ESPN Insider's Draft Rumors

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Now for today's installment:

PLAYER
Braylon Edwards
WR, Michigan -- 49ers, Redskins -- Apr. 22 - The Edwards and Alex Smith camps are getting the feeling that Edwards will now go No. 1, and not Smith, reports ESPN.com's John Clayton. All week, it's been Smith with the lead. No one knows for sure because 49ers coach Mike Nolan isn't saying. Edwards hasn't been offered a contract he can accept, but both sides know the parameters of a deal are in place in case Edwards is the pick. Even though Smith seems to be the preferred choice, it's not out of the question to have Edwards as the best player in the draft. The Dolphins have him No. 1 on their board.

PLAYER
Alex Smith
QB, Utah -- 49ers, Bucs -- Apr. 22 - Talks between the 49ers and Smith are all but dead, according to John Clayton. They've been going over the numbers and contract language for more than a week, and both sides know they can't reach a deal before the draft. Tom Condon, Smith's agent, said there will be no pre-draft day deal. The 49ers don't want to pay more than Eli Manning contract of a year ago. Condon wants the usual increase that goes with being the top pick. The Bucs are still sitting in the weeds hoping to get Smith in a trade up at No. 2, and Smith believes he could end up in Tampa. The Bucs are willing to offer a third-round pick to move up now, but they may have to go with a second-rounder.

PLAYER
Shawne Merriman
LB-DE Maryland -- Cowboys -- Apr. 22 - The Cowboys have apparently settled on Merriman as their pass-rushing option at linebacker, but they are worried they may not be able to get him at No. 11. They are considering trade up possibilities just in case, according to John Clayton. Still, remember the Cowboys have the option of staying in a 4-3 and picking up Darren Howard in a trade.

PLAYER
Fabian Washington
CB, Nebraska -- Jaguars -- Apr. 22 - Six cornerbacks could go in the first round, and John Clayton is hearing Washington could be the choice of the Jaguars at No. 21. The Jaguars love Washington's speed and raw ability. He runs 4.29 40s and is the second-fastest player in the draft. The Jags need cornerback help, and Washington could develop into a star.

PLAYER
Derrick Johnson
LB, Texas -- Lions, Chiefs -- Apr. 22 - Johnson could fall if the Lions don't take him at No. 10. It would be hard to imagine the Chiefs not taking him at No. 15 because he would be the perfect linebacker for Gunther Cunningham's system. Johnson isn't going to the Browns at No. 3 and may not go to them if they trade down in the first round. He's one of the best defensive players in the draft, but some teams prefer linebackers who take on blocks instead of run around and make plays.

A few thoughts:
1. If this is true, any chance we have of getting Edwards is pretty much dead.
2. How sweet would it be to either take Merriman out from underneath the Cowgirls, or make them have to trade up, either with us or ahead of us, to get him?
3. After what I saw on the espn draft special last night, I can understand why Derrick Johnson is slipping. The fact that he's the #1 LB this year shows just how bad this LB class is.
4. This isn't a "rumor", but KC just acquired Surtain from the Fins for a 2nd rounder. Takes away the need for another CB in the first round, and increases the likelihood of finding a really good one either at 25, or after trading down significantly from #9.