ESPN analyst Mel Kiper offers high praise for Penn State DE Arnold Ebiketie
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper continues to go to bat for Penn State football’s Arnold Ebiketie.
Speaking on the April 4 edition of ESPN’s First Draft podcast, Kiper reiterated his sense of confidence that whichever team selects Ebiketie will wind up very happy with its pick.
“Arnold Ebiketie still remains to me one of the guys I like,” Kiper said. “I think he’s deserving of being in a lot of these first-round mocks. He’s deserving of being a guy that you think is one of the best 35 players in this draft.”
“If he gets into the second round, I think he’s a heck of a pick. He could be a late [first round pick], but I still really like what Arnold Ebiketie will bring to a defense in terms of getting after the quarterback.”
RELATED: What ESPN analyst Mel Kiper said about Penn State football’s draft class
Speaking to the media two weeks ago, Kiper had praised Ebiketie, noting that he was much higher on him than his colleagues at ESPN.
“He’s got to do a little bit more against the run, work to get off blocks, locate and do that,” Kiper said then. “But as a pass-rusher, with his hand in the ground and also in space, I think he can be a guy that can help you maybe even going in reverse. I think the versatility’s there. Coaching will be important. System will be important. I think probably more of a second-round pick now. But he’s going to be a good second-round pick for somebody.
Currently, Ebiketie stands 38th in ESPN’s collective player rankings. He’s the fifth defensive end off the board, behind Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon Walker and George Karlaftis.
Kiper offers further thoughts on Penn State DE Arnold Ebiketie
The Temple transfer racked up 9.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles. He was by far the most prolific Nittany Lion defender at making plays in the backfield.
“James Franklin loved the fact that he came in from Temple…came in humble, ready to work,” Kiper said. “He got that locker room right away, came out on the practice field and worked hard. Arnold Ebiketie has the makeup, the mindset. The physical and athletic ability is there. The production this year, and at Temple was pretty good.
The NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 28. It will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
