5. Habakkuk Baldonado, Pitt Draft Wire's Luke Easterling breaks down three prospects who could get drafted on Day 2 or 3 but have an immediate impact. He can play on third downs and stick to tight ends in coverage. Top needs entering the draft: QB, CB, S, G/C, WR. 12. He had 19 catches last season, averaging 16.5 yards per reception. Tyler Barnes, NC Central I feel good, but out of an abundance of caution Im just going to take a step back from this years draft coverage, he said in a video posted to Twitter. Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss Cory Trice, Purdue I've been calling cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16) this draft's "Splendid Splinter," because of his frame. Sam LaPorta, Iowa Tyler Steen, Alabama They ranked near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense last season. Josh Downs, North Carolina Eric Scott Jr., Southern Mississippi Reed is only 5-foot-11, but he plays bigger on tape. But not this year. I don't see a vastly improved defensive depth chart. Jason Brownlee, WR, Southern Mississippi 30. The NFL draft's first round starts April 28, with Rounds 2-3 the following day and the final four rounds wrapping up the event on April 30. Chase Brown, Illinois Kaleb Hayes, BYU Effective next week, I will be separated from the company.. 36. I was surprised he dropped that far. John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota Paxton Brooks, Tennessee He could be Northwestern's second top-15 offensive tackle pick in three years (joining Rashawn Slater in 2021). The Seahawks struck gold with cornerback Tariq Woolen and found solid rookie starters in offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas and running back Kenneth Walker. Jacky Chen, Pace 31. He gave up just 3.3 yards per attempt and zero touchdowns while breaking up 14 passes and picking off three more. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame I like running back Eric Gray (172) as a potential steal on Day 3; he isn't a burner, but he can be a one-cut back behind Saquon Barkley. Austin Stidham, Troy Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina He took too many sacks. With tight end Dalton Schultz leaving in free agency and running back Ezekiel Elliott getting cut, Dallas had holes at both positions heading into the draft, and I thought it could address each of them on the first two days. Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland 27. This is how to support an inexperienced passer. Sydney Brown, S, Illinois 22. He is one of my favorite prospects in the entire class. Plus, he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine, so once he breaks a tackle, he's tough to chase down. 9. If Young & Co. struggle, Chicago might have a top-five choice. 46. Kiper Jr. announced last week that he wouldn't be physically at the draft in Sin City, but rather broadcasting from his home studio in Maryland. Wideout Tre Tucker (100) went a round early. I love doing these draft grades because it helps me put each class into perspective. I think so, even if it doesn't quite make Denver a Super Bowl contender. 7. Some of this had to do with getting ahead on the DTs early in a thinner-than-normal class, but I'm grading each class on value, and so the Bears have to get dinged. I don't mind spending a seventh-rounder on TCU quarterback Max Duggan (239), though I have questions about his ceiling. Mel Kiper Salary, Net Worth, Health, Vaccination - ABTC 57. We have to give Indianapolis credit for not panicking and trading up for a quarterback. ET): HT: 6-foot-3 | WT: 314 pounds | Previously: 1. As Bryce Young declares for the NFL draft, take a look at some of his highlight plays from his collegiate career at Alabama. He struggled a little bit with an unspecified injury over the last two months in 2022, but he finished the season with 59 catches for 875 yards and eight scores. 58 overall on my Big Board and is ranked third at the position. 80. Kearis Jackson, Georgia, David Durden, West Florida On Day 2, they added cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (32), defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (49) and tight end Darnell Washington (93), all of whom could play significant roles this season. Both of the small, quick wide receivers would have fit perfectly around Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Does he have flaws? 108. 32. 2. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota 2023 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's final first-round predictions This is not a mock draft or prediction of where prospects will be drafted. 14 overall, the Patriots were in an interesting spot in this draft. 45. Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee Robert Soderholm III, VMI Not necessarily about the value -- Johnston is No. 18. Ryan Hayes, Michigan Offensive tackle Tyler Steen (65) has some interesting traits if he can improve his technique, and he might also move inside to guard. Titus Leo, Wagner Tanner Morgan, Minnesota Instant-impact rookies can come from any round, of course, but it's asking a lot to guarantee that any of these guys will play early and often. 22. I don't love drafting running backs in Round 1, but Robinson deserves this ranking; I grade based on ability, not my first-round philosophy. Gambling Problem? 14. 116. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Normally, I'd say that's amazing for the Texans, but they gave up a ton to make it happen, as I wrote Thursday night. Chandler Zavala, G, NC State Credit to them for not reaching for a direct need, though, as a team can never have too many pass-rushers. Stroud's protector. This pick is going to be a litmus test for how NFL teams evaluate signal-callers going forward. He also showed up at his pro day 9 pounds heavier than he was at the NFL combine, and he couldn't finish the position drills. Darnell Washington, Georgia Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt 6. He has really long arms. 23, they opted for a prospect who can make an immediate impact. Steve Avila, G, TCU Braeden Daniels (118) is light on his feet but undersized; he is my seventh-ranked guard. Quindell Johnson, Memphis 20. "I completely support everyone determining what's best for their individual circumstance and recognize the value of vaccines,"Kiper said in thestatement. The Titans moved up eight spots in a trade with the Cardinals, giving up Nos. McDonald is a speed rusher who is super explosive; he had the best broad jump of any of the edge rushers at the combine (11 feet). Mel Kiper's mock draft (ESPN) Kiper's final mock draft was released April 27. 149. Top needs entering the draft: WR, TE, CB, DT, RB. Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, CB, WR, QB. 8 to Atlanta. 5. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon 16. Keenan Isaac, Alabama State I had a fifth-round grade on defensive tackle Byron Young (70) and a sixth-round grade on quarterback Aidan O'Connell (135). Jerome Carvin, Tennessee Myles Berry, East Carolina 5. 15. Zaire Barnes, Western Michigan He was born on the 25th of July in 1960. Matt Hembrough, Oklahoma State Offensive lineman Cody Mauch (48) impressed by taking a step up in talent level at the Senior Bowl. Kenny McIntosh, Georgia Bijan Robinson, Texas Jayson Ademilola, Notre Dame 18, with top running back Bijan Robinson still on the board. Michael Turk, Oklahoma Read Mel Kiper Jr.s full statement below, which he tweeted out on April 18th. ESPN's NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. got very bold with his latest 2022 NFL draft mock regarding the Buffalo Bills. Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Fresno State In the rest of Carthon's group, Peter Skoronski (11) was my top-ranked offensive lineman in the entire class, and running back Tyjae Spears (81) is extremely talented, assuming his medical reports check out. 117. Jacob Copeland, Maryland Jon Gaines II, UCLA The Georgia Tech transfer was dynamic for the Yellow Jackets in 2021, putting up 1,805 all-purpose yards. Cody Mauch, North Dakota State Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane 14. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU I have been denied my request for accommodation not to get vaccinated, Williams said in a video posted Oct. 15 toInstagram. Jermaine McDaniel Jr., NC A&T Read more on the 2023 draft , 1. I like his potential. For edge rushers, it's all about physical traits and tools, and the 6-foot-6 Wilson has everything teams want in that regard. I moved him to No. Drew Sanders, Arkansas The Falcons got a fantastic rookie season from fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier, and yet they took Bijan Robinson at No. So when they went for wideout Quentin Johnston (21) instead, I was surprised. Jordan Wright, Kentucky, Mikel Jones, Syracuse 34. Jacquez Jones, Kentucky 5. David Perales, Fresno State 8. What I say about the draft is that we're trying to project who a prospect could be, not evaluate exactly what he is right now. Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford While I like Gibbs' game, this is too high. 60. They found a few values and got my favorite Day 3 quarterback, Clayton Tune (139). On Day 3, I liked edge rusher Jose Ramirez (196) as a late flier and tight end Payne Durham (171) as an upside play to find a pass-catcher. 7. Michael Jefferson, Louisiana NFL Draft: Why ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. is broadcasting from home After an inconsistent game in the season-opening loss to Georgia, he was a lockdown corner the rest of the way. Zach Harrison, Ohio State Ronnie Thomas. 10. 2. Some teams had a higher grade on wideout Cedric Tillman (74) than his Tennessee teammate Jalin Hyatt, who went a pick before him. With Cam Robinson facing a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, Anton Harrison (27) might have to be thrown into the fire on the left side. Wanya Morris, Oklahoma The Seahawks went with two Michigan players I like on Day 3 -- defensive end Mike Morris (151) and center Olusegun Oluwatimi (154) -- and LSU's Anthony Bradford (108) is my fifth-ranked guard. 55. Parker Washington, Penn State He tackles in the run game and will stick to receivers like glue in coverage. I would have gone with Ji'Ayir Brown or Riley Moss over Sydney Brown (66) if I were taking a safety, but I don't have a huge issue with the Eagles preferring Brown. 4. He is another rising prospect from the combine -- he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and had a 41.5-inch vertical. Some of that is because he was asked to lock down the top receiver on every team and he didn't get much help. New Orleans instead landed my third-ranked DT Bryan Bresee (29), who isn't as good against the run as Carter but does have some pass-rush upside. 26. NFL draft grades 2023: How Mel Kiper Jr., other experts rate - Yahoo The . Shaun Shivers, Indiana Marte Mapu, OLB, Sacramento State NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF John Michael Schmitz (57) is my top-ranked center, and he fills a huge hole. DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama Cornerback Deonte Banks (24) was consistently impressive when I watched his 2022 tape, and he stuck to receivers in man coverage. Leonard Taylor, Cincinnati He is a cut-and-go runner with outstanding vision and explosiveness. Tyler Scott (133) is a slot wideout who runs after the catch like a tailback. Daniel Scott, California Instead, he will broadcast live from his home studio in Maryland. O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida Mel Kiper Mel Kiper Jr. is known as an American football analyst on ESPN. Chris Bacon, Bowling Green Larry Harrington, Langston Nick Herbig, Wisconsin This years NFL Draft is from April 28 to April 30. Alex Cook, Washington Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan Michael Wilson, Stanford 5. 64. Dallas did well. 15. 50, Man United in pole position for top four, but can't take their eyes off Liverpool, The VAR Review: Red cards for Jota, Skipp; Richarlison penalty claim, Zags, Vols have gained spots in men's WTE Top 25, Titans quarterback Will Levis opens up about emotional draft day, After hoopla of going No. The Browns sent their first-rounder to the Texans in the Deshaun Watson deal and their second-rounder to the Jets in the Elijah Moore trade (Cleveland got a third-round selection in return), which meant the Browns waited all the way into the middle of Round 3 to be on the clock. Top needs entering the draft: DT, WR, TE, DE, G. This was an interesting draft for the Saints, who originally traded away their first-rounder last April then added one as a result of former coach Sean Payton getting hired by the Broncos. Darius Rush, South Carolina And yet, I like a bunch of these picks, except for kicker Jake Moody (99) in Round 3. 42. Ravens receivers caught just seven touchdown passes all of last season, and general manager Eric DeCosta has now added Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to the depth chart. Top needs entering the draft: DE, CB, RB, WR, C/G. 17. He has a chance to go in the top 15 picks because teams always reach for edge rushers. Kincaid also improved as a blocker last season. He had an up-and-down season, throwing 17 touchdown passes and nine interceptions while running for nine scores. Andrew Vorhees, USC Top needs entering the draft: OT, C, WR, S, DT. 26. Morris was a little too inconsistent on tape; he is my No. Ronnie Brown, Shepherd Tight end Zack Kuntz (220) lit up the combine workouts, and he is a worthy risk in Round 7. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State 125. 105. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama Is Mel Kiper Sick - buzzyards.com 19. He can take a jet sweep to the house. Top needs entering the draft: C, OLB, RB, DT, CB. DeAndre Square, Kentucky I would have been harsher on a team taking quarterback Hendon Hooker (68) in Round 1, but Detroit was able to land him at the top of Round 3. 9. And now he'll get to play with former college teammate Dax Hill in this secondary. Linebacker Dee Winters (216) went about 60 picks after I thought he would. Wilson was a consistent menace off the edge for the Red Raiders. 85. Randy Charlton, Mississippi State Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M Kwabena Bonsu, Army He has appeared on ESPN's annual NFL draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth information on the nation's potential draft picks. Let's say there were mixed results, as I wrote Thursday night. 34. 13. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky 106. 56. 6 to No. Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss He allowed just nine pressures and one sack last season, even though his team struggled. For all three days, I will appear from my home studio in Maryland rather than onsite in Vegas as I am unvaccinated from Covid-19, Kiper tweeted. I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN pic.twitter.com/C5ea9NjdqK. 29. 16. Coldon, Oklahoma 81. He led the FBS in broken tackles forced per game (4.1) and averaged 112.7 rushing yards per game. This Carolina roster has a ways to go, especially after losing wideout DJ Moore as part of the trade with Chicago. 30. The strange thing is he's only three years younger than starter Jared Goff, who just wrapped up Year 7 in the NFL. Anders Carlson, Auburn I just switched Skoronski from a tackle to a guard in my rankings, though opinions differ on him across the league. I'll also mention a few of my favorite prospects in the class. Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. He was born on July 25 1960 and has been an integral part of ESPN's annual NFL coverage of the draft since 1984, providing detailed details about potential draft picks across the nation. 27. I'm a big fan. Darnell Wright, Tennessee D'Shawn Jamison, Texas 9. 3. 40. After his freshman season in 2020, I thought Bresee was a future top-five pick, but he missed all of 2021 with an ACL injury. 140. Jason Dumas, Southern, 1. 10. Baltimore's best move on Thursday? I'm a fan of Porter, a lanky and physical defender who can reroute receivers with the best of them. The Eagles had two first-rounders thanks to last year's trade with New Orleans, and they were able to maneuver the board for two prospects in my top 12, including the No. Jordan Addison will fit well as the No. Nikko Remigio, Fresno State That's extremely high for a player I don't think has starter-level tools. 18. 3. 35. He averaged 155.7 rushing yards per game last season, and he can break tackles in the open field. He's going to be coveted by teams that run a 3-4 because such teams always have a need for high-end edge rushers. 10, they could have made the move up one spot to get Jalen Carter, like the Eagles did, and fill their biggest hole. The Raiders had a rough 2022 season, the first under new coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. 36. Aidan O'Connell, Purdue 47. Achane is super fast and has ability in the pass game; what's not to like? Harrison allowed just one sack over the past two seasons. 19. video for Did Steph Curry cook up the best Game 7 performance ever? 7. He just gets open and makes plays. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (39) is a big riser since the end of the season; he has a great mix of size and speed, and he is great after the catch. He had six pick-sixes and 14 total interceptions in his college career. 11. 1:46 NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. will participate in ESPN's television broadcast covering the tentpole event from his home studio in Maryland and not onsite in Las Vegas because he is. He should be on preseason Rookie of the Year watchlists. Brian Branch, Alabama 143. 8. 15. 44. 17. Jerron Cage, Ohio State 8. Sevyn Banks, LSU 66. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina 6. Brandon Kipper, Oregon State Joshua Pryor, Bowie State Julius Brents, Kansas State ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper graded the Saints rookie class a B-minus, criticizing them for 'a few significant reaches' in Rounds 2 and 3. . For instance, I ranked 55 wide receivers, 28 defensive tackles and 45 cornerbacks, along with the top nine long-snappers in this class, even though we'll be lucky to see one of them get drafted. Tre Tucker, Cincinnati 34. Luke Wypler, Ohio State 91. Kyle Soelle, Arizona State Nick Goss. Israel Abanikanda, Pitt 1 (34.5) in 2021. And defensive end YaYa Diaby (82), who made my pre-draft favorites list, has the tools to become a steal. 2. I thought I was high on quarterback Stetson Bennett (128), but I had heard he was more likely to go in Rounds 5 or 6. 16. Kelee Ringo, Georgia Jake Witt (236) is an intriguing dart throw in Round 7; he is my 17th-ranked offensive tackle. Picks correct: 1.5/31 Noteworthy: Not a particularly strong. 71. Garett Maag, North Dakota Grant Miller, Baylor Malik Heath, Ole Miss 141. He started 42 games in college, playing both tackle spots and right guard for the Vols. Safety Gervarrius Owens is an intriguing flier in Round 7. The NFL Draft is the highlight of my year and I am looking forward to taking part in my 39th this month on ESPN. 17. ESPN requires its on-site employees get the COVID-19 vaccine and the NFL mandates that on-site reporters also get the jab . Josh Whyle, HB, Cincinnati, 1. 4. Nick Broeker (230) is a decent guard prospect who is definitely worth a Round 7 flier. And I have to say, I'm impressed by several of the prospects general manager Andrew Berry landed. Ventrell Miller, Florida 1 with the Panthers, adding pick Nos. 13. Anderson's sack numbers were down (10) from his historic 2021 season (17.5), and he ranked sixth in the country with 19.5 tackles for loss after being No. Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State Demario Douglas, Liberty 8. BJ Ojulari, LSU The 49ers entered Day 1 with 11 total picks -- but zero in Rounds 1 or 2. . Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia DiRenzo, Rutgers Mel Kiper Jr.'s final 2023 NFL draft mock sends Bills first-round pass Krishon Merriweather, Texas Tech. 9. He had 19 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions last season, and his 60.9 QBR ranked 59th in the country. NFL draft: Biggest potential steals in this year's class. The reason behind his decision is due to the fact that he has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech I think Bradford could push for early playing time. Joe Shimko, NC State He's accurate and is an anticipatory thrower who knows how to hit receivers where they need the ball to run after the catch. That's the biggest question I try to answer. He also can get beat deep at times. Get your favorite live sports, stories and originals with ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu. This will be Kiper's 39th NFL draft broadcast on ESPN. 22. Levis' stats won't blow anyone away, but he didn't have a great supporting cast of playmakers around him. Gonzalez started 18 games at Colorado -- including six as a true freshman in 2020 -- before transferring to Oregon before the 2022 season. Jalen Fowler, NC A&T. Ben VanSumeren, Michigan State 2. Top needs entering the draft: TE, OLB, S, WR, DT. On tape, though, I really like Forbes' aggressiveness and fight. 13 tackle. Nick Hampton, Appalachian State DJ Turner, Michigan The issue is the 2024 third-rounder Denver gave up to grab Moss, which dings this class. Overall, I was impressed with what Ossenfort did in his first class as a GM, getting a plug-and-play left tackle and prime 2024 picks. 2023 NFL draft grades: Mel Kiper picks best, worst, sleepers - ESPN Lou Hedley, Miami The former five-star prospect has a great chance to be the top tackle in this class. 97. 7. He had a stunning 130 pressures over the past two seasons, which is 45 more than the second-best defender (San Jose State's Viliami Fehoko). Nick Saldiveri (103) played mostly right tackle in college, but he likely will move inside to guard for New Orleans. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame Coach Brian Daboll helped make a trade up for wideout Jalin Hyatt (73), whom I had rated as the No. Two running backs in the top 12. 39. I also liked the Keion White (46) selection in the middle of Round 2. Kiper has been up and down on the Cowboys over the past several drafts. 15. 122. Tavius Robinson, DE, Ole Miss 14. 10. 30. I still have questions about the receivers on this depth chart, but maybe Carthon can work some magic in the veteran market after the draft. Xavier Gipson, SF Austin Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas Tight end Cameron Latu (101) has upside, and he'll get to learn the ropes from George Kittle. 39. They're going to make an early impact. AJ Finley, Ole Miss 7. 1, Panthers' Bryce Young is all 'business now'. 5. They need help on both sides of the ball. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Mel and Kim Kiper were married in 1989. Why aren't Mel Kiper and Todd McShay doing the draft together? 10. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. sends Bills curious first-round pick in latest Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State Jayden Reed, Michigan State The guy is without question the g.o.a.t. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia Anthony Bradford, LSU Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, ESPN's dueling duo of the NFL Draft aren't working together this weekend. 135. At 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, there aren't many quarterbacks in the history of the league with Richardson's size, speed and arm strength. Garrett Nelson, Nebraska
3 Day Tuna Fishing Trip San Diego,
Sahith Theegala Family,
Orange Lutheran High School Famous Alumni,
Rocky River Rec Center Gym Schedule,
Articles M