The 49ers are believed to be leaning toward ranking Utah QB Alex Smith ahead of California QB Aaron Rodgers. That doesn't mean the 49ers will make Smith the first pick in the draft, however. They also are considering Michigan WR Braylon Edwards. Another possibility for the 49ers is to discuss a lower-quality contract with several potential top picks and see which one jumps first. > The needle on the meter for offensive linemen registered some activity at the Combine. No one made the needle move more than Mississippi C Chris Spencer, a junior last season. Hardly anyone knew much about him a few weeks ago. Now he could be the first interior offensive lineman, or maybe even the first offensive lineman, off the board. Spencer gave some of the most impressive interviews of any player at the Combine. Florida State OT Alex Barron, who had been considered the top offensive line prospect, had his stock drop because of subpar interviews. Alabama G Evan Mathis showed more athletic ability than a lot of scouts were giving him credit for, and he bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times and ran a sub-5.0 40. > The buzz among scouts is that Auburn's Ronnie Brown could be overtaking Texas' Cedric Benson as the consensus No. 1 running back. Brown enhanced his stock at the Combine by running a 4.48 40-yard dash. Benson sat out the 40. NFL personnel people are comparing the odometers on Brown, who has been used sparingly, and Benson, who has been a workhorse dating to high school. > Southern California WR Mike Williams ran a mediocre 40, 4.61, which was not a surprise. Williams doesn't play fast, and he doesn't run the 40 well. In two runs, Williams had four false starts. He's lanky and has a tight stance, with his feet beneath his torso. He probably could improve his 40 time with a better start. Then again, a better 40 time probably wouldn't change his draft status much.--D.P.
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