Mock shock: OK, no way Carnell Williams falls to the 31st spot in the real draft. But as our selection simulation shows, teams have reasons for leaving 'Cadillac' in the showroom

Is the Cadillac a lemon? Auburn's Carnell "Cadillac" Williams is the best running back in this year's NFL draft, according to many experts. But in the SPORTING NEWS correspondents' mock draft, nobody wants to take Williams out for a test-drive. So he sits in the showroom until the Eagles nab him--finally--with the 31st pick.

It's easy, but frightening, to imagine Eagles coach Andy Reid turning cartwheels if he actually were to get Williams. We'll probably never know just how spry Reid is because if Williams were to last through the first 10 picks, some smart team quickly would trade up to get him. Maybe make some great lemonade, too.

Forget 31. In the real world, Williams won't last until the 10th pick. But the shunning of him in the mock world speaks to many teams wanting to address specific needs. Only the Vikings, who have two first-rounders, copped to taking the most talented players available. But considering Minnesota has more running backs than lakes, even the Vikes passed on Williams. Twice. We're just happy they picked on time.

Aside from Williams dropping, the biggest surprise was Utah quarterback Alex Smith lasting until 10. Some draft watchers see Smith and Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers as six and half-dozen. Not our correspondents.

The mock draft, in which TSN acts as commissioner and our 32 correspondents serve as general managers, started off like the real draft will, with the 49ers on the clock.

1 49ers

Aaron Rodgers, QB, California

If the 49ers are going to spend the big bucks that come with selecting No. 1 overall, they might as well go with a quarterback. They take Rodgers because he is more NFL-ready than Smith. The 49ers need somebody who can play right away.

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2 Dolphins

Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan

Trading down is the top priority, and Smith is getting heavy consideration. But Edwards gives the Dolphins the best big-play threat on the board. His presence would help new coordinator Scott Linehan with his vertical passing game. The team will be tempted to take a running back, but that position is deep enough that it could wait until its next pick--in the third round.

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3 Browns

Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas

The Browns are eager to trade down, but stuck at No. 3, they go with Johnson. They're switching to a 3-4, and the linebacker unit lacks a major talent. Johnson would provide the pass-rushing presence the team lacks.

4 Bears

Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn

The Bears are committed to taking a skill-position player to upgrade the worst offense in the NFL. Coach Lovie Smith loves this guy and would be thrilled to get him. Not only do the Bears think Brown is the best blocker and best receiver in this running back class, they believe he has the best combination of size and speed.

5 Buccaneers

Mike Williams, WR, USC

The Bucs need depth and playmakers at receiver. Williams fills an immediate need, and he is a perfect fit in Tampa Bay's system. He's a big possession receiver who can go over the middle and is good in the red zone.

6 Titans

Cedric Benson, RB, Texas

Despite needs at offensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver, the Titans opt for a dependable running back because Chris Brown has durability questions. The team likes how Benson carried the load at Texas. They are intrigued by what he could do in new coordinator Norm Chow's offense.

7 Vikings

Adam "Pacman" Jones, CB, West Virginia

The team's success in the free-agent market allows it to take the best available player, regardless of position. Jones would give the team a sticky third corner and playmaker to complement Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot.

8 Cardinals

Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami

Though the Cardinals would kick Cadillac's tires, they would love to pick up Rolle because David Macklin is their only returning cornerback. Rolle is big, runs well and is competitive.

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9 Redskins

Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina

Joe Gibbs is not going to spend another season frustrated with his offense. Williamson has the size and speed to make big plays. Plus, he's a solid downfield blocker, which is important to Gibbs.

10 Detroit

Alex Smith, QB, Utah

Team president Matt Millen wants to improve the defense, but the three guys he targeted--Rolle, Jones and Johnson--are gone. If that happens in the real draft, the Lions will try to trade down. They also will consider Florida State offensive tackle Alex Barton.

11 Cowboys

Demarcus Ware, OLB, Troy.

Dallas needs a pressure player off the edge, and it takes Ware because he has a bigger upside than Maryland's Shawne Merriman. The Cowboys need somebody to make plays in the backfield and create turnovers.

12 Chargers

Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin

James fills a big need for a team desperate to put more pressure on the quarterback. He has a lot of potential and is perhaps the best pass rusher in the draft. He has been injury-prone.

13 Texas

Shawne Merriman, OLB, Maryland

The team needs pass rushers. It has been among the NFL's worst at rushing the passer in its first three seasons, and Merriman could change that. A 3-4 team, the Texans like that he played outside linebacker in a 3-4 at Maryland.