Media | ESPN 'One of Most Recognizable Figures' Won't Be at NFL Draft Mel Kiper Jr. is not vaccinated against COVID-19 By Evann Gastaldo Posted Apr 19, 2022 1:30 AM CDT Copied Mel Kiper Jr. is seen on the set of ESPN SportsCenter, Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano) USA Today calls Mel Kiper Jr. "one of the most recognizable figures in NFL draft media"—but the ESPN NFL draft analyst won't be attending this year, because he's not vaccinated against COVID-19. "I completely support everyone determining what's best for their individual circumstance and recognize the value of vaccines," Kiper said in a statement. "Simply put, my COVID vaccination decision is very specific to my own personal medical history." He'll participate in ESPN's coverage from his home studio in Maryland, Sports Illustrated reports. The draft will be held in Las Vegas from April 28 to April 30; it will be Kiper's 39th time covering it for ESPN. Read These Next A former NFL Pro Bowler has died at age 36. Backlash for Trump nominee who said he has 'a Nazi streak.' The massive AWS failure exposed a big problem with the internet. A man ended up dead after trying to steal from Spirit Halloween. Report an error