Written by Andy | 21 April 2011

Marianne O'Leary/FlickrAfter releasing his latest mock draft in which he knew deep down he had former University Washington quarterback Jake Locker slotted much too low, ESPN analyst and draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. was so distraught that he experienced a total emotional collapse.

Kiper's wife, Kim, said her husband continuously fought himself over ranking Locker as the 3rd or 4th best quarterback, and knew something was wrong when she noticed several stacks of game film had gone untouched.

"Mel prides himself in ranking every single draft eligible player, but he hadn't studied Division III kickers for two or three days," said Kiper's spouse, recognizing he needed help when he was found in a lethargic, debilitated state, clutching the Washington Huskies media guide. "His eyes looked distant, and he had circled Jake Locker's name in red marker with 'HIGHER THAN TO THE SEAHAWKS!' and 'BIG-TIME ARM!' scribbled next to it in huge block letters."

This isn't the first time the NFL draft guru has had mental health issues. Kiper fell apart in 2006 when he projected Matt Leinart as the #2 overall pick, only to see him fall to Arizona at #11.

"That was when he really hit rock bottom," said Mrs. Kiper. "He wouldn't bother to gel his hair for weeks."

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