NFL Draft "Experts:" A Job No One Else Wants

For the past two days I've noticed fans of all teams calling out Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and any other draft expert for their supposed lack of knowledge. I'm here to set you all straight and to back these guys up.

While I'm not going to come out and say I think these guys are geniuses, I will say that they are better and more willing than anyone else.

Think about it. The job is 365 days a year and there are 117 Division I schools alone, with 70-80 players on each team. Their job entails so much work that goes completely unnoticed and unappreciated.

No matter how much you like or dislike the experts, every NFL fan checks out mock drafts every once in a while.

I hate it when guys get so upset when Mel Kiper releases his grades right after the draft and gives their team a bad grade, then turn right around and say Mel doesn't know what he's talking about. If you don't like it...change the channel.

I also get sick of people bringing up the fact that Mel Kiper thought Ryan Leaf was a great pick. Guess what? So did the Chargers, every other expert in the NFL, and you probably did, too.

I know I did.

How was Mel or anyone else supposed to account for the fact that Ryan Leaf was going to be a head case and un-coachable?

People need to accept the fact that there are going to be bad picks in every draft, along with the fact that there are going to be picks that fly under the radar and become super stars. If everyone knew exactly what they were getting the draft would be incredibly boring.

It's called human nature. No matter how many tests they run at the combine, you can't measure heart or someone's ability to shut it down once they get paid.

I'll admit from time to time I get upset with post draft grades (case in point: Mel Kiper gave the Giants' 2007 draft grade a C-), but I also know that he understands drafts can't truly be evaluated right after they happen. He does the grades for the fans.

If you would rather watch the draft with no commentating (something I've seen uttered on this website in comments) go watch C-SPAN and time how long it takes for you to fall asleep.

We all need to come to terms with the fact that Mel Kiper and company are not only here to stay, but are the only ones willing to do the job. I implore anyone to prove me wrong.