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A defensive assistant coach scheduled to face Seattle this season told me during training camp he hoped the Seahawks would not acquire Marshawn Lynch.

The thinking was that Lynch would give the Seahawks' running game a needed edge.

The price Seattle paid for Lynch remains a key variable in determining whether this trade was a wise move.

Buffalo receives a 2011 fourth-round draft choice and an undisclosed 2012 choice. The value of that second choice matters a great deal. If it's a conditional pick, Lynch would have to perform well for the price to increase.

The Bills played the Lynch situation right by waiting until well into the season before making a move. The rest of the league knew Lynch was expendable once Buffalo drafted C.J. Spiller, but Lynch still had value. There was no reason for the Bills to give him away at a discount. Seattle was interested all along and that interest had to grow once it became clear the Seahawks' running game needed a boost.

The Seahawks have long-term needs throughout their roster. Acquiring Lynch could fill an obvious need at running back. From that standpoint, this move looks like Seattle trying to cross off a significant need so it can focus on filling others at quarterback, receiver, along the offensive line and elsewhere. There's a risk Lynch will not produce, but that's a risk associated with any player.

The Seattle Seahawks finally landed the physical running back they've coveted when the Buffalo Bills agreed to part with Marshawn Lynch nearly six months after drafting another back, C.J. Spiller, in the first round.

This can only be a good thing for Seattle from a personnel standpoint.

Lynch instantly becomes the most physically gifted runner on the team. He is 24 years old and was a Pro Bowl choice two seasons ago. Expect Lynch to share time with his former college roommate, Justin Forsett, and veteran Leon Washington. Julius Jones, already the odd man out of the rotation, presumably has no place on the roster.

Lynch's carries and rushing yardage declined every season in Buffalo and his departure from the team appeared more likely once the Bills used a high choice for Spiller.

Lynch does come with baggage. He ran afoul of the law multiple times while with the Bills. One NFL personnel evaluator told me years ago he thought bringing Lynch back to the West Coast could carry risk if it meant reuniting the running back with negative influences from his youth.

A fresh start could also serve Lynch well and he'll get that in Seattle.

The Seahawks were expected to trade a fourth-round choice to the Bills as part of the deal. The team already sent its 2011 third-rounder to San Diego in the Charlie Whitehurst deal, but Seattle subsequently added a mid-round choice in the Josh Wilson deal with Baltimore. The pick from Baltimore is a fifth-rounder that could become a fourth-rounder based on how Wilson performs for the Ravens.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he was most disappointed with the Seahawks running game following a 20-3 defeat at St. Louis in Week 4. Personnel issues on the offensive line were one obvious issue. The Seahawks also wanted a more physical presence in the backfield. They signed LenDale White, then released him.

C.J. Spiller's contract agreement with the Buffalo Bills -- reported here by ESPN.com's John Clayton -- leaves the Seattle Seahawks' Russell Okung as the only healthy 2010 NFL draft choice without a contract.

If that's not embarrassing for all involved, perhaps that helps explain why a deal has been so elusive.

The chart shows signing statuses for first-round choices. Baltimore Ravens second-round choice Sergio Kindle, who suffered a fractured skull and remains hospitalized, also remains unsigned.

A defensive assistant coach for an NFC West team told me earlier this offseason he hoped the Seattle Seahawks weren't serious about acquiring Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch.

If the Seahawks are serious -- and I see no reason for them to stand pat at the position -- getting Lynch at a discount price would make sense.

The Scouts Inc. analysis on Lynch heading into last season said he had "great inline vision and run skills with good lateral quickness and agility" to go with breakaway speed. The 2009 season probably changed opinions on Lynch, but he only recently turned 24 years old. He hasn't suffered career-threatening injuries. If those attributes shined through two seasons ago, why can't they shine through at some point in the future, particularly under circumstances that might qualify as a fresh start?

Lynch isn't a perfect player by any means. The Buffalo Bills wouldn't have benched him last season and they probably wouldn't have drafted C.J. Spiller more recently if Lynch were a sure-fire bet. That's where the "discount price" element comes into play. The lower the price, the less risk and the greater potential for net gain.

Let's put it this way: If Lynch were available in a three-man NFL draft featuring current Seattle running backs Justin Forsett and Julius Jones, which player would most teams draft first? I'd make Lynch the favorite. Also, would adding Lynch to the mix improve the Seahawks' outlook at the position? Seems like it would.

Not much else to consider if the price is right.

The Rams could be right about Steven Jackson's back surgery being no big deal and little threat to his 2010 season.

The reality, of course, is that Jackson didn't make it through last season and the team could use a competent backup anyway.

If the Rams sign veteran Brian Westbrook, who visited team headquarters recently, they'll have some measure of insurance. But it's clear Westbrook would serve only as a stopgap player, not a longer-term solution to an issue that figures only to grow in importance with every hit Jackson takes.

And if Jackson misses time in 2010 or injuries again affect his performance, the Rams' decision against drafting a running back this year will come under additional scrutiny regardless of whether the resulting criticism is fair.

It's important to frame the discussion properly. We can accomplish this by weighing which running backs the Rams could have drafted against which players they actually drafted.

The first chart shows every player the Rams drafted in 2010 and the running backs selected next (fullbacks excluded). The findings:

• The Rams passed on Clemson's C.J. Spiller to draft quarterback Sam Bradford. No surprise there. Franchise quarterbacks take precedence over franchise running backs.
• They passed on Mississippi's Dexter McCluster to draft offensive lineman Rodger Saffold. This choice seemed reasonable given predraft grades suggesting Saffold as a first-round value.
• They passed on USC's Joe McKnight twice to draft cornerback Jerome Murphy and receiver Mardy Gilyard. The Rams had to get a receiver at some point, it seemed, and cornerback was another need area.
• They passed on Mississippi State's Anthony Dixon three times to take tight end Mike Hoomanawanui, defensive end Hall Davis and tight end Fendi Onobun. These decisions should be fun to monitor. If Dixon shines for the 49ers while Hoomanawanui or Onobun struggles, the Rams arguably overvalued tight end at the expense of running back depth.
• They passed on Buffalo running back James Starks to draft defensive end Eugene Sims. Starks was the last running back drafted.

Having Jackson healthy would severely diminish the Rams' short-term need for a running back. Keeping Jackson healthy could depend on the Rams' ability to limit his carries without sacrificing too much production.

The second chart shows the Rams' current running backs (fullbacks excluded).

RENTON, Wash. -- NFC West teams are making four choices in a seven-pick span from late in the fourth round into the fifth round.

I've listed the players chosen in the chart.

The big news in the division Saturday surrounds the Seahawks' acquisition of veteran running backs LenDale White and Leon Washington. NFL Network cameras just showed Seahawks coach Pete Carroll putting general manager John Schneider in a mock headlock while Schneider spoke on the phone. Carroll then delivered a few faux punches to Schneider's ribs. Carroll was clearly happy with the team's ability to land a couple of veteran running backs.

Washington brings added value in the return game. Carroll has been known to covet "gadget" players, one reason Clemson's C.J. Spiller could have been a possibility in the first round. Washington fits the gadget mold because he's explosive and on the short side at 5-foot-8.

"Washington is an explosive change-of-pace runner who places a lot of pressure on opposing defenses," the Scouts Inc. profile on Washington reads in part. "He can get downhill quickly and press the hole. He can turn upfield after the catch and can adjust to balls outside his frame. He has the speed to turn the corner. He's very dangerous in space."

That report was written before Washington suffered a serious leg injury requiring surgery. Washington has said he expects to be ready for training camp.

These moves obviously affect running back Julius Jones. We'll talk to Carroll at some point Saturday to find out what he's thinking.

RENTON, Wash. -- This just in from ESPN's Shelley Smith, reporting from Seahawks headquarters:

A source close to the team tells me Pete Carroll wants an offensive tackle, a defensive tackle and a safety and that the only OT Carroll wants is Trent Williams from Oklahoma or else he won't draft an OT early.

The top players at those positions could be gone, in which case we start thinking about ... Jimmy Clausen? C.J. Spiller?

Nolan Nawrocki, Rob Rang, Rick Gosselin and Pat Kirwan have posted updated mock drafts recently.

The chart shows their predictions for NFC West teams, with links to their full mock drafts.

They agree on Sam Bradford at No. 1. Two think Eric Berry will land in Seattle at No. 6. Two like Anthony Davis to the 49ers at No. 13. None agreed on Seattle's choice at No. 14 or the 49ers' choice at No. 17. All predicted Arizona would take a linebacker -- Sean Weatherspoon or Brandon Graham -- at No. 26.

Rang has Seattle taking Jimmy Clausen at No. 6. Gosselin has Clausen going 30th to Minnesota. Not much of a consensus, in other words.

Note that Gosselin is the only one thinking Seattle will draft an offensive tackle in the first round. There's no question the Seahawks' obvious need for a tackle has made it easier to reach when making projections for Seattle at No. 6.

Quick thoughts on hot topics in the NFC West:

• The 2010 NFL draft could become quite a bit more interesting for the NFC West if Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen lasts beyond the top 10 choices. The 49ers reportedly have interest -- they hold the 13th and 17th choices -- and the Seahawks might have to consider Clausen as a candidate at No. 14. My feeling on Seattle and Clausen has been that the Seahawks would be less apt to draft him sixth overall after adding Charlie Whitehurst, but it's tougher to rule out such a decision eight choices later at No. 14 because so many other players will be unavailable.
• Clemson running back C.J. Spiller jumps out as another player the Seahawks and even the 49ers could have a hard time overlooking if available in the teens. I just have a hard time thinking Pete Carroll's first draft with the Seahawks will pass quietly. Spiller and/or Clausen would certainly add sizzle. Carroll loves big wideouts, too, and this draft offers a couple high-profile ones in Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas.
• The Cardinals checked in with the Steelers regarding Ben Roethlisberger, ESPN's John Clayton mentioned during his radio interview with KTAR in Phoenix. That makes sense given connections between Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Roethlisberger, but as noted Wednesday, Arizona holds only the 26th overall choice and the Steelers were reportedly looking for a top-10 selection. I'm not convinced Arizona is in position to sacrifice early picks for a player with Roethlisberger's issues, but a Roethlisberger-Whisenhunt pairing would appeal purely on a football level. Whisenhunt was vague when asked about interest in Roethlisberger.
• Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Sam Bradford will be the Rams' choice if, as expected, the team stays in the No. 1 spot. That's consistent with expectations. Clausen has been out of the mix for some time, Miklasz notes. It's a big upset, in other words, if the Rams don't draft their franchise quarterback.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' leadership has been too conservative in rebuilding the team, and that must change in the 2010 draft. Miklasz: "At this rate the rebuilding project will be completed in time for the 2029 season. This safety-first philosophy is so pronounced at Rams Park, I wouldn't be surprised to see general manager Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo wearing biohazard suits the next time they step forward to announce a personnel move." Miklasz thinks the team should draft Sam Bradford.

Howard Balzer and Jim Rodenbush of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat advocate Bradford and Ndamukong Suh, respectively, as the Rams' choice at No. 1. Balzer: "Balance it. A great defensive tackle, or a great quarterback. Simply stated, the great quarterback will help win more games. Heck, if it’s a balance between a great defensive tackle or a very good quarterback, the quarterback is still more important. That’s why, when Devaney polled his scouts and coaches Wednesday, asking who they would take No. 1, it was virtually unanimous. That’s why the name called at about 6:40 Thursday night will be Sam Bradford."

Also from Balzer: a mock draft showing what he thinks teams should do, not what they are likely to do.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals are expecting a more stressful draft given the new format. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "It will be more nerve-racking, especially if you ... have your eye on a particular player and you have to wait all through the night and the next day before you know what is going to happen."

Also from Somers: The Cardinals are expected to unveil an alternate jersey to be worn once during the exhibition season and twice during the regular season.

More from Somers: a look at risks associated with any pursuit of Ben Roethlisberger.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says it's tough to know which players will be available to Arizona at No. 26.

Also from Urban (PDF): He sends linebacker Daryl Washington to Arizona with the 26th overall choice.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offers theories on reports suggesting the 49ers have interest in Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Barrows: "If the 49ers felt that Jimmy Clausen was a starter-caliber quarterback, they should take him at pick No. 13. The scouts/analysts I've talked to have Clausen rated highly, and they say there are fewer questions about him than with (Brady) Quinn and (Aaron) Rodgers. What we don't know, of course, is how the 49ers have Clausen rated."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat considers offensive options for the 49ers in the draft. He thinks Maurkice Pouncey could make more sense than Mike Iupati. Maiocco: "While the 49ers must come away with a starter at right tackle, it's not as if they can't use help at the other positions on the offensive line, too. Iupati is a guard. Perhaps, he could transition to right tackle. But that would not be a Year 1 development. That would be far down the road. Pouncey, likewise, would start out at guard. He would transition in 2011 or 2012 to center to take the place of Eric Heitmann. The more I think of this scenario, the more I think the 49ers could easily select Pouncey. (And my final-final mock draft for tomorrow's newspaper is likely to reflect that.)"

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News has this to say about Clausen: "Talking with multiple NFL sources, it looks like the 49ers and Seahawks could be the two key players in Clausen’s final destination. Both teams have two 1st-round picks, neither seems totally desperate for a QB (Seattle has Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst, the 49ers have Alex Smith and David Carr), but both do have a need to find a QB at some point. They’re in the same division, you might have realized. I’ve heard Pete Carroll is a Clausen fan, as Peter King has said. The Seahawks are at 6 and 14. The 49ers are at 13 and 17. I’ve heard many smart people say that if Clausen is there at 13, the 49ers will take somebody else and wait to take Clausen at 17 if he lasts that long."

Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers should trade down to add picks, then collect building blocks, not showpieces. Cohn: "There is talk the 49ers will use (waste) one of their first-round picks on Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen if he’s available. Nuts to that. The 49ers need to embrace the basics of team building, and that means getting grunts who get down and dirty. They took Michael Crabtree last year and had to endure his ridiculous holdout and still they couldn’t make the playoffs. They have to build a team the right way."

Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times says Carroll's pre-draft tweeting reflects a different kind of coach. Brewer: "the person who has the most to lose seems to be the loosest. Seahawks fans have been talking about this draft since last October, when it became obvious early last season that the franchise would be drafting high. The Seahawks earned the No. 6 pick by virtue of their 5-11 record in 2009, and they also have Denver's first-round selection, which is No. 14 overall. With those two picks, Seattle has a chance to own Thursday night. Or fail dramatically."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com expects the Seahawks to make trades during the draft because it's in their best interests and it's consistent with how general manager John Schneider likes to operate. Johns: "It's a debate of quantity vs. quality at times, but Schneider firmly believes if a team scouts well and understands the draft board and who will be available in later picks, it is well worth the risk of giving up higher choices in exchange for adding more options later."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune predicts which players the Seahawks might draft by round. Russell Okung and Taylor Mays are his top two choices, with Seattle potentially trading down before drafting the latter.

Also from Williams: Draft analyst Rob Rang says the Seahawks would be more likely to take Bryan Bulaga at No. 14 than No. 6 based on the tackle's athletic ability.

John Morgan of Field Gulls gives the Seahawks Eric Berry and C.J. Spiller in his latest Seattle-centric mock draft.

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Dream Scenario/Plan B.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals would love to fortify their defensive front seven in this draft, starting front and center. Tennessee nose tackle Dan Williams might fall to them at No. 26 in their dream scenario. And if that dream scenario were too far-fetched, Williams might fall far enough for Arizona to use one of its two third-round choices to move up several spots in the round to take him.

This assumes Williams indeed ranks as the most attractive option at nose tackle in this draft. Conventional wisdom has Williams going to Miami at No. 12, and with so many teams running 3-4 defenses, the Dolphins wouldn't be the only ones seeking help at the position. The 49ers could have interest as well because their nose tackle, Aubrayo Franklin, will probably play under a one-year contract this season.

Plan B could include staying at No. 26 and "settling" for one of the top inside linebackers in the draft. Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon comes to mind. Drafting the top-ranked tight end might even make sense for the Cardinals, depending on which defensive players remained available.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams have more holes than picks to patch them. The pipe-dream scenario for the Rams would include another team offering the world for the top overall choice. That almost certainly isn't going to happen, but a more realistic scenario could involve the Rams trading out of the 33rd overall pick at the top of the second round.

The overnight gap between first and second rounds could help St. Louis arrange a trade.

Their dream scenario might include moving back in the second round, adding one or more choices and still coming away with an impact player on offense, perhaps at wide receiver or tight end or both. The Rams desperately need offensive firepower and that type of move could help them get it.

If the Rams decide against drafting Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford first overall, Plan B could include bolstering the defense at No. 1, then trying to find a quarterback either at No. 33 or by trading into the late first round. Trading up wouldn't make much sense for the Rams because they need as many picks as they can get. But if they weren't sold on Bradford, they could always try to get Colt McCoy later.

Seattle Seahawks

One dream scenario for Seattle would be to emerge with one of the two highest-rated offensive tackles in the draft. Most of the teams drafting among the top five would focus on defense under this scenario, leaving Trent Williams, Russell Okung or Bryan Bulaga available at No. 6.

There's still some question as to how much the Seahawks will value a tackle in the draft. It's a legitimate question given line coach Alex Gibbs' philosophy of shaping lower draft choices into productive players for his system. If the Seahawks aren't set on taking a tackle that early, another dream scenario might include defensive tackle Gerald McCoy slipping to them at No. 6. Under this scenario, the Lions would take Ndamukong Suh at No. 2, with the Bucs, Redskins and Chiefs drafting offensive tackles.

Under Plan B, the Seahawks might not feel great about the tackles available to them, and McCoy would be long gone. Seattle would then take a hard look at highest-ranked player at another position. Safety Eric Berry, defensive end Derrick Morgan or running back C.J. Spiller could fit the profile.

San Francisco 49ers

A potential dream scenario for San Francisco would see them sitting at No. 13 with legitimate options at tackle and quarterback.

Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen would be available after slipping out of the top 10. Even if the 49ers' rumored interest in Clausen weren't true, Clausen's availability in that spot might enhance the value of the 13th overall choice. Perhaps another team would value a shot at Clausen enough to trade up. The 49ers could then either draft Clausen and declare him their future starter or trade out of the spot, giving them a later first-round choice, plus a new second-rounder. The team would still have a shot at an offensive tackle at No. 17.

Plan B doesn't look bad, either. The 49ers would stay at No. 13 and see which player falls to them. They could consider an offensive tackle or a highly rated cornerback or even Spiller if he were to fall their way. With another choice at No. 17, the 49ers should not feel as much pressure to address a primary need with both choices.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News is convinced the 49ers' ownership wants to draft Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Kawakami: "The 49ers absolutely are sure that Mike Singletary will get the most out of the improved talent already on the roster. So they believe they’ll be in the playoffs this year and therefore probably end up with a 20+ pick in 2011. Tough to pick in the 20s and land a franchise QB. You can do it, but it’s tough. With Smith on a one-year deal, David Carr on a two-year deal and Nate Davis still up in the air as a NFL QB… maybe this is the time to strike for a QB they love."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers face a heavy dose of road games early and late in the season. Barrows: "The 49ers open on the road against Seattle and three of their first four games are on the road. Perhaps more significant is that four of their final six games are on the road, three of them against potential playoff contenders in Green Bay, Arizona and San Diego. Last year's game in Green Bay had sunny and (relatively) warm weather. This year's game is on Dec. 5 and the 49ers have a short week to prepare for it. Ouch."

Also from Barrows: Adding Travis LaBoy gives the 49ers four outside linebackers with experience.

More from Barrows: He has "no idea" whether the 49ers' rumored interest in Jimmy Clausen has merit.

More yet from Barrows: Trent Baalke has much at stake during his first draft as the 49ers' primary football decision maker.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat takes a game-by-game look at the 49ers' schedule. On the Philly game: "Donovan McNabb averaged 306 yards passing and the Eagles averaged 37 points per game against the 49ers in the past four meetings between the clubs. The 49ers aren't disappointed Kevin Kolb is taking over for McNabb, who was shipped to Washington."

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News profiles Baalke and explains how the 49ers' acting general manager arrived in his current position. Brown: "If his plan had gone the way he envisioned, Baalke would have walked away from football long ago. In fact, he quit the game once. He gave up his job as a college assistant to become a high school administrator in the late 1990s. Baalke became the athletic director at Shanley High, a small but mighty sports powerhouse in Fargo, N.D. Leo Ringey, who helped hire him, recalled that Baalke's predecessor was still too much of a coach at heart to spend any time in an office. Baalke, in contrast, could push paper as if it were a tackling sled."

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles new Seahawks general manager John Schneider. O'Neil: "If history is any indication, expect Seattle to be quick on the trigger and slide back in the draft order. Over the previous five seasons when Schneider was in Green Bay, the Packers completed 15 draft-day trades. Thirteen of those trades were to move back in the draft order, accumulating more picks." The Packers have drafted more players than any team since Schneider's former boss, Ted Thompson, became Green Bay's general manager for the 2005 season.

Also from O'Neil: Clemson running back C.J. Spiller could tempt the Seahawks. O'Neil: "Can Seattle afford to use one of its first-round picks on a situational back? That's one of the biggest questions surrounding the Seahawks entering Thursday's draft. Seattle's need for a home-run threat on offense has prompted some to project Seattle will choose Spiller as high as sixth overall."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' extra third-round choice could conceivably help them move up from 26th to about 20th in the first round of the draft, should the team seek to move up. Somers: "In a deep draft, it's going to be hard for the Cardinals to make a case for using one of those third-round picks to move up. Perhaps it would make some sense in the first round if, say, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain were to be available in that range, or if the Cardinals wanted to move up to make sure they could get a nose tackle they coveted."

Also from Somers: None of the Cardinals' 2010 opponents will be coming off a bye before playing Arizona.

More from Somers: A look at the boom-or-bust nature of third-round choices in Arizona.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams general manager Billy Devaney has not made a final decision on which player the team will draft first overall. What more could the Rams possibly learn about the prospects they've been studying for months and even years? Devaney: ""I kind of have a feel in my mind. I have an idea. But that's just in my mind. I want to go to the scouts, and go to the coaches and say, 'OK, now, tell me who you would take.' I haven't done that yet. ... We need to get everybody on record (Wednesday), 'Which way should we go with that first pick?' "

Also from Thomas: The Rams practically gave away Adam Carriker. Thomas: "All offseason, Rams general manager Billy Deavney has showed no hesitancy towards shooting down one erroneous trade rumor after another. With one exception: Devaney never denied reports about a possible trade of defensive tackle Adam Carriker to Washington. And on Tuesday it happened. The Rams confirmed the trade, but did not announce the compensation. The Redskins were happy to announce the compensation a while later."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers comments from Rams minority owner Stan Kroenke, who is seeking to assure fans he plans to keep the team in St. Louis if his ownership bid is approved. Kroenke: "I've always stepped up for pro football in St. Louis. And I'm stepping up one more time." There was no mention of Kroenke's role on the Los Angeles Stadium Working Group.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are moving beyond past draft failures.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee runs through the 49ers' needs heading into the draft. Barrows: "The 49ers must open up their attack and use the perimeter more often in 2010. That means improving the overall speed on offense. The team took a step in that direction by acquiring Ted Ginn Jr. from Miami. Ginn was one of the fastest players in the 2007 draft. If they pass on speedy running backs such as Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Cal's Jahvid Best in the first two rounds, someone such as Ole Miss' Dexter McCluster or USC's Joe McKnight could bring pizazz to the running game in later rounds."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat sends Joe Haden and Anthony Davis to the 49ers in his latest mock draft. He has Maurkice Pouncey going to Arizona at No. 26, although the Cardinals are on the record saying they don't want to select offensive linemen early. Russell Okung and Earl Thomas are the choices for Seattle. Sam Bradford is the choice for St. Louis. Maiocco: "What about C.J. Spiller? I don't think the 49ers would take him at 13 or 17. And if my mock miraculously falls the way I diagram, we won't find out."

Also from Maiocco: A scout familiar with the 49ers said he thought the team would be wise to select quarterback Jimmy Clausen because the 49ers are presently working on a year-to-year basis at quarterback.

Tom Abate of the San Francisco Chronicle details the kicking battle between the 49ers' Joe Nedney and a robot. Abate: "The lighthearted contest, a stunt to highlight the three-day RoboGames competition that opens Friday at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds, ended when Nedney easily kicked a football 45 yards while his mechanical adversary twice failed to clear the goalposts at that distance."

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks have not drafted an offensive tackle since selecting Ray Willis back in 2005. Chris McIntosh was the last tackle Seattle drafted in the first round. Those streaks should end this year.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says draft analyst Rob Rang expects the Seahawks to select an offensive tackle -- probably Russell Okung -- with the sixth overall choice. A personnel person familiar with Seattle line coach Alex Gibbs told me he thought Gibbs might prefer Bryan Bulaga over Okung, but it's tough to know for certain how much input Gibbs will have if Seattle does take a tackle in that spot.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune thinks Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan could make sense for Seattle with the 14th overall choice. Williams: "Seattle's tentative starting defensive front line, defensive ends Lawrence Jackson and Chris Clemons, who came to Seattle in the (Darryl) Tapp trade, and defensive tackles Colin Cole and Brandon Mebane, combined for nine sacks last season."

Also from Williams: defensive linemen and linebackers the Seahawks could consider on a round-by-round basis, according to Rang.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic considers options at nose tackle for Arizona heading into the draft. Somers: "Weight is a problem for Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody, who is listed at 360 pounds. Tennessee's Dan Williams likely will be gone by the time the Cardinals pick. The club could decide to gamble and hope that someone such as North Carolina's Cam Thomas or East Carolina's Linval Joseph is available in the second round."

Also from Somers: a chat transcript featuring thoughts on Deuce Lutui, among other Cardinals subjects.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says he thinks the Cardinals could be more likely to move back in the draft than move up, even though general manager Rod Graves sounded more excited about using the team's extra third-round choice as ammunition.

Also from Urban: The proliferation of 3-4 defenses in the NFL makes it tougher for Arizona to find a nose tackle. Urban: "A player like Alabama’s Terrence Cody is considered by many best-suited for the second or even the third round because of ongoing weight issues. Others, like East Carolina’s Linval Joseph or North Carolina’s Cam Thomas, can be had after the first round as well."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says sources close to Rams minority owner Stan Kroenke say the billionaire remains focused on acquiring full ownership of the team, independent of whatever dealings Kroenke might have had with bidder Shahid Khan. Thomas: "Meanwhile, a backlash continues to grow over the absence of comments or statements by Kroenke about a commitment to keeping the Rams in St. Louis. The controversy began when Kroenke did not mention St. Louis in his April 12 announcement that he was exercising his right of first refusal. Radio personality McGraw Milhaven, who hosts a morning drive show on KTRS (550 AM), is asking fans to boycott Rams games if Kroenke doesn't make some kind of statement about keeping the team in St. Louis by the start of Thursday's draft."

Also from Thomas: Defensive tackle Gary Gibson has re-signed with the Rams.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says fans should not trust Kroenke. Burwell: "As far as I can tell, what we have learned about Kroenke is that every move he makes is straight out of a Machiavellian playbook. From his cunning 11th hour maneuver to gain complete financial control of the franchise, to this latest reported strategy to seek an eight-figure 'compensation' from would-be buyer Shahid Khan to step out of the buying process, his actions reek of cold-blooded duplicity."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' ownership uncertainty is hurting the team with fans. Miklasz: "So the Rams’ ownership saga gets crazier and more confusing by the day, which only creates distraction and frustration at a time when Rams fans would like to be in a happier mood, looking forward to this week’s NFL Draft. By the time this nasty ownership mess is sorted out, there may be about 248 Rams fans left in St. Louis."

Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat says Kroenke's reported dealings raise questions about what kind of owner he might become. Balzer: "No one can convince me that the fingerprints of Rams senior adviser John Shaw aren’t all over Kroenke’s tactics. Remember, it was Shaw who orchestrated the move of the Rams to St. Louis in 1995 and then, at the 11th hour, with the papers ready to be signed, suddenly demanded the controversial 25-percent clause be included in the lease that could end up allowing the Rams to move after the 2014 season. What choice did we have but to acquiesce?"

Also from Balzer: The Rams and player agents don't think it's necessary to begin early negotiations with the future No. 1 choice in the draft.

Financial Web sites often carry disclaimers.

"It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable or that they will not result in losses," the typical disclaimer reads. "You should use the information only as a starting point for doing additional independent research in order to allow you to form your own opinion."

Sounds like something we could have applied to the second annual ESPN.com bloggers' mock draft. Coming up with my own mock was challenging enough. Putting together one with seven other people also making choices? Almost as tough as projecting what the teams might do.

Predicting the first 32 choices correctly would require knowing how all 30 teams with first-round choices rank each player, and how those teams view their own needs, and how those teams might balance value against need against what might be available by trading out of a spot. The teams themselves can only hope to have a general idea.

The bloggers' mock draft took place before the 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. from the Dolphins. The choice I made for the 49ers -- Clemson running back C.J. Spiller -- reflected perceived values for the players available to that point. It's fair and logical to suggest the 49ers would have less interest in Spiller after acquiring Ginn because Spiller's ability as a returner was part of his appeal. It might even be fair to suggest the 49ers wouldn't draft Spiller after acquiring Ginn. They might not draft him anyway, for other reasons.

But let's approach this from another angle. Which player among those available would the rest of the NFC West want the 49ers to choose under the circumstances? I think those teams would rather see a cornerback or tackle in red and gold than a running back with breakaway ability. That's just my opinion. I'm pretty sure the rest of the NFC West was happy to see Brandon Marshall land in Miami, not Seattle.

Dynamic playmakers are hard to find. The 49ers already have one of them in tight end Vernon Davis. Running back Frank Gore and receiver Michael Crabtree also bring talent to the skill positions. Ginn is a wild card. The 49ers' upcoming season is largely about setting up Alex Smith for success. If the 49ers could add Spiller and still get a tackle and cornerback with their other early choices, that might set them up nicely -- for 2010 and beyond.

Matt from Santa Cruz., Calif., writes: Hey Sando, could the Brandon Marshall trade still affect the NFC West? The Niners need a returner (and a third second/third receiver). Maybe they pick up Ted Ginn Jr.? Possible?

Mike Sando: The 49ers will probably take their chances in the draft. That is just my feel. They could draft a position player with return capabilities.

Adding Ginn for a later-round pick would make sense on one level because Ginn is young and has made impact plays in the return game.

But the 49ers would also inherit a contract paying more than $1 million in salary for 2010 and nearly $1.4 million for 2011, with an escalator that could add another $2.9 million in salary for 2011. I wouldn't give away a decent draft choice just to take a one-year flier on a return specialist if the 49ers didn't think Ginn could help at receiver.

The 49ers like bigger position players as a general rule. Ginn weighs 180 pounds.

The Rams' return game was fine with Danny Amendola back there. The Cardinals drafted LaRod Stephens-Howling in the seventh round and he nearly won the Tennessee game for them with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Of course, Ginn isn't a bad player just because he might not fit with the Dolphins. He was a holdover from the previous leadership. As a high pick, his struggles have come to symbolize what was wrong with the Dolphins. They're moving in another direction now.

Ginn burned the Jets for two kickoff returns of 100-plus yards last season. He hasn't returned punts on a regular basis since his rookie season in 2007, and his punt-return averages have fallen off as well. Could just be a matter of opportunities.

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Kevin from Phoenix writes: Mike, thanks for keeping us all up to date on everything NFC West! So, Brandon Marshall has been traded by the Broncos, leaving a huge void for them at wide receiver.

A while back, I asked if you thought the Cardinals would have been interested in dealing Anquan Boldin and a pick -- second or third round -- to get Elvis Dumervil from the Broncos. Obviously, this trade would have been contingent on Marshall moving on. My question was met with some scrutiny from you and some of your followers, but no team has really received what they wanted for their "marquee" trade bait.

With that in mind, and with how cheap the Ravens signed Boldin for, do you think the Broncos would have been better taking Boldin and a third for Dumervil? I also asked if the Cardinals would be able to get Antonio Cromartie for a second, and look what the Jets did. Frustrating!

Mike Sando: The Jets are winning the offseason, no question. We'll see how it all fits together. I'm usually a little skeptical. The offseason hype doesn't automatically translate. Tell me how well Mark Sanchez plays. That's the most important variable in determining whether the Jets improve.

Dumervil wasn't going anywhere. I just saw no reason for the Broncos to trade an excellent young pass-rusher. Getting rid of Marshall was bad enough. He also should have been a cornerstone player based on age, ability and recent production.

It's tough when the whole league knows you're trying to move an unhappy player. The value is never going to be as great. Denver did well getting a couple second-round choices for Marshall.

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Jacob from Denmark writes: Hi Mike. If Stan Kroenke does gets full ownership of the Rams, do you think there would be any chance that he would move the team to London? Also, commissioner Roger Goodell has been very interested in the European market. Do you think he would be more likely to bend the cross-ownership rules if Kroenke wanted to make the Rams the first European NFL franchise?

Mike Sando: Kroenke does own a 29.98 percent stake in Arsenal of the Premier League, so his sports interests extend beyond U.S. borders, but we're probably a ways off from the NFL expanding across oceans. That is just my opinion. What a hassle it would be for teams to travel.

Kroenke would probably push for a new stadium in St. Louis before exploring options elsewhere.

I'm mostly interested in seeing what conditions might apply to his eventual approval as full owner of the Rams and whether any conditions would restrict his options to move the team. I think he'll get approved. The bigger question is just under what terms.

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Brandon from Kirkland, Wash., writes: Hey Sando, thanks for reading. Do you think having the Williams duo trying out at camp had anything to do with the Hawks not pulling the trigger on Marshall?

Mike Sando: No. Mike Williams and Reggie Williams haven't had enough time to show the Seahawks anything to this point. Several factors could have affected how far Seattle was willing to go. It probably came down to price unless the Broncos preferred trading Marshall to Miami for unknown reasons.

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Tim from Norfolk, Va., writes: Mike, I read the blog every day, so I was wondering what the prospect is of the 49ers drafting Joe Haden at 13, C.J. Spiller at 17, and then trading up in the second round for Rodger Saffold if we do not have a shot at one of the premier tackles?

Mike Sando: One general manager I spoke with recently thought Saffold would probably go in the first round. I also question whether Spiller would remain available that late. It's tough to say for sure because so many variables can affect the direction a team goes during a draft. Haden and Spiller seem like decent candidates for Jacksonville at No. 10.