ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay both released their updated mock drafts Thursday.
Two Big 12 alumni appear in Kiper's draft projection
, and three popped up in McShay's mock.
Kiper has Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert going 10th overall to the Detroit Lions, and Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro going 29th to the New England Patriots, who could use more pass-catchers for QB Tom Brady.
Kiper, however, wonders if Amaro will be around at pick 29. He writes:
"I do wonder if Amaro will drop this far. He's a special player with his blend of size, speed and pass-catching ability and he could be gone before this spot. "
McShay, however, has the Patriots passing on Amaro, and instead have the Seattle Seahawks selecting him with the final pick of the first round.
McShay has Gilbert going No. 21 to the Green Bay Packers, calling Gilbert a value pick in the 20s and an "absolute ball hawk with good size and the ability to press or sit back in coverage."
McShay, however, has one more Big 12 player going in the first round: TCU cornerback Jason Verrett to the Denver Broncos with the second-to-last pick.
Writes McShay:
"The best player available at a position of need in this scenario is Verrett. He lacks size, but he's the quickest man-to-man cover corner in this class and plays really tough. He reminds me a bit of Antoine Winfield."