2024 NFL Draft: Predictions, Sleepers & Burning Questions | First Draft

Welcome back to First Draft! The NFL Draft is around the corner, Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. give their hottest takes and answer some of the most pressing questions. Who could be the biggest steal of the draft? Who is the hardest prospect to rank? All this, and more!
Time Codes:
0:00 Intro/Countdown Clock
0:45 Welcome to First Draft!
2:30 Bold Predictions
9:44 Sleepers
16:45 Burning Questions
38:51 Mel’s final mock draft
#firstdraft #nfldraft #nflonespn #nfl
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[@ggodley3168]

Dejean 2022: 6’1”, 2023: 6’1”. Glad I tuned in for this next level insight.

[@sirblazing22]

This is an excellent video. Btw. Great job guys!!

[@ryerob4815]

Rukes last name is whatever scooby-doo was trying to say.

[@plazik7481]

Bold prediction; Penix is going 1st round to Seattle and I've had this mocked since day 1. Perfect fit. Washington kid, Seattle already has a good oline especially at both tackle spots, got 3 really good WRs he can sling it to with DK and JSN taking the top off the defense. Strong run game to support Penix so he doesn't need to throw 35+ times and risk getting hit and sacked. Defense could use some pash rush for sure but their opportunistic and the secondary is good enough to keep games close

[@kyledolan7822]

I'm a Niners fan but this is actually an excellent fit. Penix has a similar style to what Geno did in college. CAN use his legs but prefers to pass. Penix shows more promise though due to superior decision making coming out of college. Geno has been unsuccessful only to have success. Those who fail and succeed make for better teachers so I hope he cuts Penix learning curve, even as a Niners fan

[@BoomorBust]

I know Mel and McShay are open about hating mock drafts, but I think the worst affect mock drafts have had on draft content is that it has turned everything into "when" a player is going to go and that is just completely missing the point. It matters to some extent about availability but the real point of scouting is to project what a player can do in the league, not when they will be drafted.

[@kyledabearsfan]

Ironic for Mel, because it's his entire career.

[@luisortiz-yn4me]

Well said

[@vincentellsworth7905]

not when it comes to betting; people bet on when a player is drafted...they dont do a bet for 4-5 years to see how their career went

[@BoomorBust]

@vincentellsworth7905 Umm okay? They has nothing to do with this conversation lol

[@vincentellsworth7905]

thats why mock drafts have gotten so big... people who can project talent are SCOUTS, not some talking head on ESPN@@BoomorBust

[@irishseven100]

Mel and Field LOVE football, and so do I..!!!

I think Braden Fiske is going to be the steal of the draft. Can't wait to see who the lucky team is going to be who drafts him.

[@8YearHiatus]

Agreed he’s a day 1 impact player lowkey

[@dariendean6991]

I agree ...they also said Aaron Donald had short arms if I remember correctly. I also don't think Warren Sapp had long arms

@@dariendean6991 Over the last few years it's become one of the most important things that scout's and draft analysist use to grade defensive linemen and edge rushers. It's amazing how an inch and 1/2 can make such a difference when grading a DL. Just look at Fiske and they all knock him for shorter arms. Just watch and see what kind of player he becomes. After MHJ he's the next player that I want more than anything.

[@danielparsons2859]

Chargers and Bills will have to draft WRs and many teams need QBs. There will be many good picks in other positions available for those teams picking later in the rounds.

[@McRaeJim]

"Nobody knows anything...... Not one person. Every time out it's a guess and, if you're lucky, an educated one." -Willian Goldman

[@ambientstone7074]

Troy Fautanu top 10 is insane, I think the Dolphins will either go Fautanu or D. Robinson

[@user-pw6yg5vw5x]

Who's better than Mel? It would be like Christmas without Santa Claus.

I have been watching the NFL draft every year since 1975 and I can remember when Mel was just a kid when he first started doing mock drafts and where these players will get drafted. He's wrong more than he is right but he's still fun to listen to.

[@itk.r8rsn8k15]

Rhorhoro your boat...gently down the stream...

[@DGZGSGEGIGKG]

Kedon Slovis getting some love ❤

[@Jesse-zu8fn]

This has been such a great show. So much better than the idiotic debate shows on ESPN. I like Todd, but Field is top notch, and Mel clearly likes working with him.

[@123shoshan]

Their clueless Adonai Mitchell will be best reciever in draft

[@richardyounger5129]

Totally agree the debate shows are getting more and more stale the longer the offseason goes too.

[@itk.r8rsn8k15]

Kinda refreshing when they keep politics out of sports.

[@latkagravas986]

It's a 'build you're Barbie show'! Nah!

Not the best, but he'll be top 5 for sure.

[@Chunk616]

Latu is going to be a top 10 pass rusher

[@longtyler48]

That injury history is going to make a lot of teams nervous tho

[@ashtheviking5007]

Injury history will drop him but it doesn't mean he's not great, just that he ends up on a better team lower in the draft. Late teens-early twenties would be my guess - same could be said of Penix- top 10 talent if no injury history.

[@longtyler48]

@@ashtheviking5007 I agree that his college metrics show he could be a solid to excellent NFL player. But the injury history is gonna make him very boom or bust. Definitely a bit question of you’re a GM.

[@hitorinolegend8373]

5:55 Guarantee pro bowl is kinda crazy lol

[@BearIslandComics]

It’s not an episode of First Draft unless Fields says “unimpeachable” and explains that this isn’t an exact science

[@traviscarey3871]

Yup have to just this Iowa program they produce some of the best NFL on the low

[@traviscarey3871]

Trust this program the talent they mold up is crazy , since like in was in high school & that was in 03'

[@tiddiesattic]

Good lord🤦🏼‍♂️ BRING MCSHAY BACK ALREADY!

[@nole2150]

People keep sleeping on Jared Verse. Hes the only DE this year who has sacked the QB with their own LT and he did it multiple times this year.

[@OlBoo]

Nick Caserio is a trading SOB so why do you never have Texans trading up back into bottom of first or top of second.

[@braddees2949]

Mel is the best

[@OlBoo]

Kiper is right about Clemson DT. Fiske arms are too short, he is not on the Texans 2 nd round board so quit mocking him there Field Yates

[@HungGottiYoCarti82328]

Jets go for a CB to match wit Sauce. Or the TE

[@BoomorBust]

Zack Martin?? Fautanu does have anywhere near the same strength as Martin coming out. Look I don't have the same love for him as they do but I think he is a good prospect. Best in the class? That's insane. I don't care what his arm length is, his lack of size got him in trouble way too often on tap. He lunged for blocks way too often. Even inside he doesn't have elite level strength so I can see parts of the game he will struggle in.

[@jasonbagwell5522]

Excellent assessment. TF at the end of the first round is a great pick. In the top 10 is an egregious reach

[@latkagravas986]

Hope they reinforcement in that OL ( T, IOL or that Powers - Johnson)!

[@McRaeJim]

How do you know how strong he is? Most likely you don't.

[@BoomorBust]

@McRaeJim Good point. In this case we are using the term strength in terms of play strength meaning your ability to hold ground (inches and other measurements) against other players. Based on tape he isn't top tier and his bench press and broad jump (below average measures of explosion) don't help his case either.

[@latkagravas986]

@@BoomorBust Yep - NO Mike Malauluagua PHI types...versus King Kong will and strength like Aaaron Donald ----whom also make the Albert Hayneworth of the world Fools!

[@OvertimeGamers218]

I dont get why they make 4 -6 drafts. I always wait until the week before the draft all the free agency stuff is done with

[@Sensei_Gervin]

Not a jets fan but was just thinking…why wouldn’t jets consider qb at 10? Have they not learned from trading for Brett farve? I’d mimick Green Bay and groom qb of the future behind him

[@latkagravas986]

FY aint gonna touch that ---he's not complete.

[@robrol8365]

Very hard to predict, 1 or 2 trades could be done in the first round.

[@GeorgeFeaver]

Mel puts mashed potatoes on pizza

Denver should take Bo Nix, I can see him being the next Drew Brees.

[@cha1allie]

DeJean is not an NFL safety, he's a CB no matter how you want to cut it.

[@ref233]

How is a 4.51 considered bad or poor for a CB?

[@packers12to80]

Cuz u got guys running 4.3s or low 4.4s now. That second is a big deal. Esp if their 3 cone drill isn't amazing. Meaning they are already not as fast and don't have quick twitchy speed

[@BrownJustin100]

Thinking same guy just ran 4.22 at wr puts emphasis on top end speed. Although lots of 4.51 40 guys in league rn playing in high pressure zone schemes

[@ref233]

@@BrownJustin100 running a 40 in a straight line is a bit different than play speed in an actual football game. 4.5 is still a decent speed in the NFL

[@GorillaCheeks]

Dejean going to Philly

[@ttwarrior1]

people in live chat liking sam hartman? He wont even get drafted

[@garycoker3378]

I hope my Cardinals take Darius Robinson

[@latkagravas986]

You know your football! They got LB Collins being a 'Revelation' at FT DE....Be super 2nd pick in 1st Rd - after Marvin Harrison. Bring some beef and studs to that DL now that Watt and Jones have been gone!.

I love Robinson, both Robinson's. I'd be happy with either of them, Chop or Darius. Chop will come off the board before Darius, I would be thrilled if the Cardinals got MHJ and then DL & OL. The perfect start would be Marvin Harrison Jr. at 4, Jackson Powers-Johnson at 27 & either Chop Robinson or Braden Fiske at 35.

[@user-yk5kw8oy2i]

Why does Mel get this much hate??

[@latkagravas986]

I dont, have not seen it of late....mines now is FY!. I still watch the draft with surround sound of his voice in the background going back to the 80s and some cold ones. NFL Network does not compare.

[@sebastianshaw4031]

The Chicago bears will trade with Washington and the Commandos pick one 🤨🤔🤔

[@alexamerling79]

Can't help but think we trade down for Byron Murphy. He screams Eberflus guy...

[@_zerofaith]

Bucky brooks better than both

[@latkagravas986]

I think so too. Read my post. This is a 'build your own Barbie' show on NFL mock draft.

[@SunnyDarkness]

Bo Nix to the Broncos at 12

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Seems to make the most sense considering paytons schemes

[@aaronlawrence3274]

At 16, after they trade back

[@dchenkin02]

Get Bo Nix in the second round.

[@Nater9-9]

Reach…

[@jasonbagwell5522]

It is a reach….but QBflation is real

[@johnapple9339]

When has Kiper ever been right about anything? He is just an entertainer. If a real expert questioned him his analysis would break down quickly. He must be given credit for creating his persona, though, and cashing in. Right place at the right time.

[@kdeeler1]

He has been right a lot. If your job was to evaluate hundreds of college athletes every year for the NFL you would have several bad misses. Brock purdy fell to round 7, the whole league missed on him.

[@sirblazing22]

Wrong !!!!!!! Go Rams !! Joe Milton in the 4 round !!!

[@michaeldailey7103]

This dude was on the Herbert's a bust train , take his " draft prodictions " with a grain of salt !!!

[@HalfTonChevy]

None of them ever get it 100%. Honestly, I don't think it's even possible.

[@zakkback1825]

Yep Latu to me, is the best defensive player in this draft, but like Penix, he is too risky to draft early in the 1st. They both have a bad medical history.

[@jeffbradley9201]

Cooper Kupp was selected in the 3rd rn, wondering who csn be that player this draft

[@JoseRodrigues016]

Roman Wilson

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Take ur pick? Tez walker? Roman Wilson? Ladd mcconkey? Polk?

[@thicc-daddymcdonald1004]

Honestly I really like Malachi Corley as well. I see mocks taking him in the 3rd and 4th and he’s also a great slot guy that I hope can open up his route tree.

[@Nater9-9]

Puka and Kyren both taken in the 5th. Those are the gems.

[@jtyoung4019]

Anyone….All they have to do is play under Mcvay and stafford and the numbers are guaranteed to come💀

[@semicharmedlife311]

I love how DeJean is going to "wow at his workouts, be off-the-chart athletic" AND played CB in college...but he's going to be a safety. Think we know why that is. Reminds me of the archaic narrative that blacks couldn't play quarterback. This is equally ridiculous.

[@Dr_1212]

🤔

[@user-jp8zy5oj1v]

Jason Bean QB Kansas is a sleeper in late rounds

[@yahcrack]

7:32 Cooper DeJean is NOT an NFL CB, imagine what Justin Jefferson or Tyreek Hill would do to him? 🥴

[@BA-cz4is]

Why not ?

[@jackiedunfee]

He runs a 4.3 and also has elite traits 😂

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Thats 80% of DEFENSIVE backs in the league. Whats your point? Everybody knows dejean fits best in a zone or safety scheme where he can read and react which are his best traits

[@tylockyer1584]

@@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t be a corner he will just be a zone/ball hawk cb not everyone is a man to man cb

[@MarchOnRome]

You’re just saying that because he’s white lol

[@rickmiska3544]

Kiper and his bs

[@BA-cz4is]

Why you watching ? Where’s your mock draft

[@Ninjachickenfingers]

You’re still clicking

[@Jesse-zu8fn]

Mel is one of the best sports entertainers in the world.

[@FishingForQuality13]

Yet u watch GTFOH 🤡

[@trevorross2316]

I agree, how this dude still have a job like this

[@Donnybrook10]

Mel's the worst prognosticator ever. What a clown

[@uncool13]

yet he is on tv and we are here watching him and commenting about him.

[@redeyejedi4400]

You still watched

[@leonardhollerbach9806]

All hail Mel’s HAIR-DO !

[@kapla2004]

You’re the clown. He invented this industry

[@latkagravas986]

👍, tried looking for his 90s and early 2000s draft mock finals couldn't find it (for comparison only)....those 'NFL top prospects' list are out there though, year by year to., informative to for reassessment.

[@themoneyman1752]

DeJean will get cooked if he plays CB @ Safety he can be elite

[@Nater9-9]

Green Bay guy

[@traviscarey3871]

Maybe slot corner & that's still great in the NFL

[@themoneyman1752]

@@traviscarey3871 you can’t draft a CB in the 1st rd for him to be your 3rd CB that’s a waste of a 1st pick & to me he can’t play CB period, 95percent of the time he played 7 or 8yds off the ball at Iowa & when he played man more then 3 quarters of the time he got beat man up regardless if the ball got thrown his way or not

[@traviscarey3871]

@@themoneyman1752 playing off the ball doesn't mean your a bad player plus he said more safety/ return guy for him. Secondly, your analysis doesn't tell the whole projection on him. I'm simply saying trust the program, the kid , you know he can be coached up . Get him in the building with some veterans

[@themoneyman1752]

@@traviscarey3871 when you play off the ball so much all that tells me is he’s afraid of speed and getting beat deep, if I’m picking a CB I would 100percent rather have a island #1 CB a true 1st rounder, the CB your talking about sound like a 2nd rd pick or later, I wouldn’t trust the program with Dejean when I know I can bring in a better CB rookie or vet, I would only pick him as a safety, I wouldn’t even give him a chance to play CB, & a good DC, QB & WR will see how he plays so much off coverage & tear him apart, I can see DeJean giving up 7 to 8yds on 1st down every single snap

[@6thSenseTraining]

TJ Watt was seen as borderline 1st round and see what he is doing now. projections by these clowns means nothing