NFL

Rumor mill

By ROGER MILLS
Published April 22, 2005

The 49ers appear set to take Utah quarterback Alex Smith with the first pick, leaving California quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards next in line, though not in that order and not necessarily to the Dolphins and Browns, respectively.

But, the San Francisco Chronicle pointed out, the 49ers are under some pressure to take Rodgers, who grew up in the bay area. They likely don't want to repeat the gaffe of passing on the last local product who wanted to play at home, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

While the Dolphins would prefer to take a franchise quarterback at that position, Rodgers may not be that guy, which opens the door to trades. A more likely scenario is Miami taking Edwards at No. 2, according to the Miami Herald.

The Bucs continued to be rumored as interested in moving up to that No. 2 spot and have an interest in both Smith and Edwards.

Apparently Auburn running back Ronnie Brown is not that far ahead of backfield mate Carnell Williams and Texas powerback Cedric Benson. Speculation has surfaced that Brown's stock has dropped. In an intriguing mock draft, ESPN.com projects Brown sliding all the way down to the Texans at 13. The fall of Brown seems more than just conjecture; the Chicago Sun Times reported the Bears are willing to take Benson over Brown with the fourth pick.

Receiver Mike Williams, a Tampa native some think a lock for the Bucs at No. 5, may not be there. The Baltimore Sun reported the Ravens, who have the 22nd pick, are willing to make a move up - way up apparently - to get help at wide receiver. They are targeting Williams.

Last week, the Bucs called the Bills to inquire about running back Travis Henry, who has demanded a trade. The Cardinals are believed to still be a front-runner for Henry's services; on the NFL Network Thursday coach Dennis Green said there still was life to the trade.

Henry has been linked to the Eagles, who reportedly offered a second-round pick for him, the Dayton Daily News reported.

[Last modified April 22, 2005, 00:44:19]