Mel Kiper: Everything's over and done with. We'll have some review a bit and we can also talk about next year's draft.
James (Chitown): Mel, who do you think were some late round steals or UDFA who will make some noise in the NFL?
Mel Kiper: Late round steals were Gary Barnidge, Marcus Monk,
Orlando Scandrick, Mike Hart, Trae Williams, Adrian Arrington, Josh Morgan, Geno Hayes. As far as undrafted players go, Caleb Hanie.
Lisa Pfeiffer (White Hall, MD): Hi Mel, What are the chances of Flacco playing this year? I hope that the Ravens won't throw him to the wolves from the start of the season. I hope that they learn from the mistakes that they made with Boller.
Mel Kiper: I think it will be Troy Smith or Kyle Boller. Flacco will watch and learn and will have a chance to be a starter in '09. That's a good situation to just watch those two and adjust to the NFL.
Dale (Ocala , Fl): Hi Mel, Great job on the draft. DO you think the Dolphins should have gone secondary during the draft?
Mel Kiper: I thought the Dolphins should have drafted Matt Ryan. If they had intentions of drafting Chad Henne in the second round, they should have gone with Matt Ryan in the first. I thought they should have gone CB.
Michael (Bagdad, Iraq): Mel thank you for all of your hard work leading up to the draft! We appreciate it greatly. Us Bears fans here don't understand all of the angst surrounding the Bears decision to bypass a QB. Are we nuts to believe that Grossman has a higher ceiling than either Brohm or Henne? Thanks again!
Mel Kiper: The thing there is that they feel stronger about Grossman or Orton than others do. They feel like no QB they draft is going to help them in '09 anyway. They were going with Grossman or Orton anyway. Caleb Hanie, you could have made him a 5th round pick. He had a draftable grade. I thought the Bears had a very very solid draft. The Bears also signed another QB I like in Nick Hill out of Southern Illinois.
Cole (mesa, AZ): Was it a bad choice by Dallas to pass up Rashard Mendenhall? I feel we blew that pick just the same as when we didnt draft Steven Jackson.
Mel Kiper: I had Mendenhall higher. I would have drafted him to. But you get locked into Jones, with the Arkansas connection. Plus, he's a kick returner. He's a dynamic kick returner.
chad dubuque, ia: hey mel. do you think that monk has a chance to start for the bears? thanks
Mel Kiper: I think he can have an impact in the red zone right away. He's a big target. He has big hands. He ran great 40 times leading up to the draft. He had big numbers as a junior. He ended up with 11 TDs, 50 catches for 19.2 yard average.
Andy (Ann Arbor, MI): Were you surprised that Henderson and Highsmith went undrafted?
Mel Kiper: A little surprised they didn't get drafted, but I wasn't surprised that they dropped. Neither gained any momentum through the draft. They didn't have good workouts. I thought Highsmith may go undrafted, but I thought Henderson might go in the 4th or 5th. But he did sign with Minnesota.
Matt (Philly): The Eagles got mixed reviews on their draft but I really liked it. Your thoughts? Thanks, Mel!
Mel Kiper: I gave it a C+ to a B. They drafted 10 players. I like the numbers they bring in. I like that they have an extra No. 1 pick next year from Carolina. I think 7 of the 10 make the team. Jake Ikegwuonu, he could help you next year. I think Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson can have an immediate impact.
ish (NYC): i see in '09 boards lots of people have tebow going pretty high. that's a joke, right? did anyone watch his bowl game? that's not an nfl qb.
Mel Kiper: I don't rank juniors until they declare and I don't think he's ready for the NFL. I think he needs to play four years. That system is not NFL ready. Right now, I'm not going to put any third-year sophomores or juniors in my top 10. That will be out tomorrow and my first top 25 should be out in August.
Dave (New York): Mel, do you just sleep for the next week now or what? Go on vacation for a month? What is Mel Kiper's offseason like? Any big summer plans?
Mel Kiper: Not really. I do spend a little time on the patio. I have two feet on the patio for the next month or so. Enjoy being with my family. This is the time I catch up watching the juniors and sophomores for next year. This is a great time to get a head start on the evaluation process. But I do take some time to get away from football for a while.
Joshua (Tallahassee): How did Mendenhall slip all the way to 23?
Mel Kiper: He's a RB. That's the bottom line. RBs always drop a little bit. Once Stewart moved a little bit ahead of him, the writing was on the wall. I learned a week before the draft that Detroit wasn't that high on him. That's when I moved Jerod Mayo into their spot. He ended up going 23. He's a first rounder. He dropped maybe 8 spots.
arathi (orlando, fl): i know chicago wanted matt forte but was early second really necessary? does the kid have that kind of skill?
Mel Kiper: Definitely, because I know some teams that really liked him no later than the 3rd round. He'd be off the board no later than round 3. He had a high grade with a lot of teams.
Matt, Raleigh: Seems like the 49ers weren't going to waste any time picking Balmer. Considering all the OT's were gone was he that bad a of a pick for us?
Mel Kiper: No, Balmer was fine. Rachal was fine. He can play guard or RT. The key to this is going to be Josh Morgan, the 6th round pick. They didn't take a WR until the 6th round. That's the position they needed the most help in. Reggie Smith has to define if he's a safety or corner. He ended up being a 3rd round pick. But I don't have a problem with Balmer, he fits that 3-4. What they didn't get was a pass rushing OLB.
scott (ok CIty): Know this is down the road, but is Chris "Beanie" Wells going to be a star NFL back?
Mel Kiper: If he comes out next year, he'll be the No. 1 RB. He's the No. 1 junior. If he has a big year, he has a chance to be the No. 1 RB in the country.
Liam (Houston): I see '09 Draft projections already. Honestly, how did your top 10 predictions from a year ago compare to what happened this weekend? Was it only Mcfadden, Long, and Dorsey that actually went in the top 10? Where did you rank Ryan among QB's?
Mel Kiper: The guys that were in there last year were Glenn Dorsey, Jake Long, Brian Brohm, Sedrick Ellis, Mike Jenkins, Gosder Cherilous, Limas Sweed, Kenny Phillips, Sam Baker, John Carlson.
Jordan (Slinger, WI): By selecting two QBS, did Ted Thompson make a statement about Brett Favre?
Mel Kiper: I think he was basically bringing in security blankets. There is not going to be any competition for the QB spot this year. It's Rodgers. Next year, if Rodgers doesn't seize control, then they have security blankets.
Mike (CT): Hey Mel, how much of an impact do you see John David Booty possibly making with the Vikings in the future???
Mel Kiper: I like Booty. It was a real good pick for the Vikings. At worst, he's a career backup. But I think Jackson is a guy they like internally. He has a great arm and is putting in the time necessary to transition. This is another security blanket pick.
Jake (NY): Mel, what are your thoughts on Hunter Cantwell? He looks like he has a lot of promise, but he does not have a lot of experience.
Mel Kiper: He has a whole lot of promise. When Brohm was hurt, he showed flashes of potential. He's the QB this year for Louisville and he has a chance to be one of the top QBs in the draft this year.
Joe (Chicago): Mel - I had never heard of Jerome Simpson until he went in the 2nd. What's the deal - is he a possession guy, a slot guy or a downfield threat? Did the Bengals reach for him?
Mel Kiper: No. They really didn't reach for him. At worst, a 3rd round pick. He was the fastest WRs in the draft. He had great athletic ability. He has outstanding speed. He has tremendous athletic ability. He has good, not great hands. There's definitely going to be a tranisition period for him. I expect him to have some tough moments in training camp. The only thing is that Cincinnati needs him to help out this year. But he has a lot of upside potential.
Mike, (Cleveland): Loved the banter between you and McShay...was it staged, or do you two just not like each other??
Mel Kiper: Nothing we've ever done is staged. I'll never be a part of anything staged. It's all our feelings on players. We don't try to be combative, we just are. We went out to dinner up at ESPN and we talked about it. We have our opinions. It's nothing personal, we just have different opinions. He's 30, I'm 47. That's a big difference right there. We have majorly varying opinions. It's all real. We've never said you take one side, I take another. Never.
Gene (Birmingham, AL): In three years is Sam Baker a steal or a reach?
Mel Kiper: You'll never say he's a steal. He went too early to say he's a steal. Back in January, I had him going 14th to the Bears. But he didn't have a great Senior Bowl week. But he's never going to be a steal. The question will be is a LT. He has short arms. If not, he'll have to move to guard. He could be a LT, but that will be interesting to see. If he's not a LT or RT, it's not a good first round pick.
Dan (Ohio): Mel, what do teams realistically hope to get out of rounds 4 through 7? 1 starter? 1 starter, 1 back-up?
Mel Kiper: They're looking for good football players. You can't go in saying that this guy is just going to be a backup or this guy a special teamer. I've given you a list of guys that I think will do well. No one's smart enough to know who will be a backup or starter.
Steiny (NYC): What small school prospect (like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Leodis McKelvin) will skyrocket next year?
Mel Kiper: Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St.; Herb Danielson, RB; Tyler Roehl, RB, ND St.; Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly-SLO; Kervin Michaud, WR, Delaware; Jeremy Gilchrist, WR, Hampton; Robbie Agnone, TE, Delaware; Brandon Swain, DE, W. Texas A+M; Jared Brock, LB; Darren Banks, DB, West Liberty; Jackie Bates, DB, Hampton. These are all seniors.
Tampa Fl: Great job Mel, ESPN's coverage was much better than other guys. Was the Bucs pick in the 2nd of Dexter Jackson a reach for speed before it ran out or was this a good value at the end of the 2nd?
Mel Kiper: I thought it was a little early for Jackson. He doesn't have great natural receiving skills. At that point, I would have looked at Earl Bennett or LaValle Hawkins, Early Doucet, Harry Douglas. There are some other WRs that I would have taken. But he was one of the fastest players in the draft. He ran 4.33 at the combine. He has some kickoff return skills too.
Laguna Hills, Ca.: Hey Mel, How did my NE Pats do in the draft this year , also what up their UDFA's ?
Mel Kiper: They did OK. They didn't need a lot. They got the LB Mayo. Wheatley in the second round. I would have looked at Charles Godfrey at that point. Crable fits their system. I thought the QB O'Connell was a little high. Matthew Slater, their fifth round pick, they took as a returner. Ruud could be a backup LB. I would say a C+.
Jarrod (Hawaii): Is it possible for Colt Brennan to have a productive NFL career? what does he need to do for this to happen?
Mel Kiper: I was asked before the draft and I said 6th or 7th round. He could be the developmental No. 3 QB with the Commanders this year. He could develop for 3-4 years in Washington. Campbell is the QB down there. I think he could surface down the road as a starter for another team. There are a lot of QBs that are not as talented as Brennan that have surfaced as a starter.
Randy (Wyoming): Mel I felt the Broncos did a great job in rounds 4-7. What are your thoughts of some these guys Torain, Barrett, Hillis ect..?
Mel Kiper: I think their second day picks were solid. They took two players from the same school twice. I like that. I think it helps the kids transition. They feel like they have someone with them. I think Royal will have a nice career. Ryan Clady will be asked to be the starting LT right away. I think the majority of their picks make the team.
Ryan(NJ): Do you see as ahigh a bust potential in Gholston as many seem to?
Mel Kiper: I think he'll be OK in the 3-4. Had he gone to a 4-3, I thought he could have been a boom or bust. But going to a 3-4 and playing the OLB pass rushing player, that position allows for success.
Patrick (Minneapolis): What's your evaluation of Tyrell Johnson? And is he versatile enough to get on the field in some nickel and dime situations this year or does he wait to play until Sharper moves on?
Mel Kiper: I think he's going to be a guy to keep an eye on. He'll have an impact as a rookie. He's a free safety or strong safety. He's got great range. He's tough. He's a ballhawk. I was surprised that the Giants took Phillips over Johnson.
Nate (Madison): Jordy Nelson, talented but maybe picked a little early?
Mel Kiper: No. He was going to go in the second round, guaranteed. He was a hot guy going into the draft. Smart guy, tough guy. He could have gone 41. But they couldn't have waited. He was not getting out of the second round.
Mel Kiper: Keep in mind 10 WRs went in the second round.
Scott (Kansas City): Do you think the Chiefs got a good deal for Jared Allen after seeing who they chose in the draft?
Mel Kiper: Yeah, I think the Chiefs had a good draft. You could say they had one of the best drafts. They didn't replace Allen, but you can't replace him in one draft. I think 10 of the 12 players they drafted make the team.
Mel Kiper: Maybe even 11 of the 12.
Blake (austin,tx): Do you think the Texans reached for Duane Brown or did the right thing for our franchise (Remember we didnt pick again till the 3rd round)?
Mel Kiper: The thing that surprised me with the Texans at that point was trading out of 18, because they had a shot at Mendenhall. They did draft a RB in the third in Steve Slaton. But he's a situational back. Mendenhall could have been the work horse. When they traded out of 18 they lost out on him. I didn't agree with them on that.
adam (new york, ny): why do you think Andre Woodson fell so far and why the Giants with NO QB needs took him?
Mel Kiper: If you look at what they have behind the starting QB, it's not like they have quality backups to Manning. There is room on this roster for a developmental No. 3 QB, which is what Woodson is. We knew he was going to drop. The earliest he was going to go was the fourth round.
Kyle (minneapolis): Was there any scenario you had donnie avery as the first wr?
Mel Kiper: No, but there wasn't a lot of difference in grades between the WRs. I had Devin Thomas as my top WR. There were 15 other WRs that were not that far off in terms of grades. Jackson, Sweed, Hardy, Doucet, Hawkins, Avery, etc. Avery caught 91 passes this year. He caught 13 passes in one game for 346 yards for a C-USA record. Yeah, it was surprising that he was the first WR taken, but it was not surprising that he was a second round pick. A reliable source told me right before the draft that Avery was in the discussion for Tampa's first round pick.
Blake(austin,tx): yea we weren't too happy bout passin on Mendenhall down here either
Joe (Detroit): What do think of J. Dizon? I love his production and everything I hear about his character, but it seems like Detroit valued him higher than other teams.
Mel Kiper: They really didn't. I had him going the last pick in the second round to the Giants. I had him going in the second round. He went a little higher than I thought, but he fits their scheme. He can cover, he has range and he can run.
Casey (Florida): Hey kiper, Do you think Mcfadden will do what Adrian Peterson did last yr?
Mel Kiper: No. I don't see it. First of all, Minnesota had an outstanding run blocking OL. The Raiders have to see who settles in at QB, they don't have big weapons at WR. Plus you have two other backs that are pretty good in Fargas and Bush. I think the most productive back will be Kevin Smith going to Detroit. You can always get outstanding RBs later in the draft and that happened this year.
Chad, Iowa: Hey Mel, Can you comment, I think J. Finley will turn into a really nice weapon for the Packers THIS season, I know his blocking is lackluster but he's electric in the passing game! P.S. - I could listen to you and McShay go back and forth all day, but you're still tha king.
Mel Kiper: He has just got to get more consistency. I thought he needed another year at Texas. He has a lot of talent, a lot of upside. If he had gone back to Texas, he could have been higher. He has talent.
Cesar (El Paso,TX): Great job on the draft. Do you still feel that Felix Jones will provide that ingredient late in the games?
Mel Kiper: I think he can provide an explosive presence. The kid has a lot of skills. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. I didn't see people chase him down from behind. There are a number of teams that had a high opinion of this kid.
Mel Kiper: I can't thank everybody enough. We had a great year. We rolled all the way from August 1 to May 1. Hopefully everyone enjoyed it. We'll be back in August again. Have a safe, happy, fun summer.
