Mel Kiper: Jameson Williams was top 10 pick before ACL injury

ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has updated his projections with a two-round mock draft just over two weeks away from the start of the anticipated event. During a discussion about the value of injured players, he revealed just how high Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams’ draft stock rose before the ACL tear.

During an ESPN mock draft special, Mel Kiper debated many topics like this, saying Jameson Williams would likely have gone inside the top 10 before his season-ending injury.

“Jameson Williams, we knew would have been a top 10 pick, but the injury occurred,” said Kiper. “Obviously the national championship game, he’s going to be back in October or November. He can help the team in the stretch run. I put him in the first – I’m not going to tell you where – but he’s in the first.”

After spending two seasons in a limited role at Ohio State behind fellow first round wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Williams opted to transfer to Alabama following the departure of Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith and top 10 pick Jaylen Waddle.

The move paid off, allowing him to catch 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 games. He also averaged 19.9 yards per catch over the season and added three carries for 23 yards as well.

While an ACL tear for a player who relies heavily on his explosiveness could create risk, his potential is simply too much for 32 teams to pass up early in this year’s draft.

Mel Kiper releases mock draft

Mel Kiper has released a brand new two-round mock draft two weeks before the 2022 NFL Draft. As the highly-anticipated event inches closer, Kiper is putting his updated predictions out into the world.

Prior to getting into the meat and potatoes, Kiper explained his process for creating his latest mock draft.

“I’m projecting these 64 picks based on a combination of my updated rankings, team needs and what I’m hearing from execs, scouts and coaches in the league,” wrote Kiper. “For the second round, in particular, so much could change between now and when teams are on the clock, so I’m using my Big Board as a guide on value.”

In this addition of the mock draft, Mel Kiper does reveal that he has Jameson Williams going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 19 overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.