Mel Kiper Jr.Todd McShay 9y

Kiper vs. McShay: Head-to-head three-round mock draft

NFL, NFL Draft

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 the pick before. 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.

Let the fun begin.


Round 1

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd McShay's pick: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

The Bucs have to get their franchise quarterback out of this pick, and Winston has been the top overall prospect on my board for quite some time now. His behavioral history is a concern, but he's one of the best QB prospects to enter the league in the last decade.

2. Tennessee Titans
Mel Kiper's pick: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

This wasn't at all a tough decision for me. Zach Mettenberger simply can't match Mariota as a talent, and even if I'm not sold on Mariota, at this slot he's a valuable trade asset that I can listen to offers on. And I'm not at all in the camp that says Mariota can't "fit our system."

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
McShay's pick: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

This is a tough call between Cooper, the best WR in the draft, Dante Fowler Jr., the best edge rusher in the draft, and Leonard Williams, the best overall defensive player in the draft. But Cooper is the No. 3 player on my board and fills a need. Neither Allen Robinson nor Marqise Lee is a true No. 1 receiver, but that's what Cooper has the potential to be.

4. Oakland Raiders
Kiper's pick: Leonard Williams, DE, USC

Last year the Raiders added a versatile linebacker who is exceptional against the run and has big upside as a pass-rusher. That was Khalil Mack. Now I'm adding the defensive line version in Williams. If Cooper is here it's a tough call, but this is a deep class of WRs.

5. Washington Redskins
McShay's pick: Dante Fowler, DE, Florida

We're thrilled that Fowler is available at this spot, as he's the top-ranked edge rusher on my board, and that's Washington's biggest need. He also has the size new general manager Scot McCloughan covets at the position.

6. New York Jets
Kiper's pick: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Arguably the best player available,. He can help my running game immediately, which makes my offense (and the passing game) more efficient. I looked at wide receiver here, but Scherff makes us better right now, and this roster is closer to really good than many realize.

7. Chicago Bears
McShay's pick: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

This is an easy choice. Chicago needs a replacement for Brandon Marshall opposite Alshon Jeffery, and White has No. 1 receiver potential with his combination of size, speed and ball skills.

8. Atlanta Falcons
Kiper's pick: Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky

His versatility will be crucial, but Dupree can be the pass-rushing presence this defense needs right away. Vic Beasley was in play here, but Dupree's length, athleticism and upside give him the edge.

9. New York Giants
McShay's pick: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

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