Kiper's Latest Mock Draft

[Geowhizzer]

Do you guys want every pick to turn into a pro-bowler?

YES, DAMMIT!

[MURP]

Kipers draft chat:

Buzzmaster: Helloooooooo! Mel Kiper will be here shortly to break down the NFL Draft prospects and look ahead to the Senior Bowl!

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: My initial first round is up, the Senior Bowl is coming and we're ready to chat it up!

Matt (Detroit): I saw that you had the Lions taking Cutler in the first round. Wouldn't they be better off drafting an OT or a playmaker on the other side of the ball?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: QB is a need area, too, and Cutler has a chance to be that high. They need a RT and that's a little early for Winston Justice, and as for defense they could get someone like Tamba Hali. Remember, we're 3.5 months away from the draft and I'm just trying to put guys in a general area to fill one of a team's top three needs.

Dan Exton, PA : Mel, I saw you have the Dolphins taking a tackle from USC and they do need that but couldn't they use a DT or a DB as well and who would be available. Thanks

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: From a DT standpoint Haloti Ngata might slide down a little, and in the secondary someone like South Carolina S Ko Simpson would work out. As for Winston Justice, he can play anywhwere along the line except center and would provide them with good versatility up front, which they need. He would make a lot of sense at No. 16.

Eric (Indy): Mel, I heard you had LMaroney drop down to #30 Colts. He seems like he should be higher being a possible heisman candidate.

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: All RBs drop. Clinton Portis went in the mid-second. The history of the draft tells us they always slide down. Maroney, LenDale White and DeAngelo Williams are vying for the second RB spot behind Bush, and with few teams having key need at RB it's hard to figure there guys. Someone in that group could go as high at No. 10 and the others could drop into the late first.

Dave (Hollywood): Mel: Do the Bucs have a shot at drafting McNeill from Auburn? Will there other need area be the d-line?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: Tampa Bay's main needs are WR, OL and strongside LB in my eyes. They could look at WR Derek Hagan of Arizona State, but I don't know if there will be an offensive lineman worth taking at their spot.

Chris (Lacey WA): Mel - any chance of one of those RB's is available to GB at the start of the 2nd round? What about a TE like Fasano or Pope in that spot?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: TE is not a priority for them. They need OLB, CB and DL help. If they thought about RB someone like Maurice Drew of UCLA, Joseph Addai of LSU or Brian Calhoun of Wisconsin. Not probable, though, that one of the big names will drop down that far.

Steven (Ohio): Mel,with running backs sliding do the Steelers have a shot at White to replace the Bus?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: He could. The Steelers would love to have him with his power and nose for the end zone, and don't forget that they traded up to get Troy Polamalu from USC. But it's too early to project definitive spots for these guys with no workouts having been completed.

aron (clemson): who are the giants looking at to draft, are they gonna try to get some db help b/c god knows they need that, or maybe another WR, or someone to help their depleted LB core?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: Corner, LB, DT, OT are all needs for the Giants. There's a chance that OSU corner Ashton Youboty could drop that far, or maybe they take a chance on FSU forner Antonio Cromartie, who did not play this year because of a knee injury. Right now, though, I have them taking FSU LB Ernie Sims to help that front seven.

Josh (Marco Island, Fla): What QB's at the Senior Bowl can show the NFL teams that they can be a QB at the next level? Especially from the Dolphins standpoint, it looks like that they will try and get a QB in the later rounds. Your thoughts?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: The main guy looking to move up will be Brodie Croyle of Alabama. He didn't have much protection or his main WR late in the year becuase of injury, and with his improved decision-making and strong arm he has a chance to open some eyes.

Duane (Michigan): What can the Browns do at 12? Will they draft for D-line or O-line possibly?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: Cleveland definitley needs to look in the trenches. They also need a pass rusher for the 3-4. Right now Iowa LB Chad Greenway would be a good fit at that spot to start to shore up the front seven.

Jon (Rockton, IL): Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson is slated to be a top-10 pick in this year's draft. What do you say to those who don't want their team drafting offensive lineman that early because they aren't widely considered 'exciting' or 'impact' players?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: I would go back to the Baltimore's first pick after moving: UCLA OT Jonathan Ogedn. That worked out well for them. Teams are looking for the best players, and Ferguson is the best fit for them when it comes to keeping Chad Pennington healthy and off his back. The Jets also have a lot of other needs, but he looks like the best option right now.

Cooper (Brevard, NC): Do you think the Panthers will take a WR first round, or O-line like they should. Also, is MLB a spot they need to look at having some more depth at?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: The main needs for the Panthers are WR, a pass-catching TE and an OT. If they have a chance to get someone like Georgia's Leonard Pope or Notre Dame's Anthony Fasano at TE they would be in good shape. Jake Delhomme needs another reliable target in the middle of the field, and Drew Carter has shown improvement at WR making TE a good bet for them.

Kyle (Columbus, Ga): Should the Falcons take a secondary player or a running back to eventually replace Dunn?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: They will be looking at a DB for sure, be it corner or safety. They also need upgrades at OT and on defense. But Michael Huff of Texas is exactly what this team needs with his speed and toughness in the secondary. They could get a RB in the mix, but it's not pressing for them right now.

Ryan (SF): Morning Mel.. Any chance you could see Vernon Davis climbing all the way to teh 7th pick with the 49ers and if not any possible trading partners below them where we could grab an extra pick and Davis? Thanks!!

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: That's a definite possibilty. I went with Alabama LB DeMeco Ryans there, but they could definitely use a pass-catching TE to take some pressure off Alex Smith. and Davis will likely be in that general area.

Joe (Green Bay): Do you see the Chiefs trading Priest Holmes to move up in the draft? If so, who would be interested?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: It's hard to forecast his health, but I don't know if KC will have to do a lot of moving from their slot. They need a CB and Ashton Youboty could be available for them. He had a great finish to the season and would make a lot of sense.

Ensign (Los Angeles, CA): The Bears taking 6'7" Leonard Pope in the first round is something all Bears fans can agree on. What is Dominick Byrd from USC lacking that prevents him from being a to TE prospect? Top meaning a 1-3?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: Not alot is keeping him out of that group. He is 6-3, 260 and has good hands but was not utilized in the passing game as much as most thought he would be. He's solidly in the second round, though. He;s similar to guys like Todd Heap or Alge Crumpler, who had high grades but fell into the late first and early second rounds, respectively. And don't forget that Davis, Pope and Fasano are very good players. The TE position is strong with other names like Marcedes Lewis of UCLA and Owen Daniels of Wisconsin, David Thomas of Texas, Tim Day of Oregon and Cooper Wallace of Auburn.

[MURP]

Ron (Van Nuys, CA): Why do the raiders need another LB in HAWK? I think safty is a bigger issue. Trade possible?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: OLB, CB, DL and S are all needs there. Hawk would be a great upgrade for a team that needs to fix the front seven. And at No. 6 they need to get a guy who is worthy of being taken that high regardless of need. Don't force a pick and take the No. 10 or 12 guy there. Make it an elite guy and Hawk is just that.

JOE(SACRAMENTO): PASS RUSHER OR WR FOR DENVER? WHAT ABOUT DB DEPTH?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: I gave them USC S Darnell Bing at No. 22 to shore up that defensive backfield, and before that DE Mathias Kiwanuka of Boston College to shore up that pass rush. They can take care of two needs in the first round.

Nancy (houston): Any chance that Reggie McNeal or Brad Smith plays QB in the NFL?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: McNeal could get a shot. He has skills but needs some fine-tuning and would benefit from learning under a good QB coach. He'll get a long look at that position. Smith will have to change positions, likely to WR. Marques Hagans of Virginia will be a WR and return man as well.

Paul (Boston): What do you think the pats will do at 21? I see you have them taking carpenter but I think he merits a 2nd round pick? I'd like a DB or RB with that pick

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: They could go RB and I thought about LenDale White there. CB is also an area they could improve, but the best guys at those positions should be gone. As for Carpenter, he IS worthy of a first-round pick. He's 6-3, 260 and runs 4.5 and he has a lot of versatility to move around in that 3-4 defense. They can get a RB later in the draft, so don't force that position here.

Rick (Cleveland): The Bills need help at DT, but is Ngota from oregon worth the eighth pick?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: At this point, yes. He's 6-4 1/2, 338 and is difficult to move off the line of scrimmage. He can also get into the backfield and create some havoc and would give them a stout presence on the interior. But as with every other prospect, things are still to be determined based on workouts and verification of computer numbers. After the combine and Senior Bowl we'll have a much better idea. As I said before, right now we're just putting guys in general areas based on the top three needs of each team.

Wes (York, PA): Where do you see Tamba Hali falling to? Would he be a fit for Philly at no. 14?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: There's a chance, as I have him going one pick before to Baltimore. DE is a need for them, as are WR, OT and OLB. I gave them WR Santonio Holmes of OSU, who would be a nice pickup to complement Reggie Brown and give McNabb another weapon. But if the addres that need through free agency there is a definite chance they could get someone like Hali.

Michael (Dallas): What position do you see the Seahawks coveting in the draft?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: They lack a true No. 1 wideout, and could upgrade at DE and OLB. I have WR Chad Jackson of Florida in that spot right now and he would give Matt Hasselbeck some help. There are not a lot of pressing needs for Seattle right now but some slight upgrades could be made.

Jesse (Washington): The Raiders need a qb and is andrew the next big thing in Oakland?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: I don't think they look to QB this year. They took Andrew Walter with the third pick in the third round and you don't take a QB that high and not expect to play him. He's a tall, strong guy with a good arm and will get a shot. With needs all over the field I don't think they take another young passer. Maybe a veteran, but not another draft pick.

Kyle (San Diego): Whats the buzz around Mike Hass? Alot of teams seem to need that reliable second receiver. where could he end up in the draft?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: He's always reminded me of Rioky Prohel. Hass is 6-0 1/2, 210 and has excellent hands. He could play a nice role as a third or fourth guy with the right team, but he looks like an early second-day pick right now.

Jay Cincy: After watching my Bengals this year I figured the positions in most need are DT,DE,TE,SS,CB; roughly in that order. I would love the draft to pan out and they end up with Claude Wroten in the 1st round like your initial projection, but where to you see the Bengals focusing from the 2nd round on?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: You're right, they need a run-stuffer on defense, a TE, a safety and a CB. Defense will dictate the draft and Wroten would give them that guy up front. As for TE, Marcedes Lewis or Domonique Byrd would be good options a little later on.

Chris (Lacey WA): Mel - besides Ferguson of UVA who are some other linemen to watch out for and that the Packers could get later in the draft. We need some OL especially OG's.

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: Tackles like Ryan O'Callaghan of Cal, Marcus McNeill of Auburn, Jeremy Trueblood of BC, Kevin Booth of Cornell would be options in the second round. As for guards, Jason Spitz of Louisville, Max Jean-Gilles of Georgia and Taitusi Lutui and Fred Matua of USC are options as well.

Jim (LA): Who are some sleepers from small schools that we should look out for?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: First is DB Daniel Manning of Abilene Christian, an outstanting return man with great ball skills in coverage and also an effective special teams player. He could be a second-rounder. Other guys like QB Bruce Eugene of Grambling and Tarveras Jackson of Alabama State, RB Travis Glasford of Western Illinois, OT Jahri Evans of Bloomsburg State and DE Brent Hawkins of Illinois State warrant some attention.

Dan (Pittsburgh): Mel - with Kimo getting up there in age, I think the Steelers need a 3-4 DE to groom. Who could be there at the end of the first round that will be a DE in a 3-4 in the NFL?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: DTs who could fall a little are Dusty Dvoracek of Oklahoma, Jesse Mahelona of Tennessee, Titus Adams of Nebraska, Steve Fafita of Utah and McKinley Boykin of Ole Miss. They would fit into that 3-4 as DEs and could be potential picks.

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: Thanks for all the great questions. Keep looking over that first-round projection and look for the next one after the Senior Bowl. I'll be chatting from Mobile next Wednesday, so come back and get the scoop.

[ice grillin you]

wow he thinks lendale white will go in the 20's

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Wes (York, PA): Where do you see Tamba Hali falling to? Would he be a fit for Philly at no. 14?

SportsNation Mel Kiper Jr.: There's a chance, as I have him going one pick before to Baltimore. DE is a need for them, as are WR, OT and OLB. I gave them WR Santonio Holmes of OSU, who would be a nice pickup to complement Reggie Brown and give McNabb another weapon. But if the addres that need through free agency there is a definite chance they could get someone like Hali.

No to Holmes, and No to Hali.  Next question.

[rjs246]

But wait, we don't have nearly enough undersized defensive linemen. Maybe I should declare myself elligible. I'm speedy and that's all that matters, right?

[ice grillin you]

hali isnt even especially fast...'he has a motor that wont quit' tho

[rjs246]

Just like Kalu! Yay!

[ice grillin you]

Just like Kalu!

DING! DING! DING!

[SunMo]

Just like Kalu!

DING! DING! DING!

gay

[Mad-Lad]

Winston Justice?  That name's awesome.

[SunMo]

Winston Justice?  That name's awesome.

i know, right?  almost as awesome as D'Brickshaw Ferguson.

[ice grillin you]

not quite as awesome as arrelious benn tho

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Just like Kalu!

DING! DING! DING!

Yeah, except Kalu actually weighs more than 240 lbs.

[General_Failure]

Kearse doesn't.