Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. may have parted ways at ESPN, but that doesn’t stop McShay from critiquing his former partner’s NFL Draft analysis. As Kiper shares his insights across various ESPN platforms regarding the current draft class, his surprising endorsement of one particular quarterback has raised eyebrows. Despite reports indicating that Shedeur Sanders is facing scrutiny in interviews and concerns about his arm strength, Kiper staunchly supports the Colorado prospect, even stating that Sanders should be selected third overall by the New York Giants, above consensus top QB Cam Ward.
Responding to Kiper’s praise for Sanders on Dan Dakich’s Don’t @ Me podcast, McShay voiced several concerns about Kiper’s methodology in assessing top QB prospects. He criticized Kiper for consistently overvaluing players from Notre Dame and expressed his frustration, stating, “My biggest frustration with Mel was he never planted a flag with a quarterback. He always was right down the middle of the fairway, 230 yards, nice and easy, hit the double, whatever you want to call it, and would never … have a stance that went against the grain a little bit.”
Todd McShay wishes he could still combat Mel Kiper Jr. on television after Kiper Jr.’s EMPHATIC stamp of approval of Shedeur Sanders.
“My biggest frustration with Mel was he never planted a flag with a Quarterback… he never would have a stance that went against the grain..… pic.twitter.com/qqAQTfe6HF
— OutKick (@Outkick) March 19, 2025
Everyone has their opinions on young athletes, and Kiper has certainly earned his respect over the years for his NFL Draft coverage. While McShay acknowledges that Kiper is taking a risk this year, he questions if Kiper is merely going for a more notable name despite apparent concerns over Sanders. “I’m not there to kind of combat him,” McShay remarked. “This would have been a lot of fun because I like Shedeur a lot; I think he has a really good chance to be a top-three pick … but I don’t understand how, after completing your evaluation, you don’t see the traits and the more upside with Cam Ward.”
McShay believes that while Kiper’s evaluation of Sanders may have been bold, it’s also misguided given the significant disparity between the players. “I do give Mel credit that he’s finally planting that flag,” he noted.
Is that a bit hypocritical? Perhaps, but it’s all in good fun between these longtime former partners at the Worldwide Leader.
