NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - NFL ATL: Post-Draft 'What's More Likely?'

Episode Date: May 15, 2014

A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal and Marc Sessler -- plays a post-draft version of America’s favorite game show, “What’s More Likely?”  Don’t miss out as the gang breaks down the probability of various events occurring during the 2014 NFL season.Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comNFL 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 League podcast is accepting tailgate invites. Welcome back to another edition of the Around the League podcast. My name is Dan Hens. I'm joined by room filled with some heroes, Mark Sessler, and Greg Rosenthal. What up, boys.

Are you, Dan? No, we cannot. No, no, no, no, Craig. Well, there was just... You cannot attempt the Tybee Island inflection of West right off the show. I have a great idea. Gold Center behind the glass. Yes, sir.

In post-production, can you add Wessling's Hay Dan in there? I can do that for you. Well, I want it to be put right next to my version. and the listeners can decide who's more accurate. I don't think it works like that, but yeah. I'm just saying. Or who is better. So we'll just, yeah, we'll try it right now, okay?

Okay. Mark Sessly and Greg Rosenthal. What up, boys? Hey, Dan. Hey, Dan. There you go. Yeah, I can already tell in my head that's going to be a close call, actually. I was skeptical that somehow Greg could be more realistically West than West, but now I see it.

That would be weird. unless you're saying that Wes has become a caricature of himself. Wow. I would never say that. Well, this got ugly really quick. Well, we're going to get Wes on the line later, right? Well, Wes, by the way, is traveling up the coast of California with his lady love from Tybee Island. I don't know if it's a love.

There's something going on with this Wes and this woman. There's attraction. Yes, I believe we had her on the podcast once, or maybe we didn't. We've spoken to her, Mark. You've met her. Wes is now going out with her. Well, I mean, I couldn't say enough nice things. So she's visiting.

So that's why Wes isn't here, but we're going to check in with him and see what's going on. We're also going to bring back the beloved game, What's More Likely, and talk about, it's the what's more likely post-draft edition. So we'll get into some scenarios involving teams now that they have this infusion of talent from around the collegiate game. We're also going to touch it. We're going to touch on the top 100 list. NFL Network is filling that time ahead of the start of training camp

and this has now become an annual right of passage. It is the top 100 of 2014 list. They went through players 90 through 81, I believe, on Wednesday. So we're going to talk about that and just, you know, share some thoughts about it. Get excited, Mark. Why are you shaking your head and you're dismissive of the entire operation? I find the list to be a folly, but we'll get into it later. Yes, we will.

But before any of that, the Goldstander, who's already showed you, his deft touch as a producer. He is behind the glass, and he is going to give us some news. Is that correct? That is correct. Let's do it. Let's do it. Rex Ryan was a guest on WFAN in New York on Thursday, the Mike Franceses Show. Ask the course about the Jets quarterback situation, as you could have guessed.

And Ryan made it clear, once again, that it seems. that Gino Smith is the favorite for this job, at least heading into training camp. His quote, this young man is going to be hard to beat out, even as talented as a player as Mike Vick is. I think Gino Smith has made that big a stride. And again, the proof will be in the pudding

when we play this thing out, but that's my confidence in him. I have said this from the start. I know Wes vehemently disagreed. He sees Vic as the day one starter. Where do you guys stand? Do you think Gino Smith is a starter? Are you starting to come around on the idea

that maybe Vic is going to start the year as the backup? I think with the Jets, if you could have your perfect scenario, you want the young quarterback you drafted to evolve into your starter, not a guy who's about to be mid-30s and on the decline. So that's what they want to happen. So voice that message. Will it go awry? Yes. That about to be mid-30s and on the decline,

that hit a little too close to home for myself. And Greg, I'm sure. I've been on the decline for years. and you speak with your actions. Rex Ryan, no one says more meaningless things in public than him. You speak with your actions, and they sign Michael Vick to a pretty good contract. That's a sign that they want him to play. It's amazing to listen to late period Rex Ryan and how different he is from the guy six years ago.

At one point, Francesa, who everyone knows what Francesa is like, wow, you've really changed. I'll tell you what? That he said. And it's true. Like every question asked the Rex is now it's kind of pulsering doll-type answers. This is not the Rex Ryan. You kind of miss the old lovable lug. But at the same time, I think the only reason he's still employed by the Jets is that he kind of transformed himself.

They got to him. And now before he waltzes out of his office, someone's in his ear saying when they ask this question, this is how you and your shiny white teeth will answer. Wow. It is. It's kind of dispiriting that it's the truth, though. Like, even Rex Ryan, who seemed like an untamed man, if you're in the cogs of the machine long enough, and I want everyone in this room to take note, if you're in the cogs long enough, you will be tamed.

Let's give the glacier some credit. He might be slow on the old transaction wire, but he's been effective in his mind games with Rex. He's got him under his thumb. Absolutely. And congratulations to former Jets general manager, Mike Tanibam, who was the agent behind Steve Kerr. is big deal with the Golden State Warriors. A five-year, $25 million deal for a guy that's never coached in the NBA. Friend of the program.

He came up to Mark and I at the league meetings, and he said he listens to the Around the League podcast. Right, and I don't mind dropping a name drop right now. I like the ability NFL GM able to go cross to a different sport and pull a complete coup d'etat. It was nice. I had a nice DM direct message conversation because it went back one-and-one. That counts as a conversation.

I said, congrats, man. He said, thanks, man. That's it. Me and Mr. T. There's a relationship. Electric. Moving forward, gentlemen. So, congratulations, Mr. T.

Miles Austin has agreed to terms of the Cleveland Browns on a deal. This comes a day after we heard Jason Garrett of the Cowboys say that they were absolutely open to Austin, perhaps coming back to the Cowboys who cut him in what amounted to, I guess, a salary cap move, a couple of months ago, although Austin's play is obviously declined. The Browns have their own issues with Josh Gordon now, likely facing suspension, so they bring in Miles

Austin, and also Earl Bennett was also signed by the Cleveland Browns on Thursday. So you're adding two more veteran names to the mix. Mark Sessler, your thoughts? It's May 15th, and as of sunrise this morning, neither one of these guys

had been wanted enough by any teams. So I think that's telling. There's not a whole lot of upside here, but it's Ray Farmer, it's the Browns, anticipating, you know, the worst when it comes to Josh Gordon and just stocking up that position group. They needed receivers even if Gordon wasn't potentially suspended, right? I mean, their number three receiver, assuming Hawkins is, even though he's in the slot, he's a starting type of guy, Hawkins, Gordon, when he's out there, and the next guy's Greg Little, you don't even want on your team, so they needed people.

Admit this, though, Miles Austin, very handsome. You know, Cleveland's starting to get, am I wrong? Why is that weird? I didn't come up with that. What does that have to do with the point? I know. Usually, Cleveland's just starting to become a more telegenic team in general. Let's just get these guys, you know, they're preparing for some flex games.

Staked out his ground as the I'm going to decide who's handsome and or not, you know, guy on the front. I'm a guy comfortable in my sexuality that then can make judgments on other dudes. Now, if you could be that guy too, I welcome it. But you've never been that way before, which is why Greg and I reacted with surprise. I'm changing as well. Listen, here's the thing. Let me ask you something. Dan, has Cleveland gotten hotter at the receiver position?

Well, we've talked about, I think even in the old ATL debate club days, we talked about Jimmy Haslam being perhaps the most attractive owner. You know, Chud. That's a bizarre thing to say. Chud was, let's face it, Chud was a five. So you get him out of the mix. You know, yeah, they're a little better looking. And while Menzel's got charisma, we'll give him that. But he looks like a high school senior.

Yeah. So Manzell doesn't exactly... He has youth. I take one issue with what you said about Austin. I think there is pretty high upside for a May 15th signing. I agree. 2012, not exactly the Dark Ages. Just two seasons ago, 943 yards, 66 catches, six touchdowns.

Wasn't lighting the world on fire, but when he played the season before that, very similar production per game, that's very high upside if he can stay healthy. He's only 29 years old. For a guy signed this late, is what I'm saying. If you could scrape 800 yards out of Miles Austin, that's a big win. Well, and they're very determined, I think, to make sure that Greg Little does not see meaningful snaps.

Is Miles Austin their number one receiver right now? Oh, my God. What? Well, Josh Gordon has not been suspended yet, but... Yeah, but if he is. Yes, I mean, that's disturbing to comprehend. Earl Bennett, I don't think, will necessarily make the team. Not a lot to get excited about there.

A slot receiver. He might be better than Greg Little, though. I'm not going to go crazy about Earl Bennett. I agree. Nate Burleson at this stage of his arm ever heals properly. Who knows what you get? But Miles Austin was worth a flyer. And then I wrote the Cowboys Post on Wednesday when there was some hope about him reuniting there.

And I remember thinking myself, that's a little weird that this guy has not attracted anything, considering he's not yet 30. He's about to turn 30. He's had some health issues, yes. But he's also a guy that's been productive. in the past. So I thought that was a nice signing by the Cleveland Browns. We had a big scientist-level back-and-forth blow-torch

session about how good Austin. I mean, Wesleyan, I think it was Miles Austin versus Santonio Holmes. And I believed in Holmes, but he's still out there on the market. Austin's got a job. Maybe they should bring Holmes in. Oh, I love it. Just a wildly disgruntled group

of receivers that had no employment a week ago. With them all in farmers' hands, let him deal with it. All right, boys. Moving on, Michael Sam, the seventh round pick of the St. Louis Rams and the NFL's first openly gay player has announced, or the Oprah Winfrey Network, I should say, announced that it is working with Sam on a reality television program that will show his life as the first openly gay NFL player. To me, this that jumped out at me is a little strange after his press conference in which it was a little uncomfortable. at times, and it appeared, you know, fairly clear that it was not something he wanted to dwell on, that the story aspect of Michael Sam, it seemed to me that he just wanted to kind of be a player

and try to make this team. And then a day later, this comes out. And I'm not saying that, you know, all of a sudden Michael Sam's not authentic or anything, but it's just a little bit, I'm not sure if the timing is right for Sam, who, above all else, when you forget about the social situation and what's the real hook nationally of this story? When you think of it from pure football, this is a seventh round pick, very little shot of making this team. I don't see how this helps him.

I don't think it's a big deal. People saw this immediately and were just like, uh-oh, not a good move by Sam. Don't like this. That's what I just said. Basically, but I don't buy it. It's a six-episode series on a network that no one will ever watch.

And I just feel like, who cares, really? I mean, I see your point, and it does make you look back at the press conference when he was trying to stick just to football, and it's weird. There was a report that came out. The Rams did not know about the series when they drafted him, but they were given a heads up before the announcement came out. And they'll be giving very little access to Oprah's crew, which might not sit well with Oprah, who's a very powerful person.

It's just going to be, you know, follow. following him around, not in the team facility and all that. I just feel like if we're at the point where we're debating the distraction level of Oprah Winfrey show for a seventh round pick, we're just bored. Is this a team that also could wind up on hard knocks? Maybe. I mean, you could have Oprah Winfrey against HBO. They're one of the teams that's eligible for it. I don't think it's a big deal, Greg, but it seemed a little strange to me that he would invite this into the equation at all.

I mean, he has such long odds against himself. I don't know. But maybe he's already looking ahead. Maybe he's smart enough to realize that is a seventh round pick. You know, maybe the Rams isn't really the big picture for him. It's what comes next. I agree with you in the sense that I think it's going to turn some public sentiment against him. So to the level that he cares or doesn't care about that,

I think a lot of people will have a negative reaction to this. And who knows, maybe even some of his teammates and things like that, they'll just, you know, raise their eyebrow kind of like you did. Right, and I'm only a little bit ashamed to acknowledge this, but my wife and I watched the Lindsay Lohan Oprah documentary series. I would have just assumed that. Yes, and I will tell you that it was very well produced and quite entertaining, so I will probably watch us too, which will mean I've watched both Oprah docu-series.

She does have some experience producing television entertainment, Dan. Why would you be surprised that Oprah would piece together A compelling piece of television? So you're putting a cape on for Oprah here? No, not at all. In fact, if nothing annoys me more... Do you think I was taking Oprah to the mat just now? By the way, her mag...

Which you occasionally see her magazine floating around in a newsstand. And like 20 issues in a row, it would be the person on the cover. And there would always be like a blurry Oprah in the background. Like she's always on the cover too with the person. Like just let someone else. have the spotlight. I think she's on every cover. Well, that's the disturbing concept.

You're all over the map. I'm done with it. We should have a around the league magazine. Don't take us out. You know, listen, you want to get into Oprah. I will. Like more serious glum news to get to now. Okay.

So I'm trying to figure out how to Gold Center, how to transition here. You're a professional, Dan. Okay. Let's get professional. I think you would do it by everyone, you know, that's listed. listening right now, imagining a magazine where Mark Sessler was on the cover every month. Maybe people should send in Photoshopped versions of that. That would be fun.

A lot of issues being sold. The magnetic personality for sure. I just made your job harder. Sorry, then. No, that's fun. All right, moving on. Aaron Hernandez, Greg. The former New England Patriots tight end was indicted on Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder related to the deaths of two men outside of Boston Nightclub in 2012.

No, this is not the same murder case that Aaron Hernandez is facing for the death of Odin Lloyd, the semi-pro football player who was shot to death and found at an industrial park near Aaron Hernandez's home in Massachusetts. Also in 2012, this is a separate case, and it does not look good for the former tight end. Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Connolly laid out the specifics of the case during a press conference on Thursday, and the line that really stood out was this. Aaron Hernandez then fired a 38 caliber revolver multiple times from the driver's side of his vehicle into the passenger side of the victim's vehicle.

So not only is Hernandez being charged, he's being fingered by the police and by the district attorney as the shooter. It is grim. This is unbelievable. It's outrageous. It's outrageous. I just can't believe.

If you think about the stuff that this guy is tied in with. Well, we haven't talked about Hernandez on the podcast in a long time. I don't know if we ever have, really. And we, it doesn't get too front and center on our network too often the different aspects of his legal case

moving along until some, like, until it reaches a certain level. And this is a whole other level. It's two more murders. And if you just think of the timeline of everything, it blows my mind. A year ago at this time, they were

rolling through that top 100 series. Right. You know who number 77 was? It was Aaron Hernandez. And we were just talking about him. Aaron Hernandez is a football player. If you go on Twitter right now, his account is still there. Why is that, by the way? It's verified.

And the last few things he was saying was have a great father's day. That was one of them. And just, you know, stupid like, hey, what are you guys doing today? Stuff like that. And that's from late June, and just the fact that we've gone from there and talking about him as the number 77 player to a guy who now has three murder charges again, I don't know. The only thing I can think of that was a parallel in terms of where the scope just gets out of control is where we were with O.J. Simpson one day and then where we were with him the next.

It's like you think completely one way about this guy, and then he's, not that Aaron Hernandez Hernandez was America's darling at any point. But this is all during his career, too. He's sitting there. All of this is happening that he's accused of doing, and then he's going to the OTAs like the next day, you know, that sort of stuff. All right, let's move on. Greg Hardy is also into legal trouble.

He was arrested, the Carolina Panthers star was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault on a female and communicating threats. This is obviously very bad news for the Panthers who have not had a great offseason and now, you know, arguably their best or their second best place. player is dealing with an assault case, the situation is still kind of, we're kind of learning things and piecing it together. It's hard to make out of what exactly happened, but not good news for Greg Hardy. Yeah, accused of, by the accuser of throwing her onto a couch and there was guns involved there that were in the house, we're not going to comment on the legal stuff, and who knows,

that that's all going to play out over time. The football aspect that struck me was, it's interesting that he signed his friend. franchise tender, because if he had not signed his franchise tag, which guarantees his salary for the year, you would think the Panthers would be looking at the situation and considering rescinding it, which they can, they could have at any moment. So by him signing that, that guaranteed that contract, and we'll just have to see how the legal process plays out in any potential NFL penalties, but he's locked into that team for this year. And get us out of this corner.

I would love to. Let's go to something fun. Let's get the, let's get this thing going. The good NFL players. Yeah, let's talk about the good people. Not to say that those are bad people, we don't know. But let's move on and let's talk something truly important, the top 100 list. Yeah.

How about that? Hernandez not on the list this year. Hernandez missed the list in 2014. Revealed the 90 to 81 were revealed. field on Wednesday night. Dave Damashek was on the after show. Damashek, really? I don't know if you've noticed, Necky, for a guy that is always in the newsroom

talking about how he needs opportunities and wants heat. He's getting a lot of heat lately. You've showed up on TV a lot. Yeah, it's great. Everyone should watch it. It was a fun show. I watched it. Silver and Damashek, likable fellas.

Heath Evans looking at Damashek, and you can't tell what Evans, what's going through his mind, but it potentially isn't good. I think that's what I love. he puts everyone on their heels and I think Shaq last year did a knockout job and he's back so a reason to pay attention to this otherwise bizarre endeavor

Well get into it. Why do you think it's bizarre? Because well it's voted by the players so you know it's not voted by the fans but some of the results should we just start with one that well yeah well let me just they unveiled the top 10 over the weekend or the bottom 10 and

Matthew Stafford was at 100 you had Jason Witton in 98 and then you had The one that stuck with a lot of people that have been following this. Matt Forte came in at 91, who's coming off a season in which he had nearly 2,000 yards from the line of scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. And then they revealed the next 10 on Wednesday night. You had Eddie Lacey at 90. Charles Clay comes in at 89. So according to this list, this list that the players decided on, Charles Clay is a better player than Matt Forte.

And I can't wrap my head around that. DeMarco Murray at 87. Evan also had a Matt Forte, and then you have Jordy Nelson at 83, who is a stud-wide receiver, and then Kaepernick at 81, which actually seemed kind of fair. All it tells me, because when we vote for things, and it's almost like a year in review to some degree, it's that a guy like Forte who is just, to some, painfully consistent. I mean, the guy has just been that guy year after year. Somehow he's not exciting enough when Clay obviously made a ton of big plays for the Dolphi,

And it's not that we don't like Clay. Did he? Did he? He had a fine season in a pinch when they had no... Not compared to Jordy Nelson or Matt Forte. All I'm saying is that it's not that Clay is a bum. I mean, the guy came in when they had no tight end. But the fact that he's put there above Matt Forte, and you look at the way this list is constructed,

it's impossible to view this thing with any credibility. Can you cut that gold center so Mark says clay is a bum and then send it to the Dolphins? That's exactly what I was going to be... I spent like an hour on a... December morning writing about his season because I thought he honestly was an excellent player from Miami but this is outrage. So that's how

we'll send out the tweet, right? Clay is a bum dashed Mark Sessler. I just got a DM from Clay he says that he wants to beat you off. Oh boy. Sessler comma who wrote Fawning Post in December comma turns on Clay. Well this list is supposed to be

the top 100 players of 2014. So that's the upcoming season. So maybe all these players that were voting, they just had a Sessler, if you will. That, watch out, this guy's... And they've worked out about as well as mine have a play. Yeah, that watch out, we're going to see

a whole new Charles Clay this year. He better be whole new. Because the guy that played for the Davins last year, nice player, but he's not better than Matt Forte. No. I do want to say that the show, if you watch it, It's pretty cool. It's not even something that I would have immediately been attracted to

if I wasn't working here necessarily. It's like, oh, another list. They're just kind of like making, you know, content because you need to. And there is a level of that. But if you watch the show, I was watching one of them today and listen to the players talking about the other players, you hear some stuff that you don't hear elsewhere. Roddy White was talking about Brent Grimes

and just saying he thinks that Grimes is the best athlete in the NFL. And he was talking about his foot speed. He was talking about how Grimes on one play backpedaled, then went forward and made a tip catch. And someone was talking about weddell like that. Well, it's also a former teammate. Right, it is. But he was talking about how his ups are unlike any NFL player. I wouldn't have really ever thought that about Grimes.

And then they showed it. And he makes this great leaping play. And you're like, oh. Here's what I take away from it also on the positive end is, yeah, you could kind of write it off as some junky thing. They're rolling out to kill time on the network. But it is, A, well produced. B, the players are in. involved with it so you know it is it does give a certain level of truth that these are the guys

that are in the league and see the players care i mean they care where they're ranked if you're following social media when these guys come on the show it you could see you know forte was clearly perturbed to be where he was so it's kind of a cool thing especially this time of year to have something that has some tangible value at least to the players and these are the people that you're watching you're right i know dan that was you're going to get a lot of pats on the back but it's not that The concept is a mess. It's that some of the results are just conversation starters. Anything else bother you about the list?

Well, let's say something I think they got right, which is Kaepernick at about 81, which is where he was a year ago. They have him, I think, is the 13th or 14th quarterback on this list. Stafford is 13. All right, so somewhere between 12 and 14, gentlemen, reigns Colin Kaepernick. I think they got that right. At this stage, I agree.

It was such a big question going into last year. Like, what is Kaepernick going to be? And what he ended up being, which I think this reflects, is about the same as he was a year ago. He took some steps back and then he made some improvements and it all amounted to a pretty flat line type of year. But no one, I mean, and also, by the way, he stayed where he was when you take his receiving core, you strip it away. He's got a chance to jump up this list this season with the receivers they've added. I love Forte. he had almost 2,000 yards from scrimmage,

Reggie Bush is not in the same classes. DeMarco Murray does nothing better than Matt Forte on a field other than running a straight line fast. That's the only thing Murray does better. Every other possible football's trait that you could come up with, Forte's better at it. Kiko Alonzo thought was a little high too. And I think we all agreed Jordy Nelson's vastly under the year.

I thought, not appreciated it. Reggie Bush, I agree that he doesn't, deserve to be where he is here. And I thought that 2013 season for Reggie Bush was La Raville Magnifico, the Great Reveal. You put him in the exact ideal situation for a man of his skills and his abilities, and he stayed healthy for most of the year. And he had some really nice moments, but he also had trouble with ball security. And, you know, he was on balance a good running back with ability to catch a ball out of the backfield,

but not great. So he is what he is. Like there's no more the Reggie Bush hype train can roll on from now into eternity, but he is what he is at this point. Which is a good player.

He's good. Yeah. Is this, does this list tell us what, if you're a defensive player, I'm going to rank guys on how hard they are to prepare for during the week and deal with on the field where you look at a guy like Stafford,

he's not higher. They don't care about stats, I'm saying. Stafford's stats have been outrageous over the years, but he's so far down this list. I've noticed some quotes that I've either read while, you know, doing research for around the league or I've seen on TV where... You do research? Hells, yeah.

Huber, hubba, hubba, in which guys have had less than glowing kind of comments about Stafford. I don't know if he has a great reputation around the league as one of the true great quarterbacks. And this list kind of tells you that. It also tells me a lot of dolphins are voting because there's no other way. Charles Clay gets in the top 90. Don't tell a handsome hag that. I mean, right? There is no other chance.

There is no chance that anyone who is not on the dolphins voted for Charles Clay. And the way it works is you vote for your top 20. You don't even vote for the top 100. Every player votes for their top 20, and that's all averaged out into top 20. So that means some people had clay in the top 20. Yikes. A lot of dolphins voted Clay over Tannahill. Right.

You know, I guess Daniel Thomas voted in. Half his teammate. Classic Daniel Thomas move. All right, boys. Do we have anything else to say on this? I'm sure it will come up again. And when Wes is back, I'm sure Wes will destroy the entire process. So we can just stick a pin in it for now.

All right, folks. Gold Standard. It's that time. This is Goldsend, his favorite part of the show. Live from Culver City, California, it's America's favorite game show. What's more likely? All right. You know, we don't know how much longer Gold Center will be with us.

He may be forever, maybe not much longer. You never know, but we'll always have that, Zach. It's true. Your voice will always be in the studio, at least for that. It's a wonderful legacy. Thank you. I'll have the memories of you dancing around back there just now as a giddy little schoolgirl. I had some buggy shoes.

I'm glad you went with girl on that one. All right, so this is a game that we've played several times. This one's not very complicated at all. We take turns and we throw out two possibilities, and we ask, What's more likely? So, why don't we play the game? And I will get it going. And, you know, just feel free to be honest in your opinions.

That's all we ask. Mark has never done anything with. Wow. What's more likely? Cody Latimer has a 1,000-yard season in 2014, or Eric Decker has a 1,000-yard season in 2014. Eric Decker, I see what you're doing here. You're just trying to create a question

where we have to answer with a positive thing about the Jets. Nailed it. No, I mean, what do you mean? That's a great question because a lot of people think that Decker, his value will be depressed statistically. Meanwhile, oh, Cody Latimer immediately is going to go right into that Broncos offense and become a playmaker is, you know, what's more likely? Well, Latimer right now, still nursing a foot injury, may not really be ready to roll until training camp.

But in an offense that broke records last season, I'm going to go Decker, though, because the Jets just don't have too much else at the position. I can't believe this is not a good question. It's not even, you can't even take it seriously. I attempted to. Cody Latimer is a rookie who's maybe going to be their. fourth receiver. I mean, have you ever heard of a guy named Damarius Thomas and West Welker and

Emmanuel Sanders they just signed? Wow, Emmanuel Sanders. And then you've got Julius Thomas taking things. I wouldn't, I don't think Vladimir would make it over 500 yards, 200 yards. I attempted to answer the question in a serious manner that would shine a light on gang green for Dan, just for Dan. Listen, I think Decker has a good chance, too, by the way. I am, I'm not negative on Decker.

I don't think a good chance at a thousand yards receiving is not what it was at another time. So I don't think it's announced. For the Jets it is, they have had one in the past 10 years. You know, it's not going to make him some sort of, you know, elite, sudden New York, you know, mind-sweeper. He'll be fine. I don't know what that means. Mind-sweeper. All right, and I can't wait until Greg goes because I'm going to go nuts, whatever it is.

Mark, your turn. What's more likely? All right, Johnny Mansell in Cleveland. wins more games or Teddy Bridgewater wins more games for the Vikings Hmm Hmm

I thought about this I had a tough time with this one I think that Josh Gordon messes everything up I can't figure it out I don't know what the Browns are anymore because of Josh Gordon But then again

I've already gone on record saying that Teddy Bridgewater will be out of the league So, just to clarify, it's not Vikings or Manzell wins. It's not Bruns. I mean, Vikings are Browns wins. If Bridgewater's on the bench, he doesn't get credit. You've got to factor in how many starts, how many wins, not team wins.

I feel good about this. Manzell. And it's not just because I think he's a safer bet to start more games. I think the Browns are a better overall team. With or without Gordon, I would take Manzell. And I feel good about it. Good defense. They don't have to just win it on their rookie quarterback.

don't like the Vikings at all so that certainly helps i think i like the the brown easy with josh gordon in the picture with josh going out of the picture i still think the browns have a better roster and then i like mansell better as a quarterback uh we don't know if how long it will take for manzell to get in the lineup which is uh west's softball pants uh debate is all about but yeah i think the brown listen i think the browns could be an eight and a team this year plus i don't see the viking minzel doesn't have to worry about my boy matt castle because when the Castle Nader starts out there with a couple of wins. That is a nickname that needs work right there.

But he starts out the season with a couple of wins. Forget about Bridgewater. I don't think he's going to start out any season, but I do think that I asked a question right there with the generated conversation, some debate. Some thought. I see, you guys are the same route, though. You got a positive response about your team.

Listen, Dan and I need to do what we can to get the good PR role. You better be careful, though, because one of our top bosses spoke to us in the newsroom just this morning and lamented the amount of Brown's coverage in a recent podcast. I know. You want to know what it is because after one week,

that's too much. Versus a decade plus of endless Tom Brady and Peyton Manning County. Wait a minute. We are, we have tired of the news out of Cleveland. This has been two or three podcasts of this. I do feel we do talk about the Browns a fair deal. I think it's too much.

Enough's enough. Well, I'm not going to talk about Dominique easily or the Patriots in my little thing. What's More Likely? Let's go to the wide receiver position. What's More Likely is dropped. You've got to just roll out with your scenario. Hosting 101. I got it.

Do you want to try it again? Okay, let's do it. What's more likely? Sammy Watkins goes over 1,000 yards receiving for the bills, or Mike Evans goes over 1,000 yards receiving for the bucks. This is easy for me. I go Evans. I think that that offense is set up for a guy like Evans to come in.

We saw what Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson did last year, and they've got... Mike Williams didn't do a lot. Well, no, but when before the quarterback situation turned into utter chaos, two tall receivers too a lot of going on there i like evans what my problem is more buffalo e j manual remains a total question mark to me have a hard time calling anyone in that offense a thousand yard receiver as an automatic here's my issue with your issue is that you you write e j manual as a question mark and that's fair but i'm not so sure sold as the rest of america that jacquit

is now a franchise quarterback forever and ever i could just as easily see that flame out and then you, if Glennon enters the picture, maybe, you know, that's a good backup situation. So I get that. Now, I will say this. I'm not, I never professed to be a big college football watcher, but I've heard enough about Sammy Watkins to be told that this is a guy that is a monster, monster prospect, that the bills, Doug Whaley was so high on him that he was willing to potentially trade up to number one in this draft to try to secure him.

He ended up having to trade up to four and got it done. I'm just going to go on what I'm hearing. and what we're reading and say this guy's so good that he will have a breakout rookie season that will put him over 1,000 yards. Whaley also called Evans the type of receiver that Buffalo misses and is missing and needs because he's a big, tall guy

that can win jump ball matchups. Evans is going to thrive in Tampa. That team's going to go to the playoffs. And I don't listen, Jeff Tedford's a good quarterback coach. It's not Mark Trestman. It's not Mark Treasman, but he does a good job with that offense. McCown is not going to fall off the edge of a cliff.

And by the way, I'm not sure that Glennon doesn't come in and continue where he left off last season. I'm loving that I inspired some heat right here between you, too. That's called a good question, different answers, arguing. Very self-congratulatory pod so far today. All right. Unlike all our other ones. Yes.

What's more likely? Blake Bortles is out of the NFL by 2018 or Teddy Bridgewater is out of the NFL by 2018. Gentlemen, I know you're saying I'm going to skew negative here and that's not fair, but the truth of the NFL is this. Most of these quarterbacks fail. Most of them struggle and don't become what these teams think they will be. At least one of these gentlemen and maybe both will be out of the league

or at least hanging on a roster, Brady Quinn style. I'm asking you which one is more likely. Wow Listen Hey welcome Hi I'm Dan Reality answers Neither is

Neither is more likely What I don't know It's not likely at all I don't like the question Let's go Bordels I guess If I had to choose

One to be a Total washout I would choose Bordals I don't think that's going to happen Because to be out of the league Or close to it

As a first round quarterback is nearly impossible to do You have to be Jamarcus Russell No in that short of a time span I mean that's before the end of his rookie contract

I'm just saying maybe he's hanging around like you said as a backup or a third string or like a Blaine Gabber in San Francisco or something like that to me it's Bordos because he's the bigger X factor coming from Central Florida the raw toolsy sort of prospect that everyone is thinking is going to develop

at the NFL level to me that's Bordle so I'm going to go with that I mean Dan you have to I mean I don't want to answer the question you have to predict a major interest injury to have a guy at that time frame no you don't I'm asking I'm asking I'm not predicting that Friday well I'm saying who will be okay all right if not out of the league very close to it let me answer the question I will I will go also with Bordels but I'm going to spin it in the for me it's it's a positive about for me Bridgewater and that he is considered an incredibly intelligent passer that's excellent on the board that can learn offenses quickly I think

He's an asset as a backup if he isn't a starter. And he's also known as a really accurate guy, a guy that I think has something to offer almost anywhere he goes. I think he'll still be with the Vikings. Jacksonville, a team in flux to some degree. I like what they're doing, though. But Bordles, you're right, just maybe more of a wild card. I feel like Bridgewater has a lower or a higher floor,

whereas he's safe. The worst case in error, I feel like for Teddy Bridgewater, is he's going to be a good backup. Whereas Bordels, you kind of don't know. All right, so we're running a little short on time. So why don't we roll through the rest of this? We kind of do a little bit of a lightning round, what's more likely. Get excited, people.

Mark Sessler started off. Lightning round. What's more likely? Bishop Sanky for the Titans has more touchdowns or Chris Johnson for the Jets has more touchdowns at the end of the season. Ooh, this is testing my lightning round. I'm going to go with Sanky. I'm high on him.

I did a piece on the site. Which rookies are going to touch the ball the most? Sanky, number one, by far. I think he's going to be rookie of the year. Bishop Sanky. I would say Sanky, and there makes a lot of sense why he maybe should be, because Sean Green just had surgery and there's not a lot there. But also the Titans are terrible.

I don't think they're going to score a lot. I think the Jets are hardcore ground to pound. I think Johnson's got something to prove. Chris Johnson. Chocking. He went with the Jets. What's more likely? Bishop Sanky wins rookie of the year, or Johnny Manzell wins rookie of the year. Manzell?

Yeah, I would just, I'd always go with the quarterback, and I think they're both tough calls on that one. I'm not sure I'm solo in this Sanky blowing the world up. I think there's a lot of touches for a bad football team. I'm going, Manzell. Yeah, Greg, I know you love Sanky. It's almost getting a little weird. your love of Sanky. But Manzell is set up so well that if he thrives,

it's going to be Johnny Mania across the nation. And I think that's where your money is. People are calling Sanky the next coming of Vic Ballard, by the way. So I don't know if it's saying that. Give him the hardware. No one's saying that. What's more likely? All right.

This is a four way. Here we go. Wait, wait. Oh, you're breaking the rules. I have no regard. You set that up in a very Charlie Casserly way. Like, all right. See, I got something big set up here.

Because I don't even know how to actually say this, but a quarterback switch will first be made by the Browns, the Vikings, the Jags, or the Raiders. What's most likely? I'd go Raiders because they have the second. I think they're going to start with Shab, and it's not going to last too long. Then you go to car.

It'll be quick. Three weeks. Who are my other options? Browns, Vikings, Jaguars, or the Oakland Raiders? Jaguars. They'll start with Chad Henney. do the Blaine Gabbard move where they, you know, they go like two weeks and then put...

So you don't believe a word coming out of anyone's mouth in Florida? No. Florida... I wish you weren't a liar. Florida's got issues, you know? Fair enough. What's more likely? Blake Bordles throws for 3,000 yards as a rookie.

Or the Tom Savage conspiracy is revealed. He never shows up for practice, and it's learned he is indeed not a human. I'm going savage because we've seen literal no... There's no tangible proof that he exists as on the human realm. Yeah. He's a creation. He's Fugazi.

What's more likely? Wes comes back from his weekend jaunt up the coast with his lady friend as a man in a committed relationship. Or single and ready to mingle. I'm going in a committed relationship because otherwise we're essentially rooting against. Not necessarily, it's just what you're feeling. Look at it like, put on your analyst hat. I'm sticking with that. I am too.

I think the table's been set for that. And, you know, why would I wish anything but... You're not wishing. You're analyzing the situation. I can't separate my wishes from my analysis on this one. Well, we're going to get him on the phone. I'll put my analyst hat on. He's treating her to a pretty nice weekend here.

Can we, Gold Center? get Wes on the line? Yeah, let's do it. You'll notice I did not give my answer because after the way you guys set it up, I feel bad telling you how I feel. Hashtag analysis. I think he's sober right now?

Yes, of course. He might be predisposed. Hello? Chris Wessling. Yes, sir. This is the Around the League podcast. How are you, buddy? I'm doing great.

I am in the least creative city in America. Oh, boy, he's flying already. Where are you? Well, I'm Pock. What makes it so void of creativity? Their street names are all letters of the alphabet. I'm on L Street. Well, Wes, you can't even come up with names.

you're anti-letter streets i didn't realize that i'm anti uncreativity can't we come up with some names here i like that west's lady friend is on the other end of this rant i'm sure you've had a conversation i like that he has a take on everything yeah what west you'll be happy to know we just played the game that everyone loves what's more likely what's more likely and you were the final question we're just curious without getting to too many specifics how are things going right now with you and your lady friend everything's going great is she next to you right now she is you want to talk to her no no no do we want to talk to her all right put her on hello hey what's up this is dan hanzas with the round of the league podcast mark sessler and hey what's up hey mark

how are you good good to talk to you again oh yeah you guys are old friends oh we're old friends we go way back how are things going with west right now oh good is he trying to uh drive up the Pacific Highway. Is it, I mean, it seems like he's set up something nice for you guys this weekend. It seems like he's put some effort in. He did. I'm very proud of him. Or did you set up, this is Greg Rosenthal, by the way.

Hey, Greg, how are you? I'm doing well. Did you set up the whole weekend and he's just kind of chauffering you around? I set up none of it. Oh, impressive. Very nice. I will tell you what. I'm sorry, what's your name again?

Aaron. Okay. Aaron, I'll tell you what. it sounds like you got a nice weekend plan and Wes he must like you that's all i can say maybe hmm so yeah we have a great weekend all right have a good weekend enjoy it give us west back please hello all right west nice setup looks like you got a good setup for the weekend i do yeah and um don't mess this up man it's she's she's a good girl man i'm in a good spot we're staying off the freeway you know uh

What does that mean? You mean there was like motels and things of that nature? Like, no, we're going to go a little inland. No, up the Pacific Coast. I think he means his drive. He's not going on. It's like the cops can't find us. I'm not a freeway kind of guy.

Well, just tell Aaron next time Dan will even know her name, so it'll be fantastic. And Wes, yeah. So have fun. And we'll see you on Monday. And you're going to tell us all about your adventure. but everything sounds promising. Oh, yeah. It's going to be great.

All right, man. Listen, he sounds a little distracted right now. Well, as he should be. Well, he is driving a, like, large mechanical vehicle hurtling through California. And he's not just driving any car. West is driving Big Irish, you know, Big Mali, which I call it, the car that barely is operating at this point. I am not driving my car, no. Big Molly's gotten the weekend off.

All right. Big Irish. Big Irish. All right. So, Wes, have a nice weekend, and we'll catch you on the other side, buddy. Okay. See you got. Farewell.

Yeah, Greg, you don't have to blow up my spot that I forgot the woman's name. Yeah. That's my own personal problems. I took it because we already had mentioned her name before as Aaron. I thought you were checking, giving her an opportunity to not provide her name. I thought that was some high-level hosting there. But obviously not the case. Not at all.

Not the case No Okay So we'll see how that That actually You blew up your own spot My friend I know

We'll check in with Wes on Monday That is it We got to go That's it for Thursday's edition of the round the league podcast We'll be back

Three more shows next week Three more shows mark So lock in Be ready Be prepared Until then This Stan Hansa Signing off

For the Sizzler The Boss And the Gold Standard Behind the Glass Until next week Hey, everybody, Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the 6, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies

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