spain Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 March 24 (4:00 PM): 49ers said to settle on top pick; other draft bits from Maui… The buzz around the NFL as this week’s league meetings in Maui break up is that San Francisco is very close to settling on California junior QB Aaron Rodgers as its choice to be the top pick at next month’s draft. According to 49ers new head coach Mike Nolan the team has narrowed its choice to a core group of 5 players which includes Rodgers as well as fellow junior QB Alex Smith of Utah. In fact, there are reports that the 49ers actually have Michigan WR Braylon Edwards as the best player on its value board, however, Nolan admits that QBs get ‘extra weight’ in the process. Nolan also confirms that Rodgers is ahead of Smith in large part because he’s more polished and has superior mechanics; Rodgers also has proven he has the intangible and leadership qualities Nolan says he’s looking for in a player to lead the 49ers back to prominence in the NFL. Another point in Rodgers’ corner is the fact that the 49ers reportedly want to start their top pick from day one this coming season and Rodgers is way ahead on that account as the Cal offense is very similar to the one San Francisco employs. There is at least one other report that suggests that the 49ers are so sure of Rodgers as their choice that they have discreetly made inquiries about trading down on April 23rd, figuring that Rodgers will last several picks into the draft. Indeed, the sense around the league is that the top part of the draft is finally starting to come in to focus with the 49ers likely to take Rodgers, with Miami expected to take Auburn RB Ronnie Brown with the second pick overall. And as we suggested in an earlier report, that could mean that the ‘real’ starts with Cleveland and the 3rd pick. Maybe! Browns’ new G.M. Phil Savage isn’t tipping his hand in the direction Cleveland is leaning, however, Savage will personally workout 2 or 3 prospects in the near future and that Michigan’s Edwards is definitely on that short list. Savage, though, has reported told the coaching staff that all positions are still on the table for the team’s opening round pick this year except TE; the Browns, of course, took former Miami TE Kellen Winslow with their #1 selection last April. Savage has also indicated that he’ll be seriously looking at what the Browns options are likely to be when they make their second round pick, the 34th overall selection, and subsequent choices. Again, as reported earlier, the Browns have looked hard at Auburn QB Jason Campbell as a possible second round option. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden, whose Buccaneers have the 5th pick this year, still sounds like a man who’d like to have former Southern California WR Mike Williams in his lineup. According to Gruden, Williams is a “physical freak” who is a “huge talent” and a “playmaker”. And while most mock drafts around have the Buccaneers taking a RB with the #5 pick, Gruden says he’s intrigued with the notion of using a lot of 3-WR sets with Williams working with 2004 rookie sensation Michael Clayton and veteran Joey Galloway. “I wouldn’t mind that at all” says Gruden. The Buccaneers have no guarantees, however, that Williams would even be on the board when they make the 5th pick. Chicago, with the 4th pick overall, has the same dilemma as the Buccaneers – RB or WR – and could take Williams themselves. Then there is the possibility of a team like Minnesota moving up – the Vikings currently have the 7th pick overall acquired from Oakland in the Randy Moss deal – to get one of the top WRs for themselves. Gruden indicated, though, that he is also impressed with RBs Cedric Benson of Texas and Auburn’s Brown, whom he describes as the best receiver in the whole 2005 draft class ins he’s also intrigued by the physical potential of cluding the WRs. Gruden also expressed some interest in former Florida State QB Adrian McPherson who he describes as a “great talent who you’d love to go to the laboratory with…” At the same time, the Buccaneers have reportedly expressed some interest in acquiring San Francisco QB Tim Rattay if the 49ers select a QB early in next month’s draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Interesting. Thanks for the info. I don't know what to believe with Gruden. He likes so many players, I can't figure out what he's really thinking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 I can't see TB taking a WR unless they think there will be alot of talent left in the 2nd round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meat Face Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 one thing is clear...49ers will definitely take a QB (smith or rodgers). I like Smith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss Cheezhead Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Spain -- you gotta a source for all that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'canes2004 Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 While I tend to agree that all signs point to the Dolphins taking a RB with the #2, I still wouldn't be shocked to see them pull a late trade and get one of the FA RB's and then pull the trigger on Alex Smith. Just a hunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spain Posted March 25, 2005 Author Share Posted March 25, 2005 Spain -- you gotta a source for all that? 750188[/snapback] GBNReport.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vote Quimby2 Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Good stuff Spain. So i guess Gruden is pretty much done with Sims, huh? That didn't last long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Since when has Gruden EVER spoken highly of any QB? Remember the abuse he used to heap on Gannon? This guy hates QB's.... ALL of them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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