2017 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper says Jeremy McNichols is a mid-round draft pick

ESPN NFL Draft analyst and part-time hair model (we can dream, right?), Mel Kiper, Jr., held a conference call to discuss prospects for the draft.

The topic of a few Boise State prospects came up during the conference call and specifically Jeremy McNichols who Kiper said that the all-purpose back is likely to be a late-round draft pick.

“The production’s there, the versatility’s there, I would say fourth, fifth round I’d say right now for (Jeremy McNichols),” Kiper said via the Idaho Statesman. “I like Thomas Sperbeck a lot as a late-round pick, or a priority free agent. I think he can make it as a slot receiver in this league with his smarts and his hands and his concentration. The production was off the charts, so I would think Sperbeck is one of the intriguing late-round wide receivers in this draft.”

McNichols was a second-team all-conference player in the Mountain West the past two years, and in a league that is stacked at running back with Wyoming’s Brian Hill and Donnel Pumphrey who are also likely to be drafted.

Early draft rankings at CBS Sports has McNichols as the 11th rated back and approximately a fourth-round range, USA TODAY pegs him as a second- or third-round pick and not last beyond Day 2 of the draft and Walter Football has him as a Day 2 pick and the eighth best running back.

McNichols value comes from his ability to also catch the ball out the backfield where he has 10 receiving touchdowns with just under 1,000 yards in the passing game. On the ground, he has over 3,000 yards and 43 touchdowns.

Another thing going in McNichols favor is the pedigree of former Boise State running backs in the NFL. The prior to Broncos starting running backs have performed well in the NFL with Doug Martin and Jay Ajayi.