Inside The Draft

With the April 17 draft nearing, the gossip is heating up. Here's the latest. After a terrific workout on campus last week, Miami running back Edgerrin James is a solid top 10 pick. Rams coach Dick Vermeil, who saw the workout, might snag him with the sixth pick....

The Colts, who have the fourth pick, love linebacker Chris Claiborne of USC....

UCLA quarterback Cade McNown, who scouts said last fall was too small (6'�") and too slow to be a top pick, ran the 40 in 4.74 at the Indianapolis combine last month, faster than two thirds of the quarterbacks now starting in the NFL. He should be selected in the middle of the first round....

The Bengals, who have the third pick, are torn between choosing a two-way star, Georgia cornerback-wideout Champ Bailey; a quarterback; or trading down with the Vikings....

Packers general manager Ron Wolf, after spending last Thursday watching videotape, on the '99 draft: "The more I see, the more I really like it. The quarterback depth is rare—I mean rare. There are a lot of offensive linemen. I think we'll be able to replenish some of our lost depth this year."...

Rising prospects: Arkansas guard Brandon Burlsworth, North Carolina defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban. Falling: Washington quarterback Brock Huard, North Carolina cornerback Dre' Bly.