First Draft

First Draft is ESPN's flagship NFL mock draft podcast. Long-time fans of the network can expect the same quality coverage that they receive from the network's TV reporting here. This program lets fans stay current with the latest draft news throughout the NFL season. The show is high-energy and fun to listen to while remaining insightful. This winning combination has long been a hallmark of the ESPN brand.

The hosts of this podcast are Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates. Both hosts are veterans of the network and specialize in covering the NFL draft. Kiper is the senior member of the team. He has been working at ESPN since 1984. Kiper has been the network's expert draft analyst for over three decades. He was one of the first professional draft consultants in football, as the concept was novel in the 1980s. In addition to his work with ESPN, he is also the founder and president of Mel Kiper Enterprises.

Podcast cohost Yates has been a member of the ESPN team since 2012. After graduating from Wesleyan University with a degree in psychology, he pursued a career as an NFL scout. From 2009 to 2011, he worked for the Kansas City Chiefs as a scout and an assistant to coach Todd Haley. He later joined the ESPN network as a commentator. He has been a contributor to its TV and radio networks and writes for the website.

Fans might find the detailed coverage useful when preparing their own teams. Each episode of the podcast deals with a different draft-related topic. One episode might explore the annual Senior Bowl in Alabama. Another will analyze the best wide receiver prospects for the current season. The podcast also reports on major NFL stories and how they could impact a future NFL draft.

New episodes of First Draft air on a rotating schedule throughout the year.