Jeff Zelevansky / Reuters

Tight end Vernon Davis is kissed by a member of his family after the 49ers made him the sixth choice of the first round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

updated 9:14 p.m. ET April 29, 2006

NEW YORK - When NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue called Vernon Davis’ name at the NFL draft Saturday, the Maryland tight end cried tears of joy.

“I didn’t expect to be that emotional but it hit me, this is a lifelong dream,” he said. “Hearing my name called on ESPN, being the sixth pick. It feels great to be up there.”

Davis’ glee at joining the San Francisco 49ers was uncomplicated by high expectations.

Contrast that with Matt Leinart (“No, I’m not disappointed”); Vince Young (“It’s not all about the pick, it’s what the team needs”); and Reggie Bush (“I’m just excited to be back on a football team”).

None of college football’s three biggest stars went No. 1 overall in the draft. While Leinart, Bush and Young were steering their teams to a title showdown in the Rose Bowl, Davis was quietly starring for the 5-6 Terrapins.

But draft day was a dream come true.

Bush, long thought to be a lock for Houston at No. 1, was taken second by the New Orleans Saints when Houston went with defensive end Mario Williams of N.C. State for the first pick. Young went third, to Tennessee, and Leinart fell all the way to 10th to the Arizona Cardinals.

The 49ers should be happy with Davis, too. He’ll make a nice target for second-year quarterback Alex Smith.

“I’ve been dreaming of going to San Francisco. It’s a beautiful place, man,” said Davis. “I see myself making an instant impact right away.”

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