Risen Star
Likes Collector
- Messages
- 89,420
- Reaction score
- 212,331
Ralphie (TEXAS)
Mel, Does the Hardy deal put Dallas in position to draft the BAP or do they pick a defensive end?
Mel Kiper
(1:47 PM)
It puts them in a position where they can draft a CB now. They added Corey White in free agency at CB, but they could still go young CB. They could still go RB with the pick, despite getting McFadden. DT is an area they could address.
-
Brian (DC)
Which team has changed their needs for the draft in free agency the most? Who have you had to go and re-tool your mock for?
Mel Kiper
(1:50 PM)
Good question. Miami is a team that you look at. Adding Suh at DT. Losing Charles Clay, but adding Jordan Cameron. Making the trade for Kenny Stills, but losing the three WR. This is a team that has reconstructed the skill positions. They could go LB in the first. They could take another WR. They could take a DB. I would say also Detroit, by getting Ngati and Walker. Though they lost Suh anf Fairley, they added those other two and they can look away from DT.
-
Peter T. (Orchards, Wa)
With the strong showing of Garrett Grayson and the talk of a solid pro day by Petty is there a chance we see 4 QB's selected round 1?
Mel Kiper
(1:52 PM)
We're not going to get three. I don't think there's more than two. Petty, Grayson, Hundley are all second round picks. I think you have three in the second and two in the first. It would have to be a team trading back into the late first to get one. I don't think any of those three are first round worthy. Petty, Tennessee; Grayson, Buffalo; Hundley, Chicago maybe -- those are good fits in the second round. But not in the first.
-
Chris (Cape Cod)
Mel, assuming they don't go Mariota, are the Jets better off going Cooper/White if they can rather than one of the 'Big 4' edge rushers? Seems to be a huge bust potential for that position in top 10 (Mingo, Jordan, their own gaffe w/ Gholston, etc)...
Mel Kiper
(1:54 PM)
Yeah. They've done a lot in free agency. They've added three CBs. They added a strong safety. Now that the secondary isn't a need, they added a backup QB. They added Brandon Marshall. They could still take a WR -- Cooper or White. You need four guys at WR in this league now. If you're not taking a QB in Mariota, then you can look at a WR or OLB. Shane Ray, Randy Gregory would be the two best options at OLB.
-
Mike (Coral Springs, FL)
Where would you rank Amari Cooper and Kevin White among the Wrs from the previous draft?
Mel Kiper
(1:56 PM)
They would be right up there. I have a slightly higher grade on Cooper than White. Sammy Watkins from last year? Cooper would be right there. Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr. Cooper is right there with them. He caught a ton of passes this year. He's a hard worker. Smart. Reliable. Fast. Explosive. Cooper would be there with anybody.
-
greg (washington)
mel what do you think about the colts' proposal for PATs? (If you go for 2 and get it, you then have a chance to kick a 50-yard PAT)
Mel Kiper
(1:59 PM)
I don't have a problem with it, but my question is why don't they just move the PAT back? Why would you want to make it a situation where you're adding points? Put it at the 20, which makes it a 37-yard extra point. If you make the PAT challenging, maybe you make teams think about going for two. It's not a hard fix to have all of these extras. Why is it so complicated? It's not so hard. It's ridiculous when they're trying to create a big problem when it's an easy solution.
-
kc (oakland)
with the recent 49ers developments, what directions do you see them going with first 3 picks?
Mel Kiper
(2:02 PM)
They are another team that has had so much turmoil. They had Jim Harbaugh leave and then retirements -- guys who are the cornerstones of your defense. They could take a CB, DL, LB. This is a team that has need areas arisen that you didn't expect.
-
Jeff (NY)
Mel, think you said that the Rams have their starting QB in Foles. With Foles history of injuries and that he is somewhat unproven, wouldn't it make sense for the Rams to trade up for Mariota this year or at a minimum draft Petty or Hundley in rounds 2 or 3?
Mel Kiper
(2:04 PM)
I do think it makes sense for them to get a QB in the second round. They could be in the mix for Petty, Grayson, Hundley. You'd have the opportunity to bring in a young QB, that's not a bad thing. But taking a QB in the second round may be a luxury pick right now. If Foles comes through, they're a playoff team. They still need OL help. They could look at a WR. These years where Bradford's been hurt, they've been assembling talent. They have to ride Foles for the next few years to see what he can do.
-
Mitch (Michigan)
Raiders free agency has been strong but not flashy...what do you think has been wrong with Trent Richardson so far and where did you have him ranked coming out of the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
He was a consensus early first rounder with everybody. I didn't have a problem with Cleveland taking him, but I didn't understand Indy trading a first rounder for him, for a guy who's struggled. How many more opportunities will Richardson get? This might be his last. Oakland still didn't sign a WR. They desperately need a go-to WR.
-
Donald (Indiana)
Hello Mel, Falcons fan here what would be considered a good start to the draft for them? getting Ray, Beasly, Armstead at #8 and a linebacker in second or should they look to double up on rusher and hope Flowers or Dupree fall to them
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
Yeah, they've added some LBs in free agency. They've added 3 LBs and a DE. They've added some defensive guys. They've done some things there. Now, they could look OL. They're a team that don't have to force the LB at No. 8.
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
They could look at Brandon Scherff from Iowa, OT/OG.
-
Kevin (Miami)
Mel, did you get your NCAA bracket filled out? And did you think about having a college football one to fill out one day?
Mel Kiper
(2:10 PM)
I would hope. I would like to see a 16 team college football playoff bracket. We have four teams now, I would like to at least have 8. It took us 25, 30 years to get four, I might not be around to see 8!
-
AJ (Toronto)
Hey Mel! A lot of scouts love Coleman's explosiveness, other criticize his lack of lateral agility. Based on what you've seen, what's your take on him?
Mel Kiper
(2:11 PM)
He is a little more straightline, but he's a more of a DeMarco Murray. He'll show his speed. Remember, he got hurt. He played through it and then he had the surgery in December on his toe. He had more yards rushing after the toe injury than before, nearly 1,200 yards with the injury. 8 TD runs of 60 or more yards.
-
Terry (Hamilton)
Any thoughts on Mycole Pruitt? Small school TE, but put on a show at the combine.
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
He did. I like him coming out of Southern Illinois. I think he can play in this league. I think he'll be a later round pick. I highlighted Pruitt on ESPN.com on September 20.
-
John (MN)
Why have Alabama's DBs been so disappointing as pros? Coached up too well in college, not enough room to develop more?
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
That's a hard call. Kareem Jackson has developed into a good CB. We're still waiting to see what Dee Milliner can do. Mark Barron didn't get it done as a top 10 pick. Dre Kirkpatrick. There are a bunch that have disappointed once they get into the NFL. It happens. It's nothing that dates back 30 years or anything, it's more of a recent trend. It is something you have to factor into the equation.
-
Brian (Greensboro, NC)
Mel, I've heard that Carl Davis interviewed horribly at the Senior Bowl. Have you heard the same thing, and if true how much could that hurt his draft stock?
Mel Kiper
(2:16 PM)
Carl Davis had a really good Senior Bowl week. I didn't hear anything about the interviews, but his week overall was pretty good and that propelled him into the first round mix. He has a lot of ability. He could go anywhere from 27-40.
-
Ryan (Montreal)
Mel, Aside from maybe Mariotta, are there any other players in the top 10 you see teams trading up to acquire?
Mel Kiper
(2:17 PM)
Cooper or White, whoever doesn't go No. 4 would be a guy that you would want to try to go up and get. Especially if it's Cooper. If he doesn't go No. 4 and gets into the 7, 8, 9 range, I think you try to go up and get.
-
Chioke Hassan (Baltimore,Md)
Dear Mel What Terps players could you see coming out for the NFL Draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:18 PM)
Diggs is the main entity. He's explosive when he has the pads on. He could be a 3-4 round type of guy. Long, the WR, deserves some late round conversation.
-
CC (Atlanta)
Will Chris Conley from UGA get drafted after his freakish athletic showing at the Combine? He was pretty good at UGA... not sure why he was so off the radar in the first place.
Mel Kiper
(2:19 PM)
He had a pretty decent career. He didn't explode with his rating until the combine. He exploded. He will probably end up a 2-3 round pick based on the combine. He probably moved up 2 rounds. No question that was an incredible attention getter. What he did there is something you don't normally see.
-
Sean (Tampa)
Mel, assuming the Bucs pick Winston #1, where do they go in the 2nd round. They haven't addressed the OL or DE att all in FA. Who might be available for them in the 2nd rd?
Mel Kiper
(2:22 PM)
If they do take Winston, or Mariota, and everything kind of says they will take one or the other, DE is a big need area. OL. Who could they look at at that point? Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State; Cedric Ogbuehi, if you feel like he's back from his injury.
-
Mitch (Michigan)
Do you think Latavius Murray can carry the load in Oakland?
Mel Kiper
(2:23 PM)
I gave him a draftable grade when he came out. He was picking up yards behind a line that when you had other backs in the game, they weren't getting the same yards. He was a late round pick. They may have found their guy. But they may still look at a guy in the 4-5 round. Maybe Duke Johnson. But Murray has shown he can be a solid back in this league.
-
kurt (Buff)
Mel, the Bills stocked up on offensive weapons, but they haven't touched their O line (which was awful last year). Are there any OG's available with their first pick (2nd round) that can step in and start on day 1?
Mel Kiper
(2:25 PM)
They did make some moves to get McCoy, Harvin, but OG is a big area of need. Tomlinson, Duke; AJ Cann, South Carolina; Tre Jackson, FSU -- those are three guys who are pure guards that are solid second rounders. If you want to wait until the third round, Ali Marpet, Hobart -- the top D-III prospect -- is a possibility.
-
Otto (CA)
What inside LBs do you like most for covering TEs? Willis did this part so Bowman didn't have to and I thought Wilhoite was subpar in this area.
Mel Kiper
(2:27 PM)
Stephone Anthony, Clemson; Eric Kendricks, UCLA; Hayes Pullard, USC; Bryce Hager, Baylor. I'm surprised of the mobility of Taiwan Jones, Michigan State. He tested better in agility and quickness than you thought.
-
B Mand (Sarasota, FL)
How likely do you think it is that Bobby Hart and/or Karlos Williams are drafted?
Mel Kiper
(2:28 PM)
Williams -- borderline. Hart is a late round possibility too. Both are late rounders. Hart has more versatility.
-
Trent (LA)
What do you make of the safety positoin this draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
Safety will be a weak position in this draft. There are very few true safeties in this draft. Some of the best safeties may be guys drafted as CBs. Byron Jones played safety early in his career, but comes out as a DB. Landon Collins is the best pure safety, but he's an in the box guy. Derron Smith is a good all-around player. You're going to have do a good job scouting to find safeties in this draft.
-
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
We'll be back next Thursday. Pro days are ongoing. This free agency signing period has been the best I have ever seen. I have been covering college and pro football since 1978. I haven't seen the hot stove football offseason this crazy. Teams are being rebuilt right in front of our eyes.
Mel, Does the Hardy deal put Dallas in position to draft the BAP or do they pick a defensive end?
Mel Kiper
(1:47 PM)
It puts them in a position where they can draft a CB now. They added Corey White in free agency at CB, but they could still go young CB. They could still go RB with the pick, despite getting McFadden. DT is an area they could address.
-
Brian (DC)
Which team has changed their needs for the draft in free agency the most? Who have you had to go and re-tool your mock for?
Mel Kiper
(1:50 PM)
Good question. Miami is a team that you look at. Adding Suh at DT. Losing Charles Clay, but adding Jordan Cameron. Making the trade for Kenny Stills, but losing the three WR. This is a team that has reconstructed the skill positions. They could go LB in the first. They could take another WR. They could take a DB. I would say also Detroit, by getting Ngati and Walker. Though they lost Suh anf Fairley, they added those other two and they can look away from DT.
-
Peter T. (Orchards, Wa)
With the strong showing of Garrett Grayson and the talk of a solid pro day by Petty is there a chance we see 4 QB's selected round 1?
Mel Kiper
(1:52 PM)
We're not going to get three. I don't think there's more than two. Petty, Grayson, Hundley are all second round picks. I think you have three in the second and two in the first. It would have to be a team trading back into the late first to get one. I don't think any of those three are first round worthy. Petty, Tennessee; Grayson, Buffalo; Hundley, Chicago maybe -- those are good fits in the second round. But not in the first.
-
Chris (Cape Cod)
Mel, assuming they don't go Mariota, are the Jets better off going Cooper/White if they can rather than one of the 'Big 4' edge rushers? Seems to be a huge bust potential for that position in top 10 (Mingo, Jordan, their own gaffe w/ Gholston, etc)...
Mel Kiper
(1:54 PM)
Yeah. They've done a lot in free agency. They've added three CBs. They added a strong safety. Now that the secondary isn't a need, they added a backup QB. They added Brandon Marshall. They could still take a WR -- Cooper or White. You need four guys at WR in this league now. If you're not taking a QB in Mariota, then you can look at a WR or OLB. Shane Ray, Randy Gregory would be the two best options at OLB.
-
Mike (Coral Springs, FL)
Where would you rank Amari Cooper and Kevin White among the Wrs from the previous draft?
Mel Kiper
(1:56 PM)
They would be right up there. I have a slightly higher grade on Cooper than White. Sammy Watkins from last year? Cooper would be right there. Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr. Cooper is right there with them. He caught a ton of passes this year. He's a hard worker. Smart. Reliable. Fast. Explosive. Cooper would be there with anybody.
-
greg (washington)
mel what do you think about the colts' proposal for PATs? (If you go for 2 and get it, you then have a chance to kick a 50-yard PAT)
Mel Kiper
(1:59 PM)
I don't have a problem with it, but my question is why don't they just move the PAT back? Why would you want to make it a situation where you're adding points? Put it at the 20, which makes it a 37-yard extra point. If you make the PAT challenging, maybe you make teams think about going for two. It's not a hard fix to have all of these extras. Why is it so complicated? It's not so hard. It's ridiculous when they're trying to create a big problem when it's an easy solution.
-
kc (oakland)
with the recent 49ers developments, what directions do you see them going with first 3 picks?
Mel Kiper
(2:02 PM)
They are another team that has had so much turmoil. They had Jim Harbaugh leave and then retirements -- guys who are the cornerstones of your defense. They could take a CB, DL, LB. This is a team that has need areas arisen that you didn't expect.
-
Jeff (NY)
Mel, think you said that the Rams have their starting QB in Foles. With Foles history of injuries and that he is somewhat unproven, wouldn't it make sense for the Rams to trade up for Mariota this year or at a minimum draft Petty or Hundley in rounds 2 or 3?
Mel Kiper
(2:04 PM)
I do think it makes sense for them to get a QB in the second round. They could be in the mix for Petty, Grayson, Hundley. You'd have the opportunity to bring in a young QB, that's not a bad thing. But taking a QB in the second round may be a luxury pick right now. If Foles comes through, they're a playoff team. They still need OL help. They could look at a WR. These years where Bradford's been hurt, they've been assembling talent. They have to ride Foles for the next few years to see what he can do.
-
Mitch (Michigan)
Raiders free agency has been strong but not flashy...what do you think has been wrong with Trent Richardson so far and where did you have him ranked coming out of the draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
He was a consensus early first rounder with everybody. I didn't have a problem with Cleveland taking him, but I didn't understand Indy trading a first rounder for him, for a guy who's struggled. How many more opportunities will Richardson get? This might be his last. Oakland still didn't sign a WR. They desperately need a go-to WR.
-
Donald (Indiana)
Hello Mel, Falcons fan here what would be considered a good start to the draft for them? getting Ray, Beasly, Armstead at #8 and a linebacker in second or should they look to double up on rusher and hope Flowers or Dupree fall to them
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
Yeah, they've added some LBs in free agency. They've added 3 LBs and a DE. They've added some defensive guys. They've done some things there. Now, they could look OL. They're a team that don't have to force the LB at No. 8.
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
They could look at Brandon Scherff from Iowa, OT/OG.
-
Kevin (Miami)
Mel, did you get your NCAA bracket filled out? And did you think about having a college football one to fill out one day?
Mel Kiper
(2:10 PM)
I would hope. I would like to see a 16 team college football playoff bracket. We have four teams now, I would like to at least have 8. It took us 25, 30 years to get four, I might not be around to see 8!
-
AJ (Toronto)
Hey Mel! A lot of scouts love Coleman's explosiveness, other criticize his lack of lateral agility. Based on what you've seen, what's your take on him?
Mel Kiper
(2:11 PM)
He is a little more straightline, but he's a more of a DeMarco Murray. He'll show his speed. Remember, he got hurt. He played through it and then he had the surgery in December on his toe. He had more yards rushing after the toe injury than before, nearly 1,200 yards with the injury. 8 TD runs of 60 or more yards.
-
Terry (Hamilton)
Any thoughts on Mycole Pruitt? Small school TE, but put on a show at the combine.
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
He did. I like him coming out of Southern Illinois. I think he can play in this league. I think he'll be a later round pick. I highlighted Pruitt on ESPN.com on September 20.
-
John (MN)
Why have Alabama's DBs been so disappointing as pros? Coached up too well in college, not enough room to develop more?
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
That's a hard call. Kareem Jackson has developed into a good CB. We're still waiting to see what Dee Milliner can do. Mark Barron didn't get it done as a top 10 pick. Dre Kirkpatrick. There are a bunch that have disappointed once they get into the NFL. It happens. It's nothing that dates back 30 years or anything, it's more of a recent trend. It is something you have to factor into the equation.
-
Brian (Greensboro, NC)
Mel, I've heard that Carl Davis interviewed horribly at the Senior Bowl. Have you heard the same thing, and if true how much could that hurt his draft stock?
Mel Kiper
(2:16 PM)
Carl Davis had a really good Senior Bowl week. I didn't hear anything about the interviews, but his week overall was pretty good and that propelled him into the first round mix. He has a lot of ability. He could go anywhere from 27-40.
-
Ryan (Montreal)
Mel, Aside from maybe Mariotta, are there any other players in the top 10 you see teams trading up to acquire?
Mel Kiper
(2:17 PM)
Cooper or White, whoever doesn't go No. 4 would be a guy that you would want to try to go up and get. Especially if it's Cooper. If he doesn't go No. 4 and gets into the 7, 8, 9 range, I think you try to go up and get.
-
Chioke Hassan (Baltimore,Md)
Dear Mel What Terps players could you see coming out for the NFL Draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:18 PM)
Diggs is the main entity. He's explosive when he has the pads on. He could be a 3-4 round type of guy. Long, the WR, deserves some late round conversation.
-
CC (Atlanta)
Will Chris Conley from UGA get drafted after his freakish athletic showing at the Combine? He was pretty good at UGA... not sure why he was so off the radar in the first place.
Mel Kiper
(2:19 PM)
He had a pretty decent career. He didn't explode with his rating until the combine. He exploded. He will probably end up a 2-3 round pick based on the combine. He probably moved up 2 rounds. No question that was an incredible attention getter. What he did there is something you don't normally see.
-
Sean (Tampa)
Mel, assuming the Bucs pick Winston #1, where do they go in the 2nd round. They haven't addressed the OL or DE att all in FA. Who might be available for them in the 2nd rd?
Mel Kiper
(2:22 PM)
If they do take Winston, or Mariota, and everything kind of says they will take one or the other, DE is a big need area. OL. Who could they look at at that point? Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State; Cedric Ogbuehi, if you feel like he's back from his injury.
-
Mitch (Michigan)
Do you think Latavius Murray can carry the load in Oakland?
Mel Kiper
(2:23 PM)
I gave him a draftable grade when he came out. He was picking up yards behind a line that when you had other backs in the game, they weren't getting the same yards. He was a late round pick. They may have found their guy. But they may still look at a guy in the 4-5 round. Maybe Duke Johnson. But Murray has shown he can be a solid back in this league.
-
kurt (Buff)
Mel, the Bills stocked up on offensive weapons, but they haven't touched their O line (which was awful last year). Are there any OG's available with their first pick (2nd round) that can step in and start on day 1?
Mel Kiper
(2:25 PM)
They did make some moves to get McCoy, Harvin, but OG is a big area of need. Tomlinson, Duke; AJ Cann, South Carolina; Tre Jackson, FSU -- those are three guys who are pure guards that are solid second rounders. If you want to wait until the third round, Ali Marpet, Hobart -- the top D-III prospect -- is a possibility.
-
Otto (CA)
What inside LBs do you like most for covering TEs? Willis did this part so Bowman didn't have to and I thought Wilhoite was subpar in this area.
Mel Kiper
(2:27 PM)
Stephone Anthony, Clemson; Eric Kendricks, UCLA; Hayes Pullard, USC; Bryce Hager, Baylor. I'm surprised of the mobility of Taiwan Jones, Michigan State. He tested better in agility and quickness than you thought.
-
B Mand (Sarasota, FL)
How likely do you think it is that Bobby Hart and/or Karlos Williams are drafted?
Mel Kiper
(2:28 PM)
Williams -- borderline. Hart is a late round possibility too. Both are late rounders. Hart has more versatility.
-
Trent (LA)
What do you make of the safety positoin this draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
Safety will be a weak position in this draft. There are very few true safeties in this draft. Some of the best safeties may be guys drafted as CBs. Byron Jones played safety early in his career, but comes out as a DB. Landon Collins is the best pure safety, but he's an in the box guy. Derron Smith is a good all-around player. You're going to have do a good job scouting to find safeties in this draft.
-
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
We'll be back next Thursday. Pro days are ongoing. This free agency signing period has been the best I have ever seen. I have been covering college and pro football since 1978. I haven't seen the hot stove football offseason this crazy. Teams are being rebuilt right in front of our eyes.
