Other noteworthy picks in the opening round included Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, 12th to Denver; Southern California linebackers Brian Cushing (15th to Houston) and Clay Matthews (26th to Green Bay); Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman (17th to Tampa Bay); RB Donald Brown, the nation's leading rusher with 2.083 yards and the first UConn player ever selected in the first round, No. 27 to Indianapolis; and WR Kenny Britt (No. 30 to Tennessee), the first Rutgers player to go in the opening round.

West Virginia's highly productive quarterback, Pat White, who some teams look at as a wide receiver in the pros, was chosen by Miami, where he could fit nicely in their Wildcat formation.

San Francisco acquired a 2010 first-round pick from Carolina by sending its second-rounder, 43rd overall, and its fourth-rounder to the Panthers. Carolina took defensive end Everett Brown of Florida State, who was projected as a first-rounder in mock drafts.

In all, 19 offensive players and 13 on defense went, and 15 underclassmen were chosen. Eight players from the Southeastern Conference were selected. Southern California had three Trojans picked, the most of any school.

The second round concluded with Denver acquiring the 64th spot from Pittsburgh and selecting North Carolina tight end Richard Quinn.

Crabtree said he still felt he was the top receiver. He was asked about chasing the 49ers' receiving records held by one Jerry Rice. He smiled and said: "I got some big shoes to fill when I go to the 49ers, you know, with Jerry Rice. I am looking forward to that. I love challenges."

Not even Stafford nor Sanchez face that big a challenge.