Bill Parcells had to make a decision: Should he take the best player in the draft (Orlando Pace) with the first pick overall, settle for a lesser prospect because of overwhelming need (Darrell Russell), or trade the selection for more choices later on?

Parcells opted for the latter, swinging a deal with the Rams for picks in Rounds 3, 4 and 7 while dropping down to the sixth slot. Then he moved down to No. 8 with the Bucs for another fourth-rounder, and later switched spots in Round 3 with the Broncos for sixth- and seventh-round picks this year and a sixth-rounder in 1998. That's a total of seven picks, in essence, for Pace.

But will first-round pick James Farrior, an athletic linebacker, plus all those bodies Parcells accumulated via the deal for the top spot equal the impact of someone like Pace? That becomes the key to this draft.

At this point, give the Jets a B-minus, based more on quantity than quality. Trading away the top pick in the draft is always risky, but Parcells wanted bodies. Before the deal with Rams, he had six draft picks. By the end of the draft, he had made 11 selections, and traded a 12th to the Eagles for DT Ronnie Dixon, a 312-pound wide-body who could start by default.

Before the wheeling and dealing began, Parcells had a huge hole in the middle of the draft. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue awarded the Patriots the Jets' picks in Rounds 3 and 4 as part of the compensation package for signing Parcells. Ninety-nine players would have been taken from the time the Jets selected in the second round until their next pick in the fifth.

"Had we stayed pat, we would've gotten a couple of real rood players," Parcells said, "but we would've been moving at a pace that was a little too slow for my own personal health and welfare."

But where's the beef? Top pick Farrior shapes up as a fine linebacker, and DT Rick Terry was a first-round value with the second pick. But until we know whether at least two or three of the later selections will develop into productive starters, the grade will be somewhat incomplete.

"We would've had a very outstanding player (at No. 1), but I think we got an outstanding player with our first pick," Parcells said. "Was he the best in the draft? Probably not. But is he a good, quality player I can count on for quite a few years? Yeah, I think he is."

As for the rest, time will tell if Parcells made the most of trading down from the top spot, or if he gave away a possible all-time great for seven dwarfs.

ROUND-BY-ROUND ANALYSIS

Round 1/8 -- James Farrior, LB, Virginia

Athletic, all-around 'backer who will get chance to be starter on weak side. Could spell the end for 1993 No. 1 pick Marvin Jones, who is not a Parcells favorite and is headed into final year of his contract, looking for big bucks. Farrior is a good pick in the eighth spot; Cardinals were poised to pounce on him a pick later.

Round 2/31 -- Rick Terry, DT, North Carolina

Not the athlete Darrell Russell is, but considered a first-round talent nonetheless. Should start immediately for tackle-strapped Jets. Solid choice for need and talent.

Round 3/88 -- Dedric Ward, WR, Northern Iowa

Might have been a bit of a reach, but Parcells wants to upgrade special teams and Ward figures to be the team's punt and kickoff returner. Not much chance he will emerge as part of wideout rotation, but if he can be a David Meggett-type returner, Parcells won't care.

Round 4/102 -- Terry Day, DE, Mississippi State

Better athlete than player right now. Had no sacks last season, only 2.5 as a junior. But moves well and Jets feel he can develop pass-rush skills. Some personnel men like his potential, others called him a reach.

Round 4/104 -- Leon Johnson, RB, North Carolina

Might have been most complete back in draft, rushing for 3,600 yards and catching 151 passes during college career, with three kickoff and punt returns for TDs. Lacks stopwatch speed but could develop into third-down back. Good value here.

Round 5/131 -- Lamont Burns, OG, East Carolina

Former defensive lineman is considered a player on rise. Strong, with a tenacious, defensive mentality. Expected to compete for roster spot and could develop into starter in a year or two. Considered a sleeper pick.

Round 5/145 -- Raymond Austin, DB, Tennessee

Will first be tried at corner; may eventually be best suited for safety. Could make impact on special teams. Got to go against QB Peyton Manning every day in practice. It was time to try to fill need for a bigger corner here.

Round 6/164 -- Tim Scharf, LB, Northwestern

Good athlete whose stock rose during pre-draft workouts. Wasn't very productive in college, but could fill bill on special teams. Classic "best-athlete-available" pick.

Round 6/191 -- Chuck Clements, QB, Houston

Blossomed last season after Cougars switched from run-and-shoot to controlled passing game. Accurate passer who lacks great arm strength. Likened to Gus Frerotte by some. Could be No. 3 QB behind Neil O'Donnell and Glenn Foley. Why not pick a QB here?

Round 7/202 -- Steve Rosga, S, Colorado

Big hitter who lacks speed and coverage skills. Parcells looking strictly for special-teams potential here, but Rosga probably isn't athletic enough to fill need for a free safety who can play the ball.

Round 7/229 -- Jason Ferguson, DT, Georgia

Another 300-pounder to try to plug gap in middle of defense. Ferguson was more highly-regarded by some teams, but may have slipped due to reportedly testing positive for marijuana during the NFL scouting combine. That would be a reflection on his intelligence -- or lack thereof -- as much as anything else. Showed some pass-rush skills last year with nine sacks. Could be a steal.