Kiper vs. McShay: Head-to-head
three-round mock draft
Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay................................................. Apr 21, 2016
For this one, it's not about whom we project --
it's about which player we would take at each slot.Thing is, because we have to alternate picks, we won't always get the player who seems like the best fit for each slot, because that player could be taken with an earlier pick. The ground rules are simple: alternate picks; no trades; no deals that say "I won't take Player X if you don't take Player Y." It's just "This is whom I'd take" at every slot on the board for three full rounds.
Got it? Here are the picks:
ROUND 1
1. Los Angeles Rams*Mel Kiper's pick: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
Not overthinking this one. Goff is the best quarterback available on my board -- though not my top prospect, I should point out -- and the Rams have to place this bet.
*Acquired in trade with Titans
2. Philadelphia Eagles*Todd McShay's pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Perfect fit here. Assuming Philly doesn't trade Sam Bradford, Wentz will get time to make his transition from FCS to the NFL while learning under QB guru Doug Pederson.
*Acquired in trade with Browns
3. San Diego ChargersMel Kiper's pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The offensive line in San Diego has been a mess for a few years now, and arguably the best player in the draft, at a position of need, is available. Easy call.
4. Dallas CowboysTodd McShay's pick: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Dallas needs a pass-rusher, and Bosa has been the No. 1 player on my board since August. He put together the most consistent tape of any player in this class.
5. Jacksonville JaguarsMel Kiper's pick: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
I know there are questions around the knee, but if the Jags' medical staff has given the OK, I love the fit of Jack on this defense. Immediate starter, immediate impact.
6. Baltimore RavensTodd McShay's pick: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Ramsey is still on the board and Baltimore needs a corner. ... How fast can the Ravens make this pick? Great value. One of the best overall athletes in the draft, Ramsey can play both corner and safety.
7. San Francisco 49ersMel Kiper's pick: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
I've been a fan of Conklin's for a long time, and with a glaring need at right tackle I'm getting a really good one here. Sorry -- it's way too high to take a quarterback with the top two gone.
8. Cleveland Browns*Todd McShay's pick: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Conklin would've been a great fit to play opposite of LT Joe Thomas on the right side. But with the Michigan State product off the board, Buckner fills a need, providing an impact guy up front who fits as a 3-4 DE. He plays with a great motor on tape.
*Acquired in trade with Eagles
9. Tampa Bay BuccaneersMel Kiper's pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The Bucs would be thrilled if Stanley is still available at this spot. They started a pair of rookies on the O-line here last season, and will want real competition to protect the franchise QB.
10. New York GiantsTodd McShay's pick: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Your last two picks haven't done me any favors, Mel. If I'm running this team, I'm taking Elliott here, bigger needs on the defense be damned. He's one of the 10 best players in this draft, and will be an every-down back from the get-go.
11. Chicago BearsMel Kiper's pick: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
There you go, going with a running back too early. The Bears benefit and get one of the high-upside pass-rushers in the draft. Chicago needs the edge help, and Floyd fits.
12. New Orleans SaintsTodd McShay's pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Really like this pick. The Saints need another guy up front, and Rankins can play nose tackle or 3-technique for New Orleans. He's an exceptional run defender who also has upside as a pass-rusher.
13. Miami Dolphins*Mel Kiper's pick: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
There have been some questions about Hargreaves when it comes to length. He's 5-foot-10 with shorter arms. But the guy can flat-out cover and could have the quickest transition of any cornerback in the draft, including Ramsey.
*Acquired in trade with Eagles
14. Oakland RaidersTodd McShay's pick: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
I struggled with value vs. need here. This is high risk, but after solidifying the edge in the draft and free agency, the Raiders should want to get stronger up the middle. Jones has the tools to develop into a big-time difference-maker along the interior of the D-line.
15. Tennessee Titans*Mel Kiper's pick: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
We're not making trades, but if that were the case, I'd be calling San Fran, Cleveland and Tampa to see what the cost would be to move up and grab either Stanley or Conklin. But I'll help my franchise QB in another way here by getting a potential future No. 1 wideout.
*Acquired in trade with Rams
16. Detroit LionsTodd McShay's pick: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Tough to pass on an offensive tackle here, but I like the value of snagging Reed. An elite run-stuffer, he plays with a great motor and shows the ability to fight through double teams.
17. Atlanta FalconsMel Kiper's pick: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
If Lee lives up to his physical talent, we might wonder at some point why he wasn't among the top 10 picks in this draft. Thing is, it's not like he's raw. He can play early in Atlanta.
18. Indianapolis ColtsTodd McShay's pick: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
He's the perfect fit for a team in dire need of a right tackle who can keep Andrew Luck's jersey clean. Decker has the skill set to be a solid NFL starter for the next decade.
19. Buffalo BillsMel Kiper's pick: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
I'm a little bit surprised Lawson is still here. Not sure what Todd is thinking by not grabbing him for the Lions. Mario Williams won't exactly be missed from a production standpoint, but the Bills need a pass-rusher, and this guy led college football in tackles for loss last year.
20. New York JetsTodd McShay's pick: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
No chance I'd be reaching for Paxton Lynch here. It'd be a huge mistake to take such a raw QB prospect at No. 20. Admittedly, this isn't my favorite pick, but Jackson had a productive senior year (FBS-leading 28 PBUs) and has elite speed (4.37 40). The Jets need to find a No. 2 CB at some point in this draft.
21. Washington RedskinsMel Kiper's pick: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
Interesting pick, McShay. I'll make an interesting one of my own, getting a safety who is rising on boards. Joseph can make plays all over the field, and he is a fearless tackler. He fits a need here.
22. Houston TexansTodd McShay's pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Laquon Treadwell is the No. 1 WR on my board, but I like Coleman's fit better within this offense. He has the sub-4.4 speed to be a complement to WR DeAndre Hopkins and the change-of-direction ability to be a lethal weapon in the open field.
23. Minnesota VikingsMel Kiper's pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
If I'm the Vikings, I'm thrilled if Treadwell is still here. The deep speed is a legit concern, but Treadwell is a beast on contested catches, and he creates space. Obvious need and my young QB will be thrilled as well.
24. Cincinnati BengalsTodd McShay's pick: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
With the top three receivers gone, Billings can be a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. He has a rare combination of quickness, athleticism and power.
25. Pittsburgh SteelersMel Kiper's pick: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
I'm going to follow a reach by McShay at No. 24 with a clear need fit and a solid value with Bell in this spot. Big reminder: Bell could also play cornerback. If it's help in the secondary, it's good for the Steelers.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Todd McShay's pick: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
Russell Wilson was running for his life far too often last season. Kelly, my highest-rated interior offensive lineman, is a building-block piece up front. He has the size and versatility to play guard, along with the quickness, toughness and football intelligence to be a starter from Day 1 in the NFL.
27. Green Bay PackersMel Kiper's pick: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The addition of Ragland takes pressure off Clay Matthews. Now the Pack have a starting inside linebacker who can let Matthews rush the passer. This is a pick that makes the defense more dangerous.
28. Kansas City ChiefsTodd McShay's pick: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
The Chiefs need a No. 2 corner to play opposite of defensive rookie of the year Marcus Peters after Sean Smith left for Oakland in free agency. Apple has the long frame (6-foot-1) that defensive coordinator Bob Sutton likes in his CBs.
29. Arizona CardinalsMel Kiper's pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
A couple pass-rushers tempt me here, but I love the idea of handing the Cardinals' great head coach -- and master QB developer -- a big-armed (but raw) talent to work with. Do I need to remind anyone how important Carson Palmer's health has been? This isn't just a move for years down the line.
30. Carolina PanthersTodd McShay's pick: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
I'd love to get a corner after the Panthers rescinded Josh Norman's franchise tag Wednesday. But my top-four CBs are off the board, and I don't want to reach. I love Ifedi's length and upside. He would look great playing right tackle on the Panthers' O-line.
31. Denver Broncos
Mel Kiper's pick: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
I can't believe Robinson is still available here. Denver gets back a great presence on the interior of the defensive line after facing some losses in free agency.
* There will be only 31 picks in the first round in 2016, with New England's first-round pick forfeited.
ROUND 232. Cleveland Browns
Todd McShay's pick: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
A true vertical burner with 4.32 speed, Fuller is a big play waiting to happen. The Browns are in dire need of more offensive weapons.33. Tennessee TitansMel Kiper's pick: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Marcus Mariota is going to send me a gift basket, McShay. I got him a great wide receiver and now add help at tackle.
34. Dallas CowboysTodd McShay's pick: Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
After taking Bosa at No. 4, Burns fills the Cowboys' biggest remaining need. He has the length (33¼-inch arms) and ball skills to be a good CB outside the numbers.
35. San Diego ChargersMel Kiper's pick: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Ward is a 3-4 defensive end who could easily come off the board in Round 1, so I'm a fan at this spot in a need area for the Chargers.
36. Baltimore RavensTodd McShay's pick: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Dodd fits the Ravens' system well. He's a versatile outside rusher, and they need more of those -- Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are both in their 30s.
37. San Francisco 49ersMel Kiper's pick: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
One of my favorite players in the entire draft. I don't know who the QB will be, but the pass-catching situation just got better.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars
Todd McShay's pick: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Jaguars got faster at the second level with Jack in Round 1; now it's time to get tougher up front on defense. Butler has flashes of Muhammad Wilkerson in his game.
39. Tampa Bay BuccaneersMel Kiper's pick: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Steal. Fuller dealt with an injury in 2015 but provides immediate help at a need area. The Bucs are 2-for-2 (two Kiper picks) so far.
40. New York GiantsTodd McShay's pick: Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
The Giants need to continue to stockpile pass-rushers, and Correa had 19 sacks and five forced fumbles in his final two seasons at Boise State.
41. Chicago BearsMel Kiper's pick: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
With Martellus Bennett gone and Zach Miller now the top tight end on the roster, I'm not passing on the best tight end in the draft for Mr. Cutler at 41.
42. Miami DolphinsTodd McShay's pick: Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
A physical and powerful run-blocker, Garnett would be a big boost to whoever ends up starting at RB for us.
43. Tennessee Titans*Mel Kiper's pick: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Titans are on fire if the board breaks this way. Ogbah gives us a needed pass-rusher, and we've already hit WR and OT.
*Acquired in trade with Rams
44. Oakland RaidersTodd McShay's pick: Keanu Neal, S, Florida
Neal shows adequate range in coverage and explosive power as a run-defender. He has the skill set to develop quickly into a starter.
45. Tennessee Titans*Mel Kiper's pick: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Like I said: On. Fire. Cornerback is a need in Tennessee, and the Titans get a real talent in Alexander. It was tough to throw at this kid last season.
*Acquired in trade with Rams
46. Detroit LionsTodd McShay's pick: Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
An undersized linebacker with a lot of athleticism, Jones has value as sub-package linebacker and core special-teams contributor.
47. New Orleans SaintsMel Kiper's pick: Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
You grabbed Rankins for the Saints in Round 1, and I'm going to double down on disruptive defenders. Can't add enough here.
48. Indianapolis ColtsTodd McShay's pick: Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
After addressing our massive hole at right tackle in Round 1, it makes sense to grab a TE with good size and potential. Hooper has the raw tools to out-play this draft slot.
49. Buffalo BillsMel Kiper's pick: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Thomas has strong hands and a big frame; he can take some pressure off my clear No. 1.
50. Atlanta FalconsTodd McShay's pick: Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
Bullard makes a ton of effort plays on tape, and he can play both inside and outside along the Falcons' D-line.
51. New York JetsMel Kiper's pick: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Even if the Jets had a deal done with Ryan Fitzpatrick already, Cook would be a good value here at a need position.
52. Houston TexansTodd McShay's pick: Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
After taking Corey Coleman in Round 1, QB Brock Osweiler gets another playmaker. Adams flashes big-play ability as a pass-catcher down the seam.
53. Washington RedskinsMel Kiper's pick: Nick Martin, G/C, Notre Dame
I thought about taking Ryan Kelly in Round 1 to solidify the center position, but the Redskins get a starter in Round 2.
54. Minnesota VikingsTodd McShay's pick: Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
Thompson is a true ball hawk in the back end, finishing his career with 19 interceptions. He'd form quite a safety tandem with Harrison Smith.
55. Cincinnati Bengals
Mel Kiper's pick: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
I thought Todd reached a little bit for the Bengals in Round 1, so this helps. The Bengals need help at wide receiver, and this in a good value for Boyd.
56. Seattle SeahawksTodd McShay's pick: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
Clark is a highly effective run defender who can help fill Brandon Mebane's old spot on the interior of the Seahawks' D-line.
57. Green Bay PackersMel Kiper's pick: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
The defense already seems improved with the addition of Ragland. If Nkemdiche stays focused in Green Bay, watch out. Could be the steal of the draft.
58. Pittsburgh SteelersTodd McShay's pick: Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
Total value pick here. The No. 33 overall player on my board, Johnson has enough quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. Adds good depth to the Steelers' D-line.
59. Kansas City ChiefsMel Kiper's pick: Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers
A needed weapon in the passing game, Carroo is another player who makes driving it down the field more appealing.
60. New England PatriotsTodd McShay's pick: Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
I love watching Day play. His motor is second to none at the DT position. He's one of the most underrated players in this draft
61. New England Patriots*Mel Kiper's pick: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Bill Belichick has taken running backs in Round 2 before, so it won't offend his sensibilities here if the Patriots get him another big banger.
*Acquired in trade with Cardinals
62. Carolina PanthersTodd McShay's pick: Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
Ridgeway could be an overachiever playing with our supporting cast. He's a load to move up front and doesn't lose many one-on-one matchups.
63. Denver BroncosMel Kiper's pick: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
He might be a short-term project, but roll the freshman tape and you'll see a guy who can handle an NFL offense. The physical skills are all there.
ROUND 3
64. Tennessee TitansTodd McShay's pick: Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
Vannett has the frame (6-6, 257), athleticism and route-running skills to be a weapon for QB Marcus Mariota down the seam.
65. Cleveland BrownsMel Kiper's pick: Cody Whitehair, C/G, Kansas State
The Browns need help everywhere, and the offensive line is no exception. Whitehair is a good value here.
66. San Diego ChargersTodd McShay's pick: Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
Kwiatkoski has the best instincts in this year's LB class. He will provide immediate depth at the second level while contributing on special teams.
67. Dallas Cowboys
Mel Kiper's pick: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
Strong hands and dangerous after the catch. Cooper can win from the slot in this offense.
68. San Francisco 49ersTodd McShay's pick: Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama
Jones has experience working as a nickel CB and also adds value as a punt returner (four TDs in college).
69. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mel Kiper's pick: Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State
One of my favorite players in the draft available this far down the board? Steal.
70. Baltimore RavensTodd McShay's pick: Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
An underrated prospect, Henry has a good blend of size, mobility and strength. He has the ability to play different positions along our D-line.
71. New York GiantsMel Kiper's pick: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
Coleman offers needed depth at tackle, and could compete to start (most likely on the right side) right away.
72. Chicago BearsTodd McShay's pick: Su'a Cravens, S, USC
He is a bit of a tweener and lacks the speed to hold up in a coverage as a true safety, but Cravens would really help elevate our run defense.
73. Miami DolphinsMel Kiper's pick: Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
They like Jay Ajayi, and Dixon can take some pressure off. He's decisive and bounces off contact.
74. Tampa Bay BuccaneersTodd McShay's pick: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
The Bucs need a productive pass-rushing DE. I wish my partner here would've taken care of that earlier, but Calhoun has the length and speed-to-power capabilities to become an impact guy off the edge.
75. Oakland RaidersMel Kiper's pick: Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
Athletes this impressive are rarely around at No. 75, and with a little time Miller can become a contributor.
76. Tennessee Titans*Todd McShay's pick: Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati
This is a value pick; Moore is my No. 48 overall player. If you're keeping track, we've upgraded Mariota's receiving corps (Doctson and Moore), while also giving him an OT with upside (Spriggs) and a solid TE (Vannett). (Not to mention the Ogbah and Alexander selections to help the defense.) The lesson? Tennessee has the capital to make some serious upgrades in this draft.
*Acquired in trade with Rams
77. Cleveland Browns*Mel Kiper's pick: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
Washington was at one time seen as a first-rounder, and is a good value at this point. Who doesn't need a versatile D-lineman?
*Acquired in trade from Eagles.
78. New Orleans SaintsTodd McShay's pick: Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA
Payton has some of the best ball skills in this WR class. There's a lot to like about his upside.
79. Philadelphia EaglesMel Kiper's pick: Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
Extremely productive as a pass-rusher in his final season at Penn State, he gives the Eagles another pass-rusher to rotate.
80. Buffalo BillsTodd McShay's pick: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
After getting Lawson in Round 1, it's time to address the interior of our D-line. Collins flashes the first-step quickness to penetrate and disrupt.
81. Atlanta FalconsMel Kiper's pick: Sean Davis, S, Maryland
The Falcons need to get a safety at some point, and I'll get them a pretty good one here. Davis can help soon.
82. Indianapolis ColtsTodd McShay's pick: Adam Gotsis, DE, Georgia Tech
One of the most underrated players in this class, Gotsis shows terrific toughness on tape and fills a need for us at defensive end.
83. New York JetsMel Kiper's pick: Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
The Jets get a needed pass-rusher, and in the actual draft Schobert is a player who could come off a lot higher than this point. Possibly near Round 1.
84. Washington RedskinsTodd McShay's pick: Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
We've done nothing to address the defensive front. Come on, Mel! Kaufusi has the potential to develop as an outside linebacker in our 3-4.
85. Houston TexansMel Kiper's pick: Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Clark is a massive lineman who would need work to stick at tackle but can also slide inside.
86. Minnesota VikingsTodd McShay's pick: Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia
Worley has an intriguing skill set as a press cornerback due to his combination of size, length and fluidity.
87. Cincinnati BengalsMel Kiper's pick: Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
A high-floor player with toughness at the point, he can set the edge and could give you something as a pass-rusher. Good value slot.
88. Green Bay PackersTodd McShay's pick: Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
Another pick for the defense. At 6-foot, Howard is most effective in playing press-man which allows him to his length to disrupt at the line of scrimmage.
89. Pittsburgh SteelersMel Kiper's pick: Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
The Steelers were pleasantly surprised at some of the growth on the O-line last year, but this pick adds immediate depth with starter potential.
90. Seattle SeahawksTodd McShay's pick: KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
Russell has some upside because of his athleticism. He's a good fit for our scheme, given his strengths in zone/press coverage.
91. New England PatriotsMel Kiper's pick: Tavon Young, CB, Temple
Todd might be a little jealous as I nab for the Patriots one of his favorites. He's not big, but he's everything else.
92. Arizona CardinalsTodd McShay's pick: Max Tuerk, C, USC
This is the Cardinals' biggest need entering the draft. I would've loved to grab Ryan Kelly in Round 1, but he was off the board. Tuerk was a three-year starter at USC and his experience is evident when you watch his tape. This is a smart player who reacts quickly to movement from the D-line.
93. Carolina PanthersMel Kiper's pick: D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech
The need at cornerback is pronounced, and White is a good value at this point. Superior instincts.
94. Denver BroncosTodd McShay's pick: Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
You can never have too much depth at running back. A natural pass-catcher, Booker has the potential to develop into a good third-down back.
95. Detroit LionsMel Kiper's pick: Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
Detroit could use the depth at wide receiver, and Burbridge is a favorite of mine.
96. New England PatriotsTodd McShay's pick: Justin Simmons, S, Boston College
Simmons is a terrific athlete -- best short-shuttle (3.85 seconds) and eighth-best vertical jump (40 inches) at the combine -- and a good man-to-man cover safety.
97. Seattle SeahawksMel Kiper's pick: Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
Howard isn't just a big banger, he's also capable of moving his feet and finding backside lanes. He might even be better than Derrick Henry in that regard.
98. Denver BroncosTodd McShay's pick: B.J. Goodson, ILB, Clemson
The Broncos need an inside linebacker after losing Danny Trevathan in free agency. An above average run defender, Goodson would provide quality depth.
