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.