What ESPN analyst Mel Kiper said about Penn State football's draft class
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper projected that Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson would land in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, going 25th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
Dotson, the fifth wideout off Kiper’s board, is someone who can come into the league and make an immediate impact, Kiper explained.
For that reason, Kiper thinks Dotson could also be a fit at No. 20 — where the Pittsburgh Steelers will make their first-round pick.
“He would be the guy I would look at at 20 as a receiver who can give you versatility, yards after the catch, great attitude, great approach,” Kiper said, speaking on a conference call with the media Wednesday. “I think he would be an immediate hole-filler and immediately be a productive player in the NFL.”
Dotson was the only Nittany Lion to crack Kiper’s top-32, but he did offer input on several other Penn State prospects.
Here’s what he said:
“Ebiketie I really like. I like him more than Todd [McShay] does. We’ve kind of gotten into that back-and-forth. I liked him at Temple, I like what he did at Penn State this year, the way he fit in immediately. I know James Franklin had a lot of good things to say about Ebiketie
“He’s got to do a little bit more against the run, work to get off blocks, locate and do that. 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.
Mel Kiper’s thoughts on Penn State’s other draft candidates
“Brandon Smith’s versatility is outstanding. He could be inside, he could be outside. He’s wise to the football, he’s got really good range. He’s moving up. I mean, I could see him going ahead of Ebiketie in the early second round, maybe even late first round. But I’d say more second round for him.
“I like Jaquan Brisker. There were some opportunities for some interceptions I’d like to see him come through with. But he’s a good football player and another guy that Franklin had great things to say about during the year. I think Brisker’s more of a third.”
“Tariq Castro-Fields with his length could be a third or fourth.”
“Walker the offensive tackle has dropped a little bit. Had an inconsistent season. I have more of a day three grade on him.”
“Derrick Tangelo as well, the defensive tackle has got a chance to be a day three pick.”
