SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Terry Donahue cringed. Things were going so well in the San Francisco 49ers war room Saturday, why not shoot for the moon?

After striking gold with the 16th pick in Round 1 of the NFL Draft by landing outside linebacker Julian Peterson of Michigan State, the 49ers thought they had a shot at Chad Pennington with the 24th selection, especially since quarterback-needy Pittsburgh opted for Peterson's teammate, wide receiver Plaxico Burress, with the eighth choice.

Sure, San Francisco needed additional defensive help, lots of it. But the more coach Steve Mariucci watched film of the Marshall star, the more excited he became about grooming him to replace Steve Young. Then, the optimism vanished when the New York Jets took Pennington with the 18th selection.

"All our maneuvering went down the tubes,'' said general manager Bill Walsh, flanked by Donahue, Mariucci, director of football operations John McVay and team president John York.

The composed Donahue, director of player personnel, quickly urged the brain trust to move forward.

"Can't get them all,'' he said. "We know that. Too bad.''

With that, the staff of 30-plus crammed into the large conference room that included assistant coaches, scouts, trainers, doctors and public relations officials, sprang back into action. On television, the draft is agonizingly slow, each team allotted 15 minutes between picks in Round 1. Not so in the war room.

Seemingly everyone is working, many scanning one of three large boards containing the names and statistics of every potential player. Walsh is seated at the front of the room, a large board behind him. Below each position are small blue squares, each representing a wish-list candidate. Once a player is taken, the square is removed.

A television sits in the back of the room and provides live updates. A digital clock sits on top of the set to monitor the minutes between picks.

With Pennington gone, the 49ers shift into Plan B. Donahue summons team physician Michael Dillingham, who has just examined injured running back Garrison Hearst downstairs in the locker room. Dillingham informs Donahue, Mariucci and Walsh that Hearst will need another operation on his foot and estimates his chance of returning to football at "70 percent.''

"Any other health issues on these top guys?'' Mariucci asks Dillingham.

Donahue covets four players on the big board: cornerback Ahmed Plummer of Ohio State, offensive tackle Chris McIntosh of Wisconsin, defensive end Erik Flowers of Arizona State and linebacker Keith Bullock of Syracuse. Mariucci paces; York hovers near the desk.

York, whose wife Denise is the sister of former owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. and now owns the team, got his first taste of the war room last year. This year, he knew what to expect

"Terry's really done a nice job of organizing,'' York said. "I think we have a lot more data. Terry's very smooth and I think he's listening a lot to Bill.''

York offers no advice.

"Bill tells me after five years my opinion will be worth 2 cents,'' he said. "I'm not up that high, yet.''

Every few minutes one of two phones on the desk rings and Walsh answers most calls. Some supply advance warnings on upcoming picks, others center on trades. Walsh thought about moving up for a shot at Pennington, but decided against it for two reasons: (1) It was too expensive; (2) Pressing needs on defense.

"We've got extra picks (11 in all) and it's still not enough,'' Walsh said. "We still can't fill out the roster.''

San Francisco hoped local cornerback Delta O'Neal of Cal might slip through the cracks, but Denver nabbed him with the 15th pick. After being shredded for more yardage than any team in the NFL last season, the 49ers are desperate for secondary help and Plummer is a good fit. He's smart, tough, married and graduated on time. But will he last?

"We could be wiped out, guys,'' Mariucci said.

Donahue and Company breath easier when Detroit takes offensive guard Stockar McDougle with No. 20 and Kansas City opts for wide receiver Sylvester Morris of Jackson State at No. 21, assuring the 49ers one the four players they want.

"Oh baby!'' yells Donahue after the Chiefs' selection, fearful they would pluck Plummer. "That gives up one more bullet.''

"Yes!'' Mariucci echoed. "We're in great shape. We're going to get one of those guys. The board is working, guys.''

Mariucci summons Dr. Harry Edwards, a special consultant and Cal sociology professor. He describes the personalities of the four players and rattles off their strengths and weaknesses.

Mariucci, Walsh, Donahue and McVay leave the room for a private summit. A few minutes later, they return.

With the No. 22 pick, Seattle takes McIntosh. San Francisco could have used a young tackle but again, defense is the top priority. Now the dilemma: Will Walsh's former protégé, George Seifert of Carolina, take a cornerback, possibly Plummer?

The 49ers were more than happy to select Ahmed Plummer with the 24th overall pick. (AP)

Yes and no. Seifert opts for taller Rashard Anderson of Jackson State and the 49ers are ecstatic. San Francisco is on the clock, but it's a no-brainer. Plummer is about to join the 49ers.

"We got our guy!'' Mariucci said.

"You want to kill a little time?'' Donahue asks Mariucci, a full 14 minutes remaining before the team must announce its selection.

"No,'' Mariucci said. "Let's do it.''

Handshakes all-around.

"That's a good start for us to rebuild,'' Donahue said. "Okay, Bill, we got a couple good guys.''

Mariucci hurries to a telephone.

"Ahmed?'' he said. "Steve Mariucci. Would you like to be a 49er? Congratulations. We're really happy to have you here.''

Just then, a television analyst rates Plummer and offers this critique: lacks speed and leaping ability.

"A 40-inch vertical?'' barks defensive coordinator Jim Mora in amazement. "Jesus, that's not too bad.''

After speaking to Plummer, Mariucci goes downstairs to meet the press.

"Talk about a solid guy,'' he said. "We didn't know if he would get to us. It was about a three-second decision. We grabbed him.''

Then it was back to the war room. With nine picks ahead, Mariucci's day was just beginning.