Earlier yesterday, ESPN put together the third version of Mel Kiper's and Todd McShay's mock drafts in a side-by-side post for comparison. I know some details have floated around in the mock draft FanPosts, but I thought I'd post them here with some of the comments Kiper and McShay had on the picks. I'll be in transit much of the day so smileyman, Josh Branco, Drew K ,and the rest of the staff will continue to have breaking news for you. Thanks to them for keeping the site operating in my absence.
Pick #13
Mel Kiper: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
A less-than-great 40 showing in Indy was the first chink in the armor for Haden, but he's still clearly the top cornerback in the draft if you watch the film. If San Francisco opts to let Nate Clements go, Haden would be the perfect pick. Even if it doesn't, Haden has great value.
Todd McShay: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
San Francisco's greatest need is at right tackle, so taking Williams would make sense in terms of both value and need. Williams has the physical tools and toughness to push for immediate playing time on the right side and quickly develop into an effective starter.
Trent Williams appears to be a touch-and-go candidate for the 49ers. Some folks really like him, others think he's a bust waiting to happen. There doesn't seem to be much in between there. KC Joyner over at ESPN Insider is convinced he'll be a bust:
The Football Scientist lab result: Had I not known before watching video of Williams that he was considered a first-round prospect in many circles, it wouldn't have occurred to me to even consider ranking him that high. He might go in the first round because he is a left tackle, but the metrics say he will be a mediocre pro player, and that stamps him with the TFS overhyped label.
I'm sure there are plenty of you that agree with KC. For both sides, what sticks out to you about Trent Williams?
After the jump we look at the #17 pick and some other potential ideas...
Pick #17
Mel Kiper: Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
Iupati isn't a tackle, but he is the most dominant offensive lineman in the draft class and could be the Steve Hutchinson of this draft. That he could go this high as a guard is indicative of his talent. A former defensive player, Iupati can immediately improve the run game and plays with a mean streak.
Todd McShay: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida
San Francisco is looking to upgrade an inconsistent pass rush that didn't perform as well as statistics suggest last season. Pierre-Paul is a risky pick because of his lack of experience at the FBS level, but he has rare upside, and 49ers head coach Mike Singletary is the kind of motivator who can help Pierre-Paul reach his potential.
One thing I have noticed is that Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis is plummeting in draft boards to late in the first round. Both Kiper and McShay have the 49ers grabbing an offensive lineman. If Davis is in fact plummeting, do the 49ers potentially roll the dice and trade down to acquire additional picks (either 2010 or 2011) and try to get Davis at the back end of the first round?