NFL

First pick hasn't been determined

By wire services
Published April 10, 2005

With the draft less than two weeks away, San Francisco has the No.1 pick and a quandary.

Nobody has emerged as the clear choice. Nobody has tempted it with a trade offer, and, at least publicly, it has remained undecided about whom to select if it keeps it.

Four players appear most likely: quarterback Aaron Rodgers of California, quarterback Alex Smith of Utah, receiver Braylon Edwards of Michigan and cornerback Antrel Rolle of Miami.

Six of the past seven top picks have been quarterbacks: Eli Manning (2004), Carson Palmer (2003), David Carr (2002), Michael Vick (2001), Tim Couch (1999) and Peyton Manning (1998). (Courtney Brown went No.1 in 2000.)

But there are more questions about Rodgers and Smith than there were last year about Ben Roethlisberger, Manning or Rivers.

Rodgers played in a pro-style offense at Cal, but he is listed at 6 feet 2. Smith has the size of a prototypical quarterback (6-4) but lacks Rodgers' arm strength.

Coach Mike Nolan and several members of his staff traveled to Salt Lake City on Tuesday to put Smith through drills for a second time. The 49ers did not comment afterward, but at last month's owners' meetings, Nolan said leadership skills had to be considered.

"If it's one of the quarterbacks, it will be partly an identity decision," he said. "When you have a good offense, the players identify with the quarterback. Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, any of the great ones you name, the offense became their offense."

SEAHAWKS: Linebacker Jamie Sharper remained unsigned after visiting Friday. Sharper, 30, who was released by Houston on April1, also has visiting Cincinnati. The Seahawks hope to bolster their front seven after finishing 26th in defense last season. But they likely will have to clear salary-cap space to sign Sharper.

[Last modified April 10, 2005, 00:40:18]