Excerpt from Mel Kiper's First Draft Review

[AvengerRam]

I was wondering how long Mel Kiper has been in the NFL draft business so, on a hunch, I searched archives of his High School Newspaper in Jarrettsville, Maryland.

To my surprise, I found an article, written by Kiper as a freshman, evaluating the 1974 NFL Draft. As he does today, he gave each team a "grade" immediately following the draft.

Here was the most interesting part:

Pittsburgh Steelers:The Steelers' had far and away the most questionable selections. In Round 1, they selected Lynn Swann, the stringbean wide receiver from USC. I'll be surprised if he lasts a season. I think the Steelers had the same worry, as they took another receiver, John Stallworth, in the 4th round. He's a long-term project at best. The remainder of their first four selections (they didn't have a third round pick) were undersized linebacker Jack Lambert and center Mike Webster. These two look like average NFL journeymen to me. The shame of this is that the Steelers are a team that is on the cusp of greatness. With a draft like this, though, they're not going to gt there. Grade: C-

So... has Mel come a long way or is he still shooting in the dark?

[berg8309]

No I think it was pretty accurate. They only got what? 4 hall of famers? At least on the post-dispatch board, that's like an F- draft, at best.

[RebelYell]

Is the drama between he and McShay real or made up? I've watched them a few times on ESPN and Kiper doesn't appear to be a very friendly person.

One of the things that rarely gets mentioned is that Kiper was an odds maker in Las Vegas. That's how he really got into the draft analysis.

The thing I hate about Kiper is that he doesn't integrate into his projections how a player fits into a teams scheme. Without that inclusion, it's all worthless. I think a big part of the Rams problems with drafting is that they've used a draft service that ignored it also.

[molar_pistol]

if he knew what he was doing and wasn't just saying stuff to get attention he wouldn't be at espn.

[Judaxi]

This is the same guy who after the Colts selected Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf said "This is why the Colts select at the top of the draft every year, because of decisions like this." Still funny to watch him and McShay argue though. lol

[Alec22]

lol that was funny

[Azul e Oro]

No yearbook picture? Let's face it, the only interesting thing about the man is his hair. When did that start? Did his mommy start shellacking his head in grade school to protect him from outbreaks of lice ?

[Bralidore(RAMMODE)]

Possibly as wrong as "wrong" can get? I'd probably not pick any guy he says and cast doubt on guys I had previosuly rated high after he says he likes them...

[Truth]

Possibly as wrong as "wrong" can get? I'd probably not pick any guy he says and cast doubt on guys I had previosuly rated high after he says he likes them...

I thought you wanted the Rams to draft Bradford (Kiper has him going to the Rams). I guess it's time to join the Suh train.

[berg8309]

This is the same guy who after the Colts selected Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf said "This is why the Colts select at the top of the draft every year, because of decisions like this." Still funny to watch him and McShay argue though. lol

Then I guess it is a good thing he has Clausen as his highest rated QB

[BarronWade]

No i think Kiper has come a long long way. He has learned from his mistakes like the Manning thing.

I remember when the Rams picked David Vabora Kiper said something like 'I like this guy i thought he shoudve went in the 5th if he doesnt make the Rams squad he will be on someone's roster'

Its MR. Irrelevant and he had faith in the guy.

I think he knows what he is talking about unlike Todd McShay. McShay is just trying to spark conversations. (Mid March the Rams will pick Gerald McCoy)

[RockinRam]

Todd McShay just loves tall quarterbacks.