Mel Kiper, Todd McShay have big question surrounding Matt Corral

Matt Corral is seen as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. Wednesday night, ESPN NFL Draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay had an important question about the Ole Miss star.

During the reveal show for his Mock Draft 1.0, Kiper projected Corral to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the No. 20 overall pick. That would make him a potential replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, who’s expected to retire.

Kiper and McShay had one big question: How would he handle it?

“Then we get to another quarterback,” Kiper said. “Pittsburgh Steelers. Who’s the heir apparent to Big Ben? Who’s the guy who’s going to replace Big Ben? It’s going to be in this particular mock, Matt Corral. You say ‘Eh he’s not that big. Can he hold?’ He’s a Steeler with a gritty mentality. He loves to play the game. His running skills with that RPO are well documented.

“Now can he stay healthy? Does he have the physicality to withstand as a guy who’s going to throw that body around and run the football? We’ll see. Matt Corral figures somewhere at this portion of round one.”

“I had Corral going second but there are questions not only about the durability but also with him,” McShay replied. “A lot of his throws are within five yards of the line of scrimmage, very high percentage.”

This past year was another big one for Corral and Ole Miss. He went 260 for 384 for 3,343, 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He was part of a potent Rebels offense and a big reason why they went 10-3 this season.

Mel Kiper: NFL Mock Draft 1.0

1. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

2. Detroit Lions — DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

3. Houston Texans — OT Evan Neal, Alabama

4. New York Jets — S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

5. New York Giants — OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State

6. Carolina Panthers — OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

7. New York Giants (via CHI) — OLB David Ojabo, Michigan

8. Atlanta Falcons — CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

9. Denver Broncos — ILB Nakobe Dean, Georgia

10. New York Jets (via SEA) — WR Drake London, USC

11. Washington Football Team — QB Malik Willis, Liberty

12. Minnesota Vikings — CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati

13. Cleveland Browns — WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

14. Baltimore Ravens — C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) — ILB Devin Lloyd, Utah

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) — DE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State

17. Los Angeles Chargers — DT Jordan Davis, Georgia

18. New Orleans Saints — QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

19. Philadelphia Eagles — WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

20. Pittsburgh Steelers — QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss

21. New England Patriots — WR Jameson Williams, Alabama

22. Las Vegas Raiders — CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

23. Arizona Cardinals — DE George Karlaftis, Purdue

24. Dallas Cowboys — DE Travon Walker, Georgia

25. Cincinnati Bengals — OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

26. Miami Dolphins (via SF) — WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State

27. Buffalo Bulls — CB Trent McDuffie, Washington

28. Detroit Lions (via LAR) — QB Sam Howell, North Carolina

29. Kansas City Chiefs — DE Cameron Thomas, San Diego State

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M

31. Tennessee Titans — CB Kyler Gordon, Washington

32. Green Bay Packers — TE Trey McBride, Colorado State