Draft has area stars waiting, wondering.

Byline: Rob Moseley The Register-Guard

A running back will almost certainly go first, but after that defensive linemen could dominate among the local collegians selected in this weekend's NFL draft.

Oregon State running back Steven Jackson seems to be the only certain first-rounder from among the Ducks and Beavers expected to be picked in the draft. As many as five or six could be picked in Saturday's first three rounds, and a few others are projected to go in Sunday's final four rounds, according to various mock drafts by ESPN, The Sporting News and Scouts, Inc.

After Jackson, the most likely local draftees Saturday include three defensive tackles: OSU's Dwan Edwards and former Oregon teammates Igor Olshansky and Junior Siavii.

Edwards and Olshansky have been projected as first-rounders at times the past few months, and they seem certain to be selected on Saturday. Siavii, on the other hand, isn't getting his hopes up, in order to avoid any potential disappointment.

"Things change all the time," said the 6-foot-4, 345-pound tackle. "You don't know what can happen. ...

"I don't want to think I'm going too high. I'll just prepare for the worst and be ready for whatever."

Scouts, Inc., projects Siavii and Olshansky as third-round picks, and The Sporting News has Olshansky in the second and Siavii in the fourth. Edwards is a consensus second-round pick, though there seems to be a chance he could move up.

Siavii intends to watch this weekend's proceedings at the home of UO defensive line coach Steve Greatwood. He has garnered interest from San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City and Green Bay, he said. Kansas City head coach Dick Vermeil was in Eugene for Siavii's pro timing-day workout.

"I feel pretty good about the last few weeks," Siavii said. "(But) the hardest part has been the flying, all the traveling, cramping up in airplanes."

Another defensive lineman, Oregon's Quinn Dorsey, knows the feeling. Unlike the Ducks and Beavers who seem certain of being picked - also including Richard Seigler, Tim Euhus, James Newson and Samie Parker - Dorsey is selling himself to teams in hopes of being picked.

Dorsey impressed scouts with his speed and agility at Oregon's pro timing days in the Moshofsky Center, according to his agent, Kevin Robinson, piquing the interest of NFL teams.

"It's picked up quite a bit," Robinson said.

Robinson said Dorsey has visited Miami, San Diego, Kansas City, Cincinnati and New England in the past three weeks, and said the Patriots came to Dorsey's home state of Colorado for a private workout.

The Patriots are comparing Dorsey to Willie McGinest, Robinson said, in that he seems capable of playing either defensive end in a 4-3 front or outside linebacker in a 3-4.

"The thing that encourages us is all the trips he took," Robinson said. "They don't bring you in if there's not legitimate interest."

Dorsey missed five games last season due to suspension and battled injuries during his career, but his agent said they remain optimistic Dorsey will be drafted.

"He might have been in the top three rounds if he played his whole senior year," Robinson said.

Scouts, Inc., predicts that Jackson will be selected with the sixth pick Saturday morning, held by the Detroit Lions. They refer to the choice as a "surprise," but add that Denver is also interested in Jackson at No. 17, which might force Detroit's hand. The Sporting News predicted that Detroit will select University of Miami tight end Kellen Winslow as a new target for Joey Harrington, with Jackson falling to New England, though that seems unlikely considering the Patriots' recent acquisition of Corey Dillon.

Euhus, who attended Churchill High School, said there may be a chance he hears his name Saturday.

"I'm excited that there's an opportunity there," Euhus said. "From what I've heard, I could sneak into the third round, but probably fourth and don't be surprised by fifth."

Among other locals who might be selected, ESPN guru Mel Kiper Jr. projects UO quarterback Jason Fife as a sixth-round pick, while The Sporting News predicts UO safety Keith Lewis will go to Detroit in the sixth round.

NFL DRAFT

POTENTIAL LOCAL DRAFTEES

Steven Jackson, RB, OSU, 6-3, 233. Projected round: 1

May end up with Harrington and the Lions, who pick sixth.

Dwan Edwards, DT, OSU, 6-3, 301. Projection: 1-2

Not the biggest tackle, but the three-year starter has polish.

Igor Olshansky, DT, UO, 6-6, 309. Projection: 1-2

Fan favorite has caught the eye of media for his strength.

Junior Siavii, DT, UO, 6-5, 330. Projection: 2-3

Sporting News: "Perhaps the largest rear end in the draft."

Richard Seigler, LB, OSU, 6-3, 238. Projection: 3-4

He's on first-day bubble, unlike ex-teammate Nick Barnett.

Tim Euhus, TE, OSU, 6-5, 249. Projection: 4-5

Pass-catching TE from Eugene to host Corvallis draft party.

James Newson, WR, OSU, 6-1, 207. Projection: 4-5

WR is deepest position in the draft; Newson ran slow 40.

Samie Parker, WR, UO, 5-11, 180. Projection: 4-5

Combine Newson's hands, toughness with Parker's speed ...

Quinn Dorsey, DE, UO, 6-4, 274. Projection: 6-7

Unheralded end hopes pro-timing performances helped.

Keith Lewis, S, UO, 6-1, 200. Projection: 7-FA

Special teams skills help, as they did when he was UO frosh.

Jason Fife, QB, UO, 6-4, 222. Projection: 7-FA

Consensus seems to be he'll wait for an FA contract.

David Lose, OL, OSU, 6-2, 305. Projection: 7-FA

NFL teams always look for depth on the offensive line.

Kevin Mitchell, LB, UO, 5-11, 220. Projection: 7-FA

For all the heart he played with at UO, NFL future isn't likely.

Lawrence Turner, S, OSU, 5-11, 194. Projection: 7-FA

Two-year starter hopes to catch on somewhere Sunday.

Dan Weaver, C, UO, 6-5, 293. Projection: 7-FA

Agent says it's 50-50 he gets drafted; willing to go FA route.

Kirk Yliniemi, K, OSU, 6-1, 207. Projection: 7-FA

Might ex-coach Dennis Erickson and the 49ers be calling?