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Mel Kiper Jr. impressed with Justin Layne, Khari Willis entering NFL Draft
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Michigan State defensive backs Justin Layne and Khari Willis have taken advantage of the opportunity to improve their draft stock over the last month. ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has taken notice.
Kiper recently released the third edition of his mock draft and took questions on a conference call regarding player projections. And when it came to the two Spartans, Kiper seemed to think both guys could be solid selections.
Previously considered a third-day selection, Kiper now believes Willis could climb as high as the second round when the NFL Draft rolls around next month.
“I like Khari Willis as a solid second- or third-round pick coming out,” Kiper said, according to MLive.com. “With his production and the way he played at Michigan State, I think he could be a two or a three.”
Willis ended the 2018 season with 84 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and two interceptions in 13 games for the Spartans.
Kiper is also really high on Layne, who he believes can creep as high as the first round but doesn’t expect him to fall any lower than the second. The draft analyst point to Layne’s athleticism and length behind the high rating.
“Layne, I think right now, if you say where does he end up, I can’t see a corner that has the length he does that could get out of the second round,” Kiper said. “I just think the second round would be a great spot for him.
“He’s 6-foot-2, basically, over 190 pounds great athletic ability, he’s got the long arms and the way he played…late first round wouldn’t shock me.”
Layne registered 72 tackles, had 15 pass break-ups and one interception. He played in 12 games in his final season in East Lansing, deciding to skip Michigan State’s Redbox Bowl game against Oregon.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB