Mel Kiper Jr. sees Justin Layne, Khari Willis as potential second-round picks, discusses other former Spartans
A few former Michigan State stars are looking pretty good entering the week of the NFL Draft, according to ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr.
On Monday, Kiper spoke with the media about potential landing spots and pick placement for several prospects as the NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday. A few former Spartans were pretty high on the expert’s list.
According to Matt Wenzel of MLive.com and Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press, Kiper believes that Justin Layne is a solid second-round pick come this weekend, and Khari Willis could also be in the mix in the second round. Kiper is particularly high on Layne, saying he could even creep into the first round.
The best bet for Layne to land in the first round, per Kiper, is to get selected by the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 29.
Mel Kiper Jr. says Justin Layne could be "really good" second-round pick and adds Khari Willis in the mix for the second round.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 22, 2019
Kiper says Justin Layne could end up in the back end of the first round with his length and testing. Calls Khari Willis MSU's defensive leader and a steady force.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 22, 2019
Kiper thinks Kansas City Chiefs could be a fit for MSU CB Justin Layne at No. 29 in the first round.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 22, 2019
Two other Spartans were of interest during Kiper’s chat with reporters, receiver Felton Davis and running back L.J. Scott. Neither guy seems to be a lock to be drafted this weekend, but Kiper does believe they’re potentially late-round guys.
Kiper cited injuries to both players as to the reason they are fairly unpredictable at this point.
Kiper says "unknown" for Felton Davis and LJ Scott with injuries. Projects both as a potential late-round pick.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 22, 2019
Michigan State could potentially see four players get drafted this weekend, which would be the most for the program since 2016 when five players were selected. Last year, Brian Allen was the only draft pick, going No. 111 overall in the fourth round to the Los Angeles Rams.
In 2017, Malik McDowell and Montae Nicholson were second- and fourth-round picks, respectively.