Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, April 24, 2015
When it comes to the NFL Draft, ESPN's Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. are the two biggest names in the game.
So, what better than a head-to-head mock draft with the two ESPN NFL gurus?
[ MORE: Where could Big Ten's top prospects call home? ]
That's exactly what happened as McShay and Kiper recently got together and took part in a mock draft where they alternated picks, with no trades allowed.
A total of 15 Big Ten players were selected in this three-round mock draft, highlighted by five selections in the first round.
Iowa's Brandon Scherff was the first Big Ten player off the board, going No. 6 overall to the New York Jets.
"Arguably the best player available," Kiper said of Scherff. "He can help my running game immediately, which makes my offense (and the passing game) more efficient. I looked at wide receiver here, but Scherff makes us better right now, and this roster is closer to really good than many realize."
Cornerback Trae Waynes was the next Big Ten player selected. The former Michigan State standout was picked up by McShay with the No. 11 pick to the Minnesota Vikings.
"The Vikings need to find a starting cornerback opposite Xavier Rhodes in Mike Zimmer's press-man coverage scheme, and Waynes is the top-ranked corner on my board," McShay said. "He has excellent straight-line speed and technique."
DE Randy Gregory (13), RB Melvin Gordon (24) and WR Devin Smith (31) were the other three players from the Big Ten to land in the first round.
Here is a look at where all 15 Big Ten players were selected in the mock draft.
FIRST ROUND
6. Iowa OL Brandon Scherff, New York Jets
11. Michigan State CB Trae Waynes, Minnesota Vikings
13. Nebraska DE/OLB Randy Gregory, New Orleans Saints
24. Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon, Arizona Cardinals
31. Ohio State WR Devin Smith, New Orleans Saints
SECOND ROUND
42. Indiana RB Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons
43. Minnesota TE Maxx Williams, Cleveland Browns
48. Michigan WR/TE Devin Funchess, San Diego Chargers
61. Penn State OT Donovan Smith, Indianapolis Colts
62. Iowa DT Carl Davis, Green Bay Packers
63. Ohio State DT Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks
THIRD ROUND
69. Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah, Washington Redskins
80. Michigan LB Jake Ryan, Kansas City Chiefs
88. Michigan State RB Jeremy Langford, Detroit Lions
99. Ohio State TE Jeff Heuerman, Cincinnati Bengals