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http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/50367/nfl-draft-insider-mel-kiper
Buzzmaster
(2:01 PM)
We've got Mel!
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Edward (Orlando, FL)
In your "How low can they go" piece you made no mention of Blake Bortles. Do you feel like he won't be dropping low if at all?
Mel Kiper
(2:02 PM)
I think he'll go somewhere in the top 4 with Jacksonville and Cleveland the two hot spots.
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Gary (Ohio)
If none of the quarterbacks available are true "franchise quarterbacks", why would any of the teams in the top 5 of the draft take one, when there are some truly exceptional players this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:02 PM)
Maybe they have a difference of opinion and consider those guys a franchise QB. If they feel there is one, then they're going to take him.
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Stephan (NY)
What's missing from gilbert thats preventing him from being a definite top ten pick like milliner, claiborne, and peterson were in the past few drafts?
Mel Kiper
(2:03 PM)
Not a lot. He's not a run support CB. He's not going to throw his body around. But as a cover guy, a return man, he has that skill set. I think he's worthy of being a top 15 pick.
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Free (cali)
Would you be shock if a team in the top ten like mike evan more than sammy watkins and selects him?
Mel Kiper
(2:04 PM)
That would not shock me. It might surprise me, but not shock me. Watkins is so good. You could say he's better than AJ Green when he came out. This is just like Julio Jones and AJ Green, they are 1 and 1A.
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mickey (nashville tn)
Do you think my titans should pick a corner in the first round? if so who fits
Mel Kiper
(2:05 PM)
Their needs are: Pass rusher, CB, QB and RB. They could go CB in the first round. It would probably be Justin Gilbert.
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Will (Birmingham)
Of the QB needy teams in the top 10, which one do you feel is the most likely to wait until the second day to select a QB?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
I think Houston looks like they will. Minnesota will be interesting. Zimmer's commentary about Manziel wasn't positive. They could pass if the right guy isn't there. Jacksonville and Cleveland need a QB. Jacksonville needs an identity and Cleveland hasn't had a QB since Bernie Kosar.
William (TX)
Is CJ Mosley as good of a player as Luke kuechly or Sean Lee coming out? seems like his stock is falling
Mel Kiper
(2:07 PM)
He has a higher grade than Lee, not as high as Kuechly. His range is 8-21.
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Andrew Z. (Struthers, OH)
Where would the best fit for Carlos Hyde be?
Mel Kiper
(2:07 PM)
You could see Hyde going to New England. That would be a good fit.
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Steve (Chicago)
How far will Ebron fall. Is he getting past the packers at 21?
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
I wouldn't think so. That's as far as he could drop. I think the Jets at 18 are a possibility. Baltimore at 17. Giants at 12 would be the highest he could go. But he has a chance to go anywhere between 9 and 21.
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Rich (New Jersey)
Hi Mel - The Rams don't need a franchise quarterback and decent tackle in Jake Long, would they consider Jadeveon Clowney or would they consider trading the # 2 or is there someone out that could fill a need this year or at least start in 2015?
Mel Kiper
(2:09 PM)
I think if Clowney's there, they trade the pick. They have Long and Quinn at DE. It would be a luxury to take Clowney. If Clowney's gone, then I think it's an OT or WR.
Mel Kiper
(2:09 PM)
Safety would be a possibility at 13.
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John (Austin, TX)
If you were a team with an established veteran at QB, but wanted to take a guy to develop over the course of several years, who are some of the QBs that fall into that "great developmental potential" category?
Mel Kiper
(2:10 PM)
Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois; Aaron Murray, Georgia; Logan Thomas, VT falls into that category, but I'm just not high on him; Tom Savage, Pitt.
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Scott (Westminster, CO)
Mr. Kiper, what's the #1 question you get tired of hearing?
Mel Kiper
(2:12 PM)
I always get tired of hearing who's going to be the shocking first round pick. If I could identify it now, it wouldn't be shocking and I would be a psychic. And the QBs, Bortles, Manziel, Bridgewater, there is a lot more than those three QBs in this draft. It seems like we talk about them all of the time. The top players in this draft I call the Sensational Seven and there are no QBs on that list.
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Jack (Milwaukee)
It seems as though Clinton-Dix and Pyror get all the love as the most talented safeties in this class. When I watch Deone Bucannon on tape, I also see a really talented safety that can be in the box and in the deep middle. He tested out off the charts, has the size and put up the production. Why is he being projected in the 3rd round?
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
He's a little stiff. Struggles in coverage. He's one dimensional. He's aggressive and rugged. In an era where safeties have to cover, that's not his strong suit.
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Wayne (NYC)
Is kelvin benjamin a better player than davante adams?
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
Right now, he's more highly rated, yes.
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John (Phoenix, AZ)
Where does Will Sutton get selected next month?
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
From what I saw this year on tape, I'd take him in the fourth round. But I could see some teams looking more at the tape from two years ago and taking him in the third round.
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Greg (SLC)
What are you hearing about Kyle Van Noy? Where could he land?
Mel Kiper
(2:14 PM)
I love him. I think he's the most underrated defensive player in this draft. He's impactful. I think he'll be an oustanding second round pick for somebody.
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Mike (Tampa)
Is Dee ford worthy of a first round selection? i dont see the value in a undersize tweener
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
I'd say late first, early to mid second. He's in the discussion for late first. His great Senior Bowl week helped him.
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John (Chicago)
What do you think the chances are that the bears use a pick on a rb or qb in the 4th 5th or their 2 6th? Also, what are a few names you could see them taking? Thanks
Mel Kiper
(2:16 PM)
They could. There are a lot of QBs. Connor Shaw, South Carolina; Aaron Murray would be interesting. You can get great value at RB on Day 3. McKinnon. Hill. Simms. There will be a lot of quality Day 3 RBs.
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gerald (washington)
How is khalil Mack against the run? i didnt see many teams run his way on th clips i watched
Mel Kiper
(2:17 PM)
Normally you run at guys that are big time players. With Mack, he's a big strong kid. Very intense, aggressive. He's a complete player. He can force fumbles. Sack the QB. Intercept passes. He has to be one of the top 6 players taken, maybe the top 3 and possibly the first overall pick.
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Josh S. (Philly)
How many wide receivers do you expect to go in the first round?
Mel Kiper
(2:17 PM)
Five....maybe 6.
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William (Jacksonville)
Is David Carr really worth a 1st round pick? A.J. McCarron seems to be a more proven QB?
Mel Kiper
(2:18 PM)
Carr has a stronger arm. He's more mobile. Quicker release. All of those things favor Carr. He throws a much better deep ball. Carr would be ahead of McCarron on my board. Carr deserves first round consideration, yeah.
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Mark (DC)
Do Pro Days really matter or are they mostly media-hyped events?
Mel Kiper
(2:19 PM)
They matter, because a lot of these guys didn't work out at the combine. The pro days give the coaches another look. A lot of these coaches aren't aware of these players until after their seasons are over. It's another chance for them to familiarize themselves with these players. And for a lot of these underclassmen, it's the first measurables you get.
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Marko (BackBay, MA )
What's your thoughts on Keith Wenning of Ball State as a late round prospect for New England?
Mel Kiper
(2:20 PM)
I think he's an underrated QB. I have liked him during his career. He's not going to wow you over physically, but he can make all of the throws. Decent enough athlete. He moves around well in the pocket. He can make the throws. He could pay some dividends down the road as a late round pick.
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Mike Siani (Virginia)
Mel, who do you think the Raiders will take w/ the 5th pick?
Mel Kiper
(2:21 PM)
I would say either a WR like Watkins or Evans. Mack would be a possibility. An OT like Jake Matthews or Lewan. Those are some of the options.
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Clay (Dallas,TX)
How much of a talent gap is there between the Demarcus Lawrence-Jeremiah Attaochu tier of OLB and the top prospects like Mack and Ford?
Mel Kiper
(2:22 PM)
Mack is in a league by himself. Ford is in with Attaochu and those guys. Lawrence is in the next tier as well. I think he's moved up. Attaochu is a great special teams player, which has helped him move up.
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Eric (South Jersey)
Could the eagles replace desean with a great character guy like brandin cook?
Mel Kiper
(2:23 PM)
Yeah, he would be an ideal fit. He's explosive. Dynamic. He would be like what Steve Smith gave to Carolina. An ideal fit.
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Jody (Putnam CT)
Hi Mel. I am not convinced Sam Bradford is good enough to take the Rams to the Superbowl. He cracks under pressure and just does not seem to me, to be the franchise QB the Rams hoped. What do you see for the Rams and Bradford? MY guess is he is serviceable but the Rams look for a franchise QB next year.
Mel Kiper
(2:24 PM)
They have to help him out more. Bolster the OL. They need a true No. 1 WR. They really like Bailey, if he comes on, that's a big asset. A true No. 1 WR is needed. A safety to go with McDonald, who had a nice season. One more year is what Bradford is going to get. Then they'll move on if he isn't the answer.
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Will (Birmingham)
So if your a team in need of an identity like Jacksonville, does Johnny Football need to be your pick?
Mel Kiper
(2:25 PM)
It depends internally how important they feel that is. You're chasing the Colts who have that identity with Luck. If you feel that Manziel can help you win and give you that identity, you take him.
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Ken Belanger (milwaukee)
Could you see guys like Roby or Jean Baptiste converting to FS?
Mel Kiper
(2:26 PM)
Baptiste, he's the big CB. If you want a guy in that Seahawks CB mold, you take him. He won't fit into every team. He's a former WR that moved to CB. I think his future is at CB. Roby is a CB. He's an aggressive player. If he doesn't improve his cover skills, then maybe you look to move him inside. But he's an aggressive CB.
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Rich (San Francisco, CA)
Mel, what are your thoughts on Penn State WR Allen Robinson? He seems like a second round type of talent, but not sure what teams needs will match his skill set.
Mel Kiper
(2:28 PM)
Yeah, I think he's more of a third round player, but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes in the second. If he ran better, he would be up there. He's a bigger receiver, which is what everyone wants. He has a tremendous vertical jump. He's 6-2. If he had run 4.5 instead of 4.6 then I wouldn't be surprised if he went early to mid second.
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Tim (Mt. Prospect)
What position is Van Noy going to play in the pros?
Mel Kiper
(2:28 PM)
He has played in the middle and on both sides. He's not a sack artist, but he had some at BYU. He could play in any defensive scheme. He has great versatility.
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Chaz (San Francisco)
Has Teddy Bridgewater dropped out of the first round?
Mel Kiper
(2:29 PM)
No. I don't see it. If you look at Arizona at 20, it would be tough for them to pass him up. If he got down to Cleveland at 26, they'd take him.
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Will (Alabama)
Who's a guy you love in this draft that not many people know?
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia; Jerick McKinnon, RB, Georgia Southern; Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson; Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State; Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, GT; Deedee Lattimore, ILB, South Florida; Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice.
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Xander (Philly)
What are the two deepest positions in this draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
WR and CB.
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Scott (Westminster, CO)
Any punters going to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:32 PM)
The top punter is Steven Clark, Auburn. I have Anthony Fera as the top kicker, but you could also throw in Chris Boswell as another possibility. But they're all late rounders, priority free agents.
-
Mel Kiper
(2:32 PM)
The next mock draft is coming out late next week. We're one month from the draft today. Talk to you all next week!
Buzzmaster
(2:01 PM)
We've got Mel!
-
Edward (Orlando, FL)
In your "How low can they go" piece you made no mention of Blake Bortles. Do you feel like he won't be dropping low if at all?
Mel Kiper
(2:02 PM)
I think he'll go somewhere in the top 4 with Jacksonville and Cleveland the two hot spots.
-
Gary (Ohio)
If none of the quarterbacks available are true "franchise quarterbacks", why would any of the teams in the top 5 of the draft take one, when there are some truly exceptional players this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:02 PM)
Maybe they have a difference of opinion and consider those guys a franchise QB. If they feel there is one, then they're going to take him.
-
Stephan (NY)
What's missing from gilbert thats preventing him from being a definite top ten pick like milliner, claiborne, and peterson were in the past few drafts?
Mel Kiper
(2:03 PM)
Not a lot. He's not a run support CB. He's not going to throw his body around. But as a cover guy, a return man, he has that skill set. I think he's worthy of being a top 15 pick.
-
Free (cali)
Would you be shock if a team in the top ten like mike evan more than sammy watkins and selects him?
Mel Kiper
(2:04 PM)
That would not shock me. It might surprise me, but not shock me. Watkins is so good. You could say he's better than AJ Green when he came out. This is just like Julio Jones and AJ Green, they are 1 and 1A.
-
mickey (nashville tn)
Do you think my titans should pick a corner in the first round? if so who fits
Mel Kiper
(2:05 PM)
Their needs are: Pass rusher, CB, QB and RB. They could go CB in the first round. It would probably be Justin Gilbert.
-
Will (Birmingham)
Of the QB needy teams in the top 10, which one do you feel is the most likely to wait until the second day to select a QB?
Mel Kiper
(2:06 PM)
I think Houston looks like they will. Minnesota will be interesting. Zimmer's commentary about Manziel wasn't positive. They could pass if the right guy isn't there. Jacksonville and Cleveland need a QB. Jacksonville needs an identity and Cleveland hasn't had a QB since Bernie Kosar.
William (TX)
Is CJ Mosley as good of a player as Luke kuechly or Sean Lee coming out? seems like his stock is falling
Mel Kiper
(2:07 PM)
He has a higher grade than Lee, not as high as Kuechly. His range is 8-21.
-
Andrew Z. (Struthers, OH)
Where would the best fit for Carlos Hyde be?
Mel Kiper
(2:07 PM)
You could see Hyde going to New England. That would be a good fit.
-
Steve (Chicago)
How far will Ebron fall. Is he getting past the packers at 21?
Mel Kiper
(2:08 PM)
I wouldn't think so. That's as far as he could drop. I think the Jets at 18 are a possibility. Baltimore at 17. Giants at 12 would be the highest he could go. But he has a chance to go anywhere between 9 and 21.
-
Rich (New Jersey)
Hi Mel - The Rams don't need a franchise quarterback and decent tackle in Jake Long, would they consider Jadeveon Clowney or would they consider trading the # 2 or is there someone out that could fill a need this year or at least start in 2015?
Mel Kiper
(2:09 PM)
I think if Clowney's there, they trade the pick. They have Long and Quinn at DE. It would be a luxury to take Clowney. If Clowney's gone, then I think it's an OT or WR.
Mel Kiper
(2:09 PM)
Safety would be a possibility at 13.
-
John (Austin, TX)
If you were a team with an established veteran at QB, but wanted to take a guy to develop over the course of several years, who are some of the QBs that fall into that "great developmental potential" category?
Mel Kiper
(2:10 PM)
Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois; Aaron Murray, Georgia; Logan Thomas, VT falls into that category, but I'm just not high on him; Tom Savage, Pitt.
-
Scott (Westminster, CO)
Mr. Kiper, what's the #1 question you get tired of hearing?
Mel Kiper
(2:12 PM)
I always get tired of hearing who's going to be the shocking first round pick. If I could identify it now, it wouldn't be shocking and I would be a psychic. And the QBs, Bortles, Manziel, Bridgewater, there is a lot more than those three QBs in this draft. It seems like we talk about them all of the time. The top players in this draft I call the Sensational Seven and there are no QBs on that list.
-
Jack (Milwaukee)
It seems as though Clinton-Dix and Pyror get all the love as the most talented safeties in this class. When I watch Deone Bucannon on tape, I also see a really talented safety that can be in the box and in the deep middle. He tested out off the charts, has the size and put up the production. Why is he being projected in the 3rd round?
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
He's a little stiff. Struggles in coverage. He's one dimensional. He's aggressive and rugged. In an era where safeties have to cover, that's not his strong suit.
-
Wayne (NYC)
Is kelvin benjamin a better player than davante adams?
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
Right now, he's more highly rated, yes.
-
John (Phoenix, AZ)
Where does Will Sutton get selected next month?
Mel Kiper
(2:13 PM)
From what I saw this year on tape, I'd take him in the fourth round. But I could see some teams looking more at the tape from two years ago and taking him in the third round.
-
Greg (SLC)
What are you hearing about Kyle Van Noy? Where could he land?
Mel Kiper
(2:14 PM)
I love him. I think he's the most underrated defensive player in this draft. He's impactful. I think he'll be an oustanding second round pick for somebody.
-
Mike (Tampa)
Is Dee ford worthy of a first round selection? i dont see the value in a undersize tweener
Mel Kiper
(2:15 PM)
I'd say late first, early to mid second. He's in the discussion for late first. His great Senior Bowl week helped him.
-
John (Chicago)
What do you think the chances are that the bears use a pick on a rb or qb in the 4th 5th or their 2 6th? Also, what are a few names you could see them taking? Thanks
Mel Kiper
(2:16 PM)
They could. There are a lot of QBs. Connor Shaw, South Carolina; Aaron Murray would be interesting. You can get great value at RB on Day 3. McKinnon. Hill. Simms. There will be a lot of quality Day 3 RBs.
-
gerald (washington)
How is khalil Mack against the run? i didnt see many teams run his way on th clips i watched
Mel Kiper
(2:17 PM)
Normally you run at guys that are big time players. With Mack, he's a big strong kid. Very intense, aggressive. He's a complete player. He can force fumbles. Sack the QB. Intercept passes. He has to be one of the top 6 players taken, maybe the top 3 and possibly the first overall pick.
-
Josh S. (Philly)
How many wide receivers do you expect to go in the first round?
Mel Kiper
(2:17 PM)
Five....maybe 6.
-
William (Jacksonville)
Is David Carr really worth a 1st round pick? A.J. McCarron seems to be a more proven QB?
Mel Kiper
(2:18 PM)
Carr has a stronger arm. He's more mobile. Quicker release. All of those things favor Carr. He throws a much better deep ball. Carr would be ahead of McCarron on my board. Carr deserves first round consideration, yeah.
-
Mark (DC)
Do Pro Days really matter or are they mostly media-hyped events?
Mel Kiper
(2:19 PM)
They matter, because a lot of these guys didn't work out at the combine. The pro days give the coaches another look. A lot of these coaches aren't aware of these players until after their seasons are over. It's another chance for them to familiarize themselves with these players. And for a lot of these underclassmen, it's the first measurables you get.
-
Marko (BackBay, MA )
What's your thoughts on Keith Wenning of Ball State as a late round prospect for New England?
Mel Kiper
(2:20 PM)
I think he's an underrated QB. I have liked him during his career. He's not going to wow you over physically, but he can make all of the throws. Decent enough athlete. He moves around well in the pocket. He can make the throws. He could pay some dividends down the road as a late round pick.
-
Mike Siani (Virginia)
Mel, who do you think the Raiders will take w/ the 5th pick?
Mel Kiper
(2:21 PM)
I would say either a WR like Watkins or Evans. Mack would be a possibility. An OT like Jake Matthews or Lewan. Those are some of the options.
-
Clay (Dallas,TX)
How much of a talent gap is there between the Demarcus Lawrence-Jeremiah Attaochu tier of OLB and the top prospects like Mack and Ford?
Mel Kiper
(2:22 PM)
Mack is in a league by himself. Ford is in with Attaochu and those guys. Lawrence is in the next tier as well. I think he's moved up. Attaochu is a great special teams player, which has helped him move up.
-
Eric (South Jersey)
Could the eagles replace desean with a great character guy like brandin cook?
Mel Kiper
(2:23 PM)
Yeah, he would be an ideal fit. He's explosive. Dynamic. He would be like what Steve Smith gave to Carolina. An ideal fit.
-
Jody (Putnam CT)
Hi Mel. I am not convinced Sam Bradford is good enough to take the Rams to the Superbowl. He cracks under pressure and just does not seem to me, to be the franchise QB the Rams hoped. What do you see for the Rams and Bradford? MY guess is he is serviceable but the Rams look for a franchise QB next year.
Mel Kiper
(2:24 PM)
They have to help him out more. Bolster the OL. They need a true No. 1 WR. They really like Bailey, if he comes on, that's a big asset. A true No. 1 WR is needed. A safety to go with McDonald, who had a nice season. One more year is what Bradford is going to get. Then they'll move on if he isn't the answer.
-
Will (Birmingham)
So if your a team in need of an identity like Jacksonville, does Johnny Football need to be your pick?
Mel Kiper
(2:25 PM)
It depends internally how important they feel that is. You're chasing the Colts who have that identity with Luck. If you feel that Manziel can help you win and give you that identity, you take him.
-
Ken Belanger (milwaukee)
Could you see guys like Roby or Jean Baptiste converting to FS?
Mel Kiper
(2:26 PM)
Baptiste, he's the big CB. If you want a guy in that Seahawks CB mold, you take him. He won't fit into every team. He's a former WR that moved to CB. I think his future is at CB. Roby is a CB. He's an aggressive player. If he doesn't improve his cover skills, then maybe you look to move him inside. But he's an aggressive CB.
-
Rich (San Francisco, CA)
Mel, what are your thoughts on Penn State WR Allen Robinson? He seems like a second round type of talent, but not sure what teams needs will match his skill set.
Mel Kiper
(2:28 PM)
Yeah, I think he's more of a third round player, but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes in the second. If he ran better, he would be up there. He's a bigger receiver, which is what everyone wants. He has a tremendous vertical jump. He's 6-2. If he had run 4.5 instead of 4.6 then I wouldn't be surprised if he went early to mid second.
-
Tim (Mt. Prospect)
What position is Van Noy going to play in the pros?
Mel Kiper
(2:28 PM)
He has played in the middle and on both sides. He's not a sack artist, but he had some at BYU. He could play in any defensive scheme. He has great versatility.
-
Chaz (San Francisco)
Has Teddy Bridgewater dropped out of the first round?
Mel Kiper
(2:29 PM)
No. I don't see it. If you look at Arizona at 20, it would be tough for them to pass him up. If he got down to Cleveland at 26, they'd take him.
-
Will (Alabama)
Who's a guy you love in this draft that not many people know?
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia; Jerick McKinnon, RB, Georgia Southern; Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson; Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State; Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, GT; Deedee Lattimore, ILB, South Florida; Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice.
-
Xander (Philly)
What are the two deepest positions in this draft?
Mel Kiper
(2:31 PM)
WR and CB.
-
Scott (Westminster, CO)
Any punters going to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round this year?
Mel Kiper
(2:32 PM)
The top punter is Steven Clark, Auburn. I have Anthony Fera as the top kicker, but you could also throw in Chris Boswell as another possibility. But they're all late rounders, priority free agents.
-
Mel Kiper
(2:32 PM)
The next mock draft is coming out late next week. We're one month from the draft today. Talk to you all next week!
