Risen Star
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This was done before the combine.
Aaron (Leesbufg, VA)
Will the Patriots draft Gurley if he falls to them at the end of the 1st round? And does Belichick finally draft a deep threat to stretch the field this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:04 PM)
He could go either way. Gurley is a guy you might have to red-shirt for the year. I would think more along the lines of WR/TE.
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Kevin (DC)
Word is Green-Beckham is interviewing well and he measured in huge at 6-5, 230...if he runs well, how high can he move up the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
He has a chance to be a first round pick. He could go somewhere 18-32. KC is at 18 and needs a WR. That's where I had him going there in my first mock. He had a year of inactivity. And he's had off the field issues. Some teams will be hesitant, but it only takes one out of the 32. KC at 18. Baltimore at 26. Indy at 29. New England at 32. Seattle at 31.
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Andre (Detroit) [via mobile]
Can Ameer Abdullah turn out to be the best back in this class?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
Yeah. It could be. I think it will either be Gurley or Gordon, but it could be Abdullah. He gives you versatility. He could have a Sproles like career.
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Steve Florida [via mobile]
is Leonard worthy of the number one pick? I think him and McCoy could be dangerous combo
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
I think he's worthy of being the No. 1 pick to Tennessee. The No. 1 pick has to be a QB. Tampa Bay needs a DE, but their desperate need is a QB. They can't be in a division with Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Cam Newton and be a distant fourth in QB play. They have to take one of the QBs.
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Danny (Houston)
If the draft unfolds where the "Best Player Available" was an OT and cowboys are on the clock, should they draft the OT if they can't trade down?
Mel Kiper
(2:09 PM)
No. I don't think they would take a OL. They would look at CB, DE, DT, RB, WR. It could be a guy like Marcus Peters at CB. A DE like Bud Dupree. A DT like Carl Davis. If Melvin Gordon III is there, they could look at him.
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Mel Kiper
(2:10 PM)
He could go mid first. Cincinnati, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Dallas.
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John (MN)
Given the apparent depth at WR, wouldn't a team be better off waiting until Rd2 or later to draft a WR? How much of a drop off is there from the Top Tier to the Second Tier of WR?
Mel Kiper
(2:12 PM)
I think there will be some really good second and third round receivers. Look at last year's guys: Jarvis Landry. Martavis Bryant.
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
For this year, it could be guys like: Jaelin Strong, Phillip Dorsett, Justin Hardy, Stephon Diggs, Tyler Lockett.
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Craig (PA)
If you're the Raiders (and this depends on who they get in FA), would you rather have Randy Gregory or Amari Cooper?
Mel Kiper
(2:14 PM)
Cooper would, just because Derek Carr. You have to get Carr a No. 1 option. Your QB has to be your main guy. He has to be your game changer. He has to be your most important guy on your team. You have to help your QB and right now they have no one close to being a No. 1.
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
With Cooper, you can make the case he's the hardest working player in this draft.
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Derek (Pinellas Park)
Generally speaking, how many drafts would it take a team to rebuild a bad roster?
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
I would say 3 drafts. Sometimes in 2 drafts and some free agent signings. It could be quicker if you hit on a QB. But for the most part, three drafts you can get the team back to playoff caliber level.
Mel Kiper
(2:16 PM)
For example, Atlanta, with Matt Ryan, is a team that could come back quick. The Giants, with Eli Manning. They both could do it even in one year. New Orleans with Drew Brees. They could bounce back.
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Adam (Harrisburg PA)
Mel to either of the Devin's (Smith/Funchess) make it to the 49ers in round 2?
Mel Kiper
(2:18 PM)
I don't see either making it that far. Devin Smith is the higher rated player, to me. Funchess was inconsistent this year. I don't think he is an inline blocking TE. He disappointed in some games. My more highly rated player is Smith.
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Michael ( d.c) [via mobile]
Who's the better pass rusher between Shane Ray and randy Gregory
Mel Kiper
(2:19 PM)
Gregory probably has more upside, because he's long and athletic. He has the wing span, the height, the frame to add strength. But Ray is a proven entity. He'll test out really well. His production and consistency is better than Gregory's. More durable. You're splitting hairs.
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Craig (PA)
Does your Raiders answer change if they get Cobb, Maclin, T. Smith, or Julius Thomas? Or do they need one (or two) along with cooper?
Mel Kiper
(2:20 PM)
They need more than one WR. If you get a free agent WR, you still draft Cooper. There's no guarantee that Cooper will be a true No. 1. If you can get one in free agency, you still go with Cooper. They could use some help at DE, OL, RB. That team needs more than one addition.
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Colin (DC)
I liked your mock selection of La'el Collins to Indy. If the Colts wanted to upgrade their defensive front seven in the first round, where might they look?
Mel Kiper
(2:21 PM)
I would say Bud Dupree. Jonathan Newsome did a really good job last year late in the season. He was a rookie from Ball State. With him coming along, they might be able to pass on the pass rusher and go OL.
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John (Wisc)
Who do you think are the best shifty, 3rd down type of RB's in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:22 PM)
I would say Abdullah, Duke Johnson are the top guys.
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Sean (New Orleans) [via mobile]
Do u think Danielle hunter will tap his potential on the NFL level? Where would u take him?
Mel Kiper
(2:23 PM)
I like Hunter because he's a good kid and a hard worker. He's explosive. He needs to work on his pass rush technique. His production didn't match his talent. I could see him being a second round pick.
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John (Wisc)
Who do you think will be getting overdrafted due to their performances this weekend?
Mel Kiper
(2:26 PM)
Josh Harper, Fresno State, WR; Mario Alford, WR, WVU; Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State; Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama; DJ Humphries, OT, Florida; Jeremiah Poutasi, OT, Utah; Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia; Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State.
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Martin (Harmony, NC)
Give us two or three small school sleepers on the offensive side of the ball. Thanks
Mel Kiper
(2:27 PM)
Trey McBride, WR, William & Mary; Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware; Cole Manhart, OT, Nebraska-Kearney; Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart; Bryan Bennett, QB, SE Louisiana.
Mel Kiper
(2:29 PM)
The best one is David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa. He'll probably be the first I-AA player drafted. Terell Watson, RB, Azusa Pacific; Tyler Varga, Yale, FB; Zach Zenner, FB, South Dakota State; Dezmin Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas; Donatella Luckett, WR, Harding.
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Jonny (L.A.)
If Mariota falls to 6, do the Jets take him or trade him for a kings ransom from Philly?
Mel Kiper
(2:30 PM)
I think Philly will be checking in all along. KC who picks at 18 could be in the mix to trade up to get Mariota. I think Mariota will get more action if he drops past 4-5 than if Winston drops. If Winston drops, it will be interesting to see what happens if he gets to St. Louis at 10.
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Daryl (jersey city) [via mobile]
How high do you see max Williams going since he's the top tight end in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:30 PM)
I could see him going to Baltimore at 26.
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Kris (Michigan)
If you're Buffalo, do you try to get a qb in the draft, or sign one of the veteran free agents (such as Hoyer or Sanchez)
Mel Kiper
(2:32 PM)
Good luck in the draft, they don't have a first round pick. Who will you get in the second or third round who will be an immediate starter? You're not going to find one. You could look at Brett Hundley, but he's not going to start from Day 1. You have to hope that EJ Manuel improves. There aren't a lot of big time options out there in free agency either. That's the problem.
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Kevin (Boston - Land of Champions)
Hi Mel, Do you think teams will inquire about the Pats Jimmy Garappolo with so many looking for QBs? How would you rate him against this year's QB list in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:33 PM)
If he was in this draft, he would probably be the third QB taken. But that doesn't mean you'll give up anything for him. There was mixed opinion on him last year. I don't see any team trading for Garappolo saying he's their guy.
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John (ATX)
I've heard that both Mariota & Winston are expected to throw at the combine. If that's true, is that a surprise to you?
Mel Kiper
(2:34 PM)
I don't know when the last time is. I don't chart that. I wouldn't throw at the combine. I don't think it's a vehicle for success. I would save it for a pro day. That's just me. But the problem guys like Brett Hundley gets into, he didn't go to the Senior Bowl. For Mariota and Winston, you're risking a little bit by throwing at the combine. But they're both throwing, so that's good. I wouldn't want to throw if the other isn't.
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Shawn (Detroit)
Could the Raiders make Beckham-Green the Heyward-Bey of this draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:36 PM)
That's so far outside the box. I couldn't see that happening. I could see Green-Beckham going maybe as high as 18. There will be a wide ranging of opinion on him. Even when he played he had room to grow. Josh Gordon may impact how teams view a guy like Green-Beckham.
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Kurt (Milwaukee)
Do the Packers take an inside linebacker?
Mel Kiper
(2:37 PM)
They have to target a ILB. That's their top need area. Perryman, if he's there would be a real good pick. If he's gone, and I have him going to Denver in the last mock, then maybe in the second, you look at Benardrick McKinney, Stephon Anthony or Kendricks.
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Victor [via mobile]
Do you view Owamagbe Odighizuwa as a first round pick?
Mel Kiper
(2:39 PM)
I think he's a 2-3 round pick. Maybe more of a second. He has potential to be a real good pass rusher. But I say a solid No. 2 round. He's my sixth highest rated pass rusher at DE.
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Neal (Indy)
Where would Duron Carter project in the draft this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:40 PM)
He was a guy that there wasn't a strong interest coming out. He has talent and a lot of ability. When he came into college, it was thought he could be a real talent catching the football. Indy needs a WR. WR is their 4th biggest need. There will be an opportunity for him to be on that team.
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Morris (Maine) [via mobile]
Can Nate orchard fit in a 4-3 scheme?
Mel Kiper
(2:40 PM)
He could. He's a down DE. But I think he's more of a 3-4 guy. A 3-4 OLB. He had four sacks in one game against UCLA. He has a natural feel for the game and getting after the QB.
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John (MN)
How does Trae Waynes compare to last year's Rd1 CB's?
Mel Kiper
(2:42 PM)
Of the guys from last year, Justin Gilbert went 8, Dennard went 24. Gilbert went higher than I thought and Dennard went lower. I think Waynes goes right in between. I think he could be the first CB off the board. Marcus Peters has more raw talent, but he has the off-field issues. One of those two will be the first CB off the board.
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Jay Sullivan (ny) [via mobile]
Who's the best centerfield safety in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:43 PM)
Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss; Gerod Holliman, Louisville.
Mel Kiper
(2:43 PM)
Durell Eskridge, Syracuse -- he could also be a CB.
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Michael (Cincinnati) [via mobile]
I am looking for a stud interior defensive lineman in the middle of the first round. No bagage please...
Mel Kiper
(2:46 PM)
Danny Shelton is more of a NT. He is going to go 7 to Chicago, I think. Malcolm Brown could go to Detroit at 23. Eddie Goldman I have going in the first to Cleveland at 19. Carl Davis could be a 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT. Jordan Phillips is a NT I have going to the Packers at 30. Darius Philoun is the best 3-technique in this draft and a possible second rounder. Michael Bennett is a second round possibility. Gabe Wright. Marcus Hardison. Xavier Williams is very underrated.
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Greg (Florida)
what are you looking at the most at the combine?
Mel Kiper
(2:47 PM)
I just want to see the underclassmen. You don't have any accurate measurables on them until the combine. You want to see if they do well. All eyes are on the underclassmen. And the arm length for the linemen. Quickness and explosiveness for the players in general, not really the 40s. The interviews and medicals are huge as well.
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Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)
Arik Armstead: a scheme versatile guy who is a top 10 lock? And is his bust potential higher than most? Thanks.
Mel Kiper
(2:48 PM)
He's a 3-4 DE. I think he could be a 4-3 DE. He could be an inside guy. He could play a variety of ways. I think he's one of the best football players in this draft. I think he has the most upside of any player in this draft. I have him going No. 8 to Atlanta.
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Harry (Miami)
Looks like neither White nor Parker are going to be around for KC in the first round. If available, does Landon Collins make sense for them? Thanks...
Mel Kiper
(2:49 PM)
That's a scenario where you could see them looking for a safety. But I think WR, OT is the choice. I think Parker could be there. If he doesn't run a great 40, there is a chance he's there at 18. I think Collins will be there at 18.
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Shawn (Detroit)
Eric Kendricks a good fit with Mack and Moore for the Raiders in round 2?
Mel Kiper
(2:51 PM)
He's an ILB and he's a good football player. Excellent in coverage. He's in the right place at the right time. He's at best the second best ILB in the draft and at worst the fourth best. The changes in the game have helped him. You don't need that thumping ILB any more. You need a guy who can run and cover. For today's NFL, he's ideally suited to be an ILB.
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Darius (va) [via mobile]
Where do u feel ifo ekpre-olomu where get drafted? I know u guys had him projected as a first round talent last year
Mel Kiper
(2:52 PM)
It depends on the medical. He had the injury late in the year. I think he could go from the 2-4 round. You're probably going to have to redshirt him. There are three guys: Todd Gurley, Ekpre-Olomu and Cedric Ogbuehi, where the medicals are crucial. All three would have been first round picks.
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Tony F (Vancouver Wa)
Will Garrett Grayson become the #3 Qb before the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:53 PM)
He could. I don't think he will. There isn't much separating him and Petty and Hundley. I like Grayson a lot. He's got an NFL arm. He's smart. He's a competitor. He was coached up by Jim McElwain. I wouldn't be shocked if he's a 3-4 round pick.
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Karl (Denver)
What's the gap between Mariota, Winston and No. 3?
Mel Kiper
(2:54 PM)
I think the No. 3 QB goes somewhere in the second round or the third round. There is a pretty big gap between Mariota, Winston and No. 3. I think it will be Brett Hundley.
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Len (NY)
Did the Rams do enough with the bounty from the RG3 trade?
Mel Kiper
(2:56 PM)
Oh yeah. More than enough. They got more than you could have hoped. They made the picks count. They did a really good job. They have to figure out the QB position. That's the biggest thing they have to do. Can Bradford stay healthy? He's been a major disappointment as a former No. 1 overall pick. Will you roll the dice with only him again? It would be very interesting to see if they could pull the trigger if Winston's there at 10.
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Darren (home) [via mobile]
What makes Leonard Williams special?
Mel Kiper
(2:57 PM)
First of all he has great physical and athletic talent. He has size, wingspan. He has natural instincts for batting down passes. He can close quickly. He'll play through double teams. You can kick him outside. He has versatility. When he's on the field, he's a difference maker.
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Mel Kiper
(2:58 PM)
The combine workouts start tomorrow with the OL and TE. Saturday is the QB, RB, WR. Sunday is the DL and LB. Monday is the DBs. We'll get all of the measurables we need. It will be fun to see how the underclassmen do. 17 of my top 25 are underclassmen. In the first round projection, I had 21 in the first round. That's a lot of underclassmen.
Mel Kiper
(2:59 PM)
Have a good week! Talk to you next Thursday!
Aaron (Leesbufg, VA)
Will the Patriots draft Gurley if he falls to them at the end of the 1st round? And does Belichick finally draft a deep threat to stretch the field this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:04 PM)
He could go either way. Gurley is a guy you might have to red-shirt for the year. I would think more along the lines of WR/TE.
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Kevin (DC)
Word is Green-Beckham is interviewing well and he measured in huge at 6-5, 230...if he runs well, how high can he move up the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
He has a chance to be a first round pick. He could go somewhere 18-32. KC is at 18 and needs a WR. That's where I had him going there in my first mock. He had a year of inactivity. And he's had off the field issues. Some teams will be hesitant, but it only takes one out of the 32. KC at 18. Baltimore at 26. Indy at 29. New England at 32. Seattle at 31.
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Andre (Detroit) [via mobile]
Can Ameer Abdullah turn out to be the best back in this class?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
Yeah. It could be. I think it will either be Gurley or Gordon, but it could be Abdullah. He gives you versatility. He could have a Sproles like career.
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Steve Florida [via mobile]
is Leonard worthy of the number one pick? I think him and McCoy could be dangerous combo
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
I think he's worthy of being the No. 1 pick to Tennessee. The No. 1 pick has to be a QB. Tampa Bay needs a DE, but their desperate need is a QB. They can't be in a division with Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Cam Newton and be a distant fourth in QB play. They have to take one of the QBs.
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Danny (Houston)
If the draft unfolds where the "Best Player Available" was an OT and cowboys are on the clock, should they draft the OT if they can't trade down?
Mel Kiper
(2:09 PM)
No. I don't think they would take a OL. They would look at CB, DE, DT, RB, WR. It could be a guy like Marcus Peters at CB. A DE like Bud Dupree. A DT like Carl Davis. If Melvin Gordon III is there, they could look at him.
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Mel Kiper
(2:10 PM)
He could go mid first. Cincinnati, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Dallas.
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John (MN)
Given the apparent depth at WR, wouldn't a team be better off waiting until Rd2 or later to draft a WR? How much of a drop off is there from the Top Tier to the Second Tier of WR?
Mel Kiper
(2:12 PM)
I think there will be some really good second and third round receivers. Look at last year's guys: Jarvis Landry. Martavis Bryant.
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
For this year, it could be guys like: Jaelin Strong, Phillip Dorsett, Justin Hardy, Stephon Diggs, Tyler Lockett.
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Craig (PA)
If you're the Raiders (and this depends on who they get in FA), would you rather have Randy Gregory or Amari Cooper?
Mel Kiper
(2:14 PM)
Cooper would, just because Derek Carr. You have to get Carr a No. 1 option. Your QB has to be your main guy. He has to be your game changer. He has to be your most important guy on your team. You have to help your QB and right now they have no one close to being a No. 1.
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
With Cooper, you can make the case he's the hardest working player in this draft.
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Derek (Pinellas Park)
Generally speaking, how many drafts would it take a team to rebuild a bad roster?
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
I would say 3 drafts. Sometimes in 2 drafts and some free agent signings. It could be quicker if you hit on a QB. But for the most part, three drafts you can get the team back to playoff caliber level.
Mel Kiper
(2:16 PM)
For example, Atlanta, with Matt Ryan, is a team that could come back quick. The Giants, with Eli Manning. They both could do it even in one year. New Orleans with Drew Brees. They could bounce back.
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Adam (Harrisburg PA)
Mel to either of the Devin's (Smith/Funchess) make it to the 49ers in round 2?
Mel Kiper
(2:18 PM)
I don't see either making it that far. Devin Smith is the higher rated player, to me. Funchess was inconsistent this year. I don't think he is an inline blocking TE. He disappointed in some games. My more highly rated player is Smith.
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Michael ( d.c) [via mobile]
Who's the better pass rusher between Shane Ray and randy Gregory
Mel Kiper
(2:19 PM)
Gregory probably has more upside, because he's long and athletic. He has the wing span, the height, the frame to add strength. But Ray is a proven entity. He'll test out really well. His production and consistency is better than Gregory's. More durable. You're splitting hairs.
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Craig (PA)
Does your Raiders answer change if they get Cobb, Maclin, T. Smith, or Julius Thomas? Or do they need one (or two) along with cooper?
Mel Kiper
(2:20 PM)
They need more than one WR. If you get a free agent WR, you still draft Cooper. There's no guarantee that Cooper will be a true No. 1. If you can get one in free agency, you still go with Cooper. They could use some help at DE, OL, RB. That team needs more than one addition.
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Colin (DC)
I liked your mock selection of La'el Collins to Indy. If the Colts wanted to upgrade their defensive front seven in the first round, where might they look?
Mel Kiper
(2:21 PM)
I would say Bud Dupree. Jonathan Newsome did a really good job last year late in the season. He was a rookie from Ball State. With him coming along, they might be able to pass on the pass rusher and go OL.
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John (Wisc)
Who do you think are the best shifty, 3rd down type of RB's in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:22 PM)
I would say Abdullah, Duke Johnson are the top guys.
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Sean (New Orleans) [via mobile]
Do u think Danielle hunter will tap his potential on the NFL level? Where would u take him?
Mel Kiper
(2:23 PM)
I like Hunter because he's a good kid and a hard worker. He's explosive. He needs to work on his pass rush technique. His production didn't match his talent. I could see him being a second round pick.
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John (Wisc)
Who do you think will be getting overdrafted due to their performances this weekend?
Mel Kiper
(2:26 PM)
Josh Harper, Fresno State, WR; Mario Alford, WR, WVU; Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State; Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama; DJ Humphries, OT, Florida; Jeremiah Poutasi, OT, Utah; Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia; Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State.
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Martin (Harmony, NC)
Give us two or three small school sleepers on the offensive side of the ball. Thanks
Mel Kiper
(2:27 PM)
Trey McBride, WR, William & Mary; Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware; Cole Manhart, OT, Nebraska-Kearney; Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart; Bryan Bennett, QB, SE Louisiana.
Mel Kiper
(2:29 PM)
The best one is David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa. He'll probably be the first I-AA player drafted. Terell Watson, RB, Azusa Pacific; Tyler Varga, Yale, FB; Zach Zenner, FB, South Dakota State; Dezmin Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas; Donatella Luckett, WR, Harding.
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Jonny (L.A.)
If Mariota falls to 6, do the Jets take him or trade him for a kings ransom from Philly?
Mel Kiper
(2:30 PM)
I think Philly will be checking in all along. KC who picks at 18 could be in the mix to trade up to get Mariota. I think Mariota will get more action if he drops past 4-5 than if Winston drops. If Winston drops, it will be interesting to see what happens if he gets to St. Louis at 10.
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Daryl (jersey city) [via mobile]
How high do you see max Williams going since he's the top tight end in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:30 PM)
I could see him going to Baltimore at 26.
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Kris (Michigan)
If you're Buffalo, do you try to get a qb in the draft, or sign one of the veteran free agents (such as Hoyer or Sanchez)
Mel Kiper
(2:32 PM)
Good luck in the draft, they don't have a first round pick. Who will you get in the second or third round who will be an immediate starter? You're not going to find one. You could look at Brett Hundley, but he's not going to start from Day 1. You have to hope that EJ Manuel improves. There aren't a lot of big time options out there in free agency either. That's the problem.
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Kevin (Boston - Land of Champions)
Hi Mel, Do you think teams will inquire about the Pats Jimmy Garappolo with so many looking for QBs? How would you rate him against this year's QB list in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:33 PM)
If he was in this draft, he would probably be the third QB taken. But that doesn't mean you'll give up anything for him. There was mixed opinion on him last year. I don't see any team trading for Garappolo saying he's their guy.
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John (ATX)
I've heard that both Mariota & Winston are expected to throw at the combine. If that's true, is that a surprise to you?
Mel Kiper
(2:34 PM)
I don't know when the last time is. I don't chart that. I wouldn't throw at the combine. I don't think it's a vehicle for success. I would save it for a pro day. That's just me. But the problem guys like Brett Hundley gets into, he didn't go to the Senior Bowl. For Mariota and Winston, you're risking a little bit by throwing at the combine. But they're both throwing, so that's good. I wouldn't want to throw if the other isn't.
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Shawn (Detroit)
Could the Raiders make Beckham-Green the Heyward-Bey of this draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:36 PM)
That's so far outside the box. I couldn't see that happening. I could see Green-Beckham going maybe as high as 18. There will be a wide ranging of opinion on him. Even when he played he had room to grow. Josh Gordon may impact how teams view a guy like Green-Beckham.
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Kurt (Milwaukee)
Do the Packers take an inside linebacker?
Mel Kiper
(2:37 PM)
They have to target a ILB. That's their top need area. Perryman, if he's there would be a real good pick. If he's gone, and I have him going to Denver in the last mock, then maybe in the second, you look at Benardrick McKinney, Stephon Anthony or Kendricks.
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Victor [via mobile]
Do you view Owamagbe Odighizuwa as a first round pick?
Mel Kiper
(2:39 PM)
I think he's a 2-3 round pick. Maybe more of a second. He has potential to be a real good pass rusher. But I say a solid No. 2 round. He's my sixth highest rated pass rusher at DE.
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Neal (Indy)
Where would Duron Carter project in the draft this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:40 PM)
He was a guy that there wasn't a strong interest coming out. He has talent and a lot of ability. When he came into college, it was thought he could be a real talent catching the football. Indy needs a WR. WR is their 4th biggest need. There will be an opportunity for him to be on that team.
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Morris (Maine) [via mobile]
Can Nate orchard fit in a 4-3 scheme?
Mel Kiper
(2:40 PM)
He could. He's a down DE. But I think he's more of a 3-4 guy. A 3-4 OLB. He had four sacks in one game against UCLA. He has a natural feel for the game and getting after the QB.
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John (MN)
How does Trae Waynes compare to last year's Rd1 CB's?
Mel Kiper
(2:42 PM)
Of the guys from last year, Justin Gilbert went 8, Dennard went 24. Gilbert went higher than I thought and Dennard went lower. I think Waynes goes right in between. I think he could be the first CB off the board. Marcus Peters has more raw talent, but he has the off-field issues. One of those two will be the first CB off the board.
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Jay Sullivan (ny) [via mobile]
Who's the best centerfield safety in the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:43 PM)
Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss; Gerod Holliman, Louisville.
Mel Kiper
(2:43 PM)
Durell Eskridge, Syracuse -- he could also be a CB.
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Michael (Cincinnati) [via mobile]
I am looking for a stud interior defensive lineman in the middle of the first round. No bagage please...
Mel Kiper
(2:46 PM)
Danny Shelton is more of a NT. He is going to go 7 to Chicago, I think. Malcolm Brown could go to Detroit at 23. Eddie Goldman I have going in the first to Cleveland at 19. Carl Davis could be a 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT. Jordan Phillips is a NT I have going to the Packers at 30. Darius Philoun is the best 3-technique in this draft and a possible second rounder. Michael Bennett is a second round possibility. Gabe Wright. Marcus Hardison. Xavier Williams is very underrated.
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Greg (Florida)
what are you looking at the most at the combine?
Mel Kiper
(2:47 PM)
I just want to see the underclassmen. You don't have any accurate measurables on them until the combine. You want to see if they do well. All eyes are on the underclassmen. And the arm length for the linemen. Quickness and explosiveness for the players in general, not really the 40s. The interviews and medicals are huge as well.
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Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)
Arik Armstead: a scheme versatile guy who is a top 10 lock? And is his bust potential higher than most? Thanks.
Mel Kiper
(2:48 PM)
He's a 3-4 DE. I think he could be a 4-3 DE. He could be an inside guy. He could play a variety of ways. I think he's one of the best football players in this draft. I think he has the most upside of any player in this draft. I have him going No. 8 to Atlanta.
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Harry (Miami)
Looks like neither White nor Parker are going to be around for KC in the first round. If available, does Landon Collins make sense for them? Thanks...
Mel Kiper
(2:49 PM)
That's a scenario where you could see them looking for a safety. But I think WR, OT is the choice. I think Parker could be there. If he doesn't run a great 40, there is a chance he's there at 18. I think Collins will be there at 18.
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Shawn (Detroit)
Eric Kendricks a good fit with Mack and Moore for the Raiders in round 2?
Mel Kiper
(2:51 PM)
He's an ILB and he's a good football player. Excellent in coverage. He's in the right place at the right time. He's at best the second best ILB in the draft and at worst the fourth best. The changes in the game have helped him. You don't need that thumping ILB any more. You need a guy who can run and cover. For today's NFL, he's ideally suited to be an ILB.
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Darius (va) [via mobile]
Where do u feel ifo ekpre-olomu where get drafted? I know u guys had him projected as a first round talent last year
Mel Kiper
(2:52 PM)
It depends on the medical. He had the injury late in the year. I think he could go from the 2-4 round. You're probably going to have to redshirt him. There are three guys: Todd Gurley, Ekpre-Olomu and Cedric Ogbuehi, where the medicals are crucial. All three would have been first round picks.
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Tony F (Vancouver Wa)
Will Garrett Grayson become the #3 Qb before the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:53 PM)
He could. I don't think he will. There isn't much separating him and Petty and Hundley. I like Grayson a lot. He's got an NFL arm. He's smart. He's a competitor. He was coached up by Jim McElwain. I wouldn't be shocked if he's a 3-4 round pick.
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Karl (Denver)
What's the gap between Mariota, Winston and No. 3?
Mel Kiper
(2:54 PM)
I think the No. 3 QB goes somewhere in the second round or the third round. There is a pretty big gap between Mariota, Winston and No. 3. I think it will be Brett Hundley.
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Len (NY)
Did the Rams do enough with the bounty from the RG3 trade?
Mel Kiper
(2:56 PM)
Oh yeah. More than enough. They got more than you could have hoped. They made the picks count. They did a really good job. They have to figure out the QB position. That's the biggest thing they have to do. Can Bradford stay healthy? He's been a major disappointment as a former No. 1 overall pick. Will you roll the dice with only him again? It would be very interesting to see if they could pull the trigger if Winston's there at 10.
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Darren (home) [via mobile]
What makes Leonard Williams special?
Mel Kiper
(2:57 PM)
First of all he has great physical and athletic talent. He has size, wingspan. He has natural instincts for batting down passes. He can close quickly. He'll play through double teams. You can kick him outside. He has versatility. When he's on the field, he's a difference maker.
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Mel Kiper
(2:58 PM)
The combine workouts start tomorrow with the OL and TE. Saturday is the QB, RB, WR. Sunday is the DL and LB. Monday is the DBs. We'll get all of the measurables we need. It will be fun to see how the underclassmen do. 17 of my top 25 are underclassmen. In the first round projection, I had 21 in the first round. That's a lot of underclassmen.
Mel Kiper
(2:59 PM)
Have a good week! Talk to you next Thursday!
