Tweet
Mel Kiper Chat on ESPN 03/07/07
Coach Tuesday: Mel, does Marshawn Lynch have too upright of a running style for the NFL?
Mel Kiper: No. You look at upright - it can be overrated at times. There are some upright runners that have had some success in the league. He was productive this year. He went over 1,300 yards. He runs hard. I worry more about his style. He's so physical. He has so much contact. You have to worry about durability and longevity. He's tough to get to the ground. This past year, he was much more effective catching the ball. He's not quite as big as I projected him to be, but he's strong. This kid has talent.
John (Madison): Okoye's buzz has cooled since the Senior Bowl - is he still a #10-#15 pick?
Mel Kiper: I don't think there's a lot of buzz right now, because there's not a lot going on. He's strong, with great quickness. He's still in the top 15. I've thought that all along. You could be looking at Buffalo. I think he's one of the best 10 players in this draft.
Nick (Bensalem, PA): If Okoye were gone, would Alan Branch be able to play in Buffalo's Cover 2?
Mel Kiper: First of all, as far as the DT, Alan Branch is a very versatile athlete. You think he's just a space eater, but he's a very athletic kid. He did 33 reps at the combine, ran just over 5.0 at the combine. The only reason he's not a top 10 pick is because of his production. He did not make enough plays to guarantee him a spot in the top 15. He needed to dominate against the run more than he did. The production just wasn't there. You kept waiting for it, but the production never matched the physical ability. His performance put him between 15 and 25.
Jerry (washington, DC): How does all of the running back movement effect the drafting of A.Peterson and M. Lynch?
Mel Kiper: Well, in terms of the teams that are at the top. The Lions, for instance, they've added Tatum Bell. Is he a big-time RB? No, but they need help at other places. They've added an OT and DE. They could be looking at, ironically, Calvin Johnson and Brady Quinn. They've had the history of drafting WRs, but they still have a need at WR. Peterson still looks to me as an ideal pick for the Cleveland Browns.
Brad (Winona, MN): where do you think the HB from Louisville Bush will go in this years draft? Is he a second round talent?
Mel Kiper: He's a first-round talent, based on how he performed at Louisville. The problem with him is that he wasn't ready to work out at the combine. He was at 243 pounds at the combine. I had him projected to be 250. What he has to do is to get back to where he can work out. He needs to show teams that he can be back to work out at training camp. He may go later in the draft because he has to show that he'll be ready. The medical is going to have to come back positive. If everything comes back, then he might be a second round pick
~The Answer
Comment