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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.
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.