Mel Kiper's Mock Draft: 49ers picks

Here is the response I sent to Kiper after reviewing his piece:

I don’t understand either of your first round selections for the 49ers. Why would they select Trent Williams over either Bryan Bulaga or Bruce Campbell? Just doesn’t make sense. Why would they select Earl Thomas over Taylor Mays? Mays has much more upside potential. In my opinion, Thomas’s results are largely a product of the defensive team in front of him, not exclusively his own skills. If I were sitting in your chair I would select CJ Spiller (for change-of-pace RB / slot WR / kick & punt-returner) at 13, thus depriving devision rival Seattle, and Bulaga (or Campbell if Bulaga is not available) at 16/17. Then in 2011, I would select McDaniel (Clemson safety) or other very-best safety in the first round and Kai Forbath (UCLA kicker) in the second or third round, since Joe Nedney is approaching 40.

The importance of the upcoming draft, as it pertains to the 9ers, is one of the most crucial drafts in years. Head Coach Mike Singletary has, without a doubt, a strong foundation of players and coaches that are continuely going in the right direction. The managements ability to mend an unstable O-line, add talent to the secondary, and find the right player to bring a spark to a dull return game. Could easily mean the difference between 8-8 and 11-5.
ROUND 1 PICK #13 Trent Williams OT – Oklahoma
Williams is already an NFL right tackle. His addition of strength and quickness will add a great demention to the off-tackle runs that Gore thrives on. He also has potential to fill in at left tackle if required.
ROUND 1 PICK #16 Golden Tate WR – Notre Dame
I know, I know, it sounds early, but Goldson has become a great ballhawk, and solid tackler since taking over the starting job. Taking a strong safety this early in the draft seems crazier to me. Tate is an explosive return man, with excellent hands, speed, quickness, leaping ability, and is superb in YAC.
This is what I would like to see from the team. The addition of another multiple threat player to help back defenses off of the line, create seams for Davis, and make teams play Crabtree 1 vs 1. Williams’ expierence and raw talent cannot be denied. Teaming him with Staley would give the team bookend tackles for many years to come. This draft could be the spring board into the playoffs. Or, it could keep the team stuck in the rut of mediocraty.

Anyone else find it interesting that someone not within a circle of 49ers fans would consider the 49ers passing offense potentially dangerous without suggesting a first round QB?

therefore; it possible and quite probably that this mock is bogus.

Could have had a good last year. And we all believe the McC is going to do the right thing this year. I’m holding my breathe !!!

Package the 13th and 49th picks for KC’s 5th. Take Eric Berry or Russell Okung if one or the other is still available. Would KC do it? Maybe, they have a lot of needs.

If the Niners don’t somehow add a serious pass rusher as well as an OT someone’s not doing their job

Intriguing but untenable for the big guys in the modern NFL. Though the 9er’s may have weakness in the secondary, nothing exposes a secondary like lack of pass rush. My response was to the idea of drafting a safety, which is just dumb when what they need, either through the draft or free agency, is a legitimate pass rusher…and a right tackle. Two spots-two draft picks…makes sense to me

Spiller, Spiller, SPILLER!!! Hes going to be a great player not only at RB but in the return game. who did we have returning kicks last year?? Arnaz Battle, Allen Rossum… enough said. Our usual starting field position was terrible which was another contribution to our lacking offense. Also spiller is electrifying and would be a great threat in the passing game, he could help in the screen game also. I also think that we need to take either an OT that is worth it at 16 (Bulaga, Davis) if they’re not available then a pass rush specialist because if we could get to the QB our D would be top 5 in the league.