1.16 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS — RB LaMichael James

In the real world: James became a household name soon after replacing LeGarrette Blount in 2009 (Blount had been suspended for punching Boise State LB Byron Hout). James considered (but ultimately decided against) turning pro after 2010. He's speedy (4.37 40, one of the fastest RBs at the Combine) and can change directions on a dime. During the Rose Bowl, Brent Musberger suggested that he would make an excellent 3rd-down back in the NFL. Mel Kiper ranked him #2 among this year's RBs, ahead of Doug Martin, David Wilson and Lamar Miller. Todd McShay after the draft: "Head coach Jim Harbaugh will get creative with James, and you can be sure the 49ers would not have taken him if they didn't already have a plan in mind. He'll be a great complement to the north-south runners already on the roster with his wiggle in space and ability to contribute in the passing game. James could also contribute in the running game, and if used properly his versatility could yield more from four or five touches than others get from 14 or 15." Here's what I like about James. You remember earlier how I criticized David Wilson on short-yardage situations? Well, here were James' numbers for first-and-goal, second-and-goal, third-and-short and fourth-and-short carries last year: 175 yards and 12 TDs on 36 carries. You wanna call him a third-down back, Mr. Musberger? I think he'll be more than that.

In the TUFF world: Pittsburgh may already have Darren McFadden, the Colts' running backs and the Packers' running backs, but I figure they took James with the future in mind, because the Colt and Packer running backs are just not reliable enough to start at this point.

2.11 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS — WR A.J. Jenkins

In the real world: Jenkins had 90 catches for 1,276 yards and 8 TD's on an offense that really didn't have anyone else to throw to (the second-highest receiver on the 2011 Illini had 26 receptions for 226 yards). He went to the San Francisco 49ers late in Round 1, which means he'll have to battle Michael Crabtree, free agent signee Mario Manningham, tight end Vernon Davis and the unretired Randy Moss for receptions. Another reason Jenkins hasn't been going too high in rookie drafts is that last year, the 49ers passing offense averaged only 183 yards/game. But there's a chicken-and-egg discussion to be had there—maybe the reason San Francisco ran the ball so much in the first place was that none of their receivers were as speedy as Jenkins. I doubt the Niners would have picked him—most would say reached to get him—unless they thought he could help stretch opposing defenses. One more thing: He will start training with Jerry Rice, in one sense, at least: The Hall of Famer will introduce the rookie to The Hill, a grueling 2.5-mile uphill climb in San Carlos that serves to test athletes' endurance.

In the TUFF world: An outstanding value pick, and yet another promising wide receiver joins a reborn WR corps in Pittsburgh (which already picked up Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright in Round 1). 2.11 is the farthest that an NFL first-round pick has ever fallen in the TUFF Draft.