Mel Kiper's Latest Two-Round Mock Draft

Mel Kiper, who is a local kid who made good as one of the most respected NFL Draft gurus, has posted his most recent 2013 NFL Mock Draft. It goes two rounds, but unless you have a paid subscription to the ESPN Insider page, you'll just have to take my word on it and read who he has the Baltimore Ravens selecting in both rounds.

It was interesting to see who the Ravens passed on when they made their first round pick. Guys they decided to skip grabbing that have been discussed as great fits with the Ravens include Arthur Brown (LB-Kansas State), Matt Elam (S-Florida), Menelik Watson (OT-FSU), Keenan Allen (WR-Cal) and Jesse Williams (DT-Alabama).

Instead, Kiper sees the Ravens taking safety Jonathan Cyprien (Florida International), and here is his justification:

Analysis: Ed Reed is now in Houston, but even with the addition of Michael Huff, the Ravens will still be looking for a versatile safety. Cyprien is an experienced player who can step in immediately. He's a smart player, takes good routes to the ball and is an effective tackler in space. This is a deep safety class, so the Ravens could certainly go another route here, particularly if one of the interior linebackers (Minter? Te'o?) is still around at this slot.

At the end of round two, Kiper has the Ravens grabbing OT Terron Armstead (Arkansas-Pine Bluff). Kiper's brief assessment of the pick:

A great physical talent, Armstead is a steal this far down the board.