Featured Writer's 2010 Mock Draft:SF 49ers, Pick #17: Trent Williams

Andrew GardaMar 8, 2010

Things couldn't have worked out better in this Mock, in so far as the 49ers would be concerned. After taking CJ Spiller with their first pick at #13, the team finds that a guy who some experts have ranked as the second best offensive tackle in the NFL Draft has fallen to them at 17.

They would happily select Oklahoma's Trent Williams.

Williams is a big guy but despite his size, he moves incredibly well and shows a good initial quickness—especially on run plays.

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He is very effective in run blocking, as he can get into the second level and seal off linebackers, which would give Gore, Coffee and Spiller room to get clear and maybe break off a big run.

In pass blocking, his technique needs a little work but overall Williams is good at protecting the quarterback. He can redirect an incoming pass rusher and has the strength to counter a bull rusher, though he is more effective at it when he utilizing a hand punch.

Williams could either come in as a left tackle or shift to the right tackle if need be. As the 49ers are in desperate need of a second tackle, he would be a great addition to the line.

Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati is still on the board and would be very attractive as well. One could also make a case for Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford if he was here (assuming the shoulder is fine) but I believe that the 49ers will wait on a quarterback.

They picked up David Carr and it's true he's a band-aid unless his time in New Jersey has really revitalized him. However I think it buys them at least a year, depending on Alex Smith.

So it's not impossible that Bradford might go to the 49ers (perhaps at 13) and if he was sitting here at 17, he would be awfully tempting for them. I just don't think it will happen. Call it a gut read.

Looking back on the #13 pick, I still like it overall. However, the more I look at the depth of the running back class, the more I consider that the 49ers could get a very good running back later or a nice kick returner later instead.

It's hard to gauge where the team's collective head is at so for now it's hard to tell what chances there are that—if Spiller were there at 13—the 49ers would take him. Looking back—and knowing Bradford kept falling—taking Williams early might have freed me up to take Bradford at 17.

I'd imagine given the surprise appearance of Michael Crabtree in Singeltary's lap in the 2009 Draft, that every possibility is being discussed.

For now though, the last few picks fell pretty much the way I thought they would—no tackles taken. The risk for Spiller was worth it and getting Williams at 17 is a big gift as far as I am concerned.

With those two big needs out of the way, let's move on.

For other rounds, I would expect the 49ers to concentrate on some secondary help, and some defensive line help as well.

I can't assume Bradford continues his tumble too much longer, but if he fell to near the second round—well the potential trading frenzy would make a team very happy.

Up next is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The rest of the picks thus far:

#16 Titans Select Brandon Graham

#15 Giants take Thomas

Dylan

#14 Jonathan Dwyer to the Seahawks

#13 C.J. Spiller to the Niners

#12 Pierre-Paul to Dolphins

#11: Bryant to Broncos

#10: Clausen to Jags

#9: Bulaga to Bills

#8: Davis to Raiders