The First-Round Picks

Thumbnail sketches of first-round selections in the 1993 NFL draft with team, player, college, projected position, height, weight and comments by the Associated Press.

1. New England

Drew Bledsoe

Wash. State

QB

6-5

233

A junior who is considered to have the strongest arm in the draft. Despite starting only 28 games, he is second-leading passer in Washington State history.

2. Seattle

Rick Mirer

Notre Dame

QB

6-2

216

Better career statistics than Joe Montana and Joe Theismann, though he played on run-oriented team. His 41 touchdown passes are most ever by a Notre Dame quarterback.

3. Phoenix

Garrison Hearst

Georgia

RB

5-9

199

Even with a questionable knee, this junior was considered the top runner available. Also a good receiver. Nation’s leading scorer and No. 2 rusher last season.

4. New York Jets

Marvin Jones

Florida State

LB

6-1

237

A junior who was considered the top defensive player in nation last season, winning the Butkus and Lombardi awards. Explosive hitter.

5. Cincinnati

John Copeland

Alabama

DT

6-3

286

He and Eric Curry formed the most dominant defensive duo in the nation. Relentless pursuer and sound tackler.

6. Tampa Bay

Eric Curry

Alabama

DE

6-6

265

More of a finesse player than Copeland. Tall and fast with explosive first step.

7. Chicago

Curtis Conway

USC

WR

6-0

185

A junior who was a big-play specialist. Also the No. 1 kick returner and No. 3 punt returner on USC’s career list.

8. New Orleans

Willie Roaf

Louisiana Tech

OT

6-4

307

Impressive combination of size, strength and speed. Played well against the great Alabama defensive line that featured Eric Curry and John Copeland.

9. Atlanta

Lincoln Kennedy

Washington

OT

6-6

357

Quick and agile for a huge man. Finalist for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award.

10. Rams

Jerome Bettis

Notre Dame

RB

5-11

248

A junior who can do it all--run, catch and block. Statistics weren’t sensational because he played in same backfield with Rick Mirer and Reggie Brooks.

11. Denver

Dan Williams

Toledo

DE

6-3

290

Dan Who? Though not exactly a household name, this long-armed pass rusher is extremely talented.

12. Raiders

Patrick Bates

Texas A&M;

DB

6-3

224

A junior with vast physical tools but inconsistent.

13. Houston

Brad Hopkins

Illinois

G

6-3

306

Exceptional athlete who played tight end in high school. Dominates at times, but sometimes loses concentration.

14. Cleveland

Steve Everitt

Michigan

C

6-4

290

Explosive run blocker and excellent deep snapper. Helped Michigan offense average 465 yards per game.

15. Green Bay

Wayne Simmons

Clemson

LB

6-2

236

Great physical specimen--fast, quick and extremely active. Erratic performer.

16. Indianapolis

Sean Dawkins

California

WR

6-4

213

A junior who can outjump defenders for the ball. Led Pacific 10 with 65 catches, 1,070 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

17. Washington

Tom Carter

Notre Dame

DB

5-11

187

Superb speed and jumping ability. Showed major improvement last season, but still has a lot to learn.

18. Phoenix

Ernest Dye

South Carolina

OT

6-5

337

Played two years for Gamecocks after junior college career in Mississippi. Big and powerful, but tends to be out of shape.

19. Philadelphia

Lester Holmes

Jackson State

OT

6-3

301

Aggressive, hard-nosed competitor who must work on pass blocking.

20. New Orleans

Irv Smith

Notre Dame

TE

6-3

255

First-rate blocker and tough runner after making the catch. The second consecutive Irish tight end to go in the first round, following Derek Brown.

21. Minnesota

Robert Smith

Ohio State

RB

6-0

195

A junior who sat out sophomore season after dispute with coaches. He came back to lead Ohio State in rushing.

22. San Diego

Darrien Gordon

Stanford

DB

5-11

182

Very good athlete with limited experience as a defensive back.

23. Pittsburgh

Deon Figures

Colorado

DB

5-11

192

Won Thorpe Award as top defensive back in nation. Led Colorado with six interceptions.

24. Philadelphia

Leonard Renfro

Colorado

DE

6-1

291

A junior with good speed and stamina, but a little short for a defensive end.

25. Miami

O.J. McDuffie

Penn State

WR

5-10

191

Versatile player who set or tied 15 Penn State records, including most all-purpose yards (1,831) in a season.

26. San Francisco

Dana Stubblefield

Kansas

DE

6-2

302

Though slowed by ankle injury last season, was All-Big Eight for second consecutive season.

27. San Francisco

Todd Kelly

Tennessee

DE

6-2

259

Excellent pass-rusher who is second on Volunteers’ career sack list with 22 1/2.

28. Buffalo

Thomas Smith

North Carolina

DB

5-11

190

Former walk-on who developed into premier pass defender.

29. Green Bay

George Teague

Alabama

DB

6-0

185

One of the leaders of the great Alabama defense. He intercepted six passes last season.