Dr. Z's Magnificent Seven

At the top this draft is better than last year's. Two players, Michigan State offensive tackle Tony Mandarich and Florida State cornerback Deion Sanders , may be the best at their positions ever to come out of college. Five others—wideout Andre Rison of Michigan State , quarterback Troy Aikman of UCLA , running back Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State and the linebacking Thomases, Derrick of Alabama and Broderick of Nebraska—are better than anyone at their positions in the '88 draft.

Kansas City , which picks fourth, would like to make a trade with Dallas to get Aikman . It could happen, because the Cowboys haven't committed to Aikman . Chicago would love to strike a deal with Green Bay to get Mandarich with the second pick, but you don't give away a guy like him.

THE FIRST ROUND: WHO'LL PICK WHOM

1 COWBOYS, Troy Aikman , QB, UCLA
Mandarich is tempting. Jimmy Johnson must decide if Aikman 's the savior.

2 PACKERS , Tony Mandarich , T, MICHIGAN STATE
He'll fortify the Packers ' running game—or anybody else's.

3 LIONS, Barry Sanders , RB, OKLAHOMA STATE
For the "run" in Mouse Davis 's run 'n' shoot offense.

4 CHIEFS , Derrick Thomas , LB, ALABAMA
K.C. has looked at Broderick Thomas too. It needs run-stoppers.

5 FALCONS, Deion Sanders , CB, FLORIDA STATE
If they fear Deion's asking price, they'll take RB Tim Worley.

6 BUCS , Broderick Thomas, LB, NEBRASKA
Could use WR Andre Rison , but Tampa Bay had NFC's fewest sacks in '88.

7 STEELERS , Tim Worley, RB, GEORGIA
Again, Rison gets a look, but Worley is a 221-pounder who runs a 4.35.