For almost four decades, Mel Kiper Jr. has been a staple in NFL Draft coverage.
The senior NFL Draft analyst is taking part in his 39th draft for ESPN this year.
Coverage of the draft and the draft process has evolved so much over the years, and ESPN vice president of production Seth Markman believes Kiper is a big reason why. He says that Kiper has spawned a whole generation of journalists because of his work.
"There is no NFL Draft on TV without Mel Kiper. He's an institution," Markman told Front Office Sports. "I think he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for what he's accomplished and what he's brought to this TV event. Everybody that's come after him … they're all just offspring of Mel."
Kiper will be featured throughout the weekend on ESPN as the draft unfolds in Kansas City. He isn't the only draft analyst with that duty though. Matt Miller will be a part of later-round coverage on ESPN on Saturday.
As if trying to illustrate Markman's point about his influence, Kiper is reportedly the one who insisted on Miller's participation.
Mel Kiper isn't the only major influence ESPN has had on the NFL Draft. Earlier this week, Markman said that the event is an important part of the network's identity. He said the Draft is "in the DNA of ESPN".
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