGE: North Carolina State

HEIGHT: 6-feet-5 1/2

WEIGHT: 241 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 4.46.

THE LOWDOWN Drawing comparisons to Miami great Jason Taylor, Lawson had a great showing at the NFL Combine and has helped himself immensely during the pre-draft process. Had a huge 2005 season with 58 tackles -- 19 1/2 for losses -- and 10 1/2 sacks. In 2004, he had seven sacks and 12 tackles for losses. Blocked a total of five punts in his freshman and sophomore years.

THE PROS His length is tremendous. Add to that a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump and you have a young man who is very difficult to negotiate around in the passing game. In addition to that, he positively flies off the edge with an explosive first step. Very quick and plays very hard. Chases down plays from the backside and, despite his size, is able to avoid wreckage in the middle of the field. He can cover, and his kick-blocking ability makes him a likely special teams asset.

THE CONS Needs to add power and bulk in order to fight off the strong, beefy tight ends and tackles who'll be taking runs at him. His speed has been an asset, but he'll need to expand his pass-rushing maneuvers at the next level because speed alone won't get it done.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT? Lawson is a very interesting prospect, especially for a team like the Patriots that needs to develop some new outside linebackers in their 3-4 since Willie McGinest has departed. Lawson is probably more similar to Rosevelt Colvin than Mike Vrabel because of his explosive first step and leaping ability. Yet another prospect the Pats will have to decide whether they take in the first round at No. 21 or roll the dice and hope against hope that he's on the board in the second round. Fortunately for New England, there are so many players in this draft with 3-4 outside linebacker skills, they can take a chance if need be.

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.