A quick mock-up: this is how our panel of experts fared early in the first of our mock drafts

FIRST ROUND

1. RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Team 1) 2. RB Shaun Alexander (Team 2) 3. RB Edgerrin James (Team 3) 4. RB Priest Holmes (Team 4) 5. RB Julius Jones (Team 5) 6. RB Willis McGahee (Team 6) 7. RB Deuce McAllister (Team 7) 8. RB Corey Dillon (Team 8) 9. RB Clinton Portis (Team 9) 10. QB Peyton Manning (Team 10) 11. RB Domanick Davis (Team 11) 12. RB Jamal Lewis (Team 12)

Running with backs: Not shockingly, 11 out of the top 12 picks were used on running backs. Tomlinson and Alexander were easily 1-2, and Holmes slipped to No. 4 only because of injury concerns. After James, the values are similar, so it's not a reach to go for the youthful Jones or McGahee over more established veterans.

Manning at 10? Chances are 49 TDs won't happen again, but getting 35 from any QB is difficult. In most drafts, someone will take Manning earlier. If you pick him, keep in mind you'll take a big hit at other positions later--Team 10 settled for Ahman Green as its No. 1 back in Round 2.

SECOND ROUND

13. RB Kevin Jones (Team 12) 14. RB Tiki Barber (Team 11) 15. RB Ahman Green (Team 10) 16. WR Terrell Owens (Team 9) 17. WR Randy Moss (Team 8) 18. RB Rudi Johnson (Team 7) 19. WR Torry Holt (Team 6) 20. WR Chad Johnson (Team 5) 21. QB Daunte Culpepper (Team 4) 22. RB LaMont Jordan (Team 3) 23. RB Curtis Martin (Team 2) 24. WR Marvin Harrison (Team 1)

Finally, we go wide: Owens at No. 16 starts the run of elite receivers, but Team 8 got a steal in Moss, the only wide receiver who can perform like a top-tier back. Considering the quality of backs available here, a team can even afford to take Moss late in the first round.

Jordan over Martin? Speaking of new Raiders, Jordan is fresh after playing behind Martin for four years and ready to bust out in an offense that caters to his skills. Martin's age (32) offsets his 2004 rushing title.

THIRD ROUND

25. QB Donovan McNabb (Team 1) 26. WR Javon Walker (Team 2) 27. RB Brian Westbrook (Team 3) 28. WR Joe Horn (Team 4) 29. RB Tatum Bell (Team 5) 30. RB Steven Jackson (Team 6) 31. WR Andre Johnson (Team 7) 32. TE Tony Gonzalez (Team 8) 33. TE Antonio Gates (Team 9) 34. WR Reggie Wayne (Team 10) 35. WR Hines Ward (Team 11) 36. WR Laveranues Coles (Team 12)

Getting fight: Going for Gonzo and Gates this early seems questionable, but they are such elite tight ends that they perform like No. 1 receivers. However, the Cowboys' Jason Witten, who has similar potential, lasted until Round 6.

Nabbing McNabb: He is the last quarterback worth drafting this early. After him, the next six are a dime a half-dozen. The next one to go was Trent Green, near the end of Round 5.

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