The Central Florida running back and nation's leading rusher in 2007 was chosen atop the third round of the NFL draft yesterday. The Lions even traded up two spots with Miami for the privilege of beginning the second day by grabbing Smith.

Last season, Smith rushed for 2,567 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. Sanders set the single-season record with 2,628 in 1988, when he won the Heisman Trophy. He went on to a Hall of Fame career over the next decade with the Lions.

"I never thought of myself as chasing Barry Sanders. He's a legend," Smith said. "My numbers might have been close, but I was just thrilled to be close to someone like that. Now I get to play in the same organization, which is a dream come true."

He was one of two all-Americans chosen in the third round. Penn State linebacker Dan Connor went to Carolina 10 spots later.

Other third-rounders looking to prove themselves in the NFL will be defensive back Chevis Jackson (Atlanta), running back Jacob Hester (San Diego) and receiver Early Doucet (Arizona), all from national champion LSU. Hester could fill the role of LaDainian Tomlinson's stand-in previously held by Michael Turner, now with the Falcons, and the Cardinals need another wideout after losing Bryant Johnson to San Francisco.

Texas running back Jamaal Charles was chosen by Kansas City. The Giants took Michigan's big-play receiver, Mario Manningham, who could be groomed to eventually replace former Wolverine Amani Toomer.

New England chose San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell, causing one pundit to remark: "Is this the end of the Tom Brady era?"

Another San Diego-area QB went late in the fifth round when Josh Johnson of the University of San Diego Toreros was chosen by Tampa Bay.

Southern California quarterback John David Booty was the second selection in the fifth round, by Minnesota after the Vikings made an in-division deal with Green Bay. The Packers already had their QB of the future: Brian Brohm, chosen in the second round on Saturday, yet chose Matt Flynn of LSU in the seventh.

Tennessee passer Erik Ainge went to the Jets at No. 162 overall, six spots after Oregon's Dennis Dixon was taken by Pittsburgh. The Steelers are hoping the fast, versatile Dixon can recover from a severe knee injury to make their team.

Utah State guard Shawn Murphy, son of former Phillies star Dale Murphy, went in the fourth round to Miami.

The Bengals grabbed Kansas tackle Anthony Collins, another all-American, midway in the fourth round, one spot after Cleveland got Missouri tight end Martin Rucker, also an all-American.

Chicago took LSU safety Craig Steltz in the fourth round. Steltz was an all-American, too.

Cleveland finally got involved after sitting out the first day with no picks. The Browns took UNLV linebacker Beau Bell 104th overall, and soon after went for Rucker.

Safety Dominique Barber of Minnesota, younger brother of Dallas RB Marion Barber, went to Houston in the sixth round. Hawaii's record-setting quarterback, Colt Brennan, landed in Washington in that round.

Michigan star runner Mike Hart slipped all the way to 202d overall, to Indianapolis.

"I never questioned myself," he said. "There's nothing you can do because it's out of my hands at that point. I was just hoping I got picked up somewhere and go and try to prove myself again."