2014 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. Pegs Nine WRs as First Rounders

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

We all knew this year’s draft class was packed to the brim with wide receiver prospects, and draftable ones at that. What we may not have known is that there could be nine guys picked at the position in the first round.

Mel Kiper Jr. is the most renowned NFL Draft analyst ever, mainly because he is the father of the craft. When he speaks–or types–people listen (read).

Kiper Jr. has projected nine wide receivers in the first round of his 2014 NFL Mock Draft, something that is sure to change as free agency progresses. Still, the main takeaway here is that Kiper would have potentially graded nine (or more) guys at one position with a first round grade. Teams don’t just take receivers in the first round for the fun of it.

Starting with Sammy Watkins, Kiper Jr. projects Mike Evans, Marqise Lee, Odell Beckham Jr., Davante Adams, Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin, Jarvis Landry, and Allen Robinson as first rounders. Not to mention, he has tight ends Jace Amaro and Eric Ebron in the first round as well, making 11 pass catchers. An entire third of the first round packed with offensive playmakers.

I’m actually with Kiper on this one as well. I think this year’s crop of receivers is one of the most talented in recent memory, and given the need for so many teams to keep up with the Jones’, there’s no doubt that a bunch of receivers will be taken if not in the first round at least in the top two rounds.