01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, April 22, 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. The Pats' 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:

JIMMY WILLIAMS

POSITION: Cornerback/safety

COLLEGE: Virginia Tech

HEIGHT: 6-foot-2 1/2

WEIGHT: 213 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 4.5

THE LOWDOWN

Played an astounding 52 games of college football for the Hokies. As a sophomore he was a free safety and made 114 tackles with two picks. Moved to corner as a junior and had 60 tackles and five interceptions. Last year, he had 44 tackles and one pick as teams, predictably, shied away from him.

THE PROS

He's versatile having played both the safety and corner spots. His length and bulk make him a well-built safety capable of (and willing to) deliver a blow. His speed (clocked at 4.37 on a fast surface in the spring, according to Pro Football Weekly's draft preview) is more than adequate to cover the quickest receivers. A guy who can get off the edge on a corner blitz and disrupt. Swallows up receivers at the line with his jam. Has excellent return skills. Closes well. He was a high school quarterback.

THE CONS

Most draft researchers say he's got an attitude and a high opinion of himself. Takes too many chances and freelances a bit. He's not disciplined on the field and Pro Football Weekly says he's "too hyper" and difficult to manage.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT?

Boy, the Patriots would like him if it weren't for his apparent propensity for being a pain in the asterisk. So would a lot of other teams, though. The Pats will probably be forced to make a call on Williams because it's sounding like this very talented, productive and durable player will be on the board when they select. And all because he can be difficult. Williams would have really had to be viewed as a pain to be skipped over. Don't be stunned if his name's called.

COLLECTION OF CARDS

"Draft Card" will run every day between now and Friday, which is the eve of the NFL Draft. All entries are archived on projo.com at www.projo.com/patriots