BERKELEY — Another day, another top prospect, and just like that, the San Francisco 49ers face a difficult decision if they choose to use the first pick in next month's NFL Draft on a quarterback.
Thursday, it was California quarterback Aaron Rodgers' turn to work out, and of the 92 passes he threw in his audition before numerous NFL decision-makers at Memorial Stadium, there was only one he said he would have liked to have back.
Twenty-four hours earlier, 49ers coach Mike Nolan and his key staffers watched as Utah quarterback Alex Smith had a similarly impressive workout.
"Both have very strong arms," said Nolan, who will not be among the 49ers representatives at today's workout by Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. "Both are very accurate. Both guys are very athletic. They give you different strengths and weaknesses, but overall, they're both very good."
Rodgers' edge, Nolan indicated, might be his polish.
"His mechanics are very good, very strong," Nolan said. "He's got an excellent arm."
Rodgers' workout lasted about 40 minutes. He threw short and long passes to former Cal teammates LaShaun Ward, Jonathan Makonnen, Kevin Parker and Garrett Cross while representatives from numerous NFL teams looked on.
"The first throw was a little high," Rodgers said. "I was a little nervous. But this is what I do best, is throwing. The interview stuff, talking about myself, is the tough part. This is the easy part."
Before working out, Rodgers met with Nick Saban, the new coach of the Miami Dolphins, who own the second selection. Afterward, he met with the 49ers. Rodgers, who grew up a 49ers fan in Chico, said he had been pleased with a previous meeting with Nolan.
"I think they wanted to get some background stuff and test my football IQ," said Rodgers, who left Cal with one year of college eligibility remaining. "I think they were impressed with my knowledge of the game."
Though the Raiders dealt their first-round draft choice in the recent trade for receiver Randy Moss, coach Norv Turner watched Rodgers work out.
"He's got a great feel for all of the throws," said Turner, known for his work with quarterbacks. "He's got great accuracy and a great touch."
When he is drafted, Rodgers will be the latest in a line of quarterbacks to reach the NFL after spending their college years being tutored by Jeff Tedford, Cal's coach. To this point, none of those quarterbacks has achieved NFL stardom
Rodgers said the Green Bay Packers, in particular, have questioned him about the so-called "Tedford Curse." Tedford, who directed Thursday's workout, downplayed talk of the curse and predicted Rodgers will have a very successful NFL career.
"I don't think there's any doubt he's ready," Tedford said. "There's going to be a transition period no matter what, to go to the next level. But he's very mature, very mentally tough, so I think he's going to be able to handle that jump."
EXTRA POINTS: After Rodgers' workout, Reggie Robertson — Cal's backup quarterback last year — worked out. Among his receivers was former 49er J.J. Stokes. ... Among those in attendance were Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow, former 49ers offensive coordinator Ted Tollner (now Detroit's coordinator), and former 49ers personnel chief Bill Rees, who is now with Cleveland. ... Nolan said the 49ers have had internal discussions about Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James, who signed his $8.08-million franchise tender Wednesday. There has been talk James will be traded, but Nolan indicated he does not think the Colts star would be a good fit right now with the Niners. ... Nolan also said that, although there have been inquiries, the 49ers are not interested in trading their franchise player, linebacker Julian Peterson, who has yet to sign his $7.29-million tender. ... Nolan said the following players will be unable to participate in the opening minicamp April 1-3: right tackle Kwame Harris (right shoulder), center Jeremy Newberry (a non-football health issue), Peterson (Achilles' tendon, unsigned tender), defensive end Andre Carter (back), defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (back) and quarterback Tim Rattay (forearm).
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