01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, April 20, 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 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:

JASON ALLEN

POSITION: Free safety/cornerback.

COLLEGE: Tennessee.

HEIGHT: 6-foot-1.

WEIGHT: 209 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 4.42.

THE LOWDOWN

Primarily a corner in 2003 and had 57 tackles, 11 passes defensed and two interceptions. Played safety in 2004 and had 123 tackles, seven passes defensed and two more picks. Switched back to corner for 2005 season and dislocated his hip making a tackle on Oct. 8, ending his season after five games. Was a two-year captain of the Vols.

THE PROS

Good speed and quickness. Agile and understands defenses well. His versatility to play both safety and corner make him valuable. Breaks well on the ball and is fundamentally crisp. A good hitter who wraps up well. For a corner, he's a very good tackler; for a safety, he's what he should be. Has very good length for a corner; good cover skills as a safety.

THE CONS

The hip injury will be a concern for teams considering him in the first round. Has some issues getting off blocks. Has had surgeries on both shoulders. Gets in good position in coverage but he could come up with more picks than he does.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

The Patriots have been so snakebit by secondary injuries that adding someone with Allen's medical background would probably be tempting fate. Despite the aspects of his game, which would entice them -- the ability to play both corner and safety -- his history will be a tough thing to overcome. He's been a captain and is working hard to overcome his injuries, but he'd be too much of a dice roll in the first round and he won't likely last long enough for the Pats to get a crack at him in Round 2.

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.