35. Top needs entering the draft: CB, QB, WR, G, DT. Zeke Vandenburgh, Illinois State I moved McDonald into my Big Board in February, thanks to a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl. 10. ESPN requires its on-site employees get the COVID-19 vaccine and the NFL mandates that on-site reporters also get the jab . 30. C.J. This pick might be an admission that Patrick Queen hasn't quite worked out since being taken in the first round in 2020. 27. Payne Durham, Purdue Mel Kiper Jr. on the set of SportsCenter in Nashville, Tenn.,on April 24, 2019. 144. Khalan Laborn, Marshall 15. 72. Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga 141. Broderick Jones, Georgia 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pitt He could be Northwestern's second top-15 offensive tackle pick in three years (joining Rashawn Slater in 2021). Micah Baskerville, LSU Darrius Bratton, Virginia 27. Noah Sewell, Oregon Krishon Merriweather, Texas Tech. BJ Thompson, SF Austin 2. I'd like to see him use his legs to scramble for first downs; he can be a little too rigid in the pocket. 100. I've been calling cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16) this draft's "Splendid Splinter," because of his frame. 37. Both of the small, quick wide receivers would have fit perfectly around Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Matt Landers, Arkansas 37. That's almost identical to Kyler Murray's measurements at the 2019 combine (5-foot-10, 207), but Young doesn't have the same lower-body build as Murray. They traded down from No. Gonzalez has excellent length and has the recovery speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine) to make up for mistakes in his technique. I thought an edge rusher made more sense. Anthony Johnson Jr., Virginia Kiper's professional career started with Ernie Accorsi, general manager of the Baltimore Colts, suggested that Kiper be draft . Jesse Matthews, San Diego State 39. 53. 24. 2. 10. Natrone Brooks, Southern Mississippi 114. Aaron Frost, Nevada 22. Kiper said that Accorsi told him that there was a market for draft information and suggested that Kiper convert his analysis into a business. 9. 54. 31. Mike Morris, Michigan New Orleans instead landed my third-ranked DT Bryan Bresee (29), who isn't as good against the run as Carter but does have some pass-rush upside. As Bryce Young declares for the NFL draft, take a look at some of his highlight plays from his collegiate career at Alabama. Same thing! He started 42 games in college, playing both tackle spots and right guard for the Vols. Tanner Morgan, Minnesota Robert Soderholm III, VMI You might remember Hyatt from his five touchdown catches against Alabama, and he can fly out of the slot. Caden McDonald, San Diego State Titus Leo, Wagner 5 22 Related Topics ESPN Sports journalism Sports 22 comments Best Add a Comment 4t9rman 1 yr. ago XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee Blake Whiteheart, Wake Forest They're both over 6-foot-3 and love vertical routes. De'Jahn Warren, Jackson State Jermaine McDaniel Jr., NC A&T 13. DJ Dale, Alabama Chicago had been connected with Darnell Wright (9) for months -- I matched this one in my two-round mock draft -- mostly because of its gaping void at right tackle. Achane is super fast and has ability in the pass game; what's not to like? I preferred John Michael Schmitz over Joe Tippmann (43) in the center class, but I know several teams that had Tippmann at No. Schefter and Herbstreit wont be involved in the broadcast at all, but Kiper Jr. will still be on the broadcast, just not from Las Vegas. Truman Jones, Harvard Some of this had to do with getting ahead on the DTs early in a thinner-than-normal class, but I'm grading each class on value, and so the Bears have to get dinged. In fact, that was right around the cutoff point for where most NFL execs and scouts had their first-round grades. Taylor Grimes, Incarnate Word 8. 12, but the reached for running back Jahmyr Gibbs there. Peyton Henry, Washington Mekhi Garner, LSU 45. 8. 13. McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga Justin McGriff, Utah State Eku Leota, Auburn ESPNs top college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit will also miss the draft due to medical reasons. 4. Everyrime hes in it looks like hes got parkinsons like shakes but he still dominates every single segment. DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama 2. K.J. This is a bit of a mixed bag overall, but the top two picks were excellent value. Caleb Murphy, Ferris State But when I went through and watched all of his starts at Kentucky, I was really impressed with his game. 12. Josh Whyle, Cincinnati 14 overall, the Patriots were in an interesting spot in this draft. He was fantastic after he returned in late October from missing two games due to a knee issue. And still, getting my top-ranked wideout, Zay Flowers (22), a few hours later had to have made Jackson even more happy. Dorian Williams, ILB, Tulane Merlin Robertson, Arizona State Isaiah McGuire, DE, Missouri Odds and lines subject to change. 5. Brett Neilon, USC Mitchell Tinsley, Penn State Bumper Pool, Arkansas He also can get beat deep at times. I'm a big fan. The synopsis is: I'm a believer in Will Levis (33). Tavion Thomas, Utah Julius Brents, Kansas State 4. Check out the highlights that make Anthony Richardson one of the most exciting prospects of the 2023 NFL draft. On the field, he is a fantastic prospect. DeAndre Square, Kentucky In L.A., he'll get reunited with two of his former wide receivers in Johnston and Davis. Travis Dye, USC 19. Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State 9. Read more on the 2023 draft , 1. 10. The Colts must think he can start as a rookie. 9. Henry, Clemson 5. And with their first-round pick gone to Detroit, they're starting that rebuild at a disadvantage. (The Spun) Filed Under: NFL Related: ESPN's Brian Windhorst Explains He's Talking Quietly Because His Hotel Neighbor's Threat Paul Finebaum Not Liking What He's Hearing About Alabama As I mentioned Friday night, defensive tackle Kobie Turner (89) was the first player outside my top 200 to be drafted. Addison can run any route, and he can line up all across the formation. Nick Saban & Co. used him as a stand-up outside linebacker, as a down defensive end and even at tackle, where he can blow up guards and centers at the snap. He picked off four passes in 2022; he has the hands of a receiver. He really struggled with accuracy in his lone season as the full-time starter, and he needs a lot of improvement on his footwork and mechanics. J.D. Starling Thomas V, UAB Kiper's grades are in, and for the Washington Commanders, it's a positive grade. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Dolphins a B, with this remark: "Miami entered this draft with just four picks, the fewest in the league, and it had already filled its biggest roster hole via the. Wright is the best pure right tackle in this draft. 3 and 105. Health Update Age And Family. Chuck Filiaga, Minnesota He had an up-and-down season, throwing 17 touchdown passes and nine interceptions while running for nine scores. 13. The reason behind his decision is due to the fact that he has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus. This is not a mock draft or prediction of where prospects will be drafted. Keilahn Harris, Oklahoma Baptist Darnell Wright, Tennessee I completely support everyone determining whats best for their individual circumstance and recognize the value of vaccines, he wrote. 28. He has excellent hands -- check out this touchdown grab -- and he has great speed, though he didn't run at the combine. He isn't just a burner. Jaleel McLaughlin, Youngstown State After an offseason coaching change and a huge trade up the board to acquire the No. 12. Kiper will be doing the NFL Draft from home, where he works out of his home office with his longtime wife, Kim Kiper. Jason Brownlee, WR, Southern Mississippi 82. 66. I don't love drafting running backs in Round 1, but Robinson deserves this ranking; I grade based on ability, not my first-round philosophy. 5. 139. Antonio Moultrie, Miami And I have to say, I'm impressed by several of the prospects general manager Andrew Berry landed. He is a dominant and complete edge rusher who might have been the No. 7. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Mel and Kim Kiper were married in 1989. Kiper could not be reached for additional comment Tuesday. Austin Mock, Liberty Lou Hedley, Miami 21+ (18+ NH/WY). 12. Cornerback Deonte Banks (24) was consistently impressive when I watched his 2022 tape, and he stuck to receivers in man coverage. 24. 19. Matt McDonald, Bowling Green I thought Adebawore had a chance to go in the top 40 picks. 15. Zacch Pickens, South Carolina Normally, I'd say that's amazing for the Texans, but they gave up a ton to make it happen, as I wrote Thursday night. 3. Richard Gouraige, Florida 25. 78. 56. I picked tight end Will Mallory (162) as one of my combine risers in March. ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. changes his mind in more ways than one regarding the Buffalo Bills in his final mock ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. He just gets open, and he can do it in so many ways. Henley stuffed the stat sheet in one season at Washington State, and he has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the pass game. video for When should Pirates fans buy into this team? Off-ball linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 3. Daewood Davis, Western Kentucky In his most recent mock prior to this one released on Wednesday, the draft . 120. 4 and still got Anthony Richardson. Kendre Miller, TCU Pittsburgh had just three picks in the last four rounds, with Nick Herbig (132) the most notable. 29. 20. Shaquan Davis, South Carolina State He led the FBS in broken tackles forced per game (4.1) and averaged 112.7 rushing yards per game. 76. Kiper's 2023 NFL draft grades: Why two teams clearly had the best weekend, 'That was crazy, no cap': How one wild sequence helped the 76ers steal Game 1, 'Aggressive' Harden takes over as 76ers stun C's, Suns' Paul leaves G2 loss with left groin tightness, Devils blank Rangers for 1st series win since 2012, Jokic powers Nuggets to 2-0, shrugs off MVP talk, Serena announces she's pregnant with 2nd child, Snoop Dogg joins Sparks' bid to buy Senators, Jets bolster OT group by signing veteran Turner, Ohio halts betting on Alabama baseball games. I wrote more Friday night about these picks, but in short, I like them. 81. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State Mel Kiper Jr.'s final 2023 NFL draft mock sends Bills first-round pass With Cam Robinson facing a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, Anton Harrison (27) might have to be thrown into the fire on the left side. 1 overall prospect, Jalen Carter, landing him at No. It's clear the new regime doesn't see Willis as its future franchise signal-caller, however, and my grade for Levis is much higher than it was for Willis a year ago. 5. Kwabena Bonsu, Army 9. The Broncos did decently with what they had this weekend. Kahlef Hailassie, Western Kentucky What helps Forbes is that he ran a lightning-fast 4.35-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis (with an elite 1.48 10-yard split). Desjuan Johnson, Toledo I thought the Saints reached a bit for edge rusher Isaiah Foskey (40) on Day 2, and I would have preferred running back Devon Achane over Kendre Miller (71). Carter has some off-field questions -- his draft status was clouded after he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal crash in January -- but there's no denying his talent level. That's a decent haul. 89. Did Pats make Mac Jones happy? And that's what Bill Belichick was able to do, trading down for cornerback Christian Gonzalez (17), a player I had ranked in the top 10. 4. 19. Kiper ESPN+ recaps: Day 1 | Day 2 28. Myles Murphy, Clemson Mel Kiper, Jr., will appear on ESPN from his home studio in Maryland. 34. Wright is the best right tackle in this class, a 333-pound lineman who started 42 games in college. 39. (with WWEs Corey Graves), Pick on the Total for Reds-Padres on May 2, Chris Paul OUT for rest of Game 2 vs. Nuggets Monday with groin injury, Wells Fargo Championship Picks: PGA TOUR Golf Best Bets, Predictions, Odds to Consider on DraftKings Sportsbook, Full schedule for Hurricanes vs. Devils in second round of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, List of teams that have advanced to second round of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Updated bracket heading into second round of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland While I didn't love the two running back picks, I'm having a hard time downgrading the rest of this class much. 14. 6. I would have gone with Ji'Ayir Brown or Riley Moss over Sydney Brown (66) if I were taking a safety, but I don't have a huge issue with the Eagles preferring Brown. 42. Zay Flowers, Boston College I would have been harsher on a team taking quarterback Hendon Hooker (68) in Round 1, but Detroit was able to land him at the top of Round 3. So how'd he do? 6. Clark Phillips III, Utah Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia But this year, it will not be the case. Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State Cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (157) was a value on my board, and I like the stash pick of guard Andrew Vorhees (229), who likely will sit out all of 2023 after a recent knee injury. Levis has a rocket launcher for an arm and makes some "wow" throws. Anders Carlson, Auburn All he does is make plays, though. 18. 27. I had that one as a little bit of a reach with better corners on the board. Jack Campbell, Iowa Michael Mayer (35), the most complete tight end in this draft, was a nice selection at the top of Day 2, but a few other of Ziegler's picks were reaches on my board. This roster needs a lot of work, and general manager Monti Ossenfort has his work cut out for him. I appreciate my colleagues, particularly the production staff and my fellow commentators, for their support and flexibility. Time for one final update of my prospect rankings ahead of the 2023 NFL draft as Round 1 closes in (Thursday at 8 p.m. Mike Morris, OLB, Michigan He led the FBS in receiving yards per route run (4.0). 41. Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State 44. Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia Corey Mayfield, UTSA I wrote in September that I wanted to see his sack production rise before moving him up, and while he didn't have elite numbers, he did improve. Anthony Bradford, LSU DiRenzo, Rutgers Randy Charlton, Mississippi State Dalton Kincaid, Utah 12. 58. Running back Israel Abanikanda (143) likely is insurance for Breece Hall returning healthy, but Abanikanda was productive in college, tallying 21 scores last season. 18, with top running back Bijan Robinson still on the board. 25. 5. The light Day 3 keeps this class under an A -- teams that have more picks obviously have greater chances to find those diamonds in the rough -- but there are some instant-impact players here. 4. Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan And though I didn't love giving up the future draft capital, I do think Anderson has All-Pro potential. 48. He has a knack for the incredible play -- he had 14 picks over the past three seasons. Tre Tucker, Cincinnati Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota Nolan Smith, Georgia Daiyan Henley, ILB, Washington State Top needs entering the draft: OLB, CB, S, DT, QB. LaTrell Bumphus, Tennessee Darnell Washington, Georgia Las Vegas was originally scheduled to host 2020's edition of thedraft, but the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans, forcing that year's draft to be held remotely. Top needs entering the draft: G, TE, RB, ILB, OLB. 8. . And defensive end YaYa Diaby (82), who made my pre-draft favorites list, has the tools to become a steal. He was impressive at the combine, though he didn't run the 40-yard dash. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame Clayton Tune, Houston His full analysis on each pick can be found here . Mel Kiper Jr. says he's unvaccinated, will work NFL Draft from home That's why I'll leave this as a B. With their top two picks going to Seattle as the last remnants of the Russell Wilson trade -- and another first-rounder, acquired for edge rusher Bradley Chubb, going to New Orleans for coach Sean Payton -- it was a step to get ahead of their biggest needs. Ethan Evans, Wingate 22. Ty Okada, Montana State The Bears received a spectacular haul when they traded down from No. Gambling Problem? Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame 7. A.T. Perry, Wake Forest What stands out about him is his route-running ability. 127. While I would have gone with Will Levis over Richardson, there's no denying the talent and traits the former Florida passer possesses. Mel Kiper Mel Kiper Jr. is known as an American football analyst on ESPN. Trevor Brohard, New Mexico State 9. Patrick O'Connell, Montana This is a small class, but Addison fills a massive need. I don't see a vastly improved defensive depth chart. He has really long arms. 1 pick. Trenton Simpson (86) could be a steal; I had him ranked No. 11. Jakorian Bennett, Maryland Jadakis Bonds, Hampton If it feels like Kiper should be much older than 62 at this point, it's because he's been covering the NFL Draft for ESPN since 1984, when he was just 23 . 10. Parker Washington, WR, Penn State, 101. Back-to-back-to-back-to-back wide receiver selections in the middle of Round 1. DJ Ivey, Miami Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse Tyrique Stevenson, Miami 97. Earl Bostick Jr., Kansas The Saints ended up picking 19 spots after their original selection. Josh Vann, South Carolina Signing Lamar Jackson to a long-term deal, of course. Will they go after veteran free agents in May instead? 6. It sounds like the Bucs see him as guard, but I think he could start at right tackle in time. This is the same wideout who led Ohio State in catches (95) and yards (1,606) in 2021, even on a team with two wide receivers drafted in Round 1 of the 2022 draft. He doesn't make many mistakes. 20. Mel Kiper's final mock draft has Bears picking an OT originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago In his final mock of the 2023 the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Chicago Bears. This was a clear need area for the Jets. Top needs entering the draft: OT, G, S, RB, DE. ", I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN pic.twitter.com/C5ea9NjdqK. I appreciate my colleagues, particularly the production staff and my fellow commentators, for their support and flexibility. 85. He has also gotten rave reviews about his interviews with coaches and execs in the pre-draft process. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State How old is Mel Kiper Jr.? Career timeline for legendary ESPN NFL Draft 14. NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. will participate in ESPN's television broadcast covering the tentpole event from his home studio in Maryland and not onsite in Las Vegas because he is unvaccinated against COVID-19, he said Monday. Top needs entering the draft: WR, QB, G/C, TE, CB. Kiper, one of the most recognizable figures in NFL draft media, has been providing coverage around the event for ESPN since 1984. 143. B.J. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. He is the real deal, though, and there are lots of Levis fans in the NFL. 26. Mel Kiper Releases His Top 10 QBs In This 2023 Class Jake Bobo, UCLA Yasir Abdullah, Louisville Mel Kiper Jr. Announces Plans For His Retirement On ESPN Live Nice job by Schoen and Daboll. The 49ers entered Day 1 with 11 total picks -- but zero in Rounds 1 or 2. 8. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame Braeden Daniels (118) is light on his feet but undersized; he is my seventh-ranked guard. Final 2023 NFL draft rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects by position