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Football analyst- Mel Kiper Jr. 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.
Are you that football fan who watches college football games and is convinced you can pick out the future NFL players? Hey, join the club. Here's a little primer for the season on whom to be watching (and when). Does your NFL team need a QB, a pass-rusher, a running back?
Take a look. We'll hit those and many, many more ...
Kiper's Big Board | McShay's Top 32 | No. 1 pick candidates
1. The No. 1 prospect in this class is ...
McShay: As of today, it's Houston's Ed Oliver. I'm not saying he's Aaron Donald, but the traits look similar, with an explosive first step and the ability to knock a blocker backward, and he pursues in space like a guy 50 pounds lighter. He has 39 tackles for loss in two seasons. Look out.
Kiper: Don't forget about Nick Bosa. The Ohio State pass-rusher has the same grade as Oliver on my board. Bosa is the best edge rusher in this class, and Oliver is the best interior pass-rusher. By the way: The last defensive tackle to go No. 1 overall? Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson in 1994.
2. What's the one game I should watch to see Oliver's NFL potential?
Kiper: It's Houston at home against Tulsa on Thursday, Oct. 4. That's a prime-time game on ESPN. Here's why you should watch: Tulsa has two seniors along the interior who were named second-team all-conference last season -- center Chandler Miller and guard Tyler Bowling. Oliver is a game-wrecker, but he'll have his work cut out for him. Keep an eye on how quickly he gets off the ball. It's an elite first step.
McShay: No need to wait until October, Mel. Check out Sept. 8 (on ESPN!), when Oliver has to deal with Khalil Tate and Arizona. Oliver against Tate in the September Texas heat? That's a great early test that scouts will be watching.
3. Which Week 1 college football game should I watch for prospects?
McShay: Auburn-Washington is loaded, and hey, I'll be there! Washington has maybe the best tackle combo in the country, led by Trey Adams, and a loaded secondary, led by safety Taylor Rapp. You're talking about a group with four legit prospects. There are several other U-Dub names I could have mentioned. Auburn has QB Jarrett Stidham, a potential first-rounder, and is just loaded on defense: Derrick Brown looks like a first-rounder, and Dontavius Russell (NT), Darrell Williams (OLB) and Deshaun Davis (ILB) are all legit. This is a loaded game.
Kiper: You know I'm going to say Michigan-Notre Dame, right? The Wolverines' defense is absolutely loaded with prospects. A few guys to watch: Defensive lineman Rashan Gary dominates when he's at his best, and he could be a top-five pick; Lavert Hill is one of the best underclassman cornerbacks in the country; outside linebacker Devin Bush makes plays all over the field. Notre Dame has versatile guard Alex Bars, who could be a first-rounder in 2019. Cornerback Julian Love, defensive lineman Jerry Tillery and linebacker Te'Von Coney are also prospects to keep an eye on.
4. My team needs a quarterback next offseason. Which team should I watch this fall?
Kiper: I'll go with Oregon, and the guy who could rise and be the top quarterback off the board is Justin Herbert. Watch out here. The 6-foot-6, 233-pound signal-caller is athletic for his size and can make every throw, and his decision-making has improved since he stepped on the field as a freshman in 2016. The 34 touchdown passes to only nine picks in 15 starts stick out -- he takes care of the ball. When Herbert broke his left collarbone last season and missed five games, the Ducks couldn't score and lost four out of five. He's a crucial part of Oregon's hopes for a Pac-12 title.
McShay: Some teams you aren't seeing a ton of, usually. Check out Ryan Finley of NC State, Drew Lock of Missouri and Nate Stanley at Iowa, who had 26 TD passes and just six INTs last season. Sleeper for Round 1.
5. Which quarterback prospect are you most excited to see in 2018?
McShay: I'll go with Nate Stanley because I know I have him rated higher than most. He's tough and has a big arm, and the key is development because he has a chance to make some big strides in his second year starting.
Kiper: I want to see more out of Auburn's Jarrett Stidham. The tools are there -- he makes some "wow" throws -- but the reality of Gus Malzahn's offense is that quarterbacks are asked to get the ball out quickly, so Stidham doesn't have to go through read progressions. He's raw, and I want to see more consistency in his accuracy and footwork.
6. It's early, of course, but if my team needs a ______, we're in luck in 2019.
Kiper: Defensive lineman. We've already mentioned Oliver, Bosa and Gary, but there are the Clemson guys -- Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant -- plus Alabama's Raekwon Davis, Auburn's Derrick Brown, Oregon's Jalen Jelks and Boston College's Zach Allen. This is shaping up to be the best defensive line group in the past 20 years. I can't remember it being this strong ever.
McShay: No arguments. Check this out: My top five prospects right now are D-linemen -- and nine of my top 13. That's crazy.
7. Which non-powerhouse has a couple of potential first-rounders to keep an eye on?
McShay: Iowa. Stanley could be a first-rounder if he builds on last season, and Noah Fant is a really impressive tight end prospect, the type of player every NFL team wants as a weapon in the middle of the field. And if you're arguing that Iowa is a powerhouse, let's just say it's not typically one for offensive talent: The last Hawkeyes skill-position player to go in the first two rounds? Dallas Clark ... in 2003!
Kiper: How about Mississippi State? Defensive linemen Montez Sweat, coming off a 10.5-sack season, and Jeffery Simmons, a disruptive force along the interior, could go on Day 1. Elgton Jenkins is one of the best centers in college football, and Johnathan Abram is a physical safety with good instincts. The Bulldogs have two first-rounders and two second-rounders on my board right now.
8. My team needs a blindside tackle. Is the 2019 OT class as bad as 2018's was?
Kiper: No, it's the opposite. This could be a great tackle class. It starts with Ole Miss' Greg Little, the former No. 2 recruit in the country who has a prototype frame (6-6, 325) and stellar feet. He overwhelms SEC edge rushers on a consistent basis. Little could be a top-five pick. I'll let McShay hit the rest of the OT class ...
McShay: Yeah, it's not a bad group at all. A couple more: Jonah Williams (Bama) looks like a plug-and-play starting left tackle. Trey Adams from Washington could join him.
9. What's the one college football game you have circled on your calendar this fall?
McShay: Alabama-Auburn in the final week of the season. It's not just because of the talent spectacle. It's also because it could decide the SEC West. Monster game on paper.
Kiper: Michigan-Ohio State. C'mon, it's the best rivalry in college football, and it could decide the Big Ten. I always look forward to that one. I mentioned Michigan's defensive talent earlier, but Ohio State has a ton of talent outside of Bosa, too. Check out wide receiver Parris Campbell, one of the most dangerous players in all of college football.
10. Who are the newly draft-eligible offensive prospects you can't wait to watch?
Kiper: Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown. He's a big-time player. What's he going to do for an encore after putting up 75 catches for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns last season? I love the way he attacks the football, and he dominates smaller corners.
McShay: Herm's guy! N'Keal Harry is a go-get-it wideout for Arizona State. He has a big frame and production to match. He's 6-4 and has 140 catches and 13 touchdowns in two seasons. He should pile up targets.
11. What about on defense?
McShay: Give me Michigan's Rashan Gary. This guy had a can't-miss label on him out of high school, and we know that doesn't always work out in football. But he has been really good and could dominate the Big Ten as a true junior. I have him as a top-five prospect.
Kiper: LSU linebacker Devin White. He led the Tigers in tackles (133) and tackles for loss (14) as a sophomore in 2017. His read-and-react ability jumps out on film. White is a spectacular player who is perfect for today's NFL.
12. My team needs defense next April. Which defense should I watch this fall?
McShay: Here's a few, and I'll leave Mel some scraps. Clemson's D-line is incredibly loaded, with the potential of three first-round picks just on the D-line. Auburn, Mississippi State and Bama all have major defensive talent. Same deal with LSU. A sleeper? Boston College is right up there.
Kiper: I already mentioned Michigan's defensive talent, so let me highlight Georgia, which had one of the country's best defenses in 2017 and returns several prospects. Deandre Baker is my No. 2-ranked cornerback. Linebackers D'Andre Walker and Natrez Patrick could be Day 2 picks. And safety J.R. Reed is an under-the-radar player with versatility. Keep an eye on the Bulldogs.
13. Is Nick Bosa as good of a prospect as his brother, Joey?
Kiper: Yes. Maybe better. Nick is tremendous athletically and relentless as a pass-rusher. Don't forget, too, that their dad, John, was a first-round pick in 1987. The Bosa bloodlines are incredible.
14. Baker Mayfield's replacement, Kyler Murray, has already been picked in the MLB draft. Is he an NFL prospect?
McShay: It's too soon to say, but I think he'll bring a running element that Lincoln Riley could have some fun with. The dude can really run.
15. Which transfer are you most excited to see this season?
Kiper: It has to be Shea Patterson, the former Ole Miss quarterback who just won the Michigan job. Jim Harbaugh's quarterbacks produced a Total QBR of 33.9 last season, which ranked 113th in FBS. They were brutal. Now Harbaugh goes back to the transfer route, and Patterson has huge upside and is a legit prospect if he can put it all together. We know the defense will be great again, but Michigan's success will depend upon how Patterson and the offense play.
16. What about true freshmen?
McShay: Watch out for J.T. Daniels at USC and Trevor Lawrence at Clemson. Daniels will start right away, and Lawrence could get the job soon enough. It's big-time to get the nod at quarterback as a true freshman in those programs.
17. Alabama had four first-round picks in 2017. How many could it have next April?
Kiper: Likely right around four again, but I'll give you six names to watch: Offensive tackle Jonah Williams and defensive lineman Raekwon Davis are near locks. Linebackers Mack Wilson (four interceptions in 2017) and Anfernee Jennings (six tackles for loss) will get their chances to make plays again. Running back Damien Harris is one of my favorite players in the country, though it's tough for backs to go on Day 1. Then there is big Isaiah Buggs, a defensive tackle who can penetrate. Nick Saban always has NFL talent.
18. Could Clemson have more first-rounders than Bama?
McShay: Sure. But I'd set the over/under at 3.5.
19. Wait, there's another Josh Allen in this draft who could be a first-rounder? Explain ...
Kiper: Yes, Kentucky's Josh Allen, a 6-5, 230-pound outside linebacker who had seven sacks last season. He's probably a Day 2 pick at this point, but he has the length that NFL teams love, and he's disruptive. I want to see him be more consistent against SEC tackles.
20. Could Bryce Love be picked higher in 2019 than Christian McCaffrey went in 2017?
McShay: Not many running backs are going higher than No. 8. We've had five in the top seven in the past 10 years. So probably not, and I'd also like to see Love catch a few more passes. Remember that McCaffrey was labeled as a passing-game weapon, too.
21. Which other running backs could go in Round 1?
Kiper: Oklahoma's Rodney Anderson is a physical runner who lit up the vaunted Georgia defense for 201 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. He is also a solid receiver. Alabama's Damien Harris is steady and reliable. The wild cards are Oklahoma State's Justice Hill and Iowa State's David Montgomery, who could have big years.
22. Could any defensive back go in the top five?
McShay: Greedy Williams from LSU, who's a third-year sophomore. Great name for a cornerback, right?
23. Who's the top FCS quarterback prospect to keep an eye on?
Kiper: There's always one, right? This year it's North Dakota State's Easton Stick. who took over for Carson Wentz. He's only 6-2, but he's mobile and can extend plays (24 career rushing touchdowns), and he takes care of the football: 60 career TD passes and only 21 interceptions. I have a Day 3 grade on him right now, but he's an under-the-radar QB to watch.
24. Give me another FCS name to watch.
McShay: How about Nasir Adderley from Delaware? He's a talented defensive back who also returns kicks. Kiper would also get mad if we didn't shout out Joe Flacco and Rich Gannon here as Delaware guys, right?
25. Is Biletnikoff finalist David Sills, a former QB prospect, a legit prospect?
Kiper: Absolutely. It's amazing to see his progress from high school quarterback -- I actually watched him play against my alma mater, Calvert Hall -- to wide receiver in Dana Holgorsen's West Virginia offense. I love Sills' release, and he has the speed to create separation. You see that in his 18 touchdown catches from last season. He has a Day 2 grade right now.
26. Georgia's Jake Fromm impressed in the CFP but might be beaten. Is he a prospect?
McShay: He doesn't have a huge arm, but he's smart and tough and sure looks capable of developing into an NFL quarterback. You really gonna sit him? Man, that's tough.
27. What about Alabama's Jalen Hurts?
Kiper: No, he isn't accurate enough to be an NFL quarterback. He misses way too many throws. There's a reason Tua Tagovailoa could take his job.