Kiser, Blanding predicted to go first round in the NFL Draft per various projections

The college football season is coming to a close as we are now officially in bowl season. While the Virginia Cavaliers are preparing for the Military Bowl, more and more NFL draft projections are coming out.

This week, Virginia’s two superstar senior defenders, Micah Kiser and Quin Blanding, are popping up in some first-round projections.

Per Draft Tek (which is apparently a real thing), Kiser could go 20th overall to the Tennessee Titans. They say:

Kiser would be a potential replacement option for either if the Titans move on. Kiser fits the Jon Robinson profile, a highly-productive college player who has been a 3x All-ACC First Team selection. He's primarily a run defender, so his NFL upside could be limited. However, he provides a few pass-rushing tools on that tool belt, which could make up for his pass coverage shortcomings.

As for Blanding, CBS Sports has the Wahoo safety going 24th overall to the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints could be interested in another run-stuffing safety if they move on from former first-round pick Kenny Vaccaro. Blanding would be an awesome replacement, as his superior athleticism and quick play-recognition skills keep him around the football near the line.

The 2018 NFL Draft won’t take place until April 26-28, but we’ll continue to keep an eye on Virginia’s potential picks.