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Football analyst- Mel Kiper has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on "SportsCenter," ESPN studio shows and ESPN Radio. He is the co-host of the First Draft podcast, and he writes regularly for ESPN+.
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senior NFL draft analyst- Todd McShay is a senior NFL draft analyst for ESPN, providing in-depth scouting reports on the nation's top pro prospects. He also serves as a college football field analyst on Saturdays in the fall. Todd joined ESPN in 2006 and contributes to SportsCenter, NFL Live, College Football Live and ESPN Radio. He is a Massachusetts native and was a backup quarterback at the University of Richmond. You can follow Todd on Twitter via @McShay13.
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 Chargers
Mel 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 Cowboys
Todd 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 Jaguars
Mel 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 Ravens
Todd 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 49ers
Mel 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 Buccaneers
Mel 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 Giants
Todd 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 Bears
Mel 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 Saints
Todd 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 Raiders
Todd 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.
