NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - Around the NFC in 48 Minutes: Post-Draft Edition

Episode Date: May 2, 2024

In a room full of heroes - Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler, and special guest the Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue go around the NFC in 48 minutes! The heroes start their trip across the NFC with the East (06:00), followed by the North (26:48), South (41:48), and West (55:50).  Note: time codes approximate. NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Hey, everybody. Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the 6th, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies to evaluating team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. We study the tape, talk to decision makers, and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.

It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sunday. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Florio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet. We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents.

Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. The Around the NFL podcast is going around the NFC in 48 minutes. Yeah, we are. She should just have Jason do the whole show I love that From the Chris Wesleying podcast studio

It's around the NFL I am Dan Hansis Got heroes here Greg Rosencall Mark Sessor We're in the black buttoned up Yum yum yum And joining us a very special guest

We love her She's been on the show but never in person Jordan Rodriguez of the athletic What's up Guys are all taller in person person. All of us. All of you.

I know you're lying. To a man. All of you. Jordan, what is happening? This is very fun. And Jordan, we're going to get to a little bit later, who covers the Rams and the NFL and kills it over on the athletic. You come up a lot on the show, which is a credit to your work.

You just came out with Finding Rams, which was a deep dive, two-part breakdown on their entire draft process, which is awesome. And now we're going to talk about not just the Rams, but all the NFC. Are you prepared for this? I'm very nervous because this is literally life or death because of the DART situation. So I am prepared to be punctured by a DART. Well, also just that Dan is a very exacting judge on guests. And unfortunately, as a fan of the show, you do know that.

We do have. And it's not a demand. Standards. It really boils down to how Dan feels. Do I like you? do you bring value to the show we have it the famous that no one's ever seen it like we talk

we're going to talk about the Rams database we have our hit it and quit it list and you know could Jordan end up on it we don't know she's already been on the show at least like four times in person okay in person no I can change the pressure is

off the charts right now it's an incredible pressure I am glad you did brief me about this when I last saw you over at the orphanage so thank you And it was great to see you. Yeah. It was great to see you. What an amazing guy, right?

The work in the community. Well, the first thing. And Dan wouldn't mention it himself. So it's important that you bring it up. I did. I ran into Davo Sweeney at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. What did Davo say? He said, hey, I heard you know Dan Hans is that guy.

You would know. He personalized the football that Jordan saw. So it is great. Whenever I run into people at the orphanage that I'm building, it's always great. And Greg, join us at the orphanage. Instead of getting mad about me, getting these footballs for my work, join me. Oh, no, I love. You know the thing where you lift the wooden frame of the home?

Right. And everybody's got to work together. Yes. There's always one spot that's empty. That's the Greg spot. I don't like, it's like when you leave a plate out for Jesus or a dead person. Right. Or the kid that's at the recital and there's the seat safe for dad.

And they look and you see like the light go out behind the ice. That's us with the orphanage building and Greg. Greg, it was in that empty spot. at the orphanage that I carried you. Oh, there you go. One set of footprints. There you go. I don't love that.

The second thing Jordan did after taking a beat and seeing the great picture of Chris Wesleying, the Chris Wesleyan podcast, do you? After taking a beat, the second thing Jordan did here was take a picture of your football. But I do like you bringing it up because now that we know it actually was meant for Mark that Mark did the, you know,

moderate amount of help for the Clemson, you know, capitalists of, America society or whatever, and it just was a mistake and that they actually don't know the difference between the two of you, it actually puts you in a bad thing. I feel like any time that realization,

that truth, that narrative bubbles up, it's probably scrubbed from the show. I don't really listen to the show. It's a great ending to this whole of history. Ending! I've listened to every episode. It just came up.

Oh, it was edited out then. I don't know. It's a baseless theory. It's not baseless. He literally met the kids. He's the one who met this little children. In our newsroom. But the way that we have our glassed.

last cubes. Some one other PR people probably, that's probably Dan Hansus, because it's our names, but it looks like I sit at this. This says so much more about you, Mark, than anyone. And Greg, less than said the better about you continually being in this up. I've never thought about this a second time. I'm sure you haven't.

It's a delicious answer to the mystery. The best part is the... I wouldn't have even said a word about it. If that was true, which is an absurd theory that you have. It is a very on brand. The idea that as soon as the football showed up, Mark's brain started. another, oh, I've been overlooked once more

that the gear is turning. Well, it's clearly, it's a delicious, much more under your skin. It's a delicious. I would say this. Got a spill. Hang on. I'm so happy right now. I just simply, like, did spend time here to have students.

You know, you know, that could just be a coincidence. Unbelievably unannoying to hang out with most of the time. Can I get a quick something to wipe down my laptop? That would be excellent. All right. So, we have a lot of work to do. and we're going around the NFC in exactly 48 minutes

and I think it's very important Jordan you are aware of the dart situation we have Big Funk behind the glass today filling in for ETP and that is that's important to know because ETP is reckless with the dart but Big Funk has always wanted an opportunity Big Funk has always wanted the opportunity

to shoot people with the dart in the studio. So just don't go over the three minutes. He's more of a like an Oswald type. So, you know, high chaos potential. All right. Let's get into it. We've divvied up the teams and we're going to go through it and we're going to start with the NFC

East. And why don't we start with the Dallas Cowboys? Why don't I get it going with the Dallas Cowboys? Okay? I hope my laptop is it. Way to play. It's probably. It's a problem. There we go. Hang on. We're going to get the laptop wipe down a little bit more.

All right, here we go. All right, the way the running back situation has been, has played out has been, yeah, minor fiasco on some level. I mean, they just re-signed Zeke Elliott. But I think it's important to also point out that sky is not falling in Dallas. You know, you still have, you still have Dak Prescott. You still have C.D. Lamb. I assume C.D. Lam is going to be in the building when it matters.

You have questions, sure. Like is Jalen Tolbert? going to be able to fill that number three wide receiver spot. The offensive line, we know Zach Martin is probably going to be the right guard, but where does everyone else fall in this mix? The defense has some issues, but it's not overwhelming concerns. Brandon Aubrey's on this team, best damn kicker in the league outside of Justin Tucker. We could sit here and say the same things about Dallas eventually falling on their face in January.

But I just want to say, like, I expect them to be playing in mid-January once again, And based on where this roster stands, what do you think, Jordan? I'm really curious. I mean, there was a really strong team last year, obviously, but then sputtered out at the end. And I'm really curious about the structures of the contracts. I know, Greg, you're in the weeds on some of those things as well. It seems like one year left for a lot of different people, including some of the fifth-year option stuff that they've picked up.

This is not reporting. This is not source. But I do wonder if they're trying to play the string out a little bit, including aligned with the head coach the last year on his. contract, see what happens, if they're in a good shape before the trade deadline, take a really big swing to try to push or understand that that's about that time that you start saying your goodbyes. Which is like not the way I would run things. The sky isn't falling now, but it wouldn't surprise me if it is falling around the trade deadline time. Like that's, I've just been looking at

this organization for a long time wondering because they used to never be able to handle success. And they have handled it under Mike McCarthy. They've been consistent. But this time, there's just a lot of things pulling, especially when it's pulling at your quarterback. And then I do think there's questions. Can Mike Zimmer fix what was a collapsing defense at the end of the year? Their linebacker play is what really killed them, and they don't seem any better

at linebacker right now. They just feel to me a little bit more directionless than in years past, and now all that's amped up because it's the Cowboys. But if you look at their draft, like in their top three picks, you've got to tackle a guard. I kind of like what they did on that side on that side of the ball because that was necessary.

And not everything can be some sort of fantasy based home run in the draft. But for me, it starts just with, like, you have a quarterback that you, what are you doing with the contract there? I mean, I really agree with that. Got his buddy Zeeck back. That's going to make him happy.

But that's such a Jerry Jones thing from old. I don't, like it feels like a play to hits kind of Jerry Jones move. But I'm with Jordan. Like, this feels like there's a one-year window here to find out how much things could change. If they don't sign an extension, that will play the final year of his contract

and counts close to $60 million against the cap. So, A lot of stuff going on there. Mark Sessler. Who's even? All right. Some say the ancient pyramids of Egypt were actually ornately constructed energy centers offering a brand of cosmic power.

People are not saying this about the New York Giants. Since selecting Daniel Jones in 2019, the G-Men rank 31st in points per game, total yards per game, and passing yards per game. That is why I love the Malik neighbors pick. I think it's a total change agent. No Giants players had 800 plus yards receiving in over half a decade. I think Theo Johnson

is an interesting tight end prospect too. Tyler Nubin was PFS top safety prospect. The pressure is real though. The Rams and Seahawks went through what I'd call many rebuilds in the course of a season. They're back on their toes rendering year three of Brian Dayball. There's chatter that Drew Locke could see tangible snaps.

The owner has visions of sugar plums and Bill Belichick. dancing in his head. The Giants were a white-hot regression candidate a year ago. But Malik Neighbors, Brian Burns, a healthy offensive line, a healthy Danny Dimes. Are the G-Men actually an inflation candidate one year later, if that's even a thing. Weird team, weird days. Malik Neighbors is the type of player, 21 in his first training camp, by the way, 21 years old.

He is the type of player that makes you look less wrong about whatever quarterback. And look, I like their idea that they were going to try to trade up for Drake May, otherwise take the best player on the board, which is Malik Neighbors. Or Joe Alt, if he was there. Right. I thought it was interesting. Our friend of me,

Daniel Jeremiah mentioned on his something. I guess he has a program, move the sticks. I think it's a radio show. He kind of gave the game away that he says Drew Locke, he thinks has a good chance of winning the job, and that the Giants were literally comparing Drew Locke

and Daniel Jones, but emphasis on Drew Locke to the quarterbacks that were going to come out. And essentially, you know, reading between the lines saying, like, Drew Locke's just as good as J.J. McCarthy. So why take a quarterback? And it's something to think about. Daibel got coach of the year because of like a run first offense

with a quarterback that now has a neck injury, has had a neck injury, and has injury guarantees in 2025. So it would be very risky to play Daniel Jones a lot. And yet, I think they will. I think the part of, I think he's going to play. I think they're going to give him a shot. I think they, unless they've totally soured on them based on six games, seven games and an injury, I think he's going to get a chance to play this year and rectify or and make them look smart

after he's made them look so dumb the last year, I guess we'll have to say. Does it matter that the owner seems to like him because that's a matter of back position with how could it not? A lot. And Brian Burns gave on Tibido. Yeah. That's going to be fun. Dexter Lawrence.

I mean, that's an awesome front line. I think getting Wink Martindale out of there is probably like a positive. We don't really know what we're getting out of Shane Bowen, who's her coordinator. I'm predictable, apparently, because Jordan says she made 10 pages of notes for this show. I'm nervous. And one of them was Greg's going to bring up Drew Locke. It is. I have it here in parentheses.

Yeah. Greg may bring up DJ's comment about Drew Locke. Be ready. To me, that's like he had this info the whole time and then he waits still after the draft because. A classic Cessler, Rubbilled, was in there. Always trips. Well, I think it's, you can. compare these games.

I was dizzy for about a minute and a half after he hit me. Raw build. All right. Up next, Jordan on the Eagles. First, I have no additional Howie Roseman take. The range was pretty much already coming on this show. Big fan of the show have listened to every minute of this show. I do love specifically pairing Cooper DeGine with Vic Fangio. And in fact, wonder if Fangio has an idea to make him the star,

which is a larger framed hybrid safety and corner, who in this defense does not have to abide by the coverage of the rest of the group. The idea is to make him an unavoidable player, especially pairing him with Quinyan Mitchell. It's an off-man zone scheme that can get real matchy. And Quineon Mitchell's ability on the outside can open up more movement for Cooper de Jeanne and more like dictating the throw to where they need it.

They needed amp up their secondary. I think schematically this could get really funky and cool. I love the legacy pick, Jeremiah Trotter. Great point, Mark. And I think they're underrated pick for 2025 or maybe 2025, or maybe 20. 2026 is the edge Jalick's hunt. Also, I met Big Dom at elite function.

Oh, what's he like? Could not have been kinder. Okay. Really nice man. Does it seem like he's secretly the head coach and the centering force of their sideline? We didn't really interact that long, but, you know, I'll dig deeper next time. That's a great idea about the gene. I mean, Bonio is a perfect guy to use him.

And then pairing him with CJ Gardner Johnson, who's been successful there and is so versatile. Like, they have a lot of options. I wonder if James Bradbury even makes his team. they're suddenly deep in the secondary after that being a weakness. I love, I kind of love when teams do that. And I think that's one of the reasons someone like Roseman's getting the praise because they rebuilt that entire secondary. Darius Slay, L. Bradbury 2, coming off like big names, but not coming off good seasons.

They only one team in the league allowed more passing yardage per game than the Eagles. So I think the Quinion Mitchell thing was fortuitous to have them land in their lap. And Cooper de Gene, like I had him going in the first round. So to get him at 40, it's like good timing with good. picks. That's why they're getting the praise they're getting. I love that for the Eagles. I wonder if they're just as good on defense, though, as, like, Jordan Davis and

Jalen Carter get better. That's a position. It takes a little while to get better. Jordan Davis maybe didn't make the step they hoped last year. Well, it'll open up what you can do in the secondary in the back half. You know, this, when it's functioning at its, you know, at its truest form, like this defense is all about tendencies. I think the combination

of the quarters they brought in are tendency breaking or tendency forcing or dictating to the offense players. And when you have movement like that up front or the potential of that, I think that could be really cool. It was good to have because we're going to have Jordan also handle the Falcons later. These are hot button topics on the show. No opinion.

So as a guiding force of the group on the show, I think that that's a smart move. In fact, it could be Jordan in the role of peacemaker. And I think that's very important. Or you settle the ties. You know, you decide who's right, who's wrong forevermore. We'll see. We'll see. The great Howie Rosen debate of 2020.

Man, big funk. Come on, big fuck. That peacemaker eagle's got to be ready. I know. I tried finding it. I thought I had it. And then I'm like, suddenly it's just gone. So, yeah.

Time out. Time out. Oh. All right. So, listen, this Howie thing has, uh, turned into a national talking point, interesting. Some of the takes a little bit similar to the ones you heard on the show. I think you had a point there.

But that's beside the point. I wanted to say, this is not me looking to do some gotcha journalism. Jordan, nailed it. This is, let's just take a look by the numbers. So I hit up NFL media research. I came up with this. Howie do that. A closer look at the draft prom king.

Since Howie Roseman regained personnel authority following Chip Kelly's firing in 2016, he's had eight draft classes total player selections 57 first team all pro zero pro bowl players five players who started super bowl 52 or 57 12 draft picks who signed second contract with eagles an underrated kind of stat when you look at this draft stuff 11 out of 45 eligible for guys drafted as late as 2021 um what does that tell you i guess you need to see other teams it seems pretty normal it seems i would guess probably in line with an average type of the GM's track record? I think the second contracts would be higher, but you're right, we kind of need to. I'd want to, yeah,

I'd want to, like, line up every one else. But those numbers are surprising, uh, compared to the amount of gushing and praise he seems to get from, I mean, in eight drafts, he hasn't,

nobody's been, uh, so this doesn't include when he was put out in the shed behind the after the shed. Once he won the shed, he was taken out of the Poconos and returned to, I'd also, I'd also say that a lot of the how he praises is bubble,

up in, like, the last couple years. It wasn't the minute he came out of the shed that people were back on, you know, he had to rebuild things. That's a high bar first team, all pros. Like, Jalen Hertz was a pick that people really were negative about. That's a hit. Why would you do that? I mean, he's an all pro.

So that's one. I mean, I guess they're not counting second teams, but they've had multiple, I can think of second team, too. And they had a defensive rookie of the year. The 11 contracts, I think, is big. It is a reminder, though, to me, if you were picking what's how he'd done best, it's probably been the trades and free agency if I had to rank

how he's acquired players the best and most creatively has been trades. If the media was really so high on Howie Roseman's players, wouldn't they be voting for more? Just asking a question. Well, it is, I feel like it's this time of year where the love affair peaks.

And then people get to the normal business and it's become a very safe trope to praise Howard. They don't allow us into the pro football writers association of America and beyond. We actually had the chief of that association on the show. We can't vote, but yeah. We need more writing for me, Mark. Right.

That would help. Big fan. I'm good. I'm good with my current status. Like, AJ Brown is an all pro, but that's acquired through trade. Jalen Hertz. Right. It's just a different way to build. Yeah, Dallas Goddard's never made. And, you know, the point there is not that Howie has not done a good job. He's done a very good job by all accounts.

It's just, you know, perspective. love this draft, though. I mean, I, I, he, they, they really spammed a need, um, with good players, the versatile players that match what the coach probably wants, what the scheme is. Um, and that, that consistency is kind of what I'm looking at here with, with him is, um, you know, sometimes there's some, um, you know, high value picks and sometimes there's some, some wins. But if you look at the, like, the meat and potatoes of the drafts that he's doing, it's like, you can understand why he made every pick. Sure. Right. I think that's part of it.

It makes sense. It makes sense whether you really know a lot about football or whether you don't. You see, okay, this was a need, but also these are the top players on their board, and they fit the scheme. How he handled last season was a huge negative, though. Like, you got Jalen Carter, but the way they attacked that secondary and gave all that money to Bradbury, that was a terrible contract. And they've been on the forefront of, like, linebackers don't matter until last year when, like, they were 30th in the league in DVOA. And I think their linebacker position was the number one reason. But Greg, that was all after big.

Dom was sent into abstentia. Now he's back. He was in their draft room on draft day, so it's like, you know, they're back in the He could really flip roles just become the head coach. Siriani. He is the assistant. He's not assistant. I think he has a VP

title. So like that's pretty high. Yeah. That's true. I just want to be really quick. It reminds me a lot kind of when the league catches you off guards, the linebacker point that you made, Greg. That happens to teams who play that long into the postseason. I mean, we saw it in 2022. They were caught by everything. You

couldn't see it through all the injuries, but their offense had gotten stale. They lost an offensive coordinator. The players were injured like all spring. You couldn't see it because of what happened right out of the gate with the injury catastrophe along their offensive line. But they weren't running, you know, new stuff. They were still very one-dimensional. Their run game wasn't what it is now. They got caught by the league changing and they didn't have the time to regain their own pace because they were operating the longest season in NFL history at that time. The Eagles, you know, did the same thing. It also

makes what the Chiefs do every year that much more impressive. But you don't hear Brett Veach getting any love at this level. I know when those numbers, those Howie-based numbers were generated for you. I know you had a little grin

on your face. No, the numbers don't look bad for him. It just kind of bears out that we already knew that. They're all not a home runs in reality, but they look awesome in April. All right, let's move to the final team in the NFC East, the Washington commanders with Gray. Going into his week one start, I assume Jaden Daniels is the starter, his left tackle

will be either Cornelius Lucas or Brandon Coldman, a third round pick who was, you know, probably a guard, and then his right tackle is Andrew Wiley. Overall, this looks like a bottom five offensive line. is this offensive line in Cliff Kingsbury putting Jaden Daniels in a situation to succeed? Because I look at it and I saw a lot of like, oh, the Patriots, that's the worst situation. A bottom five offensive line, Cliff Kingsbury,

and a skilled position group that's Terry McClureen and just like a lot of questions, like is Jane Daniels set up well? Well, there's not a lot of proof that the offensive line is a big positive. And Cliff Kingsbury, for me, is the biggest question mark of new coordinator position

in the entire league matched with a when he's when he had Kyler it was like there's a very specific scheme here the quarterback matches it and it's not that Daniels doesn't but like is Kingsbury rolling that back out as he changed as he gone through any sort of personal growth

and now he's going to attack teams because what he did have the players I mean I don't know if he has it's not a great situation but that's why bad teams get these quarterbacks how often yeah it's going to be interesting I mean it's a great point on the on the offensive line, bang, I guess, is what I say here. Yeah.

And so, I'm so nervous. I'm sorry. Not showing. But I do think you make a great point. Like, everybody talks about how slight of frame Jaden Daniels is. And, you know, you grow into that, obviously. And, you know, the medical assessments that teams do prior to the draft tells you how much more mass a person can put on their frame.

And so they will have. some sort of guideline for that. They'll know, but you also have to protect him. And I think that's key and critical. Obviously, you don't want a guy coming in and, you know, he gets beat to hell and he's, you know, he's kind of seeing ghosts a little bit like that. Every year, and you saw it with the first pick last year,

there's guys that, and basically every Jets quarterback that's coming to the league in my lifetime, that seems to get stuck with that type of team. It happens every year. You hope it's not going to be Jane Daniels this year. But maybe this is a dawn of a new era in Washington while it's not going to be built overnight. They'll protect him enough. Like the Austin Echler move, for instance.

Like, I think the general consensus around Echler now is he lost two, three steps near the end with the chargers. But he also is like a potential really good weapon for a young quarterback, a guy that can has a nose for the end zone that can catch the ball out of the backfield. You have Brian Robinson with him. So maybe their running game can help stabilize things while Daniels gets his feet wet, but you got to protect them. That's what the Sam Howell thing, like,

threw me as a not great move because you're like a snap away from Marcus Marriota being your starter. It's just a lot to ask him. He's explosive. Are any players other than McLaurin around him, explosive? Take a break.

And when we return, the NFC North. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team building philosophies,

coaching trends and how front offices construct winning rosters. Every week, we study the tape, talk to decision makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots, from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups,

and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the lead. year after year. Whether you're a diehard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level,

we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box score, this podcast is for you. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Six podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Matt Jones. I'm Drew Franklin, and this is NFL cover zero. We're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different. Did you see the Colts Pretzel?

That was my other big takeaway from that game. What was that? Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen to NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more.

I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Florio, and together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet, we've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. The Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more.

All right, welcome back around the NFC in 48 minutes. You are a fan of the show, Jordan. You're doing great. I just mouthed to Greg. Do I do this? I would like you to. Wow. I think I can't.

actually. I understand the anxiety around this. I practice this in my car. You've already... Don't build more anxiety, Mark. Let her blow. Nobody look at me. All right.

Welcome back. That's great. That was excellent. That might be the best one. There you go. Big Funk. We just went through the entire first quarter of this exercise. The dart didn't come out once.

I don't know if you're feeling any sense of tension. We were good, good men and women here. You guys are pros. There was a moment. Wait, can I please have the big funk theme? Please, before we go any further. I said to Big Funk. Be ready for the Big Funk theme when it's Big Funk time.

You spilled water on your laptop. That never happened. Big Funk. Bill NAM A.J.P. Asa stand. So, don't be afraid to dart, including the guest. But I think we were...

Including the host. I thought we were well-behaved, though. Yeah. I thought we were, yeah. You guys had a great job. There was a moment during the timeout where I thought about hitting you guys with it. Yeah.

I don't know the etiquette, if you were. Time-out-wise. He is a bit of a one-man band. He's having to do a lot back there. He's doing great. He's got the symbols are on the knees. He's got the accordion. He's got the horn.

Juggling. Juggling. All right. Let's get back into it with the NFC North Market. It's going with the Bears. All right. A quick little story to get into this one. The first magazine article I ever published

on the subject of Astral Projection for a publication called Fate Magazine. And I'm keeping this quick. But I wrote about an experience I had during a long water fast. when I was living at that camp happiness place in the winter, okay? I began having these intense, lucid dreams where I would float out of my body. I could see myself asleep in my actual bedroom. And I was kept floating, like, down the hallway.

I went into different rooms. And I went into this one room in my dream floating above near the ceiling where I saw like a bookshelf tipped over. And then when I went into this room, my friend's room after I woke, the bookshelf was actually tipped over. So I describe this experience, but I will say that when I woke, I felt that these dreams brought incredible peace

and a feeling of complete newness and intense calm like everything was new upon awakening everything and anything felt possible and that is how I imagine it feels to be a Bears fan right now after so many days of darkness

because no team in the NFC has changed more in a calendar year and I ask you what is the bar for a successful season what should we reasonably expect from this very different looking Bears team I'm sorry I know we're supposed to now get to the Bears

But when you set it up that way, you were at camp happiness in the summer? I mean, in the winter? Oh, yeah. Was this like a delinquent boys home? No, it was like there was... I thought it was just like a place you went for like six weeks. You would do a small amount of work with school groups that would come in on like Monday and Tuesday. But other than that, you know, free food, your own room, no responsibilities.

What an unbelievable place. It was wonderful, yeah. It's a great question about the Bears because... Sorry Bears fans. You got 122. Maybe maybe you get a time out here. Because to me, the answer is just Caleb Williams is great. And I don't care anything else that happens.

Like that they provide enough support offensively and that maybe he wins offensive rugby the year and that he's the guy and you come out of the season just feeling like we got a quarterback. Because I think beyond that, it's a really good division. I don't put them ahead of the Packers or the Lions. Do I complete, you said everything's new? I mean, Matt Eberfluse isn't new.

He looks new. He looks out fresh. He's got a beard. Do I fully think that like their defense is going to stay at that high of a level. They don't really have much of a past rush. Ownership has been an issue over the years. Like, as long as Caleb Williams is Caleb Williams,

then it's a success, even if they win seven or eight games. That's how I feel. The old loose spruce. Ooh, yeah, love that. Right on. The project we're going to talk about later, you know, you got to be in a lot of rooms and listen to a lot of things and hear about just like league-wide chatter, not team-specific.

I did not hear people gush as much as they did about Roma Dunezay. That, I mean, it blew me away. I mean, I love him as a prospect. I knew he was going to be a great player. I love his film. But the way that people raved about him as like, this is the guy to pair with that dude, you know, and I just think that that's going to be really fun.

Dot me right in the face. The bears on paper are a great looking offense all of a sudden. But so much as contingent is K. Philip is as good as people think he could be. But if he is, this division is fun. I think it's the best division. Wild. You've got the AFC North where any team can make the playoffs,

and I can sing any one of these teams and the NFC North can make the playoffs. Absolutely. I think you get darned mark there, too. Why in that situation? Right in the eye. Got you in the eye. Patch for life. All right.

Up next, Jordan, defending division champion lions. Right in the face. There's really no other way to put it at this point. The lions know what they are about. Under Brad Holmes, this is a team that is going to flat out pick players they like or are best available on their board, regardless of perceived positional value or consensus charting. I also saw some commentary about the trades up. I get that, but I want to reiterate that Holmes came up through Les Sneed and the Rams.

When Sneed felt the roster was ready to break through up to the next tier, he started swinging hard regardless of the cost. And what some don't realize is that to NFL teams, it's not just playoff team or not playoff team. Once you become a playoff team, there are actual tiers to the dance. breaking glass into legitimate Super Bowl contention. I get the concern and they have to be the right players but at least the Lions have told us who they think they are. They want to win.

They think they can now and the cost doesn't matter. Wondering about the quarterback extension, I'm really curious to see what the framework of a possible Jared Gough. Extension might be and good for him, by the way. Absolutely. And you said it I believe around Philadelphia, spamming

an area in need. The cornerbacks are an issue for them last year. and they go and they draft two quarterbacks at the top of this draft. So if that defense takes a step and the offense kind of remains where it is, yeah, they were a final four team last year. They had a 17-point lead in the NFC championship game. Yeah, I think this is like, unlike some of these other teams that spam a position,

this was kind of like their last overt position of need. And they, and it happened perfectly for them. And like Terry and Arnold to go to them is a total coup. I would just ask you one question about Brad Holmes, like, Because it's hard to get to know these GMs from a distance. Like, what kind of words would you use to characterize him? Because I think he's been one of the quickest team builders around. I think he's brilliant.

A lot of the stuff that the Rams would get sort of external praise for when they were identifying middle and late round players. Like Brad was one of the people who helped set and identify that framework and who really pushed for that type of thinking along with less and some of the other people in that building. So this doesn't surprise me at all to see him killing it. But like the Rams, he's not afraid to do things differently. I mean, they're feeling themselves.

They traded a future third for a kid from Canada, and then they drafted a safety who had 28 snaps at running back to play running back. So it's like they're feeling themselves. I would push back slightly that they don't have any needs. I don't think, first of all, they could use another receiver for sure. And then they absolutely need another pass rusher. Like, Eden Hutchinson needs help. Maybe it's James Houston.

They've put a lot of resources there. To me, they're thin. There were reports. they actually were kind of trade up for Darius Robinson until Terry and Arnold, the cornerback, fell. And so that shows that they had an internal kind of thought, too. We maybe needed a little more beef up front. They just don't have like, oh my God, this is great cost.

Nothing crazy. They're pretty solid all over the place. I agree. The Detroit fan base love affair for Jared Goff is so sweet. Awesome. Just chanting his name throughout the draft. Yeah. Just independent of anything, it's just like,

Derek. I mean, they had a few beers in them, I'm sure, but that's, it was a, I knew it was coming, so I stopped talking. Also, many of them were completely sober, I would imagine. I just loved that this underdog quarter, as much as an underdog can be a former first overall pick, Jared Goff is really a guy that they've gotten behind as an overlooked entity that rose up.

I'm not suggesting you need to be drunk to like Jared Goff. I think he's earned their trust in many ways. That's important to clarify. Gregie on the rising Green Bay Packers. Yeah, I think Jordan Love is going to get a new contract this offseason. I think Jared Goff, as we just mentioned well, and those come later in the off season. We talked about how the first three picks the Packers took in this draft, I think are going to be able to play right away. They're still a little short at cornerback.

I think they could be a Stefan Gilmore team. They would make some sense to me. But I'm looking at the receiver group, and I'm just curious, how do you guys think they're going to shake out? You got Romeo Dobbs, Christian Watson, Jaden Reed. I feel like we kind of know who Jaden Reed is. and Datavian wicks like I'm fascinated to just see how these four line up because to me they all have potential to be like 1200 yard receivers and yet it's a good problem to have I don't know how they're going to line up one to four to that point I almost wonder if we see Matt Lafleur do more with the tight ends this year it seemed like that was something when they drafted last year seemed like something that they might trend and then midseason you saw them doing a lot of the similar stuff as Sean McBay with some of that you know escort motion the sifts and the run game those types of of things, as well as, you know, getting those tight ends going. So I think that maybe we could see that too.

And, and yeah, it's crowded, but, I mean, Jordan Love can throw it all around the yard. Right. That's why it's like the Bears optimism is great. But it's like, you look at the Packers and the lines. Those teams seem further along. They all grew up so quickly. And it's, I guess you don't, when it comes to the wide receivers and like in today's league, if you're a team without that clear dominant number one alpha guy, like you can kind of use them in a lot of different ways.

And I think some, there was some unexpected growth and regression by some of them last year too so it's like get him on the field and see what happens and let like the hot horse run it. The hot horse. The Christian Watson side of this is kind of interesting because they did everybody developed very quickly as the

quarterback and Watson who was the apparent breakout star in the final Rogers season was not really the guy that we were talking about by the end of the season. That's who I was sort of pointing to that right so like Rider C-4 at this point I would say and that's interesting like where does he fit in because he's had

issues staying healthy. Did you know that he has worked with a quote special lab to address his hamstring issues? No. What kind of lab? A special hamstring lab. Yeah, hamstring lab. Okay. So keep an eye on on Watson and where he fits in on this because remember he was super dynamic

at the end of 22 and now maybe he's healthy in 24. Those labs are often like in Sweden by the way. Isn't it weird? That's always the way. I get on the plane. Fun fact. Hat tip to our friend Justice over at Acme Packing Company. The Packers have added 35

players in the last three drafts. Most of any team since 2022, 13 first to third rounders and 22 in the other rounds. Basically, that's called dart throwing. No pun intended for the nature program. It's a dart firing. It's volume drafting.

A couple of those guys are bound to work out when you have the ability to draft with that kind of a volume. You can only draft with that kind of a volume if you already have your QB and they have there, QB. Unbelievably done. First time, in studio,

doing around the NFC, sticking the landing there? I feel like I'm going to burst into tears at any minute. All right, let's move. I'm so nervous. Let's move to the Minnesota Vikings, okay? I mean, if you're nervous,

I'd like to see what you're like when you're cool, common collected. You're killing it, Jordan. Give me a new clock. Give me that new clock. The Vikings deserve it. two fun plots to track around the two-time around team of around the NFL, okay?

Will Sam Darnold be able to hold off J.J. McCarthy in a summer camp competition? Will McCarthy ever even get a true opportunity to be the week one star? We know he's going to play. But how does this summer breakdown? And then there's the defense, which was, you know, an absolute sieve in 2022 despite their great record. They improved to a middle of the pack unit statistically.

under Brian Flores, and now talent continues to flow in on that side of the ball. And it makes a possibility that this team, defense could all of a sudden become team strength. And it's also a reminder, scheme change, coordinator change, and a few players, how quickly you could turn around a unit in this league. So my general takeaway here, the Vikings are not going to be many people's darling pick to get back to the playoffs, especially in this division, which we've just broken down, is very competitive. but disregard them at your own peril.

And yes, give Sam a change. I think Sam has a little chance. I was surprised reading up on them ahead of this today that I kind of assumed once they took McCarthy and he's a veteran guy. I mean, he played a lot in college and was a quote-a-quote winner. It felt like a weak one guy, but not necessarily is that their path here. To pivot a little, I do get trading up for Dallas Turner. Great player, even though they, you know,

they have defensive players, even though the moves they made in free agency. I do remember Van Ginkle had a hurt foot into the spring. So maybe you're kind of just making sure you're shoring up that position just in case. And, you know, I think my colleague Alec Lewis at the Athletic pointed out a little bit worried about their interior offensive line. We're talking about another slider framed guy, Tyler Williams, who runs their sports science department over there in Minnesota. He will have had the Dexas scan. He will have, he will know like what he still needs to. add and how, and also importantly, like, how long it's going to take in particular with

what they're dealing with on the offensive line. I mean, I think the thing that could get McCarthy in there, if not just by week one, I just assume week one at this point, but that's fine. But you've got Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Hawkinson, Aaron Jones, and you're right. Like, their interior line, you know, per PFF is a bit of a trouble. But this is a good starting place for any rookie compared to some places you could go. It is outstanding, especially with the coaching. and I'm really encouraged they invested so much in the defense

because I'd be worried that Flores' defense will come back to the pack. You see that big one-year bump when you change schemes sometimes and you're doing something creative. Can you keep that going into year two? It usually doesn't happen that way. That's why I'm a little worried about Schwartz and the Browns too. It's just like when you pop up that high and you're creative, but they added town.

They added Grenard, they added Blake Cashman, the added Van Ginkle, they added Dallas Turner. You had that much talent, they should be better. Give up a lot for Dallas Turner, but they've got to love them. I believe to that point. only have three picks right now in the 2025 NFL draft. But they didn't have to trade up a bundle to get McCarthy at all. That helps.

He wasn't out of balance, Mark. You just shot him a glare, but he has to. I'm not glaring at him, but I feel like I've been better behaved on this quasi-fugazi dart situation than most during these quasi-fugazi dart situation. Today has been a problem for me

and I acknowledge that, so I'm going to try to work on it over the second half of the show. I think where when you wear the black button up, kind of like that bad boy Sessler comes out. The bad angels and charge. That doesn't take long. That doesn't take too much effort for that. My favorite. All right, let's take a break and come back with the NFC South.

What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. Every week, we study the tape

talk to decision makers and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots, from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level,

we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box, score this podcast is for you don't miss it listen to the move the six podcast on the iheart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts hey this matt jones i'm drew franklin and this is nfl cover zero we're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different did you see the colts pretzel that was my other big takeaway from that what was that oh my we think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining.

And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Fiorio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast,

your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet, we've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. all right we're back let's keep moving we got jordan rodrigue here she's killing it she keeps saying

she's nervous but she's not performing as if she's nervous you wouldn't know she keeps reminding us that it's happening right i would say uh i would say unsolicited advice you don't have to keep saying you're nervous just talk at that i feel like you guys can all see my no you're good you're doing great we're having a great time with you i feel like the show has been very informative and dare I say entertaining. That's what we're going for. Entertainment, informative, Venn diagram, and then that's just a big Jordan head right in the middle.

You're killing it. So let's move forward now with utter and complete confidence. How about that? Okay. That was the pep talk. Let's go into the NFC South with the Falcons. I don't have much to add to the Penex Cousins dialogue that hasn't already been covered on this show and beyond.

But I do have one extra thought after, once watching the Rams trade away their former quarterback, a number one overall pick who they signed to a massive extension. They had not started paying yet that turned into a huge amount of dead money. It's clear to me. Many teams are starting to fear less and less the financial, capital,

public questioning consequences of their own actions as long as they ultimately get the quarterback right. And that's the big, as long as to, has to still be the right guy. I'm a Michael Panics fan. I think he rules. I'm less worried about the age and injury stuff than other people might be.

I also understand why they had went and got cousins when they did and why they did. Just the decisions in sequence and not each in a vacuum is what is breaking our brains. And rightfully so. At the end of the day, someone just needs to get the freaking ball to Kyle Pitts elsewhere in their draft. I loved the Brandon Dorless pickup. He's super underrated, in my opinion. I heard he was popular on a lot of teams draft boards. He can rush the heck out of the quarterback.

He's versatile. If Jimmy Lake is moving to a three four, it looks like the Falcons are seeking out bigger edges, dynamic three techs who could possibly do some four or four. stuff. Concerned about corner depth, there are a couple older free agents out there, including Akella Witherspoon, who has a connection with Rahim Morris and Lake. Everything's been

said about the Cousins part of it. The only thing that, because I was supported it when it happened, and I think Greg, you did, so just go get all the quarterbacks you need. This is the league today. The way it happened and the order is eyebrow raising, but there is a suggestion out there

that Cousins is a little bit more sensitive than other types of quarterbacks. And if there's a reason he can't operate in the, you know, in training camp or the preseason, I think the type of quarterback that Pennix is was like these laser arm, like the strongest arm around, like, that just gets into the mind of everyone. And maybe

the mind of Kirk Cousins and the fan base because it's suddenly you got this like Titanic like potential behind Kirk Cousins. That to me is a little unsettling from a team angle. The human part of it is the most concerning. I don't think you can spend too many resources on quarterback, but it is concerning,

especially with a guy that we all remember. Like, has this image of like it was MVP candidate Kirk Couss like dude I've seen that Kirk Cousins a ton of times over the last 12 years and what usually happens is like a five game slump like he's not always that guy he's also coming off in Achilles so it does add a lot of drama to the mix especially because I don't think the defense will necessarily support them they need their offense to be good talent wise it's it's not a good defense and that's and that's why part of the process that felt flawed to me and many others out there is like then use a top 10 pick on a defensive player or trade down and take two defensive players it would have made so

much more they just to me would have boils down to this if you would have gotten a lower tiered quarterback like a hold the fort guy and then gotten penics everything makes sense like everything checks out it's that investment cousins that will always irk me and many others we could TO it if we want if we want to continue to talk about it but i think we have we will yeah we shall we shall all right here we go gregg on the panthers like the concept of jonathan brooks behind this meaty offensive line that they've invested in i like that they kept the gero evro who you're familiar with um you know intimately there jordan just in terms of he was there with the rams but like i don't love that they have less talent on their defense you know they did trade away

Brian Burns. Liggett seems like a boomer bust pick. I want to have optimism, but I'm not feeling it. Like, do we, does anyone else have any optimism here? I think Dave Canales is a reason for optimism based on his solely on his work with quarterbacks that were, you know, on the edge of a non-existence before he took over. I thought the Robert Hunt signing was really important and good along the offensive line. Yeah, we don't know about Liget, but I think Jonathan Brooks, it's like, if anything, it happened to almost a year too late and an exposed.

Bryce Young a year ago. And we don't really have a full read on what he is at this point. I'm a little concerned. But yes, it was the offseason to throw resources at your quarterback and get a quarterback coach that can come in and help him. If Legate was going into a Frank Reich offense, I wouldn't have liked the pick. I like the pick because I think that they'll do more. They're going to do more emotions, misdirections, shifts, you know, stuff that makes sense. And I think that one of the quotes from the post draft press conference captured by the great Panthers beatwriter, Joe Person. Yes, that is his real name.

Legend. We know, Joe. Yeah. Just for the audience. Like, Joe Person, you're like, okay, is he in the missing persons program? That's like back when like, when they, you get your last name based on like if you were a carpenter, this like, it's just Joe person. Yeah, Joe Person. You're categorized.

Someone got lazy in Ellis Island. It's like, I don't know, person. He is indeed a person. That's what he wants you to believe. So this quote really stood out to me. You can give him the ball in different ways, including. carries. Please God let us see more motions, misdirection,

sweeps, quick game, lots of different layers, three tiers in your route concepts. And let's see this guy turned into the do-it-all, Debo Samuel, and he seems like a great dude. Yeah, and I guess the optimism, Greg, is it can't be

worse than last year. And you dedicated, in free agency, you spent money to help the protection side of things. Three or first four picks are offensive players. Hopefully the scheme, as we're saying, is imaginative. Yante Johnson. And you just and you and you figure some things out and people that are really

draft heads are saying this kid Bryce Young do not count him out. He got screwed in so many ways. He would drop back. His receivers are getting no separation. He's not getting protected. Nobody would have had a chance. So maybe this year. Maybe this year will be better than last.

He reminds me so much of Alex Smith. In terms of playing style. in terms of the catastrophic rookie year Alex Smith had the worst rookie year of any top shelf quarterback I've ever seen they brought in North Turner his second year and suddenly he was league average I think that's the path

team around the NFL Our original team around the NFL The Carolina Panthers Interesting Hmm Okay the Saints The Saints have a lot of work to do to get this roster back to chew Super Bowl contention

and the draft wasn't ideal toward that goal with only two selections out of the first 149 on the board. Still, they added a blue chip prospect at offensive line, a potential Marshawn Latimore, successor, and teammate at corner. That made sense. Keep an eye on the QB position this fall because New Orleans drafted Spencer Rattler with 150th pick. He's a guy that's got, you know, some tools and people kind of into him

in terms of that type of mid-round QB. given Derek Carr and everything around Derek Carr, you're going to imagine if this team is middle of the road or worse like last year, it's going to get really loud, really quickly around a quarterback change. Ted Wynn did an article on a bunch of people talking about quarterback mechanics and people were raving, coaches were raving about Spencer Rattler's mechanics. So it might be kind of a sneaky good.

I'll defer to grab on those things because I know you're a fan, but. I'm not a fan. I do follow him. Yeah, but I think he's maybe a sneaky, maybe a sneaky good pick there. He reminds me a little Sam Howell in terms of a guy that you thought might be a first round pick at some point and probably is even more talented as a thrower

and could develop. So that was a good dart throw. I do think the new Derek Carr contract really slipped under the radar this year as they continued to kick the can down the corner, down the road or whatever, in terms of trying to save salary cap space. They've had like the normal offseason

and everyone wanted finally. They did stay quiet. It's a pretty normal draft. But they did kick more future money into Derek Carr's contract into 25. So it'll be more painful if they do want to get rid of him. It feels like he's going to be there

the next two years. I mean, part of, I kind of like their draft up top, except that you were forced to take a tackle. And they'd taken an offensive or defensive lineman in the first round of nine of the last 10 drafts. So they've got a type.

They've got a thing they like to do. But you had to do that because of Ryan Rams check. And you had to go get Koolaid McKinstree because I'm not assuming this, but I think the Marshawn Lattimore is sort of the last piece of drama surrounding the NFC South. I'm glad you mentioned that. Their top four cornerbacks are Pulsin adibo, Koolaid McKinistry, Marshawn Latimore is obviously number one,

and Alante Taylor. That is a loaded cornerback room. It's kind of awesome, but you're right. It makes you wonder if someone gets dealt in training camp or something out. And it might not be Latimore. It could be like Adiba who's in a contract here. It could be Alante Taylor who's been a little up and down, but people would be into those cornerbacks.

I like the McKinstree pick. Yeah. I think he's, I mean, that dude's a badass. I think that's a great pick. Dennis Allen knows how to, they know, they've known, and Mickey Loomis has known how to pick corners. There was, by the way, talk around Rattler and why did he fall to the fifth round? And one of them was that he appeared on a reality TV show in high school in which he came off extremely poorly. Have you watched any of them?

I must dig it up. I must watch. I mean, I think number one, people grow and change. And that's what his camp was trying of stress. but it is an unpleasant watch. It's not great for his cue. I kind of led him into not purposefully, but... I was providing information.

You had an option. You had an option there. You could have... Well, I gets caught staring at you, and then I'm not watching the clock. Right, but you had the option there to fully flesh that out what you did, which a show needed.

Yeah. Or you could have just sat there quietly and let the clock tick out, and then it's a worst show, but you don't take a dark to the face. If it makes you feel any better, I feel like really bad every time I shoot the darted mark

Yeah That does make me feel better I see it coming from like a mile away And I'm like I have to though I should do better I should feel bad Yeah I mean I didn't know But he like drew me into the Dan

Especially when he turns his head And gives you those Manson lamps You know I feel bad I feel bad All right That is Is that the NFC South?

No It is not There is one more team There is a defending champion Now I'm gonna get the Hans and Lambs. They are the defending division champions. Somehow, the Bucks.

Go, Mark, go. Sort of like a meat and potatoes draft for the Bucks. I think Graham Barton, the more I've read about him, it's like round one, tough, immediate starter at center. They really needed that. Both Bucks guards last year, Bren Bredesen and Cody Mock, who I really liked, the look of in terms of his wild madness.

But they were hot, but mostly cold a year ago. They were 27th in rushing EPA, the Bucks. They were 26 and short-yarded situations. They had PFF's fifth worst run blocking grade. And it's like, if you want this Baker thing to continue, I think Baker's been a little overpraise for this, like, great season he had. But like, for this to happen two years ago, Baker, you need a better ground game.

And so I think this was a smart pick. I do have a question for Jordan, though, because Mayfield is onto his like 444th offensive coordinator after Canales went to Carolina. So he does know Liam Cohen a little bit to some degree. But there have been weird whispers about Cohen in other places, not totally being a favorite of everyone. Like, do you think this can be a smooth transition for Baker?

I just don't like quarterbacks that to switch schemes and coordinators every 365 days. I mean, I think Liam and Baker will get along really well. And like I said, so much happened in 22 to the Rams, some outside their control, some inside their control. And it just was an all-around disaster. No one person was the reason for that disaster. It was all-around a total... But if you had to pick one person, it was... probably Liam Cohen.

It was Greg, actually. Spin. Bailed it. But yeah, no, I mean, Baker is a player that Liam will know how to work with and use. And, like, it'll be, I think it'll, he will remind him of a lot of the college quarterbacks he had great success with, maybe not the arm strength that he was working with with Will Levis. But, you know, the timing stuff, the quick game, some of the underneath things that the

Baker really can get into a rhythm very fast doing. that's right up Liam Cohen's alley So I'm curious to see how it works But I do know that they're they'll get along I mean they're they're both like They'll be fine They have a ton of continuity And on both sides of the ball

Especially the defense and I just don't get why The Falcons are negative money To win this division No way to me like I would happily take the For those that don't dig in on that realm Just like it is more likely The odds are saying that the

Falcons win the division than the other three teams combined essentially that it's like a greater than 50% chance they win the division and the bucks and the saints are way behind them it's just like I don't see that like people keep sleeping on this buck team it's just a solid football team like people are just like throwing up their hands with the NFC South right it's hard to really just figure it out to me the three of them are overlooked though they just get overlooked right and to me the three of them are in the same ballpark where it's like you're probably a below average NFL team but one team's going to win the division I like the Jalen McMillan pick One of my under the radar favorite picks really great underneath will help with that pop gun stuff that Baker likes to do.

Also why the falcons should have taken a defensive player and went for the division and get a home game in the playoffs and you never know what happens. Whatever. Let's take a break and we'll finish it out with the NFC West. What's up everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from Scouting Report. and player development to team-building philosophies, coaching trends in how front offices construct winning rosters.

Every week, we study the tape, talk to decision-makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots, from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze match-ups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day.

Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level, we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box score, this podcast is for you. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Six podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey, this is Matt Jones. I'm Drew Franklin. And this is NFL Cover Zero. We're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different. Did you see the Colts Pretzel? That was my other big takeaway from that game. What was that? Oh, my.

We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen to NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Florio, and together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season?

Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet. We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. All right, we're back. We are closing out around the NFC in 48 minutes,

exactly 48 minutes, not a second over, with the NFC West. And Greg, get us going with the cards. The Arizona Cardinals, after they put Kyler Murray into the starting lineup with Drew Petzing as his offensive coordinator, were ninth in EPA per play for the rest of the season. That is buoyed by being second in rushing.

I think this is a good, and Kyler is a big part of that. Give it to me, get dirty. Yeah, get, I'm excited to get dirty with this team. Adding Marvin Harrison, I think they're a really well-run offensive team. He was a good hire. I think they added the most exciting running back in the draft in Benson. Is this a top 10 offense? Whoa, all right.

Where were they finished after Kyler? Came back? I mean, technically they were a top 10 offense in EPA per play already, but that, can you keep that up a whole season? That's obviously not the only stat out there. I think they got a chance to be pretty exciting. Top 10 feels rich, but they down the stretch. I think petzing is like a good play car.

It comes from the Stefansky tree, and that's good for tight ends. That's good for, I think, you know, we didn't like Connor and Tray Benson are an awesome duo. Yeah, I think that's like that. There's a lot of options around that. And, like, you know, Kyler looked good when he came back, but it's like a full off season together and all that. It's like there's signs to suggest they could, like, pick up where they left off. They're well-coached team.

Yeah, to thank you for making that point, actually. That goes into my notes. So that was awesome. Thank you, Mark. I knew you would have my back on this, Mark. Yeah, I think they have some actually really talented up-and-coming coaches. Drew Terrell's, their new receivers coach. Nick Rallis, their defensive coordinator, they're young guys.

but I think they're super talented. I met Nick Rallis at a coaching incubator a couple years ago, and he was sitting on the offensive side, so he was trying to learn from a lot of those guys. So there's something cooking under the radar there on the defensive side, I think. Matthew Stafford said last year this was the one defense that he saw that kind of was like, what the hell is that? And they were kind of doing this walk-around pre-snap thing.

It was really interesting, and then they just ran the ball for 400 yards. So I'm curious, yeah, because it could take a big jump. If Marvin Harrison is that guy, Kyler Murray, is Kyleor Murray now, like we said, full year removed? Is he that guy again? I'm looking at some of his, you know, earlier years. He rushed for, he had 93 rushing attempts as a rookie in 16 games. That went up to 133.

His second year, his third year and 14 games, he was on pace to go over 100 again. Last year in eight games, 44 rushes. So a bit under that 100 pace. where where does he now like around 100 rushes feels like a great spot for him especially if he's moving well and feels good and if he can add that element of his game back in full with having a big time number one wide receiver potentially yeah the offense could take a significant jump i think one other thing like monte austin fort two years in a row has had a very rock solid plan with the draft with the off season they look different and i think their front office we know i mean under steve kime that was plaguing them for a long time Was that to the establishment? Yeah. To our producer? No, no, no, no.

It was not to the... Randy's been the gentleman about this. No, it's just kind of like the greater world or universe thinks are going to catch me. You're going beyond zero, zero, zero, and they didn't. Except you guys all did this. Well, there's no regard for the rules. It's not connected directly anymore to the team talk. That's a little understood aspect of all this.

No, sorry. Yep. Here we go. Jordan, your team, the Rams. Well, a few classes in recent history hit like the Rams did in 2023. There's a lot to like this year about the way they sought out the combination of Jared Verse and teammate Braden Fisk at 19 and 39. They overpaid to trade up for Fisk, but I'm of the understanding that once the board fell

their way and they got Verst, one of their three favorite players in the whole class and their top outside linebacker, they were always going to try to get Fisk. And they believed in paying more for the plug-in-fell. play chemistry on a defensive line now without Aaron Donald. They did say they could never replace him with just one player, so here are two. Blake Corum, the third round running back, again, a little

high for generally what we see with running backs, but basically gives them Kyron Williams and an intact scheme, kind of left-handed when Kyron Williams was out. In light of his injury history, he missed four games in 2023. Also, maybe wouldn't have been able to be healthy for a deeper postseason push. He got hurt in that Detroit game.

Rams fans do not want to hear this. I understand, but on the Matthew Stafford contract, situation. Sean McVeigh kind of admitted that this situation is ongoing after Rapsheets initial report last Thursday night that Matthew Stafford wants more guaranteed money on his contract. Been simmering for a little while. I don't

think it's anything to like freak out about right now. He's at OTAs. The Rams, it's kind of awkward a little bit. They made a documentary. It was really, really well done. It was outstanding. But it was also parts of it were like how beat up he gets during a season. But when you

enter that into the guaranteed money conversation. It's just something to keep an eye on. I do think they're going to try to find a win-win solution. That's my opinion. The Rams spent the spring beefing up his offensive line and his run game. There's no reason to think that he won't or can't play a few more years. Like I said, he's been at voluntary OTAs. He's been throwing it around. Dude's a badass when he's healthy. Turn 36 in February. So yeah, he's basically at Kirk Cousins' age. You think these guys have their body holds up two three more years and this is a window for the Rams

with this high level potential Hall of Famer. We all like watched a lot of like Rams together in some of our Monday NFL plus shows and like he looked as good as he's ever looked last season. So I stayed the course there. I think a lot of people were wondering like with

when Karen Williams was not on the field they were a different offense and like he led the league and yards per game. I mean he really hit the scene but like Korm is it like what happens fantasy-wise? do you think how they have both of them at the same time? I couldn't tell you. I just, I don't know.

I know that's a fantasy course. You were early on the Kyron Williams might have a bigger role than Cam Acres. Yeah. Right. Because I signed Boston Scott, too. I mean, that's just the third guy. You're looking at Kyron still being the lead rusher, the lead back. But over time, especially a long season, they expect to go to the postseason this year.

If they have Matthew Stafford, a healthy Matthew Stafford. So over time, you're probably looking at an increase in Blake Corum's snaps. I don't know what the fantasy football language would be for that. but like stashing him or something or maybe, you know, get him and stash him. Hand cuff? Is that what it is, Greg? Time out. All right. We've got to talk about this feature, this monster,

two-parter from Jordan. The second part is coming out later in the week. The first part dropped today. Finding Rams colon. One year behind the scenes of the NFL draft, scouting process, comma, part one. Really well done, beautifully written and reported, even the, we're talking about the artwork is tremendous by the athletic on it. Everybody's got to read it.

I think just to get into this conversation, Jordan, because you obviously did a ton of work and you were embedded behind the scenes. There's an irony to me that this team, Les Need famously wore the F them picks t-shirt after they won the Super Bowl. But just because they didn't have first round picks doesn't mean that this team doesn't absolutely value and obsess over these draft classes. and you really go behind the scenes in a way that it's really illuminating in this piece. Well, thank you. Happy to be here to talk about it, first of all. I felt like last year when we talked about the Playcaller series,

Greg, you and Mark said some really nice things about what it reminded you of. And Dan just was not on that episode. Yeah, he was with help. I was just doing a thumbs down. Turn my mic off. I know he doesn't listen. It was, I was 6 a.m. in Tokyo at that show, I remember that.

But you guys also said something that resonated with me and forgive me if my voice cracks. But you said that these are the types of things that Wes would really get into. For me, that kept me pushing into this new space, which was very unfamiliar territory for me. I've covered a lot about team building, but I've never been behind the scenes in a scouting department for as long a period of time, the 10 months as this was and it was the entire time I was thinking this is the coolest thing this is so like to get to explain

even a piece of what this looks like and how it works it just like lit me up on the inside and like I cannot emphasize enough like I mean doing this project just like play callers altered me forever this also has altered me forever like if you had 10 pages of notes for this episode

how much dense you know, research and personal literature came out, do you have stashed away somewhere, like in your apartment or mansion wherever you live? Certainly not. Certainly not the ladder. Oh, yeah, the athletic. They're paying monster bucks. Moving right along.

So it was 186 pages of notes from on-site reporting. A lot of stuff was off the record, so you're not, you're obviously not, you know, recording notes at that time, you're sort of absorbing and listening. And also, I think, like, 37 postits around on, like, just to help set up structure and all of those things. It's really fun when a project's over to, like, peel the postits off the cabinets, very satisfying. No longer look like a serial killer in my own home. But, yeah, it was an extraordinarily cool thing to get to do. The fact that James Gladstone, the director of scouting, and Les Sneed, were open to it, James came up to me on the sideline at training camp and was like,

love the play callers, wish there was one about scouts. And I looked at him for all of two seconds, and I was like, can there be? And he thought I was joking. And then I pitched it to him and Les. And I think Les maybe still thought I was joking until about six months ago. And because I'd been in the meetings, I just kept showing up. And then it just was this very cool, there was a lot of trust there, which I don't take for granted.

But I think they understood what I was trying to do. I wasn't trying to say this is better or worse. The other, I was trying to amplify the process and the language of a group of people with continuity who have created this thing behind the scenes that works for them, not to compare or contrast or anything like that, but to show how something works. Right. That's what I took. Part one is great.

I'm really looking forward to part two. And one of my takeaways would just be, I don't, I didn't understand. I don't think the average fan would understand just how... different, the Rams certainly do the evaluation process. And then it made me think, like, there's probably, they're not the only ones. And that each team is attacking this entire process in such a different way. And there's, yeah, maybe there kind of is a way, a conventional way to do it. But like, how many teams do you think are, like, how many different ways are there?

Because the way they do it, I suspect is totally their own way. way of doing it and like what did you find different about it? I think there are 32 different ways of approaching this. And like I said, that's where I think we on the outside, we get into rankings and grades and things like that. But like if your process works for them and it's different to another process and another building, they're not weighing that or leveraging that. They're looking for what fits them.

And some teams do this very well and have a very functional behind the scenes process for a draft calendar. And as you see, like some teams just can't seem to find that momentum or can't seem to like sort of gather themselves. One of the things that's really I learned, one of the biggest things I learned from this reporting this out over the last year was this isn't really about players or picks like the result. This is more about the process and the language of that process and how they basically built an alphabet and then. evolved it over time into a language that builds out what it is exactly that they do. And I know that sounds like kind of galaxy brain or like, you know, what you were reading at Camp Happiness.

But at the same time, it's so, it's a living thing, this language. And I think the number one reason why failure compounds in NFL buildings is the loss of that language. Right. Continuity is so big. Quick, too quick turnover, whether it's in the scouting front office department, personnel department, or even the coaching staff that also has to assimilate and help build and evolve out that language.

And this is one of the most, they've been together for so long at this point, not just Lesson Sean, but that entire scouting department has been together for at least a decade. And they have built out this language that it's a living thing at this point. One quick thing is there's also a very human element to this because I've always, thought like the life of a scout would be very appealing to a certain personality if you like don't mind being like a road warrior out on the grind like it's really so you show how much its relationships with schools but one little thing like here's what scouts do what they like they have like a coda it said stay at hotels with free breakfast fill an insulated coffee cup with

eggs and bacon and bring it to the school to consume mid-morning yeah that one caught me too I noted that in my notes as well what are we doing we get a fresh breakfast I just want to see what it looks like. You got to save the dollars and cents. But they don't have time because they're at this place and they're not going to get fed while they're there all day. I guarantee you 31 teams are reading what you wrote, Jordan, because there's a reason why

they weighed that, I'm sure, but like there's a reason why good teams stay good and bad teams stay bad. And look at the Rams to go from 17 through 23 without a first round pick, but remain pretty consistently one of the better teams in the NFC shows you how

they've been able to keep the roster churning and stay competitive despite having those high-end picks. I thought that's very interesting. The other thing I want to read here. So you were talking about this almost sentient process they have now. I'm going to read Jordan's reporting here and writing. Most NFL teams. And by the way, this is why Northeastern Class of O2,

this is why journalism matters, sports journal. It's fun what we do, but having people that are really smart and curious to be able to go behind the scenes and then write something like this and allow us to understand the sport in a different smarter way. Thank you, Jordan, to the athletic. Now I'm going to read what you wrote.

Most NFL teams have a data and information processing system, usually constructed in-house, in which scouts, coaches, medical staff, front office executives, and others input notes on the players. The Rams is J-A-R-S, the Joint After- Action Review System. they go on to say it's value lies not only

in its player data it's the keeper of an entire language some ram staffers joke that the system will eventually need a new more human sounding acronym to reflect its approaching sentience now let me let me jump it if I might please

and you could relay this or choose not to relay I'm so happy right now so it's staring right at them it's starting to feel like a human and they want to give it a name that's human And you got J-A-A-R-S, okay? But what if it was Joint After-A-A-R-A-R-R-E-V-E-R-V-E-R-V-E-R-V-E-R-V-E-R-V-E-R-V-E-R-V-E-R-S.

Jarvis is right there. Bang. So close. Take it to less. Please take it to less. We've had less on the show. That would be my lasting input. Maybe I would get a Super Bowl ring.

You get a football. That's up to football. Less, if there's a signed football on a handout. If it becomes Jarvis, that's all I ask. It'd be nice if they had, like, like a fourth round pick that meant a lot to them that had actually been named Jarvis. Oh, even better. I will

tell you one last thing. Or they should find one. One last thing to add to so much of this is still about luck. Part two, which releases Friday. There's some moments in there that I think you guys will just get a kick out of about how you can put in

like to the nth degree amount of process and preparation and you can sound you know, like you're the expert strategist and everything. And then at the very last minute, some crazy shit could happen, right? And like just, and some of it does come down to luck. I take people through the Puka Nakua pick in the fifth round. There was actually what people don't realize.

There was actually a really interesting strategy behind that pick. They all say now they should have picked him in the first. But in the fifth round with their volume in their draft, there was an interesting strategy that part two does go into. And then, but there also was luck. There also was a... A crap load of luck in that pick as well. And they're the first to admit it.

Was Les Sneed or is Les Sneat, because he's probably reading it right about now, annoyed that you've announced to the world that he doesn't know how to change attire. Which I think a lot of people don't. That was a bit of a lot of real magnifico, I thought. See, I think a lot of people don't, but you don't want it on record.

You want people just to think that you probably can. It's pretty privileged once again. He's a beautiful man. All right, time in. Great job. Thank you. Thank you guys. Seriously.

Did you have an answer on the less thing? I guess you'll find out, but... Yeah, you'll hear it more as a rhetor... I'll get, you know, a text maybe, like, I took it more as a rhetorical. And I should say that that little story ends with less in a very masculine manner. Yes, absolutely. Firing the tire into the brush. Yes.

So it kind of saves it a little bit. It's like, yeah, him and his buddy couldn't figure it out, but that tire went fucking flying. I'm weird because that's like the thing. I'll remember the most about the whole thing and the eggs and bacon in a coffee cup. It's a strange. But less than how, Jarvis. Jarvis.

Jarvis. One signed football. I don't need anything else. All right. Let's time back in and head to the 49ers. Drama will continue to swirl around that wide receiver room this spring. Did the Niners take Ricky Pearsall because they plan to trade Ayuk or Samuel

or perhaps an even more dramatic thought exercise for the rest of us? What appears all is a stud? and he just makes the offense that much more wicked. Could this team score 500 points? You know, that has not happened by the Bay since the Steve Young Niners of 1994. I believe they won it all that year. The pressure will be immense for San Francisco

to finally get over the hump this year. But this roster is as good as any in football. Stay healthy. Stay out of trouble. And I think just get ready to watch the Niners kick some more ass this year. I feel very good about this team. I would love to see a similar article

about the way that they draft and develop talent too because I thought to not trade your guys but then get Ricky Parasol who has dropped five passes since 2020 and just looks like a Shanahan type and then there's a second player Isaac Garendo, the running back

who had the fastest 40 in the combine had the best vertical jump and like Shanahan spoke about that player after the draft and it was just like this was just another Shanahan guy and it's like they added more Ninersy stuff to a roster without stripping away It's kind of sick when you start to think about it

because you're talking about a running back. They have the best running back on the planet right there. So you could use that guy exactly where you want to dot them into the offense. It's an embarrassment of riches. Yeah, it's interesting. Tim Kawakami, who works with me at The Athletic, he wrote some really interesting stuff about how you could really pinpoint some of their draft class this year

and project them a year or two years from now as replacements for some people on their current roster. Oh, yeah. And like trade identification seemed very similar in that way. I found that to be fascinating. And it is interesting. They're looking, they're trying to win the whole thing and trying to stay in that, like I said,

that top tier of contention. But they also at the same time have to start looking toward the future too. And this draft class seemed like they're kind of doing that. Right. It wasn't just Pearsall. They had a fourth round pick. What was it, Cowing in the fourth round, like at wide receiver too? So you're trying to do both at the same time.

I just don't buy any trade talk, including for Juan Jennings, who's entering a free agent year, and is going to get paid somewhere next year, probably not in San Francisco. Like, they're all systems go, and if it had happened that they could have replaced it in the draft, maybe it was a possibility, but they didn't get the right price.

Like, no, they know their window is now. There's no way to me that those guys are getting traded between now and week one. No chance. Not now. By the way, there may be, could have been an offer. Oh, there was. And by the way, the last guy,

and now I forget his name, I want to find it. I remember Peter King was in the draft room for the 49ers when Kyle Shanahan probably annoyed the entire scouting process and stood on the table for this running back that he wanted to trade up for. And it was a big thing. And like the fourth round was like, he was out of the league in a year.

That happens too. Now, I don't do this, Jordan. And on that side of the table, sometimes there's some heat. When certain individuals look at other people's laptops, We do have one remaining timeout. And I thought I saw in bold, like there was like time out here for the Niners. Was that? Not for the Niners.

Okay. I was stuck in traffic for a long time today. Yes. I matched all of you guys to quarterbacks. Oh. Like if you were time out, time out. Time out. Sorry, Seahawks.

We will not be getting to you today. In fact, let's just cut everything that we've done to this point. Right out of the intro, right into what Jordan said, cut everything I just said just now. I can't believe you looked at my computer. It was revealing and I'm apologizing to you. So this, if you three were quarterbacks, and I, like I said, I'm very in much intest, anticipating this. This is all a compliment, okay, just so, you're right.

And also, I listen to the show, and I have for a long time, and, you know, we talk about things. Mark's entire May is on the line right now. But also, I can't pretend to know you on, like, the deepest personal level. So if I'm wrong, I'm so sorry, but I think I'm right. Okay. Greg, Brock Purdy, short king who loves proving people wrong. Dan. Dan, Josh Allen, fun bit, aficionado, golden retriever, parenthesis, compliment.

Yeah, no, there's also like a guy, like a Cato Kalin golden retriever type. Right. But I'll take that. And also Josh Allen's better than Brock Purdy, so okay. Right. Now what we're all waiting for. I think that was smart that you understood Dan needed to be puffed up the most of any of us, so that makes the most...

Listen, you're hitting out again. King, I caught you a king. Can we get a little drum roll, a little timpany for the Mark Sessler? This is really important. Mark. Wait, let's wait for the drums. Do we have them? It's an actual band back there. Big funk.

All right, here we go. Jordan, here we go. Mark. Matthew Stafford. Salt and Pepper bearded Gunslinger with an appreciation for chaotic darkness. Totally in. Yeah. I was, I had in my mind, Stafford is what I was hoping for. Right.

No, I think those are both great choices, and I got a system creation that no one would want on their team with very few physical talent. Whispers of Benchings in December. Yeah, that's a tough one. Short King. I mean, you could. What about the story of Brock Purdy?

If we're going on height, you know, then there's no one. Well, Kyler, I guess you could, if you wanted to, you know, there's no short quarterbacks. I think this did. I also had it that you were most likely to correct my assessment. Oh, no question. Talk about the scouting. This seems to have actually bothered you more than perhaps you were expecting it to.

I mean, Brock Purdy is a tough spot. All right. Excellent. Great time out. Come on, Josh Allen. Now I'm a bills fan. All right. Time in and let's close it out.

We have just enough time for the Seattle Seahawks. and Matthew, I feel like if we did some AI, like, best case scenario for Cessler looks-wise, and you just change some things around. Okay. It's Stafford with those, you know, gleaming new white teeth he's got and everything, like,

that, that would check out as well. I don't think Matthew Stafford would play me if there was a film version of me. Like, they'd be like that cast him's off foot and 80 pounds, but other than that. We just, we film up. We film up. We film up. camera tilted upward anyway i think i'll take that as a positive from you dan i will assess

assess that comment later well it's camera magic that's all shall we go ahead um oh so great having you here jordan by the way you're looking at my screen again i know what you're doing i know that what does she have involved start this over sorry mark mark mark star sorry matth sorry matthew runs out in two For Seattle. Matt Sessler. Here we go. We're not going to start it over the clock. Let's start this clock over.

Annie, here we go. You know, sorry, talking about Seattle's draft, one executive told Mike Sando, your co-worker at the athletic. They hate you. Nice guy. Mike is a very nice guy. Love Mike.

The scout said of Seattle's draft, it looks like they went Baltimore-ish, meaning build-up both lines. And I love the Byron Murphy. This is me talking now, not the anonymous scout. Or Matt Stafford. or Matt Stafford, but I, like, Byron Murphy is one of the guys as we were like catching up.

I'm watching him, I'm like, I love this dude. Like, he is a chaos maker and like the kind of like a beating heart of the front seven. And other people are talking, you know, not Tepper, maybe Tepper be talking about guard Christian Haynes as a steel at Pick 81. And it's never too early for me to talk about roughly 22 coaches as my coach of the year candidates, even here in early May. Here we go.

Here's one early vote for Mike McDonald. I think I am, I am a total believer. and what he did in Baltimore. He systematically milks the very best out of his defensive roster. Plus, it will tell a good story when Gino Smith is benched for Sam Howell. Prior to Week 11 as the 5-and-5 Seahawks rip off seven straight wins

and route to a wildcard berth. Welcome to Tomorrowland. The last time you got behind a coach with no experience was Brandon Staley. So maybe this will be different. You never know. Matt Rule. I hope that, you know, that's not the route that it

It happens. He's intriguing. They've kind of had a quiet offseason. They kept their players. They haven't had a lot of people coming in or out. And yet, I'm intrigued by them because of the coaches. Like, Ryan Grubb is one of the biggest X factors in the entire NFL this year. What he did at Washington was super creative and just different. And he has a lot of talent to work with.

Like, Gino, there's continuity on the offensive line. I'm not sure if it's great. But the skill position continuity is fantastic. And this group has been together. they're talented, like him with like an electric coach could be exciting. Yeah, I'm, I'm a Gino Smith fan. So maybe I'm back in your good grace. Oh, yeah.

Just give me Gino at least for the course. So, but Grub is, I think, like you said, I agree with you 100% Greg in this topic and most things in life, probably. I'm sweating. You know, it's an X factor here, especially with, you know, everyone when people watch, the Washington Huskies, obviously Michael Pennock stood out because of what he can do with the football. But if you look past that and you look at some of the the route concepts, some of the pre-snap movement, some of the alignments and the

spacing that they were getting, I think that's perfect with Gino. And I think that's going to be really, really fun to watch. I am curious to see if Mike McDonald's defense is truly the Shanahan killer. I know that that was sort of the energy of it in terms of why you make a higher like that and swing like that. So it'll be, I'll be curious. Got her. By milliseconds. Got kicked off the Wi-Fi.

I will say two things. Gino, the off-season worked out great for Gino, right? Sam Howells's backup. They didn't draft anybody of note. And then as much as we could spend, that was a pretty positive assessment of Seattle. To me, clearly the third best team in the division. That's tough.

A tough division, but yeah. And the Niners are one of those teams. I like teams that feel different. And I've always liked P. Carroll. It's not a P. Carroll thing. but it kind of was time and Mike McDonald like they had this pre-draft thing

with him and John Schneider it's like you forget he's 36 and he looks like really young and it's like wait a minute what these coaches are like just just past puberty at this point that's ageism bro I like it

I say go for it get or Pete Carroll they remind me a little bit of the Cowboys though just in that Bill and Pete shipped out of town turned 70 bye like Ciox could be very good

I think I don't see them in the Rams like in a different tier of each other they're both not a different tier but if i had to put them in a pecking order right i don't struggle put it this way if either of them were in the nfc south then i'm putting them as negative money to win the division negative money including the seahawks i would i would put in that category but the seahawks feel a little bit of like the cowboys where there could be a lot of stress if things don't go right this year there's just like tyler locket dkjino some of the players uh on the defense like are they going to be with this regime long term is kind of open question

All right, we just went around the NFC in around 48 minutes. And Jordan, let's give it up for Jordan Rodriguez. And again, check out her incredible deep dive, journalism and sport alive because of people like Jordan Roderick finding... Let me read it again, I like that headline too. What? What? What are you shaking your head for?

Here I'm trying to get a plug in a big spot. Let's go. The biggest of all spots. Olin. Greg's got to go, that's why. Oh, yeah, I'm good. Finding Rams, colon, one year behind the scenes of the NFL draft scouting process, comma, part one.

Check that out. Check out all of Jordan's coverage of the Rams and her NFL projects like this. And you've said it all, Jordan. What else can I say? Good job. I'm so happy. Thank you. She did it, folks.

She was great. And I hope everybody enjoyed it. We'll be back next week. Until then, you know what you must do. Say it, Jordan. Eat the call. Bang. prospects and NFL rookies to

evaluating team building philosophies coaching trends and how front offices construct winning rosters. We study the tape, talk to decision makers, and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else. It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sunday.

Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Floreo, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast,

your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet, we've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive parts. partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more.

This is an IHeart podcast.