Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Not to butt in, but there is no drop-off in talent from Aldon to Watt. Watt was and still is a monster. I live in Texas and I have an affinity for the Texans and caught almost all their games. Watt was incredible and constantly embarrassed opposing OL.
Watt was widely considered the best 3-4 DE, and better at his position than Aldon was. Turns out they were both among the best at their position. I do think right now it's too early to say which is better at their position because of the fact that both did outstanding in year one. My ultimate point is, if we had drafted Watt, it would easily be justifiable that it would've been just as good of a pick.
Always good to hear your opinion, OTC... I would just add to what you wrote that Watt and Aldon are very different players (and actually play different positions). IMHO, Watt is a very versatile, every down 3-4 DE (much like Justin Smith), and Aldon, right now anyway, is more of an 3-4 OLB (or Elephant type player like Charles Haley or Demarcus Ware)..
Like you mentioned, both are absolute studs at this point in their careers. I'm certain the Niners took a long look at Watt but chose Aldon because they already had Justin Smith and Ray McDonald...yet were lacking that Ware-type pass rusher which would give their defense another dimension. It was a risky pick because Aldon was really young but it turned out that they chose well.
cheers!