The 2023 NFL draft marked an impressive milestone for respected ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper. The 62-year-old, widely known for providing in-depth information on hundreds of draft prospects annually, celebrated his 40th year covering draft for the network this year.
However, despite the remarkable accomplishment, it did not prevent colleague Todd McShay from taking a subtle poke at his ESPN colleague.
Prior to the Rams‘ selecting TCU cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson with pick No. 182 in the sixth round, Kiper was unable to catch notes that blew off the table due to windy conditions in Kansas City.
McShay used the opportunity to take a jab at Kiper by stating, “C’mon Kiper, I thought you had better hands than that.”
"Come on, Kiper. I thought you had better hands than that." 🏈📺 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zjuDv23UvL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 29, 2023
As NFL fans are keenly aware, the veteran draft analyst has had his share of misses in his player evaluations, but on Saturday, it was his own skills that were called into question.
Prior to the start of Day 3, Kiper was proud to share that his colleagues presented him with a cake honoring his four decades of draft analysis at ESPN.
My 40th draft with ESPN. Time flies. Round 4 starts soon. pic.twitter.com/J5fz9sUhZ5
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 29, 2023
