He believes Abdul Carter could take New England's defense to "another level." The post Mel Kiper Jr. has Patriots selecting Penn State star at No. 4 appeared first on Boston.com.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 31: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half touchdown with Tyler Morris #8 while playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Longtime ESPN and college football analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first mock draft of the 2025 NFL draft season. In the mock, he has the Browns selecting the reigning Heisman winner.

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to address the secondary this offseason for multiple reasons. Outside of the the position groups under performing at times, they also have three key free agents

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

Mel Kiper Jr. released his first NFL Mock Draft on ESPN, and he has the Atlanta Falcons taking defensive end Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M.

The Bengals have bigger needs, regardless. The next pick in Kiper’s mock is a guard prospect in Armand Membou. The one after that is a safety, Nick Emmanwori. A few picks later, top tight end Colston Loveland. Later in the round? Pass-rusher Nic Scourton.

Michigan football set a program record with 13 NFL draft picks last season and this year could lead all NCAA teams in first round selections.

Offensive line is a priority for the Dolphins, but it’s hard to argue with Mel Kiper’s solution for the massive hole in Miami’s secondary.