Kiper, visibly frustrated, used multiple segments to hammer home his belief that Sanders was the best quarterback in the class and accused the league of missing the mark entirely. His tirades became so persistent that even major draft moments—like the Giants trading up for Jaxson Dart—were overshadowed by Kiper’s continued campaigning for Sanders. Viewers watched in disbelief as Sanders highlight reels played while other prospects were being drafted, turning ESPN’s coverage into what some felt resembled a PR push for the Colorado QB.

Critics pointed out that this wasn’t just passionate analysis—it bordered on obsession. Kiper brought up how he was “right” about Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Joe Montana in an attempt to validate his stance, ignoring the many misses on his résumé. For someone who’s been covering the draft for decades, his unwillingness to engage in reasonable debate—or acknowledge the role his own hype plays in shaping quarterback evaluations—struck many as hypocritical.

Ironically, Kiper, who has long attacked analysts and fans for going against consensus evaluations, now finds himself doing just that—defending a Day 3 quarterback pick against actual league consensus. The ESPN coverage leaned so heavily into Sanders commentary that some fans began questioning the network’s objectivity. One viewer summed it up bluntly: “The Shedeur glazing was crazy.”

The spectacle was capped off by fellow ESPN analyst Louis Riddick comparing Sanders to Tom Brady—arguing that if Sanders ends up with a similar career arc, teams will have “a lot of questions to answer.” While technically true, the comparison felt like more hot air in what had become an emotionally charged, highly biased draft broadcast.

Mel Kiper Jr. is a legend in the world of draft coverage—no one disputes that. But his 2025 performance didn’t feel like the wisdom of a seasoned expert. It felt like it may have been the unraveling of one.

Here’s a breakdown of Kiper’s projected top 8 picks:

1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami
Kiper has the Titans taking the dynamic quarterback out of Miami with the first overall pick. Ward’s arm talent, poise under pressure, and ability to create plays make him the potential face of the franchise for Tennessee as they look to rebuild at the most important position.

2. Cleveland Browns – WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
A two-way phenom, Hunter’s rare ability to dominate on both sides of the ball makes him a unique weapon. Kiper projects the Browns capitalizing on that versatility by adding an explosive playmaker who can change the game in all three phases.

3. New York Giants – OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
Carter brings speed, power, and sideline-to-sideline range as a linebacker. The Giants are in need of a defensive tone-setter, and Carter’s high motor and tackling ability could instantly boost their front seven.

4. New England Patriots – OT Will Campbell, LSU
In classic Patriots fashion, Kiper has New England going trench-first, securing a dominant left tackle to protect their young quarterback. Campbell is one of the most polished linemen in the class and could be a Day 1 starter.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jags add power to their defensive interior with Graham, a disruptive force against both the run and pass. His athleticism and strength make him an ideal fit for a team trying to rebuild its defensive identity.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
A surprise pick here, but Kiper sees the Raiders taking a chance on the electric Jeanty, who dominated college defenses with his vision, burst, and pass-catching ability. With Josh Jacobs gone, Jeanty becomes the new offensive focal point.

7. New York Jets – OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Protecting Aaron Rodgers (or whoever the QB may be post-2025) remains a priority. Membou has risen fast on draft boards thanks to his athleticism, length, and ability to hold his own against top pass rushers.

8. Carolina Panthers – LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
Kiper notes a projected superstar for the Panthers, where they land Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. An instinctive and explosive player, Walker could be a foundational piece for Carolina’s rebuilding defense.

As always, Kiper’s final mock is bound to generate debate and speculation. With only days left until draft night, the stage is set for surprises, trades, and franchise-defining picks.

1. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

• Mel Kiper projects the Chicago Bears to kick off the draft by selecting USC’s star quarterback, Caleb Williams. Known for his dynamic playmaking abilities, Williams has the potential to be a franchise-changing quarterback for the Bears.  The Bears will trade Justin Fields in this scenario.

2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

• In the second spot, Kiper envisions the Washington Commanders addressing their quarterback needs with the selection of Jayden Daniels from LSU. Daniels’ strong arm, athleticism and football IQ make him an enticing prospect for a team in need of a signal-caller.  Daniels won the Heisman in 2023.

3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, UNC

• The New England Patriots, holding the third overall pick, are pegged to secure their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye from UNC. Maye’s impressive college career and quarterback skills position him as a potential game-changer for new head coach Jarrod Mayo and the Patriots.

4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

• Kiper sees the Arizona Cardinals opting for offensive firepower with the fourth pick, selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State. The talented wide receiver, with shades of his legendary father, could add a new dimension to the Cardinals’ passing game.  Kyler Murray should be pleased with this selection.

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

• The Los Angeles Chargers round out the top five with the selection of Brock Bowers, a standout tight end from Georgia. Kiper believes that Bowers’ athleticism and versatility could make him a valuable asset for the Chargers’ offense.

As fans eagerly await the actual draft, Mel Kiper’s mock draft provides an intriguing glimpse into the potential future for these NFL teams and the talented prospects who may shape the league’s landscape. The actual draft day promises to be full of surprises, trades, and the realization of these predictions or the emergence of unforeseen twists.

All of Mel’s accomplishments aside, he has also grown into a stalwart on ESPN’s programming during draft season. Unfortunately, this year Mel will not be on set due to a ESPN company policy regarding unvaccinated individuals.

Here is Mel’s response:

I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN pic.twitter.com/C5ea9NjdqK

— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 18, 2022

(credit: Blacksportsonline.com)

On a much, much, much smaller scale however.

Our community member “NoMelKiper” (creative handle) just dropped his highly detailed 2nd update to his mock draft picks. Check it out below and see what you think.

No Mel Kiper’s Updated 2016 Mock Below:

Some changes (No trades)

1. Titans: Laremy Tunsil OT Ole Miss

The Titans need to protect Mariota plain and simple. So, with the top pick in the draft the Titans go offense first and take the number one offensive tackle in the draft in Laremy Tunsil out of Ole Miss.

2. Browns: Jared Goff QB California

The Browns have their new head coach. Now the Browns need their new quarterback. Johnny Manziel is going to be gone and McCown just can’t win games. Jared Goff is the top quarterback in the draft and with Hue Jackson’s offense he is a perfect fit for the Browns.

3. Chargers: DeForest Buckner DE Oregon

The Chargers have holes on both sides of the football. With a top pick in the second round they can address their offensive line needs there. But, their biggest need is in the pass rush with the new prospect rankings out Buckner has moved up as the top pass rusher in the draft. Chargers go defense first and take the pass rusher out of Oregon DeForest Buckner.

4. Cowboys: Myles Jack OLB UCLA

The Cowboys will not take a quarterback as long as Tony Romo is still in Dallas. Myles Jack is the top outside linebacker in the draft and with the Cowboy’s defense he is a perfect fit for them.

5. Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey S Florida State

The Jaguars need secondary help anyway you look at it. Jalen Ramsey is the top defensive back in the draft and he also has the versatility to play cornerback as well. So, look for the Jaguars to go defensive secondary first and take the safety out of Florida State in Jalen Ramsey.

6. Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves III CB Florida

The Ravens need to upgrade in their defensive secondary. As their defense goes they need that type of cornerback that can be put out on an island. Vernon Hargreaves III is the top cornerback in the draft and has the ability to play on an island in press, man, or zone. Nice fit for the Ravens.

7. 49ers: Paxton Lynch QB Memphis

The 49ers have their new head coach in Chip Kelly. The quarterbacks that the 49ers have now don’t really fit into Kelly’s system at all. Kelly will go and get his quarterback in the draft. Paxton Lynch has the size and arm strength for Kelly’s system. So, 49ers go quarterback first and take the big quarterback out of Memphis in Paxton Lynch.

8. Dolphins: Joey Bosa DE Ohio State

The Dolphins need to start building their defense around Ndamukong Suh. First spot is pass rusher. Joey Bosa is one of the top pass rushers in the draft. The Dolphins will waste no time with this pick to start building their defense around Suh.

9. Buccaneers: Jaylon Smith OLB Notre Dame

The Buccaneers had trouble getting to the quarterback last season. Jaylon Smith is another pass rusher that can come in and start from day one. Also with the Tampa bay defense it is a perfect fit for both team and player.

10. Giants: A’Shawn Robinson DT Alabama

The Giants have their new head coach. He comes from the circle of Andy Reed. So, look for the Giants to take a versatile defensive lineman that can be moved to almost any position along a defensive front. A’Shawn Robinson has that ability to do just that and with perrie-paul a free agent fills the hole on defense.

Usually I’d write a few comments beneath each selection but you can pretty much find my thoughts on my latest mock draft here. Mel actually has a draft board that makes sense right now. Check out what player he picked for your favorite team.

Mel Kiper’s 2015 NFL Mock Draft below:

1. Buccaneers – Jameis Winston QB FSU

2. Titans – Leonard Williams DE USC

3. Jaguars – Dante Fowler Jr. DE Florida

4. Raiders – Kevin White WR WVU

5. Redskins – Shane Ray OLB Mizzou

6. Jets – Marcus Mariota QB Oregon

7. Bears – Randy Gregory DE Nebraska

8. Falcons – Vic Beasley OLB Clemson

9. Giants – Andrus Peat OT Stanford

10. Rams – Amari Cooper WR Alabama

Check out Mel’s picks below, my thoughts italicized underneath each selection.

• 1) – TB Jameis Winston QB FSU
  I agree. Jameis is the best quarterback in this draft, his luggage of character issues and all. I’m just concerned he’s jump the shark in maturity issues and teams will shy away from him. He’s going to really have to explain what happened with that young lady to NFL teams to clear his name…

• 2) – TEN Marcus Mariota QB Ore
  It comes to down to how healthy Mettenberger is going to be and how much Tennessee likes him. Ultimately I think they’ll roll the dice and grab whatever passer is left.

• 3) – JAC Leonard Williams DE USC
  True Jacksonville style, they will stay true to their board.

• 4) – OAK Amari Cooper WR BAMA
  Derek Carr will probably like this pick but I don’t think Cooper will give this team collectively the best chance to succeed immediately. They should probably pick Fowler or Gregory.

• 5) – WAS Randy Gregory DE NEB
  I think Washington won’t have the chance to take Gregory.

• 6) – NYJ Shane Ray OLB MIZZOU
  Rex Ryan is in Buffalo now. I think the streak of defensive picks is going to break this year.

• 7) – CHI Landon Collins S BAMA
  New coach, Jay Cutler is an enigma for 2015… I think some trading goes down around this spot. Maybe Chicago drops down to take Hundley?

• 8) – ATL Dante Fowler DE FLA
  Great pick Mel.

• 9) – NYG Brandon Scherff OT IA
  Again, don’t disagree with this pick.

• 10) – STL TJ Clemmings OT PITT
  Not sure the Rams are going to pick another tackle so qucikly this high. Aren’t they another team that desperately needs a QB? I think something happens with this pick, whether it’s trading for a veteran or dropping down to take Hundley later.

You can check out Mel’s complete draft at ESPN or if you Google Mel’s name plus Reddit it just may come up but I didn’t tell you that. #NoSnitch

Their picks in bold, my thoughts below:

1. Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
No problems with this pick. The unanimous number one pick on the board. The only question is if the Texans trade down for a quarterback or stay put.

2. Rams- Greg Robinson
No problem with this selection. Robinson has all of the physical tools. He jumped off the screen at the combine with his blend of speed and strength for a big man.

3. Jaguars- Khalil Mack
Todd kept citing something called a “leo” LB being the reason Mack is the selection here. The Jaguars problem is offense. For goodness sakes, you don’t even have Maurice Jones Drew anymore. Mack is great but he doesn’t outweigh the need of a play maker.

4. Browns- Sammy Watkins
Josh Gordon led the league in receiving yards last year with Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden throwing him the ball. Again, I know Watkins is the second best player in the draft, but this team has the play maker. They need the franchise quarterback. They’ve missed on a long list of quarterbacks in the late first and mid rounds. It’s time they man up and take a blue chip prospect under center.

5. Raiders- Jake Matthews
No problems with this selection. The Raiders need help on the defensive line as well, but Matthews is too good to pass up at this point.

Is there a chance this is how the draft could play out? We’ll see…

Mel’s picks below, my thoughts underneath each pick:

1. Texans- Khalil Mack LB
   Khalil is good, but he’s not going over Jadeveon. Mel’s trolling here…
2. Rams- Greg Robinson OT
   Good pick, no issue.
3. Jags- Jadeveon Clowney DE
   If the draft plays out this way, then Jacksonville got extremely lucky.
4. Browns- Blake Bortles QB
   Excuse me, what did Bortles do in the last three months to leapfrog him as the #1 QB?
5. Raiders- Teddy Bridgewater QB
   Makes sense, because Schaub may have nothing in the tank.
6. Falcons- Jake Matthews OT
   Falcons luck out here…
7. Bucs- Sammy Watkins WR
   Probably the second best prospect in the draft. No way he lasts beyond the 4th pick. *Slaps table like Skip Bayless* BOOK IT!
8. Vikings- Johnny Manziel QB
   People just want to see this for entertainment reasons. Something tells me they go QB later.
9. Bills- Taylor Lewan OT
   Great pick but Bills fans will regret not taking Mike Evans to put with EJ Manuel the next decade.
10. Lions- Mike Evans WR
    They just paid Golden Tate, doubt they double dip. This will be Justin Gilbert most likely or a trade down.

…or at least if the draft shakes out that way. We still have a long way to go but here is what Mel had to say on it:

Analysis: I spoke to a number of high-ranking NFL evaluators this week, and this is the one QB anyone felt certain was a top-5 pick. So consider this an early bet, with one major caveat: Bill O’Brien just arrived, is still putting his staff together, knows a good QB when he sees one, and hasn’t had enough time (if any) to study the draft class. But we know quarterback is a major need here. O’Brien likes a QB with presence, a leader and a guy who will out-prepare the competition. And while Manziel has gotten his share of bad press, he’s a dynamic talent, and I feel he can lead at the next level; I’m not alone in that opinion. While Manziel is currently ranked No. 11 on my Big Board, this reflects the draft.

Manziel doesn’t fit the old prototypes of a QB drafted No. 1, and I have concerns about how well he can protect himself given his smaller frame, but he is a magician on the field, and is made for the current NFL. This league protects and welcomes QBs who can improvise, run and make plays beyond the playbook. It’s early, but Manziel is a special player and has the draft process to prove it further.

Bill Polian also chimed in on ESPN and stated that since Johnny Manziel is an improvisational player it will likely come down to how Bill O’Brien sees him fitting in the new offense. Most teams will not finalize their draft board until the week or so before the draft so we have a long way to go. How Manziel looks at the combine and how he interviews is also going to be key.

We all know how big Johnny Football would be in Houston but don’t plan those Welcome Johnny to H Town parties…. yet.