Mel Kiper’s “best available” is a term used to describe the player that Kiper believes is the most talented and deserving of being selected at a particular spot in the NFL Draft. Kiper is a well-respected NFL draft analyst who has been covering the draft for over 40 years. His “best available” list is highly influential and is often used by NFL teams to make their draft decisions.
There are a number of factors that Kiper considers when determining his “best available” list. These factors include the player’s physical attributes, athleticism, production, and character. Kiper also takes into account the player’s position and the needs of the teams that are drafting. Kiper said when asked about the criticism he receives. I have no problem being wrong, Kiper. But when Im wrong, I want to be wrong for the right reasons.
Kiper’s “best available” list is not always perfect, but it is a valuable resource for NFL teams. Kiper has a proven track record of identifying talented players, and his list can help teams make informed decisions about who to draft.
In addition to his “best available” list, Kiper also provides analysis and commentary on the NFL Draft. He is a regular contributor to ESPN and has his own website, MelKiperSports.com.
1. Scouting
Mel Kiper’s team of scouts is a crucial component of his “best available” list. Kiper’s scouts provide him with detailed reports on players’ physical attributes, athleticism, production, and character. Kiper uses this information to create his list of the top NFL Draft prospects.
- National Scouting: Kiper’s scouts attend games and practices all over the country to evaluate players. They provide Kiper with detailed reports on each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Combine and Pro Days: Kiper’s scouts also attend the NFL Combine and pro days to evaluate players’ athleticism and physical tools.
- Interviews: Kiper’s scouts interview players, coaches, and scouts to get a better understanding of each player’s character and work ethic.
- Medical Evaluations: Kiper’s scouts also review players’ medical records to assess their injury history and overall health.
Kiper’s team of scouts provides him with the information he needs to make informed decisions about which players to include on his “best available” list. Kiper’s scouts are a valuable asset to his team and help him to identify the top NFL Draft prospects.
2. Film study
Film study is a critical component of Mel Kiper’s “best available” list. By watching hours of film on each player, Kiper is able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses firsthand. This allows him to make more informed decisions about which players to include on his list.
- Physical Attributes: Kiper looks for players with the physical attributes that are necessary to succeed in the NFL. This includes size, speed, strength, and athleticism.
- Athleticism: Kiper evaluates players’ athleticism by watching them perform drills and participate in games. He looks for players who are quick, agile, and have good body control.
- Production: Kiper looks at players’ production on the field. He wants to see players who have been productive in college and who have the potential to be productive in the NFL.
- Character: Kiper also evaluates players’ character. He wants to see players who are hard-working, dedicated, and have a good attitude. He also wants to see players who are coachable and who are willing to learn.
Kiper’s film study allows him to get a complete picture of each player. This information helps him to create his “best available” list, which is a valuable resource for NFL teams.
3. Interviews
Interviews are an important part of Mel Kiper’s process for compiling his “best available” list. By talking to players, coaches, and scouts, Kiper is able to get a better understanding of each player’s character and work ethic. This information is essential for Kiper, as he wants to be sure that the players he includes on his list are not only talented, but also have the right character and work ethic to be successful in the NFL.
For example, in 2020, Kiper interviewed several players who were considered to be top prospects for the NFL Draft. One of those players was Justin Fields, a quarterback from Ohio State. Kiper was impressed with Fields’ physical skills, but he also wanted to learn more about his character and work ethic. Kiper spoke to Fields’ coaches and teammates, and he came away impressed with Fields’ leadership skills and his dedication to the game.
Kiper’s interviews with players, coaches, and scouts help him to make more informed decisions about which players to include on his “best available” list. By getting a better understanding of each player’s character and work ethic, Kiper is able to identify players who are not only talented, but also have the right mindset to be successful in the NFL.
4. Analytics and Mel Kiper’s best available list
Analytics plays an important role in Mel Kiper’s process for compiling his “best available” list. By using analytics, Kiper is able to evaluate players in a more objective way and identify players who may be undervalued by other scouts.
One of the most important factors that Kiper considers when evaluating players is player production. Kiper looks at factors such as yards per game, touchdowns, and interceptions to determine how productive a player has been on the field. He also looks at how a player has performed against different levels of competition. For example, Kiper will compare a player’s production against Power 5 schools to his production against Group of Five schools.
In addition to player production, Kiper also considers athletic testing results when evaluating players. Athletic testing results can provide insights into a player’s speed, strength, and agility. Kiper uses this information to compare players to others at their position and to project how they will perform in the NFL.
Finally, Kiper also considers injury history when evaluating players. A player with a significant injury history may be more likely to get injured in the NFL, which could impact his availability and performance. Kiper takes this into account when ranking players on his “best available” list.
Analytics is a valuable tool that helps Mel Kiper to evaluate players in a more objective way. By using analytics, Kiper is able to identify players who may be undervalued by other scouts and who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
5. Team needs
When Mel Kiper compiles his “best available” list, he takes into account the needs of the teams that are drafting. This means that he looks at which positions each team needs to fill and which players would be the best fit for those teams. Kiper considers a number of factors when evaluating team needs, including the team’s current roster, their recent draft history, and their offensive and defensive schemes.
- Current roster: Kiper looks at the team’s current roster to identify which positions they need to fill. For example, if a team has a weak secondary, Kiper may rank a cornerback higher on his list for that team.
- Recent draft history: Kiper also considers the team’s recent draft history when evaluating team needs. For example, if a team has drafted a lot of players at a certain position in recent years, Kiper may be less likely to rank a player at that position highly for that team.
- Offensive and defensive schemes: Kiper also takes into account the team’s offensive and defensive schemes when evaluating team needs. For example, if a team runs a 3-4 defense, Kiper may rank a defensive end higher on his list for that team than he would for a team that runs a 4-3 defense.
By taking into account team needs, Kiper is able to create a list of players that is tailored to the specific needs of each NFL team. This information is valuable for NFL teams as they prepare for the NFL Draft.
6. Character
In the context of “Mel Kiper Best Available,” character plays a significant role in determining a player’s overall value and potential for success in the NFL. Kiper believes that players with strong character traits are more likely to be successful on and off the field, making them valuable assets to any team.
- Work Ethic: Kiper highly values players who demonstrate a strong work ethic, both on and off the field. He looks for players who are willing to put in the extra work to improve their skills and knowledge of the game.
- Dedication: Kiper is impressed by players who are dedicated to the sport of football and who are willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. He looks for players who are passionate about the game and who are willing to go the extra mile.
- Attitude: Kiper believes that a positive attitude is essential for success in the NFL. He looks for players who are optimistic, resilient, and who have a strong belief in themselves and their abilities.
- Leadership: Kiper also values players who have leadership qualities. He looks for players who are able to motivate and inspire their teammates, and who are willing to take on a leadership role both on and off the field.
By considering a player’s character when compiling his “Best Available” list, Kiper provides NFL teams with valuable insights into the overall quality and potential of each player. Teams can use this information to make more informed decisions about which players to draft, helping them to build a successful and competitive team.
7. Projection
Projection is an essential component of Mel Kiper’s “best available” list. By projecting how each player will perform in the NFL, Kiper provides NFL teams with valuable insights into the potential of each player. Teams can use this information to make more informed decisions about which players to draft, helping them to build a successful and competitive team.
Kiper’s projections are based on a number of factors, including the player’s physical tools, athleticism, and work ethic. Kiper also considers the player’s production in college, as well as his character and leadership skills. By taking all of these factors into account, Kiper is able to make more accurate projections about how each player will perform in the NFL.
Kiper’s projections have been proven to be accurate over time. In fact, many NFL teams rely on Kiper’s projections when making their draft decisions. By using Kiper’s projections, teams can increase their chances of drafting players who will be successful in the NFL.
Projection is a valuable tool for NFL teams. By using Kiper’s projections, teams can make more informed decisions about which players to draft, helping them to build a successful and competitive team.
FAQs
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding Mel Kiper’s “best available” list, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: What is Mel Kiper’s “best available” list?
Answer: Mel Kiper’s “best available” list ranks the top NFL Draft prospects based on their talent and potential to succeed in the NFL. Kiper considers various factors, including physical attributes, athleticism, production, character, and team needs.
Question 2: How does Mel Kiper compile his “best available” list?
Answer: Kiper utilizes a comprehensive evaluation process, including scouting reports, film study, interviews with players, coaches, and scouts, and analysis of player production and athletic testing results.
Question 3: How accurate is Mel Kiper’s “best available” list?
Answer: Kiper’s projections have a proven track record of accuracy, with many NFL teams relying on his insights to make informed draft decisions.
Question 4: What are the key factors Kiper considers when evaluating players?
Answer: Kiper’s evaluation process encompasses physical attributes, athleticism, production, character, team needs, and player potential in the NFL.
Question 5: How can NFL teams utilize Mel Kiper’s “best available” list?
Answer: Kiper’s list provides NFL teams with valuable information to identify talented prospects, assess team needs, and make strategic draft decisions to build competitive rosters.
Question 6: What are the potential limitations of Mel Kiper’s “best available” list?
Answer: While Kiper’s list is highly regarded, it is not immune to subjectivity and unforeseen circumstances that may impact player performance in the NFL.
In conclusion, Mel Kiper’s “best available” list is a valuable resource for NFL teams, offering insights into top draft prospects and aiding in strategic decision-making. However, it is crucial to consider the potential limitations and incorporate other evaluation methods to ensure well-rounded assessments.
Transitioning to the next article section…
Tips for Using Mel Kiper’s “Best Available” List
Mel Kiper’s “best available” list is a valuable resource for NFL teams and fans alike. By following these tips, you can get the most out of Kiper’s list and use it to make informed decisions about the NFL Draft.
Tip 1: Understand Kiper’s criteria. Kiper’s list is based on a number of factors, including player talent, athleticism, production, and character. It is important to understand these criteria in order to properly evaluate Kiper’s list.
Tip 2: Consider team needs. Kiper’s list does not take into account team needs. When evaluating Kiper’s list, it is important to consider which players would be the best fit for your team.
Tip 3: Do your own research. Kiper’s list is just one opinion. It is important to do your own research on players before making any decisions about who to draft.
Tip 4: Be flexible. The NFL Draft is a fluid process. Players can rise and fall on draft boards throughout the pre-draft process. Be flexible and willing to adjust your draft strategy as needed.
Tip 5: Trust your instincts. At the end of the day, the best way to use Mel Kiper’s “best available” list is to trust your own instincts. If you believe that a certain player is a good fit for your team, don’t be afraid to draft him, even if he is not ranked as highly as other players on Kiper’s list.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of Mel Kiper’s “best available” list and use it to make informed decisions about the NFL Draft.
Conclusion
Mel Kiper’s “best available” list is a valuable resource for NFL teams and fans alike. Kiper’s list provides insights into the top NFL Draft prospects, and it can help teams make informed decisions about who to draft. By understanding Kiper’s criteria, considering team needs, doing your own research, being flexible, and trusting your instincts, you can get the most out of Kiper’s list and use it to make informed decisions about the NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft is a complex and challenging process. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating players and making draft decisions. However, by using Mel Kiper’s “best available” list as a starting point, you can increase your chances of drafting players who will be successful in the NFL.
