Column as I see 'em

Author: JEFF PATTERSON

In beer terms, a draught is pronounced draft, but in 49er terms, a draft is supposed to end a drought. Saturday, all 32 teams were on the clock, just like the Rolex trademark is. With the first pick in each of the first seven rounds, the 1849ers were trying to strike gold. Most of Middlebury spent their Saturday listening to Wyclef Jean, but most NFL general managers were deciding on whether or not to select Khalif Barnes, an offensive tackle from the University of Washington.

Last season, San Fran. won two games, and looked worse than Sisqo in a thong. Last year, Alcatraz's Athletes deserved to be put behind bars. Not behind counters on stools, but in solitary confinement watching game film. Their only teammate in the Pro Bowl was their long snapper Brian Jennings. The only reason he was chosen for the job was because the team had to punt so much.

Still, there must be some optimistic feelings around the team with this year's selections. But, before they get too carried away with optimism, they should see an optometrist to correct their visions of the future. A realistic goal would be that before the next five years are up, Smith, the fifth straight quarterback to be selected in the first round, and his teammates would be playing in the playoffs.

Logically, the 49ers spent their first pick of the second round on David Baas, the 319 lb. center from Michigan. Alex Smith is going to need someone to hike him the ball, because if he didn't the problematic situation would mean that he would have high mountains to hike. The 49ers are looking for Baas, not Bass, to help them snap their three game losing streak that goes back into last year.

The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears also tried to use the draft to get back to winning ways. Detroit used Southern Cal for its 10th pick as it chose USC WR Mike Williams. Detroit, who last saw success with running back Barry Sanders seems to be receiver-happy. Lining up with Mike Williams will be capable catchers Roy Williams and Charles Rogers. Now Lions QB Joey Harrington shouldn't have a problem making completions.

Even the guy behind the register at Roy Rogers could throw touchdowns to Williams and Charles. The Bears, with their fourth pick chose University of Texas RB Cedric Benson. Benson is an athlete: he was a 2001 draft-pick of the L.A. Dodgers and now he dodges linebackers. Walter Payton was the last Bear running back to be selected fourth. Could history repeat itself? Oh my!

If the 49ers don't start winning soon, their fans might give up whining and only go to their games at Monster Park for the concessions. For a sports fan, resulting to this would be an awful confession.