111. 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. He had 11 sacks in his first two seasons at Clemson and had 6.5 in 2022. Shaun Shivers, Indiana Mel Kiper. Princeton Fant, Tennessee I think Bradford could push for early playing time. 4. Kenny McIntosh, Georgia DaShaun White, Oklahoma Luke Wypler (190) actually is my third-ranked center; I thought he might go two rounds before Cleveland got him. 110. 17. Christopher Dunn, NC State Christopher Smith, S, Georgia 24. ", I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN pic.twitter.com/C5ea9NjdqK. Yasir Abdullah, OLB, Louisville Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga Effective next week, I will be separated from the company.. Yasir Abdullah, Louisville Jesse Matthews, San Diego State 26. Andre Szmyt, Syracuse Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky Meet Mel Kiper Son Mel Kiper Jr. As was previously established, Kiper Jr. is an analyst who gained notoriety for his participation in the fabled Bill Tobin outburst. Jacksonville ended up with six selections in the final two rounds, and my favorite was wideout Parker Washington (185), who has a chance to contribute early out of the slot. Dylan Horton, TCU 11. 48. 54. Broderick Jones, Georgia Meet Mel Kiper Son Mel Kiper Jr, Wife And Family Background Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss 16. Merlin Robertson, Arizona State Carter Warren, OT, Pitt Mason Brooks, Ole Miss, Jeremy Cooper, Cincinnati 17. Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion Marte Mapu, Sacramento State YaYa Diaby, DE, Louisville 11. Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, CB, WR, QB. 10. Patrick O'Connell, Montana Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina Trenton Simpson (86) could be a steal; I had him ranked No. Still, general manager Les Snead had a bunch of picks to work with on Friday and Saturday. Mel Kiper Jr. - Wikipedia Top needs entering the draft: QB, WR, DE, CB, OT. 35. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State Some of that is because he was asked to lock down the top receiver on every team and he didn't get much help. 121. Stroud, Ohio State Dalton Godfrey, South Dakota Brenton Strange, Penn State With Carter and Smith filling clear needs -- and the trade for running back D'Andre Swift filling another -- I really like this class. Jake Moody, Michigan 2. Jared Carrabis, Dallas Braden and the guys from Baseball Is Dead are joined by WWE announcer Corey Graves to talk about the Pirates, wrestling crowds and more. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA Scott Matlock, Boise State Aaron Rodgers knows that feeling; the Packers have now drafted a defensive player with 12 of their past 13 first-round picks, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Mississippi Valley State Anthony Bradford, G, LSU This is a great spot for him, being able to be mentored by Patrick Peterson. Overall, I was impressed with what Ossenfort did in his first class as a GM, getting a plug-and-play left tackle and prime 2024 picks. Ben VanSumeren, Michigan State 1. 11. BJ Ojulari, LSU He started 39 games at tackle in college. Julius Brents, Kansas State DJ Turner, CB, Michigan Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State 8. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has finally shared his "Top 10 QBs" list before the 2023 NFL Draft starts Thursday night. Jakorian Bennett, Maryland Safety Gervarrius Owens is an intriguing flier in Round 7. 122. 27 overall on Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson, clearly a piece . Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC He was impressive, allowing two sacks and just 10 pressures as C.J. He took too many sacks. As part of the trade with the Jets for Rodgers, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst received pick Nos. Strange had been rising since the combine; I went back to study his tape after his combine workout, and I liked what I saw. It was one of the wildest drafts in my time at ESPN; this was No. Ryan Swoboda, UCF He had nine sacks last season and was extremely impressive during the athletic testing at the combine. DeAndre Square, Kentucky Johnston is going to come down with his fair share of 50-50 balls, but Flowers or Addison would have made Justin Herbert's life a little bit easier, because they can run crossers and help in the quick game, which just isn't Johnston's strength. 9. Andrei Iosivas, Princeton I've been calling cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16) this draft's "Splendid Splinter," because of his frame. Carter is clearly a complicated prospect. C.J. 35. I was surprised he dropped that far. Darrious Gaines, Western Colorado Camerun Peoples, Appalachian State Check out this show of force in the SEC title game against LSU. When I studied Derius Davis (125), a college teammate of Johnston, I saw a better return man than route runner, though Davis is super fast. 28. 12. Kyle Patterson, Air Force 98. On the April 19th, draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. announced plans for his eventual retirement on ESPN's NFL Live broadcast. If Rice comes in as a rookie and climbs the depth chart, this class could be tremendous. Puka Nacua, BYU Addison had 100 catches for 1,592 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pitt in 2021. Mel Kiper Jr. gives Raiders grade of 'B-' for 2023 draft class Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor 14. Eku Leota, Auburn I'm just curious to see how much Blackmon can play as a rookie, because Minnesota has available snaps for him. Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois 21. That's a coup for dropping down just three spots and still getting an offensive tackle who could start as a rookie. Anderson also went through every drill at the combine, showing he's not afraid of competition. Wright was called for eight penalties in 2021 but just two last season, so he cleaned up his game. AJ Finley, Ole Miss I wanted to see the Dolphins get immediate help somewhere, and I love their first two picks. Even though they traded at midseason what ended up as the top pick of Round 2, they still had four selections in the top 64. Top needs entering the draft: OT, DE, RB, CB, DT. 32. 108. 19. 86. I appreciate my colleagues, particularly the production staff and my fellow commentators, for their support and flexibility. 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. Terell Smith (165) is my 14th-ranked cornerback, and the Bears got him a round later than I had him going. 2. He had 19 catches last season, averaging 16.5 yards per reception. NFL draft: Biggest potential steals in this year's class. That's the biggest question I try to answer. Instead, he will broadcast live. Benton's traits didn't match his college production, but if he keeps developing some pass-rush moves, he could be a three-down player. Kiper, a fixture on ESPN's NFL draft coverage since 1984, won't be the only familiar face missing from the event. 15. And though I didn't love giving up the future draft capital, I do think Anderson has All-Pro potential. Stetson Bennett, Georgia Cameron Latu, Alabama McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga Aubrey Miller Jr., Jackson State Edge rusher Viliami Fehoko (129) had 23 sacks over the past three seasons; I highlighted him as a potential sleeper in December. He picked off four passes in 2022; he has the hands of a receiver. For a team that went 7-10 and has more than a few roster holes, I just don't get it. Jonathan White, McPherson College (KS) 1:46 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. Starling Thomas V, UAB This is a really solid team, though its success hinges a great deal on the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, . As for whom the Cardinals drafted on Friday and Saturday? Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford 11. The Packers sent back No. 8. Bijan Robinson, Texas They ranked near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense last season. Quavian White, Georgia State 38. Daiyan Henley, ILB, Washington State I wasn't as high on offensive lineman Wanya Morris (92), but he has a chance to challenge Lucas Niang for the right tackle spot. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. DeMarvion Overshown (90) is one of analyst Louis Riddick's favorites in this class; he can be impressive as a blitzer. 58 overall on my Big Board and is ranked third at the position. Jay Ward, LSU He is my No. Ryan Jones, East Carolina Grant Gibson, NC State, James Jackson, South Alabama McDonald is a speed rusher who is super explosive; he had the best broad jump of any of the edge rushers at the combine (11 feet). Two running backs in the top 12. He was one of two players in the FBS to have at least 900 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards (the other was Northwestern's Evan Hull). On the field, he is a fantastic prospect. Zach Harrison, Ohio State That's a miss. 4. 38. Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU 11. On Day 3, New England added both my top-ranked kicker Chad Ryland (112) and punter Bryce Baringer (192), becoming the first team since the 2000 Raiders to take a kicker and a punter in the same draft. Charlie Jones, Purdue Kiper, one of the most recognizable figures in NFL draft media, has been providing coverage around the event for ESPN since 1984. 6. 26. The Falcons got a fantastic rookie season from fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier, and yet they took Bijan Robinson at No. So when they went for wideout Quentin Johnston (21) instead, I was surprised. Ahead of the draft, Kiper listed Washington's needs as CB, G/C, OT . 26. 131. The problem? Will McDonald IV, Iowa State 8. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M Kendre Miller, RB, TCU 2. 6. Malik Heath, Ole Miss Dallas Daniels, Jackson State Impressed yet? 10. 5. Peter Skoronski, Northwestern 51 overall. Sydney Brown, S, Illinois Quentin Johnston, TCU 69. Keidron Smith, Kentucky Kiper Jr. announced last week that he wouldn't be physically at the draft in Sin City, but rather broadcasting from his home studio in Maryland. 11. Tyler King, Edward Waters What stands out about him is his route-running ability. 137. Cameron Brown, Ohio State Wilson was a consistent menace off the edge for the Red Raiders. Jonah Tavai, San Diego State If Baalke & Co. didn't go with a tackle in the first round, I thought they might go with a tight end. The Jets had two first-round picks last year, but 2023 was much more of a low-key draft -- unless you expand that out to the few days before, when they finally completed the Aaron Rodgers trade. Ali Gaye, LSU 34. 20. Cedric Tillman, Tennessee Get your favorite live sports, stories and originals with ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu. Mel Kiper Jr. will be a part of ESPNs coverage for the 2022 NFL Draft, but he will not attend the event in Las Vegas. When should Pirates fans buy into this team? Top needs entering the draft: CB, WR, OLB, DT, QB. I wouldn't love it, but I'd get the logic. Plus, if Rodgers plays a bunch for the Jets, New York will owe the Packers its 2024 first-rounder. 18. 11. Spencer Anderson, Maryland 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. 8. Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland Tavion Thomas, Utah Banks' tape is one of the most impressive I've seen in this class in terms of man coverage. Brycen Tremayne, Stanford Chuck Filiaga, Minnesota 3. 28. Deneric Prince, Tulsa After Tremaine Edmunds left in free agency, Buffalo has a need at inside 'backer, though I'm not sure Williams is the perfect fit. 12. Brandon Kipper, Oregon State Henry To'oTo'o, ILB, Alabama Were they really going to trot out Davis Mills in Week 1 again? Mel Kiper Jr., the longtime ESPN draft analyst, said earlier this month that he will not travel to Las Vegas because he is unvaccinated against the coronavirus. 9. Nick Saldiveri (103) played mostly right tackle in college, but he likely will move inside to guard for New Orleans. The Commanders went back to the secondary in Round 2, picking my fourth-ranked safety Jartavius Martin (47), who played a lot as a nickel. He has smooth mechanics and good (not great) arm strength, and he can throw with touch to all levels of the field. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson. 16. Drew Sanders, Arkansas I just switched Skoronski from a tackle to a guard in my rankings, though opinions differ on him across the league. 41. 26. He tackles in the run game and will stick to receivers like glue in coverage. In his most-recent one prior, Kiper opted to address a need for the Bills. Keenan Isaac, Alabama State 28. 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. Jaxson Kirkland, Washington Tanner McKee, Stanford DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama 7. 17. Tyrique Stevenson, Miami Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina. He had a stunning 130 pressures over the past two seasons, which is 45 more than the second-best defender (San Jose State's Viliami Fehoko). Ronnie Thomas. Durell Nchami, Maryland, John Waggoner, Iowa 2023 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's final first-round predictions 51. I thought they reached a round for center Ricky Stromberg (97), but the four-year starter is technically sound. Eli Ricks, Alabama He can play out of the slot or lined up outside. 23. 7 inside linebacker. Bryce Young, Alabama Alan Ali, TCU Same rules apply, as always: I grade all 32 classes using my Big Board and position rankings as the prism to gauge how effectively each team addressed key personnel holes as well as how efficient each was in maneuvering the board and adding extra picks or future assets. In fact, they ended up not taking a pass-catcher until Round 6. 10. 25. Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin Tommy DeVito, Illinois He led all FBS tight ends with 70 catches last season and did a lot of damage out of the slot. Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State I also included a "best of the rest" section for several positions; those are prospects with undrafted grades who can be grouped together, and they're not in any order. 21. Mel Kiper Jr. and Kirk Herbstreit wont be in Las Vegas. 29. 2. Mel Kiper Salary, Net Worth, Health, Vaccination - ABTC Randy Charlton, Mississippi State Jordan Lewis, Southern The Browns sent their first-rounder to the Texans in the Deshaun Watson deal and their second-rounder to the Jets in the Elijah Moore trade (Cleveland got a third-round selection in return), which meant the Browns waited all the way into the middle of Round 3 to be on the clock. 35. I love doing these draft grades because it helps me put each class into perspective. NFL Draft: Why ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. is broadcasting from home Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin This class was handcuffed by the forfeited first-round pick, but general manager Chris Grier landed two tremendous players on Day 2. Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech The Broncos did decently with what they had this weekend. 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 have been denied my request for accommodation not to get vaccinated, Williams said in a video posted Oct. 15 toInstagram. Trey Palmer, Nebraska 7. Blake Whiteheart, Wake Forest 32. Ryan Smenda, Wake Forest Houston traded pick Nos. 9. Last season, it ranked 25th in receiving yards by tight ends (670). Jordan Perryman, Washington To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Tight end Sam LaPorta (34) is going to help as a pass-catcher as a rookie, while Brian Branch (45) is my top-ranked safety. I also think linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (167) and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (205) could be solid finds. Anderson's sack numbers were down (10) from his historic 2021 season (17.5), and he ranked sixth in the country with 19.5 tackles for loss after being No. Anthony Richardson, Florida 13. He also put up a 41.5-inch vertical jump at the combine, which tied for second among the corners -- a half-inch behind Deonte Banks (Maryland). Check out the best highlights that contributed to Boston College WR Zay Flowers' stellar college career. Joe Shimko, NC State Tyler Barnes, NC Central It's a solid if unspectacular move to replenish the D-line after Frank Clark was released. The guy is without question the g.o.a.t. 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. He is the real deal, though, and there are lots of Levis fans in the NFL. He has excellent hands -- check out this touchdown grab -- and he has great speed, though he didn't run at the combine. I'll also mention a few of my favorite prospects in the class. Demario Douglas, Liberty 9. Brian Branch, Alabama College football reporters' NFL draft takeaways, Roger Federer, Dwyane Wade and more shine on the Met Gala's red carpet, Fantasy football rankings for 2023 season, 10 fantasy football breakout players for 2023, 'It's going to be epic': Stephen Curry and LeBron James face off -- again, Ranking the fights at UFC 288: Why Henry Cejudo's return tops the list, Truex Jr. snaps 54-race Cup Series winless streak, Liverpool, Tottenham put on a show as Klopp goes overboard, Bundesliga title twists, Haaland scores No. Top needs entering the draft: DE, CB, RB, WR, C/G. Two faces very familiar to N.F.L. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. sends Bills curious first-round pick in latest I never mind a Day 3 quarterback selection too much. Top needs entering the draft: CB, G/C, OT, QB, TE. He is a technician who can bend. Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State Darius Rush, South Carolina Riley Moss, Iowa Daewood Davis, Western Kentucky Miami entered this draft with just four picks, the fewest in the league, and it had already filled its biggest roster hole via the March trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Mohamoud Diabate, Utah 18, with top running back Bijan Robinson still on the board. Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State Myles Murphy, Clemson 30. 6, though, I thought the Lions needed to grab an impact defensive lineman. I question the Bills not taking a corner until the seventh round, but the first three selections in this class are enough for a solid B. Top needs entering the draft: ILB, CB, S, WR, RB. Murphy has a quick burst out of his stance and can close quickly off the corner. Isaiah Bolden, Jackson State We have to give Indianapolis credit for not panicking and trading up for a quarterback. 42 Jaray Jenkins, LSU LaTrell Bumphus, Tennessee Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss Demario Douglas, Liberty Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Grade (overall): B-"What a strange class to try to grade. 19. 19. Bijan Nichols, Navy There's not much flash in this class, which is not usually how team owner Jerry Jones does things, but I can't knock many of these selections. Kendall Smith, Illinois 130. 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. 9. This is a dart throw, but it's the kind of Round 7 pick I can get behind. 15. Darius Hagans, Virginia State 50, Man United in pole position for top four, but can't take their eyes off Liverpool, The VAR Review: Red cards for Jota, Skipp; Richarlison penalty claim, Zags, Vols have gained spots in men's WTE Top 25, Titans quarterback Will Levis opens up about emotional draft day, After hoopla of going No. In October, longtime college football and basketball reporter Allison Williams announced she was leaving the network over its Covid-19 vaccination mandate. I thought Nolan Smith (30) could have gone as high as No. Top needs entering the draft: CB, C, WR, DT, ILB. In mid-March, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing for his alleged role in a Jan. 15 car wreck that killed a former Georgia teammate and a recruiting staffer. 16. Coldon, Oklahoma Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU DJ Scaife Jr., Miami, See all 259 picks | Team by team Chris Bacon, Bowling Green He also can get beat deep at times. 20. Dante Stills, West Virginia 36. I have Young No. Carter Warren, Pitt Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky Krishon Merriweather, Texas Tech. They at least were able to get something for 2020 second-rounder D'Andre Swift, who was traded to the Eagles on Saturday; the Gibbs pick made him expendable. Robert Soderholm III, VMI The Eagles had two first-rounders thanks to last year's trade with New Orleans, and they were able to maneuver the board for two prospects in my top 12, including the No. They need help on both sides of the ball. 27. Jahleel Billingsley, Texas ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. reveals final 2023 NFL Draft grade for Patriots originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston. Isaiah McGuire (126) can be a rotational pass-rusher as a rookie. Read more on the 2023 draft , 1. 2. Mel Kiper Jr. is known as an American football analyst on ESPN. They passed on Will Levis and Hendon Hooker. Mel Kiper Jr. on the set of SportsCenter in Nashville, Tenn.,on April 24, 2019. 1. Everyrime hes in it looks like hes got parkinsons like shakes but he still dominates every single segment. C.J. He can take a jet sweep to the house. 42. Jaylen Hall, Western Kentucky (And who knows, maybe they found the next Brock Purdy in here somewhere.). The NFL draft's first round starts April 28, with Rounds 2-3 the following day and the final four rounds wrapping up the event on April 30. 28. Top needs entering the draft: DE, WR, OT, DT, TE. Like the Panthers, they needed a face of the franchise, someone to build around. 17. And while I thought they could use their first-rounder on Michael Mayer, Sam LaPorta or Luke Musgrave as a promising TE2 to back up Travis Kelce, they opted for raw pass-rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah (31), who had 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Calijah Kancey, Pitt There was some concern over his frame, but he weighed in at 241 pounds in Mobile, Alabama, which assuaged some concerns about whether he could hold up at the next level (he was two pounds lighter at the combine). 21. Sydney Brown, Illinois Instead, he will broadcast live from his home studio in Maryland. 6 to No. Eric Garror, Louisiana 9. 6. Running back Devon Achane (84) could be one of the steals of the draft. 7. 47. 107. Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern Jones started 19 games for the back-to-back champs over the past two seasons, filling in for Jamaree Salyer in 2021 before taking over the left tackle job full-time last season. 11. In the rest of Carthon's group, Peter Skoronski (11) was my top-ranked offensive lineman in the entire class, and running back Tyjae Spears (81) is extremely talented, assuming his medical reports check out. Dillon Doyle, Baylor We're going to find out a lot more about Love and his future in a few months. 3. Connor Galvin, Baylor 33. Running back DeWayne McBride (222) is my favorite selection for Minnesota; he is a top-100 prospect on my board. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami This is a bit of a mixed bag overall, but the top two picks were excellent value. Bryce Baringer, Michigan State According to Kiper, its due to him being unvaccinated from COVID-19, citing medical issues as to why he hasnt received the vaccine. 28. 13. 44. 82. 26. A transfer from San Diego, where he had 20 touchdown catches in 2018 and 2019 combined, Kincaid had 16 scores for the Utes over the past two seasons. That's extremely high for a player I don't think has starter-level tools. Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida 39. Jake Bobo, UCLA Team analysis | Scouting reports Check out the best highlights that contributed to Utah TE Dalton Kincaid's college career. 5. 31. Michael Ezeike, UCLA These are my personal rankings. Brayden Willis (247) is going to make an impact as a rookie special-teamer. Check out the highlights that make Anthony Richardson one of the most exciting prospects of the 2023 NFL draft. Coach Mike McCarthy will go back to calling the plays, like he did in Green Bay. 15. Final 2023 NFL draft rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects by position Aron Cruickshank, Rutgers 20. Jonathan Cruz, Mississippi State 29. Kendall Williamson, Stanford He ranked first in the country in yards per dropback (8.9), second in QBR (88.9) and third in yards per attempt (9.5).