Mel Kiper Excludes DeSean Bishop From Top Draft List

The analyst omitted the Tennessee running back from his top five 2027 NFL Draft prospects despite a strong season.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football

Mel Kiper Excludes DeSean Bishop From Top Draft List

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Should collegiate performance matter more than analyst rankings when evaluating NFL draft prospects?

Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop was left out of Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest top five prospect rankings for the 2027 NFL Draft. Bishop currently ranks second in the SEC in rushing yards for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The ranking controversy highlights the disconnect between statistical production and professional draft projections. Bishop remains a central figure in Tennessee's offensive strategy as he aims to prove his value on the field.

Bishop has recorded 678 rushing yards on 107 carries, averaging 113 yards per game and 6.3 yards per attempt. He has accumulated eight rushing touchdowns, highlighted by a 220-yard performance against Auburn.

The players

DeSean Bishop

He is a standout running back for the University of Tennessee who currently ranks among the top rushers in the SEC.

Mel Kiper Jr.

He is a long-standing ESPN NFL draft analyst known for providing professional prospect rankings and evaluations.

The details

Bishop, who earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025, has produced 465 yards after contact and 422 yards in the second half of games this year. His statistical output remains among the best in the conference despite the snub from recent draft projections.

In 2025, Bishop rushed for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns.
On October 3, 2026, Bishop rushed for 220 yards against Auburn.
On October 8, 2026, Kiper released the 2027 NFL Draft rankings.
On October 17, 2026, Tennessee hosts Alabama at Neyland Stadium.

Season Trajectory

Kiper's exclusion of Bishop from the 2027 NFL Draft rankings sparks debate about how SEC rushing leaders are evaluated for professional potential. This narrative shapes the discourse surrounding Bishop's performance as Tennessee prepares to face Alabama at Neyland Stadium.

Bishop is averaging 113 rushing yards per game and will be a focal point for the Tennessee offense during Saturday's matchup against Alabama. His ability to produce yards after contact remains a critical metric for assessing his utility in upcoming games.

The takeaway

Draft analysts often emphasize long-term physical projections over current statistical performance in collegiate ball. Supporters of Bishop may find reassurance in his continued high-level output as the Tennessee season progresses.