Mel Kiper, Jr.
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Mel Kiper, Jr. (born July 25, 1960 in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American football analyst for the ESPN television channel. He has served as an analyst for ESPN's annual NFL draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth information on the nation's potential draft picks.
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Early career
He is president of Mel Kiper Enterprises, Inc., which he founded in 1981 while in college.[1] It is responsible for all aspects of a series of annual publications including the NFL Draft Report and Draft Preview.[2] Kiper Enterprises continues to operate, offering information about future NFL draft prospects.
With the emergence of ESPN2 and ESPN.com, Kiper's visibility increased. Kiper has said that Ernie Accorsi, the general manager of the then-Baltimore Colts, encouraged him to become a draft analyst. He says that Accorsi told him that there was a market for draft information and that Kiper should convert his expertise into a business.[1]
Legacy
Kiper has established himself as the one of the most famous and recognizable of all NFL Draft commentators.[citation needed] He has played a major role in transforming the draft from a quiet meeting few fans understood or cared about into a major public event over the course of the last 25 years. Due to the unpredictability of the NFL draft and the eventual development of the players featured[citation needed], he has, at times, been wrong about the pro potential of some players. However, his reputation as the top draft commentator in the business comes about because of accuracy[citation needed], preparedness[citation needed], and attention to detail[citation needed] when discussing players, their skills and weaknesses, as well as which team is a likely fit for them. One of his great predictions was saying when soon-to-be Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, who had just completed high-school at the time, would be the #1 overall pick whenever he declared for the NFL Draft. His remark was vindicated when Stafford was selected first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He is also known for his trademark gelled hair, which has often been the butt of jokes. Kiper and fellow ESPN draft expert Todd McShay are often disagreeing with one another when it comes to mock drafts and player ratings.[3]
Personal
Kiper grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and resides in Jarrettsville, Maryland with his dog, Mel Kiper III.
Video game appearances
- Kiper lent his voice to the videogame, ESPN NFL 2K5 as the NFL Draft expert in season mode, he is also unlockable as a Free Agent tight end in the game. His overall is very low though.
- Kiper also appears in NFL Head Coach, again as the NFL Draft expert.[4]
- Kiper appears in Madden NFL 07-08 during the college draft workout period in the offseason.
References
- ^ a b Battista, Judy. He attended the Community College of Baltimore County located in Essex, MD. "The N.F.L. Draft Is the Kipers' Family Business," The New York Times, Friday, April 24, 2009.
- ^ Kiper, Mel. "About Mel". The News and Observer. http://www.melkiper.com/about.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-13.
- ^ http://www.sportshair.com/mel-kiper.htm
- ^ Ekberg, Brian. "E3 06: NFL Head Coach Hands-On". Gamespot. http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sports/nflheadcoach/news.html?sid=6150930. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
