Mel Kiper Jr. answers the biggest questions heading into the 2024 NFL Draft season | First Draft 

91 more days of caca talk.

Thank u 4 ur service Mel

I like the idea of having a plan for each top 3 QB if I’m Wash or NE

Pay attention to the things he said about Justin fields vs Mac jones, shows a lot about how analyst personally feel about these players. How do you feel bad for Mac jones but no Justin fields

What a tough spot for Chicago but also a good “problem” to have Though Fields has flashed & improved I think they’ll be leery of extending him to a bug contract. They have the 1st overall in a QB rich draft which is rare & difficult to get. They almost have to take Caleb Williams who’s regarded as a special talent given how hard it is to get the 1st overall not to mention it’s painful too given that you most lose a lot to get it. However they lost last year to get the #1 which they traded & got back this year from the Panthers as we all know. So it’s a fair accompli that they’ll draft Caleb Williams. They have to not only because he’s projected as a special QB but due to the risk of giving Fields a huge contract & that they can reset the clock with Caleb on a still hefty 1st overall but rookie contract. It makes sense theoretically, practically, analytically & financially. Questions abound though. What will they get back for Fields who will be costly to retain whichever team he’s on. Fields has obviously built friendships & relationships with the coaches & players in Chicago. How does it affect the team to see him get traded? How will the team perceive Caleb Williams who is the player who pushed out their teammate & friend Justin Fields? Won’t this dynamic add more pressure on Caleb Williams who will already be facing a ton of pressure as 2024 NFL Draft Pick #1 Overall in a big market & city with a rabid Bears fanbase? Could this draft be like the 2004 Draft of Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisburger, & Phillip Rivers or could Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels &/or Michael Penix all turn out to be better professional QBs than Caleb? So many questions. So many variables So much potential drama. These decisions & the draft will all have monumental earth shifting consequences on multiple teams. These decisions will have far reaching & vital influences on the franchises involved. Can’t wait for the draft. Mock draft & combine season are great but man it feels like the draft is far away. This will be a crucial draft for my NY Giants. This draft should be wild though. It’s going to be fun to see how it all unfolds & pans out. Let’s Go Giants!

15:54 The Giants would be stupid to build around Daniel Jones. They need a Quarterback if one of them fall or they should trade up.

Lincoln Riley has produced great college QBs (3 heisman winners?). Kyler, Baker, Hurts were all on great teams, Caleb is arguably on the worst team Riley has fielded in the past decade and he has still looked good. Bears should deal Fields to the Raiders where he can get another shot, take Caleb at 1 and get some more weapons around him.

They missed out on qb last yr! So grab one this yr

Falcons trading up to 1 for Williams!

Fields to the steelers

Braelon Allen is bust proof with a crazy high ceiling at only 20 years old. RB1 !!

I’ve been a big believer of Justin fields and as a bears fan, his highlights are gonna WOW you and you may even ask yourself: “why would the bears even consider Caleb?” In short, I think fields has become too reliant on his legs, he takes too many sacks (please don’t mention the fact that the bears O-Line sucks because that simply isn’t an excuse. When he went down, Tyson Bagent only took 5 sacks in 4 games.) Justin Fields style of play in my opinion is not sustainable. In addition, he’s had one of the slowest drop backs in the league and also holds the highest time to throw. It’s not like people aren’t open, occasionally you will see him LOOK AT THE PLAYERS yet still not throw them the ball. The tape is very hard to watch. Sure he’s gonna WOW you with his legs and his deep ball (which is the best part of his game in my opinion) but, he simply hasn’t been able to take the checkdowns and make the correct read. Am I saying he’s not a starter in this league? No, but in my opinion he would need to take a massive leap in order to become a top 12 QB, let alone the best QB in his division. I hate to say this, I really do. I’ve always believed in Justin fields and I would do anything to make him work in Chicago. Hey, maybe we keep him and he proves me wrong but ultimately I don’t think he’s worth a second contract and I truly cannot see him bringing a championship to Chicago. For those who make the argument that by keeping Fields you can also get more picks, that doesn’t matter. You don’t win super bowls by having the best receiver in the league. Nor do you win super bowls by having the best offensive lineman or the best running back. Am I saying all you need on a team is a Quarterback? No. My point is that you need a very good / elite quarterback to get your franchise over the hump and win you championships. And I think there’s this narrative that you can’t build a team by taking CW at 1.01 and that’s simply untrue. We still hold 1.09 and I wouldn’t be surprised if we were to trade that pick back to the late teens or early 20s and still be able to take a game changing player whilst adding more capital in the 2nd round or future picks. One last argument which I believe may be brought up is this idea that CW had a down season in 2023 and that he’s going to be a “bust” because of it. Take a look at his Heisman season. That 2022 season was special. I think a lot of people were expecting him to achieve greatness under that terrible offense and yet, he was still able to have a VERY GOOD season. Was it as special as 2022? No. But it was still very good. In this league, you need a difference maker at QB in order to win you games. Take a look at the chiefs. Other than Rashee Rice (Rookie) and Travis Kelce (Having a down season), who does Mahomes have to throw to? Sure he has Pacheco and a very good offensive line but here’s my point: You don’t need that X-Factor player outside of QB to win you a championship. Conversely, look at the Dolphins. Wow! What a dynamic offense in Tua, Mostert, Waddle, and Tyreek. Yeah sure Tyreek could probably be the MVP if MVP wasn’t a QB dominated award but what does it matter? Patrick Mahomes is going to yet another AFC Championship while Tyreek is sitting at home. All in all, I think the Bears would be making a huge mistake in keeping fields because you simply do not know what he’s gonna be with more assets. I honestly think that what we have seen these past 3 years is exactly what he is. Why be uncertain about the most important position on the field when you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a shot on an amazing prospect? At the end of the day, it’s not my decision to make. The Bears front office is going to be busy. Regardless of the outcome, I’m always gonna support the franchise and if we do keep Fields, I’m going to keep supporting him.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr fits perfectly for the Green Bay Packers

I love Mel. He is still the supreme bullshitter.

Ur right Diva Diggs cost the Bills

Denver will be looking for a QB and may have to settle for Nix or trade for Fields.

Great show guys. Mel Kiper is all time King of the NFL Draft.

I like how they talk about Evan Neal as a guy the Giants should know what they have in, but still support building around Daniel Jones in year 6. They support drafting an elite receiver rather than an OL for the worst pass blocking team in the league. How about drafting a QB like JJ McCarthy to sit behind 6th year breakout candidate Daniel Jones?

The same logic Yates uses for the Giants to select an OT like Joe Alt instead of WR with Nabers and Odunze still on the board can be applied to the Chargers. It should be equally-more beneficial for Justin Herbert and the offense if the Chargers take Joe Alt than Nabers or Odunze also. Can't have a cheating pair of scales. Chargers already have Keenan Allen. Draft a WR at the top of the 2nd and be grateful the OL is set for the next 10 years with RaShawn Slater on the other side.

Timestamps would have been great. Just saying

What Round would Jeremiah Trotter Jr go in. I’d like him to go to Washington like his pop

Yates sound crazy. If they draft Williams and they miss, it’s sets the bears back for at least 6 years. Fields would only set you back for the length of his contract

When yall talk sleeper wideouts Malik Washington should be mentioned.

This is as insightful as what my neighbor said & he’s a mailman

Check out John Rhys plumlee diamond in the rough

If I'm Chicago... I'm going with option 3. Trade down, get more #1s. Draft Jayden Daniels. Keep Fields. Let Daniels learn behind Fields... similar to how the chiefs had Alex Smith and still drafted Mahomes... or GB had Favre and drafted Rodgera... or GB had Rodgers and drafted Love. Build the team, let the young guy come in when ready.

hey Mel, what about your promise about JIMMY CLAUSEN?? why arent you being a man of your word?

Ryan Poles is a smart guy. He knows that Justin does not have the processing speed to be an above average NFL QB. As much as I would like the Bears to trade #1 for a huge haul, they need to draft Caleb Williams.

Bo Nix to the Saints. Kubiak is the new offensive coordinator so he'll have fun with this offense ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Is it just me, a couple weeks before 1.0 release, but did we all see Field Yates convince Mel Kiper to rank Jayden Daniels higher than Drake Maye?

Falcons going to the superbowl

I wish someone could answer this question, If the Bears keep Fields and get more #1 draft picks, will Field's contract inhabit upcoming contract extensions in 2025 and 2016?

the chargers have 2 aging expensive WR, and a wr who didnt work out last year. why would they grab a TE this high?

the more i hear about joe alt the more sad i get as a jets fan that we won 3 out of our last 5 games😭😭 bro would have been perfect, literally could use him in so many ways and even in the passing game if we get real creative.. i pray he falls to 10 but i doubt it :/

Did Harrison JR stock drop?

SOME where in a dive bar in Boston ..... MCSHAY ......Is telling anyone that wll listen ...hows he better then both of these guys !

All this draft coverage makes you forget it’s 4 months away 😑

Imo keep fields get marvin harrison jr in 1 and get an OL with there 2nd pick

🤔

Id like to see the bears take Harrison number one then make a play for Bowers,or one of the tackles with there other top 10

New England should trade their 2nd round pick for Justin Fields and then take Marvin Harrison Jr. with the 3nd overall pick. That helps both of their top needs.

Caleb will be ok, Daniels too. Maye could be. Nix and Penix are questionable. The darkhorse is J.J. McCarthy. Athletic, but on the slim side. If Atlanta hires Bellichik, then look for them to draft J.J. with the #9th pick. Bellichik turned another Michigan alum into the G.O.A.T. , his name is Tom Brady. Who was also on the thin side coming out and was chosen at pick #199. Spencer Rattler could surprise everyone.

Something about Field Yates creeps me out🤔

Caleb is 6ft small hands trade down get the best player in this class Marvin Harrison jr.

So may or Daniels about to play the same hand jones was dealt right

Draft back give me sushi from the number 2 pick . Get Marvin Harrison jr . Get some talent around Justin fields . Trade up next year for sheduer sanders

I would be keeping Fields, he can have two more years to pan out.. if not, two drafts further down the line, there will be other QB's coming out of the draft like perhaps a Young Arch Manning.. coming out of Texas.. who will have had two years in the drivers seat of Texas in the best conference the SEC.. and so I see other QB's coming down the pike as well.. you still got Fields for two more years if you want to extend him.. do it.. and in the mean time, give the kid some weapons and put some pieces around him to find out what you got.. see if anyone wants to move up into the 1st spot.. maybe Washington wants Caleb Williams and are willing to give up a 1st round pick next year. or a 2nd round pick this year and a player.. some package to move up.. then the Bears can take WR Marvin Harrison Jr...

Sweat is more of a run stopper Mel. Do better research sir. We expect more.

If Carolina had won a few more games and the Bears were drafting 3rd we would not be having this discussion.

ARE THE QBS GONNA FALL OR RISE

These people should be unemployed. 😂😂

nobody is giving Justin Fields $50mm/yr saying that the Bears have to do that if they keep him, just because other teams have done stupid things, is a fallacy talk to him and tell him you can get $25mm/yr from us, or you can take your chances in another situation, and let him decide if he wants to bet on himself

WILLIAMS TO THE BEARS FIELDS ON THE TRADING BLOCK

Blake Corum is the best running back prospect in this draft but these guys are hesitant to admit because of the ACL injury last year. Mel talked about not forgetting last years draft analysis. Don’t forget last year Corum was #2 to Bijon before his knee injury. As long as he keeps working Corum’s knee looks Like it’s getting back to before the injury. All he did was carry the Michigan Wolverines as a bell cow RB to a National Championship. #2 is #1 for me. I’d take him mid to late 1st rd or early 2nd.

Bo nix Michael penix jr Jaden daniells... enough said

Bears trade Fields, 9th overall pick, and 4th Rd Pick 2024 to Patriots for their 3rd Overall pick and 3rd Rd Pick 2024. Bears draft Celab at #1, and Harrison at #3. Patriots draft Odunze at #9 or ttwde back to cellect more draft capital.

Justin Fields to the Raiders 2024

Would it be possible that the Bears draft Caleb AND keep Justin? Let Caleb sit the year out & learn, decline Justin’s fifth year,and Caleb becomes the starter next year (or Caleb becomes great trade bait)? Remember Alex Smith was the starter for a year before Patrick Mahomes took over the reins.

Justin Fields has been solid at best

Don’t know why so many bears fans are scared of taking a QB at #1. Qbs takin number 1 are more likely to pass for 4k yards and pass for 30+tds and 80 career starts.

What makes you think he will be a bust most the statements that have been attributed to him he didn’t make . In fact all of them . And what do you see in him that’s so bad ? And do you study this or just making statements out of bias

Multiple rookie contracts vs 1 rookie contract, Fields has a 5th year option best economic decision they could make is trading down the pick and so far there’s no indication of moving on from Fields and everything points to them keeping him 🤷‍♂️

No one wants to watch or hear Mel. When was the last time he actually gave a good take on a prospect?

Keep Fields you clowns Ransom the pick

This draft is loaded with excellent pass catching RB's. So tired of hearing how bad the RB's are this class. Completely inaccurate.

justin fields to the commanders marvin harrison jr to the commanders

At least, in the Patriot case they won't have Bill Belichick to screw it up.

As a bears fan, I love DJ Moore but I’m curious if you trade Justin and DJ as a package…what is that worth? I think that adds so much value, like 2nd or 3rd overall pick or two firsts from Atlanta

But the Bears have been cheap forca long time time to divvy up

Look it makes more sense to continue to build the roster yall really think Ryan Poles is gonna pass on the opportunity to build a dynasty to take a chance on a rookie Qb and settle for a second round pick or maybe a first when he can get a boat load by trading the first get real lol 😂.

Caleb be crying I don’t think that matches Chicago’s energy

First

I don’t like how this guy talks. The cadence in his sentences seems so unnecessary

You need Caleb paired with the right system to maximize his talents. I doubt the Bears will have that system.

Giants with weapons are losers if o line not good

Cooper moving to safety because he’s white 😂

If the Raiders don’t get one of the top 3 Qb’s in this draft I wouldn’t mind trading for Fields but I’m not given up no more then a third round pick . No way I’m giving you a 2nd round pick 🙅🏾‍♂️

How about stop b*tching QBs getting most of the blame. They get paid the most and it's not close. If I'm getting 50+ plus a year, I'm going to get most of the credit, so getting most of the blame doesn't matter... "Did my check clear.. yes? Okay. Yes I sucked today.. I will get better and learn from this".

Bears need to build. If this were Andrew Luck sitting there at # 1 then yes, you take him. Caleb Williams is NOT Andrew Luck. He is not Joe Burrow or Peyton Manning either. Look at Bryce Young and Caleb Williams stats for their Sophomore and Junior years. Both have the same kind of production and win the Heisman in their Sophomore year, both have the same kind of drop off the following year, once teams adjusted and knew what to take away. Both projected to be the 1st player taken over the current Heisman winner that looks more NFL ready. Both under 6' 1" tall, both run around like a blind Gerbil, and then fling it up for grabs. Both hyped up and anointed as the best QB in the draft when they were not even the best QB in the NCAA. With only 6 picks and no 2nd rounder, you get as much as you can for now and for next year .

Justin Fields is better than generational talent Trevor Lawrence while surrounded by less talented skill position group.

Fields isn't going anywhere. Hiring Shane Waldron proves that. Look what he did with Goff, Russell, and Geno. All talented players but needed a system built around their respective talent. We are definitely trading the first overall pick. I hope we either get MHJ or Nabers. 😂

I'm saying this RIGHT now, Penix JR is the most NFL ready QB in this draft by FAR. Maye and Williams are on my bust List in 2024-25. Overrated with Egos worse than most I've seen. I hope Chicago trades Feilds and the 1 to move back to 3 and draft Jayden Daneils with an abnormal amount of draft capital

Josh Allen is garbage the Bills should trade him. It must be out of Conference and to a team you don't play in 2024 or 2025, the Vikings are the obvious choice here... SKOL!

Give me Bear Force 1, proven Leader, teammates and the city is behind him. Dude has played through all types of instability from Nagy, to the stripping down of the team, and 1st time OC n play caller Getsy. Somehow he still put himself in this conversation. Get him some more weapons a OC that can scheme and call games and run it back!

Keep Fields. There will be a generational talent next year if he fails.

Drake Maye is highly overrated.

Check out my Mock draft on my channel. I don’t think the Bears should take Williams with the first pick I think they should draft the best receiver in the draft and surround Justin field with some talent. Like he said, we don’t know if either one will be the franchise quarterback, but you know what you got with Justin plus Williams already is giving me diva vibes.

I'm already sooooo tired of this.

WE WANT FIELDS

I'm telling you guys..... Caleb Williams is overrated and will NOT be a great NFL QB.... Idk why every single talking head in the media is just going along with this Caleb Williams #1 narrative, acting like this dude is the best QB prospect in years. In 5 years from now, Bo Nix will be the most successful QB from the 2024 draft.