It doesn’t take much research to realize how much draft gurus change their minds. Just look at the weekly mock drafts or player rankings. Sometimes it’s because they see more from players they once liked — or disliked. Sometimes teams send out signals about their interest in other players.
For ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, some things have not changed during this process. And they won’t change even after the scouting combine in Indianapolis, which starts Wednesday.
Recommended Stories
Among his unwavering opinions: the draft’s top three players. That would be Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and Tennessee safety Eric Berry.
“For me, it’s been this way since early October,” Kiper said.
And it will be that way when the draft rolls around April 22.
There is some wiggle room as to whether Suh or McCoy should go first to St. Louis. But Kiper still likes Suh more because of his instincts for the position. Just a little.
“I’m riding Suh all the way on this,” he said. “Suh is a strong, powerful outstanding bull rusher, and he’s a better pass rusher than people give him credit for. McCoy gives you more versatility because he could be an end [in a 3-4 defense]. He’s a little more explosive. … But you look at Suh, and the productivity over the last two years tells you he’s a warrior.”
Kiper also hasn’t wavered on his stance regarding Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. From his mechanics to his accuracy, Kiper has consistently said Tebow is not suited to play quarterback in the NFL.
“I’ve never thought he was an NFL quarterback, and I’ve told him that on two occasions,” Kiper said. “I would draft him as an H-back only. I was critical of Miami for drafting Pat White [last year]. Others thought it was great, but you don’t draft just for a Wildcat quarterback. You’re wasting a second-round pick. I would not draft Tim in the second round to be a Wildcat quarterback. If you draft him as an H-back and plan to make him a Wildcat quarterback, [then that makes sense].”
