Two Aggies Land In Kiper and McShay Joint ESPN 3-Round Mock Draft
NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay believe Texas A&M will have two prospects drafted between the first three rounds later this month.
It comes as little surprise that both running back Devon Achane and defensive back Antonio Johnson find themselves inside the top 100 selections following productive junior campaigns in College Station. In their latest rotating draft, Kiper has the Los Angeles Chargers taking Achane to pair with former Texas A&M runner Isaiah Spiller at pick No. 85.
"My comp for Achane? Darren Sproles. That's because Achane has a ton of value as a returner and in the pass game. He needs to hit his ceiling to be as productive as Sproles, of course, but he is my third-ranked back in this class. We know Austin Ekeler has requested a trade, which creates some uncertainty for the Chargers. This would be great insurance." - Mel Kiper Jr.
Johnson, a multi-purpose defender who can line up in the nickel or at either safety position, finds himself landing in Buffalo as the Bills' selection at No. 91. Kiper and McShay expect cornerback Jaylon Jones to be an early selection on Day 3.
"I'm surprised Johnson is still on the board. What are we doing, Todd? This is a great pick for Buffalo. Johnson played a ton of nickel corner for the Aggies, and he piled up tackles for them. For the Bills, this is a pick to get some help for their aging safeties." - Mel Kiper Jr.
Achane, who finished with a career-high 1,102 yards in 2022, is considered to be a top-five running back in the class. Texas' Bijan Robinson highlights the position as the most complete prospect, but every other player could hear their name called based on potential need rather than upside.
Achane, who also provides value on special teams, was the fifth running back selected in the mock, trailing Robinson (No. 10), Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 48), Tulane's Tyjae Spears (No. 68) and UCLA's Zach Charbonnet (No. 77).
Johnson was a projected early Day 2 selection throughout most of the draft process due to his versatility. Several scouts considered the 6-3, 220-pounder as this year's top prospect despite his limitations in man coverage as a true safety.
In the mock, Johnson was the fourth safety selected behind Alabama's Brian Branch (No. 32), Illinois' Jartavius Martin (No. 69) and Sydney Brown (No. 82). Johnson was often mocked to the Bills during the regular season as a potential first-round option.
Buffalo, which is considered to be an AFC favorite, was expected to be in the market for safety this offseason due to Jordan Poyer's expiring contract. Poyer, 31, elected to return to Orchard Park on a two-year, $12.5 million deal at the start of the free agency and will reunite with longtime running mate Micah Hyde.
The first round of the draft begins April 27 at 7 p.m. in Kansas City at the iconic Union Station.
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