With the NFL Mix across the nook we’re beginning to see an increasing number of mock drafts. This week Mel Kiper Jr. put out his second of the cycle, and there are some critical head scratchers on this one, a minimum of primarily based on the consensus round the remainder of the soccer world.
That’s to not say Kiper’s strategy is unsuitable, as a result of his mocks are at all times primarily based in what he’s listening to in scouting circles — and reality be informed, this tends to be extra correct ultimately end result than unbiased expertise evaluators. Even when unbiased draft analysts typically have a greater monitor report of choosing good gamers than NFL groups do. So listed below are the issues that basically stood out in Kiper’s 2.0 mock.
The gulf between the QBs
There’s a very large distinction in being taken within the Prime 3 of the NFL Draft and the back-end of the Prime 10. That’s precisely what Kiper sees taking place with Miami’s Cam Ward, adopted by Shedeur Sanders.
Kiper has the Browns choosing Ward with the No. 2 general choose, citing that whereas he has Sanders as his QB1, the NFL is clearly selecting Ward being the highest passer within the class. If Cleveland takes a QB with their high choose it’s slightly shocking they’d take Ward over Sanders, largely as a result of the offense Kevin Stefanski runs with the Browns is so much like that of Colorado’s.
The flip aspect is that Ward doesn’t include the identical baggage — and by “baggage” we imply “Deion Sanders.” Shedeur has performed nothing to warrant off-field criticism, however there’s a concern that Deion will likely be an enormous a part of his profession, and in addition be prepared to speak publicly about something he disapproves of.
These worries are so pronounced that Kiper has Shedeur Sanders falling all the best way to the New York Jets with the No. 7 choose, which means he would get handed over by groups with determined QB wants just like the Giants and Raiders. We’ll have to see how this one performs out, as a result of the autumn could be dramatic.
Working backs are again child
The shift within the league again to the operating recreation was so pronounced in 2024, and we see that basically leap ahead on this mock draft. Kiper has not one, however two operating backs going within the Prime 15 with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty going to the Raiders at No. 6, adopted by Omarion Hampton to the Cowboys at No. 12.
This may make it one of the RB-heavy first rounds in years, and that’s not a giant stretch contemplating groups across the league are transferring extra in direction of run-first schemes.
T-Mac goes the place?!
The largest plummet from consesus in Kiper’s mock is Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan, who is mostly accepted to be a choose wherever from 5-to-10, however drops to the Chargers at No. 22 on this mock.
It’s attainable to make certain, with groups across the league reevaluating the necessity for elite receivers. That stated, it could nonetheless be shocking to see somebody with T-Mac’s mix of dimension and athleticism fall to this point within the draft that the Chargers choose him up on a budget.
James Pearce Jr. falls out of the primary spherical
Right here’s one to actually regulate, and a spot the place Kiper might undoubtedly be leveraging his NFL connections. James Pearce Jr. was the No. 1 EDGE for almost all of the Faculty Soccer season, solely to see Abdul Carter overtake him.
Now Carter is projected because the No. 1 choose, and Pearce Jr. is out of the primary spherical. There have been some lingering character issues across the Tennessee move rusher in terms of his motor and strategy to soccer, which is scaring some that he coasted on expertise alone. That coupled with an off-field incident with police has precipitated many to take him off first spherical boards.
With 7.5 sacks this season it’s wild to see him not within the mock in any respect although, particularly with lesser move rushers being taken at totally different positions.
Will Johnson isn’t within the Prime 10
There’s a really particular argument to be made that Will Johnson is the CB1 on this draft class, however the edge in draft place goes to Travis Hunter primarily based on Hunter’s multi-use capacity within the NFL. Nonetheless, it’s bizarre to see a mock the place Johnson makes it out of the Prime 5, not to mention the Prime 10.
On this mock he lands with the 49ers at No. 11, which might be the steal of the draft. Until there’s one thing Kiper is aware of that the remainder of the world doesn’t, this feels extraordinarily unlikely.
