01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, April 25, 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: DARRYN COLLEDGE POSITION: Guard/tackle.

COLLEGE: Boise State.

HEIGHT: 6-foot-4 1/2.

WEIGHT: 299 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 5.05.

THE LOWDOWN Started 52 college games at left tackle for a program that began to bloom. Didn't allow a single sack after his freshman year, according to Pro Football Weekly's Draft Preview. Played baseball and ran track in high school but didn't play high school football because his knees weren't steady enough to carry his weight. He came out of Alaska and enrolled at Boise in the fall of 2000. Has graduated.

THE PROS Quick and mean and delivers a pop when he gets into his man. His speed is very, very good. Consistently puts himself in good position and makes fundamentally sound moves. He takes great pride in his work. Showed well at the combine.

THE CONS He's got "tweener" size, although so did Matt Light and he turned out pretty good. Unproven against top-tier competition. Pro Football Weekly's Draft Preview alleged College "came off as a self-promoting phony in interviews and rubbed scouts the wrong way."

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT? Versatility is a major advantage for Colledge who -- although he hasn't played guard -- may have a build more suited to that. He could then be a swing guard/tackle, which has high appeal for the Patriots who need to start looking at life post-Matt Light. If he's got an irritating personality, his hopes of landing, staying and enjoying things in New England are remote. But if he happens to be a guy who likes a challenge and isn't afraid to say he relishes the chance to prove himself, he won't be too far different from the men who may hire him. A probable Round Two or Three pick.

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