Kiper's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 (Mo Hurst #22 overall to Buffalo)

Submitted by BoFlex on

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As with every major sports writer, I know there are mixed feeling on this board about Mel Kiper Jr., but he's still probably one of the most recognizable names in the business for mock drafts

Kiper has one Wolverine going in the 1st round with DT Mo Hurst @ pick #22 to the Buffalo Bills with the following:

The Bills picked up this extra pick when the Chiefs traded up to draft Patrick Mahomes last year, and they ended up with back-to-back picks after a surprise playoff season. Hurst is a 3-technique penetrator who gets into the backfield and gets after quarterbacks. He's a perfect fit for a 4-3 team, and the Bills need pass-rushers. They had only 27 sacks in 2017, which ranked 29th in the league. Buffalo is a team to watch for the second tier of quarterbacks because Tyrod Taylor's future is up in the air.

Other notables:

  • Top 3:
    • #1 CLE Browns: QB Josh Allen (Wyoming)
    • #2 NY Giants: QB Josh Rosen (UCLA)
    • #3 IND Colts: DE Bradley Chubb (NC State)
  • Big Ten/Rivals
    • Ohio State (3):
      • #9 SF 49ers: CB Denzel Ward
      • #20 DET Lions: DE Sam Hubbard
      • #24 CAR Panthers: C Billy Price
    • Notre Dame (2):
      • #7 TB Bucs: OG Quenton Nelson
      • #11 MIA Dolphins: OT Mike McGlinchey
    • Penn State (1):
      • #4 CLE Browns: RB Saquon Barkley
    • Iowa (1):
      • #15 ARI Cardinals: CB Josh Jackson
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BoFlex

January 18th, 2018 at 7:30 PM ^

From the scouting reports I have seen on Mo Hurst, it seems like he is mostly being mocked low for his size (6'2" 280lbs). Scouts love Hurst initial burst, and his ability to blow past college O-linemen, but at the same time are wary of Hurst's ability to continue to do it in the NFL where the O-Linemen can react a lot faster.

So there is doubt that Hurst can fight through initial contact as easily in the pros where he is relatively undersized as a DT.

Joined: 05/30/2011

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conradb42

January 19th, 2018 at 8:54 AM ^

I agree with your sentiment. Mo's production was off the charts and he was as consistent as possible.

And Aaron Donald is a great comparison with size/skill/production who was overlooked. Louis Riddick has also called Donald not only one of the best DT in the game, but one of, if not THE, best DEFENDER in the NFL. 

I'd love for NFL scouts to learn their lesson and show Mo, ahem, mo' love.

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Scarlatina

January 18th, 2018 at 7:16 PM ^

Honestly I could see it... Mel Kiper offers a reasonable explanation. In his mind, none of the projected top-3 QBs are home-run, no-brainer picks for the Browns. 

Josh Rosen has a significant injury history already with the season-ending shoulder injury in 2016, and two concussions in 2017. Plus, Rosen has been heavily rumored to do whatever is necessary to not end up in Cleveland (ex: Eli Manning and Chargers), which is supposedly coupled by the Browns front office not like Rosen's overall personality/attitude. Both Sam Darnold and Josh Allen have bad throwing mechanics that could take a while to fix, but Darnold is far riskier with the ball.

So in the end, the difference/risk/reward between the 3 options is minimal to Kiper, and he went with the prospect that he believes has the highest ceiling from a purely physical standpoint (6'5" 240lbs).

Also... it is the Cleveland Browns.

Joined: 12/22/2011

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Mr. Owl

January 18th, 2018 at 5:46 PM ^

There is no way I spend the #2 pick on Rosen with that concussion.

Giants are a team that could use a development QB & a great RB.  If I'm them it's Barkley or see what offers come in.  With the way the league is about "brain injury" now, Rosen has a huge potential as a wasted top pick.

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A2toGVSU

January 18th, 2018 at 6:02 PM ^

He becomes the best value in the 1st round. He's a future all pro. Who wouldn't want a DT with the ability to teleport into the backfield before the OG can get out of his stance?

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Gr1mlock

January 18th, 2018 at 6:02 PM ^

Pretty much every mock has had Mo at 20 or 22, despite most "best player" lists have him around 8-12. Seems to be more about team needs than anything else.

Joined: 12/24/2013

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lhglrkwg

January 18th, 2018 at 6:03 PM ^

since trading Marcell Dareus to the Jags. Not sure Mo will be available that far down, but the Bills have a lot of draft capital so it's also possible they could move up to grab him

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NateVolk

January 18th, 2018 at 8:36 PM ^

I agree. There is no way they will do that. He's no better than Darnold by any measure and you simply have to go with the big name and pedigree, charismatic leader in their situation. Absent some major talent gap betwee the two.

Rosen already made his bed regarding Cleveland. Rosen is Rosen. Gifted, passing savant, but kind of a hot house flower who needs attention. NY is perfect for him.

Cleveland doesn't go Darnold and it's time to fold that franchise.

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