The NFL Draft is a spectacle, and Mel Kiper Jr. has been part of its DNA for decades. But this year, the veteran analyst's antics are wearing thin with viewers, who are flooding social media with demands for his removal from the broadcast.
During ESPN's coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft, Kiper once again turned the spotlight on Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders—a player he's been championing since the 2025 draft. Back then, Kiper went viral for his fiery rants when Sanders slid to Day 3, eventually being picked 144th overall by the Browns. “The NFL has been clueless for 50 years when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks,” Kiper declared last year. “They have no idea what they’re doing.”
Fast forward to this Saturday, and Kiper was at it again. While discussing the AFC North, he boldly claimed, “You got Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in this division. You got Shedeur Sanders in this division as well.” The remark drew an audible laugh from ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, prompting Kiper to snap, “Stop laughing over there, pal.” The exchange quickly became a flashpoint for frustrated fans.
Social media erupted with criticism. “We are in the 5th round of the draft a year later and I just turned on the TV and Mel Kiper is still making the case for Shedeur Sanders,” one user wrote. Another pleaded, “Dear ESPN can you please remove Mel Kiper from any and all discussion.” The backlash was loud enough to suggest that Kiper's shtick may have run its course.
To make matters worse for Kiper's narrative, less than an hour after his argument with Riddick, the Browns selected Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green with the 182nd overall pick. Green, a dual-threat weapon with 2,714 passing yards and 27 total touchdowns last season, adds another layer of competition to Cleveland's quarterback room—a room Kiper insists Sanders already owns.
Sanders' rookie campaign with the Browns was far from stellar: he completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Despite those struggles, Kiper remains unwavering in his support. But fans aren't buying it. One commenter called him a “clown,” while others accused ESPN of letting Kiper rage-bait the audience for ratings.
The tension echoes similar frustrations seen in other ESPN draft moments—like when fans demanded Mike Greenberg be benched after a hosting blunder. For Kiper, the calls for retirement are growing louder, and his colleagues' reactions suggest even the broadcast team is growing weary of the act.
Whether Kiper will heed the backlash remains to be seen. But for now, the NFL Draft audience has made one thing clear: they're ready for a new voice in the booth.
