More Than Just No. 1

Remember that Joe Montana was a third-round pick and Brett Favre went in the second. Richard Dent lasted eight rounds, meaning he wouldn’t have been drafted in the seven-round draft of this era. And last year’s top two rookie rushers, Curtis Martin and Terrell Davis, were chosen in the third and sixth rounds respectively.

Also remember that Jimmy Johnson likes rookies, five of whom could start for him in Miami.

Here are some rookies, first round and otherwise, on whom the spotlight could fall this fall:

--Lawrence Phillips, rb, St. Louis. Round 1 (sixth overall).

His well-documented off-field troubles prevented him from being the first overall pick. But he has Hall of Fame talent and if he straightens out, he could be in the Emmitt Smith class quickly.

--Walt Harris, cb, Chicago, Round 1 (13).

He was supposed to be eased in slowly. He’s playing better than that and Kevin Miniefield and Jeremy Lincoln aren’t.

--Eddie George, rb, Houston, Round 1 (14)

A Heisman winner who looks like anything but an NFL bust. Remember, Smith was the 17th pick in 1990.

--John Mobley, lb, Denver, Round 1 (15).

From Kutztown State to NFL starter in one quick jump. Next jump may be defensive rookie of the year.

--Daryl Gardener, dl, Miami, Round 1 (20).

A tremendous athlete, but an underachiever in college. Johnson loves him and he has to start on the Dolphins’ depleted defensive line. We’ll know quickly.

--John Michels, ot, Green Bay, Round 1 (27).

Unless Ken Ruettgers makes a miracle recovery, Michels is a rookie left tackle for a team with Super Bowl expectations. So far, he’s held his own.

--Alex Van Dyke, wr, New York Jets, Round 2 (31).

Jets fans hated the choice because it duplicated Keyshawn Johnson, the first pick overall. Then Johnson held out, Van Dyke showed what he can do, and Van Dyke could be on his way to stardom.

--Amani Toomer, wr, New York Giants, Round 2 (34).

The Giants haven’t had a Pro Bowl receiver since Homer Jones nearly 30 years ago. Toomer could be it.

--Lawyer Milloy, s, New England, Round 2 (36).

Bill Parcells, who doesn’t like rookies, says he’ll be a member of the “600 club,” or 600 plays his rookie season.

--Gabe Northern, de-lb, Buffalo, Round 2 (53).

Another pass rusher to join Bruce Smith, Bryce Paup, et. al. How do the Bills keep finding these guys?

--Karim Abdul-Jabbar, rb, Miami, Round 3 (80).

Forget the basketball jokes--the first name’s spelled differently even if this one went to UCLA, too. Coming on after starting slow. Could start.

--Terrell Owens, wr, San Francisco, Round 3 (89).

The Niners think he’s a steal; right now, he’s the third wide receiver behind Jerry Rice and J.J. Stokes, which is saying something. He even blocks.

--Charlie Jones, wr, San Diego, Round 4 (114).

Granted, the Chargers will look at anyone at wide receiver, maybe even the 60-somthing broadcaster of the same name. But this Charlie Jones has shown enough to have a chance to start.

--Stanley Pritchett, fb, Miami, Round 4 (118) and Jerris McPhail, rb, Miami, Round 5 (134).

Pritchett jumped ahead of Keith Byars on Johnson’s depth chart almost immediately. When JJ looks at him, he sees Daryl “Mooooose” Johnston. McPhail has better than 4.4 speed in the 40, and Johnson loves speed.

--Zach Thomas, lb, Miami, Round 5 (154).

Yes, Jimmy loves rookies, particularly overachievers listed at “5-11, 231 pounds” who are closer to 5-9, 210. Meet the Dolphins’ starting middle linebacker.

--Derrick Harris, fb, St. Louis, Round 6 (175).

He may be the starting fullback in front of Phillips after touching the ball only 26 times last year, his final season at Miami. Did someone say third guard?

--Anthony Dorsett, cb, Houston, Round 6 (177).

The first time he touched the ball, he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. Not quite as impressive as his father Tony’s 99-yard run from scrimmage, but a good beginning in his attempt to approach dad’s career.

--Shawn Wooden, s, Miami, Round 6 (189).

Yet another potential starter for the Dolphins. Johnson is either desperate for players or is a draft genius. Maybe a little of both.

--Conrad Hamilton, cb, New York Giants, Round 7 (214).

He’s been so impressive that coaches were shocked when this guy from Eastern New Mexico was beaten in an exhibition by Andre Rison. If he doesn’t start now, he will start soon and he’ll also block at least one kick this year.

--Bryan Walker, s, Washington, free agent.

He helped get James Washington cut and will be a nickel back at the least.

--Larry Izzo, lb, Miami, free agent.

One more Jimmy guy. Johnson likes Izzo so much on special teams that he told the Dolphins that the first two guys to make his team were Larry Izzo and some guy named . . . er, Marino?