Mel Kiper Jr. has served as an expert analyst for ESPN's annual NFL draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth information on the nation's most talented college football players. His pre-draft predictions are frequently the most accurate in the business, often as much as 80 percent correct on first-round selections. He also has a Web page (www.espn.go.com/melkiper), linked off of ESPN.com, that launched in 2000.

Kiper is also analyst for "College GameDay" on ESPN Radio, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays throughout the season. Additionally, he is a frequent contributor to ESPN's award-winning "SportsCenter" during the NFL and college football seasons and provides occasional updates throughout the year.

Kiper is president of Kiper Enterprises, which he founded in 1981 while in college. It is responsible for all aspects of a series of annual publications including the "NFL Draft Report" and "Draft Preview."

His continuous, yearlong research is aided by an office equipped with satellite dishes allowing him to pick up 20 to 25 college games each week. This adds to his in-depth knowledge gathered from lengthy discussions with coaches, players and team executives.

Kiper, born July 25, 1960, attended Essex Community College in Baltimore.