NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - Post-Draft Questions for EVERY NFC Team

Episode Date: April 28, 2026

Gregg Rosenthal is joined by Jourdan Rodrigue and Patrick Claybon to take a look at the state of the NFC now that the dust has settled on the NFL Draft. The crew starts with a breakdown of the NFC Eas...t followed by the NFC South, NFC West and NFC North. NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I am Greg Rosenthal. I know that, Greg. We're teaming up on 40s and free agents, the podcast that owns the NFL offseason. This is where teams are built.
Starting point is 00:00:15 Free agency, combine, pro days, trades. Every move matters. From my draft boards and mock drafts to my vaunted top 101 free agents and how rosters come together. Quarterback movement. Surprise signings. We'll tell you what it means. And who really.
Starting point is 00:00:30 Really wins. Open your free IHeart radio app. Search 40s and free agents and listen now. Welcome to NFL Daily where we're bringing the energy. I'm Greg Rosenthal here in the Chris Wesleyan podcast studio. Got a delayed laugh there from Jordan Rodriguez. I'm just thinking about what Patrick just said about your jacket. Patrick, Patrick said it was bringing the energy. I'd never heard that word before. Patrick Claibon's in the house in the Chris Wesleyan podcast studio. It's all I thought you had, you said energy, and I thought you said menergy. Yeah. Because I looked at your jacket, which is so masculine.
Starting point is 00:01:10 Is it? And I was like, you know what? That jacket's given menorgy. I mean, it's more of like a checkered like you could see wearing it at Christmas or something. Yeah. Okay. With a cigar? Sure.
Starting point is 00:01:20 Let's go. You need an ask. I do. You know what I don't need. What's that? Any more shows? No, I don't know. No, we've got two.
Starting point is 00:01:33 shows this week back to back that are two of my favorite shows of the entire season. I was going to say I don't need like any more time to talk about these teams because we are going to talk about all 32 in the next two shows. NFC up first. AFC coming up in your feed soon after that. Have you prepared, Jordan, are you ready for the three minute clock? Yes. And the NFC is my happy place. Okay. Fair enough. She's an NFC girl and she's not up first. We're going to start with myself, three minutes per team, all 16 NFC teams, and I'm going to start with the Dallas Cowboys. It was hard not to absolutely love the Dallas Cowboys draft.
Starting point is 00:02:15 The fact that Caleb Downs fell to them, and then they traded up to make sure it happened. Malachi Lawrence adding some juice off the edge and then a really fun pick in terms of J. Sean Barham, who they are going to play at linebacker. Some people liked them at Edge. That's where he played his last year at Michigan. but I think he's going to be more in that Arvel Reese, Zach Bond style where you use him as part of the rush plan, but he's at linebacker.
Starting point is 00:02:41 They also signed Marcus Valde's Scantling on Monday, which has been good luck if you want to win games. George Pickens, by the way, did not sign his franchise tag despite reports of the contrary. I'm just getting rid of some of the news. Now that this draft has happened and you go through their entire roster and these three rookies seem like they're going to contribute and the defense has really been rebuilt.
Starting point is 00:03:07 I know Jordan was with me on day one of the draft. So I'll start with a man who once loved to root for DeMarcus Ware. Are we going to do this? Are we all aboard? Are we ready to gas up the Dallas Cowboys as a real deal team in 2026? Where's the place to not in terms of the guys that were hurt are coming back? the guys that those guys being hurt provided the draft capital for in some capacity worked out and teams passed on Caleb Downs to the extent that he was available for the Dallas Cowboys to take at 11.
Starting point is 00:03:40 So what's the major criticism other than, you know, the weird thing with Michael Parsons. Right. That was bad. That would be nice to look at this team. Oh, that. But yeah. You know what's crazy is other than just the Cowboys of it all, maybe the biggest question is the offensive line? Like the ceiling is really high,
Starting point is 00:04:02 but between Tyler Guy in and Cooper Bebe and Tyler Booker and Terrence, like it could go wrong, but I just love this draft. I love this team. And I thought, because I had them one minute making the playoffs last year. Do I always overrate the Cowboys? I went back and looked through NFL.com predictions
Starting point is 00:04:18 over the last five years. Not once have I predicted them to win the division. And two times, I didn't have them in the playoffs at all when Consensus did. And they made it once. They didn't make it. So in general, I haven't been higher than contentist, I think they're going to be really good. I fear they have been cooking. Yes.
Starting point is 00:04:33 Yes. And I, I really, I like that they, uh, paid attention to their defense with the first, their first three picks the day one and the first of the day two picks. I like that they did bring in tackle depth. Our analysis at the athletic, Dane Bruegler is, is pretty high on Drew Shelton's long term development. So you're continuing to add to fourth round pick pretty high, really, really quality position that they've historically, they've historically been pretty solid, even though his name is not
Starting point is 00:04:56 Tyler, um, and the Tyler's have worked out pretty. well. He could still be a solid developmental guy who's depth at first and then could play eventually. And I love the scheme fits matching with Christian Parker and what we know Christian Parker is going to run this Vic Fangio-esque
Starting point is 00:05:12 defense. I love the post about him teaching the defense to Jerry Jones, which I would have loved to sit in those rooms, quite frankly. I would have too. Jerry Jones, you know, underrated ballplayer back in the day back at Arkansas with Jimmy Johnson. I don't know if he was any good. But he played.
Starting point is 00:05:28 That's pretty good. Giants, they're up next. You got him, Jordan. Yes. So after the Dexter Lawrence trade, they obviously had pick five and ten. They went with Arville Reese at five. It sounds like they're going to play him pretty with a lot of versatility. This is a question we had last year about is Abdul Carter going to play more inside linebacker?
Starting point is 00:05:48 There was a lot of sort of chatter coming out of that building through the beat riders from the defensive perspective about potentially moving him into that place. Now they have a guy who can do that for them in Rvel, reason, obviously contribute, because apparently they are now not trading Kvon Tibido, which it had been reported that they were. They were reportedly looking for a second rounder, according to something on Tuesday,
Starting point is 00:06:11 which is a high asking price. And then they weren't. And then I also really liked the John Harbaugh statement of intent pick at number 10. This was clearly going to be the John Harbaugh, you know, decides what tone he wants to set. And it's Francis Maui Noah, the absolutely massive offensive. lineman who I think is going to be able to slide into guard for them and has projected that
Starting point is 00:06:32 that's projected to be a pretty good fit. And it's a place of need for him to play in the short term as well where he would potentially be needed outside in the longer term. He could help right away in the short term. My question is, are you guys all joining me in one of my favorite hobbies over the past several months, which is to watch the Giants beat reporters get back to their regularly scheduled programming of wondering if Joe Shane is get fired. Oh, man. Yeah, always. I love an itchy media group. Spicy. In terms of, you know, evaluating the circumstances. That's one way there. I hope they don't put their finger on the scale too much in terms of the outcomes there. But I just,
Starting point is 00:07:15 I just enjoy a group of people united in one goal, which is chaos. Yeah, there was a lot of quest kidding this week of like, could he get fired this week? And now that the draft is over, it almost seems like kicking him when he's down. He's obviously pretty lower on the totem pole considering his GM title in terms of personnel decision making. Like you might be third, fourth. Yeah. I have a feeling he'll stick around,
Starting point is 00:07:40 but I also will be tracking, and this is more for John Harbaugh. Maui Noah versus Caleb Downs, just like Caden Proctor, who will talk about for the dolphins in AFC. Just going to track that. Also, do we think they did enough for DART? Like, they're running back,
Starting point is 00:07:55 it's like Scataboo and Tracy. Scataboo off an injury. They bring in likely, you know, Darnel Mooney, Calvin Austin, Darius Slate, like, it's not terrible, but did they... Well, I think they only want two receivers. I mean, they need depth, obviously.
Starting point is 00:08:08 They're going to run 12 personnel all the time. I mean, that's John Harbaugh. They're going to be doing that. And certainly with the tight end that they already had and then also bringing in likely, that just seems to me to be totally in the card. So you're looking like at a two by two there instead of a three by one.
Starting point is 00:08:23 Sure, but even the teams that major in two tight ends on the field. It's like under half the time. So, I mean, you need death. I mean, look at John Harbaugh. I know, I know that, but look at John Harbaugh. It was like Zay Flowers and then they were the only dominant 12 personnel team where their percentage was higher 12 personnel than 11 last year in the NFL. And Malik neighbors will be coming back. We'll be tracking that throughout the off season. You got the Philadelphia Eagles.
Starting point is 00:08:47 Yeah. So the Philadelphia Eagles get a, what feels like a literal steal and getting McKay Lemon off with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And they're in your draft. your eventual Dallas Gowder replacement as he gets that one year deal on one of the more explosive tight ends like King and Sadiq kind of took everything away and all the attention, but Eli Stowers, a very explosive tight end out of Vanderbilt and Ad Markell Bell in the third round where it's a solid selection of players to go to another talented roster. But my question, which has been a consistent question throughout the offseason, what was specifically
Starting point is 00:09:21 the biggest problem with the 2025 Eagles who were the defending Super Bowl champions? and what does this draft specifically do to address that is Howie are fraud. Whoa. What? That last part is it. Just to get everyone's head. Well, we're going to find out if he was just, you know, an Alic Halliby merchant. The assistant GM front of the show walked away from the Eagles after 17 years,
Starting point is 00:09:49 kind of as Howie's right-hand man. And really for the last, you know, a handful of years really was kind of the number two to Howie. So that's a little bit of a joke there about Howie, but happy trails to Alec. I think they had a really good offseason. And I think A.J. Brown, obviously, that trade is to come. But I think the Jonathan Grenard move is, you know, one of the 10, 15 best players to change teams this off season.
Starting point is 00:10:13 So that that shouldn't be slept on. To answer your question, I guess it's play calling, but, you know, they've been rotating play callers a while. So I think they're hoping it was play calling in the offensive system. I think they told you what they think it is, in part at least, because of the way that they drafted. And that is Mackay Lemon as well as other players, including Eli Sowers, who comes out of that slot or like detached tight end spot as a receiver a lot. Could even refer to by a friend Nate Tice as like, oh, this could be a power slot player. But so could McKay Lemon, really.
Starting point is 00:10:48 And so what that tells me is the on the onus that they're placing on Sean Mannion specifically to draw back to his sort of, like, like Rams, Packers, roots, and have multiple receivers of similar pass catchers specifically that are similar types who are sifting throughout the field, and especially throughout the seams and in the middle of the field and freeing up Devonte Smith on the perimeter. Now, will it work with the quarterback, I think, is the big. Oh, right. Is he the biggest problem? I think they're telling you everything.
Starting point is 00:11:17 That would be such a first take, you know, headline. Are they setting Jalen Hertz up to fail? Is this like a test year of where if Jalen Hertz doesn't play better? with this scheme, then it might be his last year there. I think it's a fair question. Yeah. Well, I just know there's so many third and fourth and ones that are just Jalen Hurtson. And also the fourth and sixes and sevens that are just A.J. Brown down the sideline.
Starting point is 00:11:41 And I wonder how different. Cole Payton, you are running the tush push. And Eli Stowers, I thought was a great point by a friend Ollie. I think he's the A.J. Brown replacement as kind of long-term that power slot type of guy. Power slot. I have the Washington commanders. They went nuts on defense this off season, and it caps with Sunny Stiles.
Starting point is 00:12:09 Based on the reporting, sounds like they wanted Tate or Delane more, and Sunny Stiles ends up falling to them. I think he is a great fit. It's going to be fun to watch him. Here are all the new potential starters for their team on defense. Leo Chanel, Sunny Stiles, Daffa O'e, Charles Menehu, maybe.
Starting point is 00:12:24 Tim Settle, probably. Kalevon Chase on Nick Cross at safety. Amick Robertson, most likely in the slot. Kevler Witherspoon, maybe more as like a fourth corner. But man, that is a lot. Laramie Tunsell is great, but they missed that second and fourth round pick that they gave up for Laramie Tunsell.
Starting point is 00:12:40 And it's a lot of focus on the defense. And so I'll ask a question that's going to be similar to a lot of the ones I've asked. Have they done enough around Jaden Daniels? The draft just didn't fall for them with Jeremiah Love and Tate kind of give us. off the board. They do take Antonio Williams maybe
Starting point is 00:13:00 a slot receiver in the third round. They have a lot of guys on their roster two through six and they're going to try to figure out who can step up from that group, add Williams to that mix. No, they haven't. And I think to go back to the
Starting point is 00:13:16 highway discussion where you know, Jalen Phillips departure needed a replacement there, Jalen Phillips goes to the to the Carolina Panthers. You're able to get Jonathan Gernard as a part of a deal that comes on later where it didn't feel like the commanders had the plant like they needed the Jeremiah Love situation to fall there to make that happen where you have to be proactive in these things.
Starting point is 00:13:40 And I don't think enough was done to facilitate a pure need on offense where it can't all be all on Jaden like it was his rookie year. Well, here's, you know, they added Chigacanquo and Rashad White, two good role players, I would say, in free agency. but in terms of wide receivers after Terry McLaurin, it's Diami Brown, Jalen Lane, Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Traylon Burks, Van Jefferson. It's just, we'll see.
Starting point is 00:14:07 Like, that's a lot of we'll see. And it's a lot of, I mean, there are different players, but it's a lot of like slot players too after your number one receiver in Terry McLaren. And so, you know, I talk a lot and probably had nauseam about dimension in your passing game, different layers. they just don't, they don't really have that, at least on paper right now. Durante Jones is their new defensive coordinator.
Starting point is 00:14:30 I love that they let him cook, honestly, though. This is very much the coach really had a say in some of these traits and scheme stuff. I think it's really, they're one of the units, especially defensively, I'm most looking forward to seeing because they're going to be different. I think they're going to be creative. We could use another Flores type. It's working. It's working for Flores.
Starting point is 00:14:49 And so, yeah, seeing Sunny Stiles with Chanel and Argy, Frankie Louvre next to him. Like, they could be one of the most improved units in the entire NFL, the commander's defense. So that's the, that's the positive. Trade Frankie Louvo to the Cincinnati Bengals. No. I don't know.
Starting point is 00:15:07 I'm just thinking about people who need line back. Yes. I'll accept it after thinking about it a little longer. All right, let's go to the NFC South. Immediate veto, though. My bad instinct, continue. Let's go with the Falcons, Jordan. You are up.
Starting point is 00:15:23 Let's do the NFC South second. Yeah, they only had six picks. They made a little bit more out of the very few picks that they actually had. Probably one of the nicest moments of the draft. The Terrell brothers are reunited at Corner. And it's a good pick, too, because I think he'll contribute immediately. I think, you know, my main questions with the Falcons were also my main questions with the Falcons last year, and that is the quarterback situation.
Starting point is 00:15:46 And then I also am curious about what we actually see or what we might actually see from Kevin Stefansky. Like, will we actually see this guy who continues to get jobs because he is perceived as a guy who can lift the floor and the ceiling for a quarterback? Will we actually see that is my big question?
Starting point is 00:16:09 Well, you know, we're picking on a small sample, but the fact that they brought in Zachariah Branch, a very undersized, not gadget player, but a guy who's going to be running to a landmark Mark, not asked to beat guys one-on-one. And then you add that to Jahan Dotson and Zakiya's who they brought back. It does feel like a Tuatunga-Lyloa type of offense, which Michael Peddick could work that way, too,
Starting point is 00:16:36 I suppose. But it does feel like a- Yeah. Timing and-Po-Po-Poo, like spread them out and throw to the little guys. Timing and spot throws. But those are the positions to add to the Falcons offense where you have two giant receivers. It, you know, I add in Kyle Pitts. as a receiver there.
Starting point is 00:16:55 But him and Drake, London, occupy that particular aspect. And so, yeah, you add some speed guys that you do different things with and see what Stefanski and the Pinnock slash two of it all looks like. What do you make of Adam Schaefter specifically banging the drum
Starting point is 00:17:10 that Kyle Pitts was available throughout the draft? That was, Nico Collins didn't get quite as much attention from our national insiders. But I found that very interesting. like was that I don't know where that was coming from but it was surprising to me that well I part and parcel too this these guys were not shy at all about really really being thirsty for more picks
Starting point is 00:17:34 honestly I mean Ian Cunningham came out and said it a couple of times too and rightfully so they had so few of them to actually use Ian Cunningham was like yeah we really need more picks we really want to get more picks any way we can so that to me kind of goes hand in hand with that maybe it was the search firms because we did have multiple search firms involved. Maybe they, you know, wanted to hold on to that last little glimmer of power to say to Schaefter that he was available. Well, and we'll see if James Pierce gets suspended by the NFL, I would suspect that they do. How about Avion Terrell and AJ Terrell? Six years apart in school, though. So I'm thinking about that. My kids will share a high school senior
Starting point is 00:18:15 freshman. That's pretty exciting. Just that one year. But these two kids, these two guys have been so far apart, six years apart. And now you come together. I just love it. Are you surprised he fell? I mean, I'm not really a draft neck, but are you surprised he fell that far? Not that surprised because he had some injuries late in the process and it's not a fast or big corner.
Starting point is 00:18:33 He's just like good at covering. Yeah, and he's really aggressive and smart. The type of guy that does tend to fall, though, is like he wasn't necessarily like a physical specimen. Yeah. But he's a player. I really like him. Let's talk about the Carolina Panthers.
Starting point is 00:18:48 Normally, this is a Jordan spot, but what I did, what I did here, was I just, I randomized the divisions. And then I was like, Cowboys are up first. I was like, I want to talk to Cowboys. And then I just kept the list the same. And so whatever team you landed on, that's what you landed on.
Starting point is 00:19:03 No preferential treatment for Jordan and the Panthers. You get the Panthers. Okay. Well, I would yield to Jordan. Thanks for explaining all that, Greg. On the Carol. Let people know about the process. Yes.
Starting point is 00:19:14 The most important thing in the process was Greg got the team that he wanted. They get Monroe Freeling as their number one player, number 19. The tackle that a lot of people had questions about athletically, not so much the questions, it's just the playability. And so they take
Starting point is 00:19:31 what, you know, I don't want to call them a reach there, but they do take a player with a high upside. We'll say they add Chris Brazel to the wide receiver room. They get Lee Hunter at defensive tackle. It's important to remember that the Carolina Panthers had to the biggest free agent acquisitions
Starting point is 00:19:47 in the entire league, both on defense. Devin Lloyd and Jalen Phillips, defense that was able to have success late in the season by being opportunistic and taking the ball away. My question is, with this assembly, because they did get, they go cornerback safety, linebackers, well, they get a center in the back end. Is this defense going to be able to be consistently successful in 2026 without necessarily relying on playmakers to take the ball away?
Starting point is 00:20:17 I think they still could try to because their rush allegedly on paper. looks like it'll be better, which will set the corners. The corners were creating some things out of really nothing last year in terms of their, the way the perimeter corners especially were able to make plays on the ball and really played well throughout, especially the back half of the season. And I feel like, you know, I thought what they were going to do in free agency was then say, okay, our outsides are good. Let's focus on the seams and the insides of our defense and on our interior defensive line.
Starting point is 00:20:48 Well, they did that, not just by, you know, adding to the pass rush. but also basically solidifying the spine of the defense with what they did in free agency. But then they kept doing that in the draft and also getting depth guys as well to some of the players that they already have that did succeed for them. This Lee Hunter pick, it really is one that says, hey, you're going to be potentially a Bobby Brown replacement at some point, someone who they think can free up Derek Brown a little bit more, as is his prerogative. And I feel like this Chris Brasel pick is also, you know, they said they weren't going to be shy about, about continuing to add receivers because they're still trying to figure out what that concoction looks like.
Starting point is 00:21:26 And unlike a lot of other teams, Ollie made a great point about this, Greg, on you guys' last episode. Unlike a lot of other teams right now, they're going to be determined to continue to spread everything out in these empty sets and use three receivers. So they're going to keep adding receivers specifically of certain skill sets in order to do that. I think they did something similar to what we'll talk about with the Patriots when they draft. I think they did a good job getting good players at the end of the runs for the,
Starting point is 00:21:51 like before a big falloff at those positions. So Monroe Freeling, like, Ali's number one tackle, you know, they get that towards the end of the tackle run. Lee Hunter, differing opinions on him while we're citing Ali. Like, he hated Lee Hunter, thought that was an overdraft. But he was kind of one of the last of the defensive tackle. And then Brazel, he's got sky high upside for a late third round pick. And they still got to meaningfully add to that position without taking one early.
Starting point is 00:22:19 So it all makes sense to me. I really think they need to add an end. They do not have enough pass rush. And I think they will in free agency. I am honking, but there are a lot of free agent, like, older guys out there. Hassan Reddick, Joey Bosa, Jedevian, Clowny. Like, there are some guys who are going to be added to these teams. And the Panthers, to me, seem like an option.
Starting point is 00:22:39 Don't sleep by Nick Gordon. I thought he played really well. But even then, like, if that's your two, you need a veteran, I think three or you don't feel great. I have the Saints next. I feel weird that they've just done sensible things this off season. You're making a face. You don't think so?
Starting point is 00:22:58 No, I'm just wondering, is an apology in order? No, because we evaluate, well, they did keep Mickey Loomis in a world where I didn't want that to happen. He's had a good year since. Yes. He's got his groove back. We'll see about Jordan Tyson.
Starting point is 00:23:13 That's a high upside, high risk pick. I wasn't as big on, but Kristen Miller in the second as a run stuffing with some upside to be a pass rusher at defensive tackle, thought they timed his pick really well. Oscar Delp could be a really good tight end, I think a little higher ceiling than some of the earlier tight ends that went. And then a potential Caesar Ruiz backup. Can you give me, this is my question, a word. You're a word smith, dear Jordan.
Starting point is 00:23:41 for being really encouraged by what the Saints have done this off-season while also recognizing the roster has a ways to go. I can give you two words. Okay. Cautiously optimistic. Okay, that's fair. Like, it's easy to get from the worst team in the league or expected to be the worst to where they were last year,
Starting point is 00:24:04 which was like, oh, they were kind of frisky and beat some bad teams. It's harder to make the next step. So I think expectations have to stay low. What's your word, Greg? I don't have a word. Oh, I thought you were setting me up and have a better word. No, it's more like...
Starting point is 00:24:16 It's more like Germany. They also signed Martin Emerson, by the way, coming off torn Achilles from the Browns. Do you know, it's... I was wondering if you saw that phone call, the video of the phone call. It was Jeff Ireland, who was calling a prospect,
Starting point is 00:24:33 and the player referred to him as the general manager, and Mickey Loomis was sitting right next to Jeff Ireland. Jeff Ireland goes, oh, oh, I'm not. Let me, he's right next to me. I was like, oh, interesting, interesting reveal dynamic there. Absolutely.
Starting point is 00:24:47 And I think that's maybe been the case for a while. And it might be becoming that way even more. That Mickey Loomis almost acts like the owner. Like, he's maybe a little closer to like a team president. And maybe Jeff Ireland and his scouting staff is doing more. And maybe that's why it seems all more sensible. Yeah. Do you have a word?
Starting point is 00:25:07 Teppidly hopeful. I can't think of one word. Yeah. Tepid is good. I think Tepid is like maybe it's going to be a downslide. Yeah. You know, lukewarm. No, better than that.
Starting point is 00:25:19 You're happy with what's going on. And yet I think just maybe rain it in a little bit. Let's not get over it. I don't know that it necessarily needs to be rained in. Okay. I think they're in that. Let people be happy. That interesting spot where kind of like the bears were.
Starting point is 00:25:35 Yes. Last year. Yeah. Where it's like, hey, let's have fun. where now the Chicago, if it doesn't work out, they got to win the Super Bowl in order for people to be happy. I think the Saints are in a spot where they could, you know, make it to do a visual round,
Starting point is 00:25:49 and it's like, wow, this is really enjoyed it. This is what I'm talking about. I think if they won... There's a scenario where they win six games this year, and I think it's a good year if the offense moves forward. That defense has no juice on it right now. It has a bunch of, like, pretty good players and not many difference makers.
Starting point is 00:26:06 I think of it, well, we'll have all off-season to talk about the scenes. And we will. The bucks are up. The team with the best roster in the division by far. That's sort of where I'm getting at. Yeah, they just got better. I mean, God, Jason Light has really become one of the more dependable general managers in the draft. I mean, and he has a type and he's pretty overt about that type.
Starting point is 00:26:27 You know, he picks up Ruben Bain, our short arm king, and he pairs him with Colizja Cancy, another short arm king. And now they've got Vita Vaya in the mix as well. And so that defensive line is very like Todd Bowles, Jason like kind of exactly what those two like to do and how they like to build. And I think that this is another example of, you know, I think everybody was wondering about Todd Bowles and maybe his job security at the end of last year. But the players that they pick up in Bain, first of all, and then also Josiah Trotter, like they're very, they feel very like these are Todd Bowles players. like these are players that he cannot wait to maximize. You know, they won't have Mike Evans,
Starting point is 00:27:09 but they're still rolling really deep at receiver. Again, because of the way they've drafted in the past, it's funny because the biggest question to me, and I know they've got depth questions, especially in a corner and all that. But like the biggest question to me is still Baker Mayfield. Well, Baker Ball keep on rolling, baby. I think he's set up to do so.
Starting point is 00:27:28 They're another team with incredible continuity. They lost Mike Evans. I think Ted Hurst, obviously he's not going to replace a, future Hall of Famer, but he is that style of wide receiver. One of your favorites, Patrick. My absolute favorite player in the strap. I loved that pick by them. And this is a great, if you love Ted Hurst, I think it's a great situation for him.
Starting point is 00:27:46 Yeah, or both of those guys, both Bain and Hurst, where you could say, you can make a case that they could have gone a lot earlier in terms of their production that they had the way that, you know, people have questioned, because people question the competition for both guys because nobody blocked Ruben Bain all season long. In terms of the top tackles, there weren't that many on his schedule. The best one was playing on his team with him. And with Ted
Starting point is 00:28:11 playing in the Sunbelt Conference where a lot of people see Georgia State and they start to ask questions, but he goes to the combine. He goes to Mobile. He answers all of those. One minute. Where it's tough to pick the spot where this draft could have been that much better. No, Keante Scott. One of my
Starting point is 00:28:27 we had to pick our favorite players on 40s and free agents and he was one of my three favorites. And I think it's a great landing spot for him. Disappointed. He goes on day three in the fourth round. But Todd Bowles knows how to use a safety nickel with a lot of different talent. And so, look, Baker, they brought everyone back other than Mike Evans. It's a big other than. But you have a healthier Chris Godwin. You get year two of Abuca. The offensive line's pretty great. I think he set up for success. Well, and health was really a big issue with the offensive line. You know, even when they had, Tristan Worf's was on the field, off the field, like banged up all year.
Starting point is 00:29:02 Some of the guys on the interior were banged up. Like, I just, I trust his drafts. I trust Jason Light's drafts. And we talked about this in an earlier episode this season, but I look at all of these players and I see a future for them. Like, I see a path for them because of the way that they develop players and the way that they identify them. How about the Trotter dynasty at linebacker right now? Jeremiah Jr. in Philadelphia. And we got another one here in Tampa Bay.
Starting point is 00:29:28 Let's take a break. That's right, Gene. Let's take a break. We have two divisions to go. And we'll hit the NFC West where a lot of spice. After the break. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I'm Greg Rosenthal.
Starting point is 00:29:53 And this is 40s and free agents. The games may be over, but the NFL never stopped. This is my favorite part of the calendar. Yeah, mine too, Greg. Free agency, the combine. The NFL draft Pro Days trades. is where teams reshape their future. This is where Daniel Jeremiah makes his money.
Starting point is 00:30:10 On 40s and free agents, we break down every move that actually matters. From my draft evaluations, mock drafts, and team fits. To my top 101 free agents and how real rosters are built, cap space, contracts, and all the tough decisions included. You got quarterbacks on the move. We got teams rebuilding. It's hope season. Yeah, absolutely.
Starting point is 00:30:31 It's hope season. We'll tell you what's real, what's noise, and what it means for your favorite team. Smart analysis, real conversations every week. I don't know about the smart, but definitely analysis. Listen to 40s and free agents on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Back on NFL Daily, starting off in the NFC West, the most talked about, most important team of the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals. I don't think this is that bad a roster. Patrick, do you disagree? Yeah, it's going to be hard for me to find rosters that I feel, especially if, you know, if it's a Menshu playing situation where it looks a little funny in the light.
Starting point is 00:31:23 But they get a great number three overall pick in Jeremiah I love the circumstances around and the conversation about running backs. I will acknowledge that you get that extra year of control, the vast majority of what's going to be somebody's career is a fair to the player, no, because they get good. ground into pace and they never get really an opportunity to earn the actual value they produce by the team. But, you know, as long as the draft exists, this is a way to get a really good player and have control of their, you know, of their aspects for a very long time. Good thing in the Rams drafted Ty Simpson in the first round. Otherwise, the Carson Beck pick would look a little funny in the light because they, you know, they do have a, I guess, a need at quarterback. They chose to address that in the draft. They get not the other Caleb Proctor,
Starting point is 00:32:08 but the defensive Caleb Proctor out of the southeastern Louisiana, a very athletic player. But my question with regards to Arizona is, despite the fact that we know the names and the faces, all the coaching staff, do we know enough about how they are going to use these players to be confident about the outcome in any particular way? Not particularly, but on offense,
Starting point is 00:32:33 you have a wide receiver group of Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison, and Kendrick Bourne. that's better than a lot of groups out there. I love me some Michael Wilson right now. You have an offensive line where you add to Chase Pisantis, early in the second round. You have a plus starter in Paris Johnson, a popular free agent pickup in Siamalo,
Starting point is 00:32:52 Frohold at center, like plus player. You have an all pro at tight end. You have a potential all pro at running back. I mean, honestly, the expectations for Michael Lefleur I think should be reasonably high on their offense or else why hire him? But they won't be because the rest of the division is that good.
Starting point is 00:33:09 Right, but I just mean for the offense to be good, to be solid. Well, he has to show his work. I think where he really has to show is work because they didn't, they picked up Reggie Virgil in the fifth round here, but otherwise didn't do a ton of work at receiver. Obviously, because of the names that you just listed off, so he's got to show his work in the passing game. And certainly, you know, as they always say,
Starting point is 00:33:29 when you're a coach that comes out of this tree, marrying that with the running game in a way that doesn't just make sense, but also sets up more explosive plays than they were able to get in the past. And by the way, how are you going to do that? Because you don't know who is going to be throwing the ball, which I think is the reason why everybody would be rightfully skeptical of this offense in general and of this entire team
Starting point is 00:33:50 because Jacoby Verset wants a new contract, wants to get paid like a starter. We noted, I love that energy. Keep that up. Ask for what you want. And then if you don't get it, at least you asked. And Garder Minshu is the backup. They're really going to be answering the quarterback question next season versus this season.
Starting point is 00:34:07 and the Carson Beck fans out there, the people who like him, like really, really, really, really like him, think he's the best quarterback in the class, like love the guy. But the ones who don't are completely opposite on him. There's no middle ground with him. I feel like it was a crazy pick. They would have, I think, taken Ty Simpson at some point. Maybe not at the top of the second.
Starting point is 00:34:29 Maybe. Maybe they would have traded back in. And it feels like they just burned a pick because they wanted someone. But why bother? Just go with Minchu and. Jacoby. They didn't add anything to their defense. Maybe we should just quit.
Starting point is 00:34:41 Nothing matters. I mean, they didn't add anything to their defense all offseason. Honestly, if you gave that, I know we're going over on the Cardinals of all teams, if you gave that offense an average starting quarter, if you gave that offense, even Baker Mayfield, who I'm not a huge fan of or whatever. We know. I mean, I think the expectation should be that's a better than average offense. It's actually pretty good on favor.
Starting point is 00:35:04 let's go to the Rams, much better than average offense, year after year. This is a team that returned 22 of 24 starters from a year ago. They literally just swapped out the cornerbacks. It was like they took the most basic evaluation of their team and they did what everyone said. They said, this team's great except for the cornerbacks. We have talked Ty Simpson at length on this show. I think it's a, when you look up the opportunity cost of who they pass, on. That's where I have a problem with it. Max Clare right now might be tight-end four on their team,
Starting point is 00:35:41 but they obviously hope he develops into more. They have a guard who will try to get into the mix. Do you think they, like, I think they need a third receiver, you know, or are the tight ends, you know, enough? Do they feel like that's all going to keep working? Like, just go crazy with 13 personnel? And my question for you, are you at all worried about the vibes? I'm going to go completely off the radar here and just go like, do you worry at all about the vibes coming off one of the toughest losses in franchise history
Starting point is 00:36:11 and then followed by this Ty Simpson McVeigh stuff? Well, less so than those variables, really Greg, more so this is a team that's been constructed to push for specifically a Super Bowl this year. They want to max out
Starting point is 00:36:27 this roster. Some people don't really want to hear it, but it is why and 13 is still crazy to me, but It is why they pick Ty Simpson because they need to make sure they have the quarterback question answered on the other side of however much it costs in waves all the way up into the trade deadline to build this into the best possible team that they possibly can can create in order to win a Super Bowl. That is what they are trying to do. They've made that very clear. They have not been shy about that at all. And also with contracts coming up, to me, these draft classes represent second guy.
Starting point is 00:37:03 who are maybe going to play for them in two years, maybe going to play for them in three years even. But keeping those guys cheap because you're going to extend a couple of people at least from your 2023 class coming up. And so all of that puts such a strain and a stress on a team. The declaration of what you know you must do and anything else is failing,
Starting point is 00:37:25 that is what puts a strain on a team. And I think they can get production from their 25 draft class would really help because they really didn't much last. year. So if Terrence Ferguson and Josiah Stewart and even Mumfield who played a little bit for them, like if they can get more out of last year's draft class this year, that would
Starting point is 00:37:41 help quite a bit. Yeah, it would help and they would need it because the best case scenario for the Los Angeles Rams in 2026 is Ty Simpson does not play a single snap. Meaningful snap of the entire year. And if that's the case, then
Starting point is 00:37:56 it's tough for me to a vision. And I understand, like, you need to address the position. If I thought the player, like, if the evaluation of the player at 13 was there when we talked about all of these guys that are going to have impact and play in the 2026 season that were drafted after Ty Simpson.
Starting point is 00:38:12 Yeah, but you mentioned the guys from last year's draft. At a certain point, you're going to need people to contribute from these draft classes. Otherwise at all, again, looks very funny in the light. This is how really great rosters do decline is to have back-to-back draft classes where you don't get a lot of production,
Starting point is 00:38:32 like in the short or even medium term. It's what happened to the Chiefs. So they're hoping that doesn't happen to them. Same thing with the 49ers, who've been a little up and down with the draft lately. What do you think, Jordan? Yeah, kind of a perplexing draft in many ways. Several reaches specifically in the context of the consensus board,
Starting point is 00:38:49 which I know is a big time dialogue over the weekend. I'm sure everybody changed each other's minds on that with their internet comments. They were ID needs and depth and players that they internally liked, according to them. externally to me, it looked like they followed a couple of patterns. DeJuan's stribling is a pick that I liked for them. He reminds me actually of Joanne Jennings.
Starting point is 00:39:09 Ted Wynn turned me on to kind of like his game of what he does well and how he could potentially fit into a roster. I think everybody was like, is this Debo? And it's not. And then also they kind of followed their pattern of taking a middle round running back who's probably not going to play for them. And also say that Jaden, is it Dugger reminded them of KJ right? Um, it's a really top heavy team all over the place, including the guy that they did bring in to answer some questions that they have and they still have questions about their receivers room in Mike Evans.
Starting point is 00:39:40 They have a lot of guys returning from injury. Um, that would have been my question is what they're going to look like, uh, you know, on the other side of all of getting all of those older players, veteran players back into the mix in George Kittle and Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Um, but actually a spicier question came, uh, from one of the reporters after one of the rounds of the draft, asked. John Lynch a question. This is a local reporter slash commentator Grant Cohn, who was asking John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan about their drafting last week. John, your draft board seems to deviate quite a bit from the consensus. Why are you confident with that, given your track record drafting the last few years? It seems like it leads to you making reaches.
Starting point is 00:40:24 I appreciate that you think that depends who's consensus. We got consensus in this building. and that's the, that's the consensus I care about. No reaction whatsoever from Kyle Shanahan the entire time. Incredible poker face. He could have asked that question like 25% nicer, but I appreciated it. Let's bring back tough questions. That was the question. You know, that was his question.
Starting point is 00:40:54 So he just asked it the way he had the question. And then the follow will be because, you know, I believe it was in that same news about the use of the job. of a large language model, which is essentially the consensus of data on the internet, right? As like they're using AI as a part of their evaluation. Well, like, why is consensus so unimportant when it's different from your draft board, but it's something worth mentioning. And, you know, I understand that you drive past 26 office parks on the way into the,
Starting point is 00:41:22 on the way into the facility. And you got to shout out, you know, potential local investors and all those things. but there appears to be a contradiction there. And so you don't have to like the question, but you could go some ways into entertaining specifically why your evaluation is different from the consensus. They like to run it back. They're just running it back over and over and over again.
Starting point is 00:41:47 And every year we're like, is this the last year they're going to be able to actually do this? And then they say, you know, hold our beers. We're going to do this for one more year. But they also run it back in terms of the type of guys they like, Exactly. John Stribling makes sense. Romello height to me seems like kind of a Bryce Huff-ish player for them as like a designated pass rusher in the third round. Like they have their types and they keep going after them.
Starting point is 00:42:09 Seattle is the same and they got a couple players in the secondary along with the running back in the first round. Yeah, they go safety corner, corner, corner to finish things out. sprinkling in a guard in a wide receiver there where you see the departures on a part of the team's strength. and they add to that. They get an Arian Price out of Notre Dame, the backup to a very good player. We've seen that workout where a lot of times a very good running back
Starting point is 00:42:35 is behind somebody else who's getting a lot of energy and attention. And I think he could come in and fill a need where, again, people question the first round running back thing. I think it's very viable to a team that had one of their tandem running backs tear in ACL, the other who win the Super Bowl MVP and sign a free agent contract there.
Starting point is 00:42:53 Also get Bud Clark out of TCU. and then Julian Neal is the corner in that safety corner designation where it's a solid draft almost to the extent where it feels boring. Yeah. And that the Seahawks are this dominant Super Bowl championship team. And that's my question. Are we bored of the Seattle Seahawks already?
Starting point is 00:43:17 They get a full eight hours of sleep every night. And, you know, okay, but on the Gedarian price pick, I think that's what's the draft grades, whatever they are what they are. But I think that's what's lowering them because it's a first round running back. In this draft, though, you heard teams, their boards in the first round, they didn't have grades beyond like 12 players, 15 players, 17 players. You know, this is basically a second round pick here. And so, like, I have no issues with it.
Starting point is 00:43:45 And I think he's a, like, I thought the Jaguars were going to come back up and get him. And if you can criticize the Rams for taking guys that aren't going to contribute, Judarian Price is going to start for them. Yeah. And they found guys that will start for them. Bud Clark, like, he's going to be in the mix to beat out Tai Akuta, like at safety. Julian Neal even, like, you think Josh Job is there on the outside, but, like, that's a guy that's probably going to end up competing for snaps with Josh Job. So if you can find guys that can be inserted into your lineup and give, I think, Mike McDonald some of his own picks in the secondary specifically, we already saw what he did with.
Starting point is 00:44:23 with even worry, that was really the first one. Like, let's see what he can do with some fresh new picks in the secondary. It's exciting. I like the way the Seahawks draft because the Seahawks also draft sometimes in ways where you wonder if maybe they're talking in the room among their scouts and coaching staff, like, what's a way we can like twist a knife in some of our division rivals, right? And some of it's like Emmanuel Henderson Jr., the receiver. Like, they're fine at receiver.
Starting point is 00:44:48 You know, they've got the three guys that they're running it back with from last year. but he's like a speed threat who could also be a kick returner. Well, a lot of the edges that they got, especially in division last year, and some of the game-changing differences came via courtesy of special teams. Okay, you guys aren't going to prioritize this, you know, your 49ers and your Rams. Like, this team is definitely going to find edges here. And so I like the way they think about the holistic team building, less so one side of the ball or maximizing even offense and defense, both.
Starting point is 00:45:19 Oh. Just at time. The Chicago Bears are up next. I was surprised sometimes you hear about the fan reaction after the fact. And apparently Bears fans weren't necessarily thrilled with this. Now, they needed an edge, I guess. They could have taken Keirond Crawford. That was maybe the one spot instead of the center, Logan Jones, if you wanted.
Starting point is 00:45:46 But in general, I think they found players at positions. they need. Garrett Bradbury is not a long-term solution at center. Max Roush is going to eventually replace Cole Komet. That would at least be the hope. Zavian Thomas is another weapon, and I kind of trust in Ben Johnson to take mid-round type weapons. Maybe he's a little bit of a Khalif Raymond E-type, but more of your long-term guy. So all the picks to me made sense, and then I think they are absolutely a team that's going to go swimming in the Hassan Reddick, Judevian Clownie. Maybe we're expecting Joey Bosa to just go to the 49ers.
Starting point is 00:46:23 We'll see. There's been some talk about that. But they are absolutely a team that could use a veteran addition. But I'd rather a team do that. How are we feeling about the Chicago Bears, Patrick Claibon, as the NFC North favorites after this draft? Do you see them that way? Yeah, I do.
Starting point is 00:46:41 You do. I saw them that way coming into the end of the season. I think obviously the ability of Michael Parsons, to come back, fully healthy, kind of impacts those things. But based on the way the Bears played at the end of the season and the growth of, you know, it's not even necessarily about this draft, but of Caleb Williams, Luther Burden, guys on that roster, I think you feel confident about them being the favorite, which is the curse. It's now the Bears don't, Bears fans don't get to enjoy the season anymore.
Starting point is 00:47:10 Well, I think it's their pattern that they're starting, you know, very superstitious fan base, you know, every time they perceive themselves as a fan base as the off-season winners, their season was in the toilet. And now they've been worried about each particular off-season in the Ben Johnson era. So maybe some of this is manufactured worry. Like, don't jinx it. It's all fine. I think that all of these picks, two things can be true and are true in my head.
Starting point is 00:47:32 Yes, they still need edge rushing help. But also, every single one of these picks is a really good scheme fit, offense and defense. And I want to, you know, the Dylan Theanaman with Dennis Allen. And then Logan Jones is going to be a value add to the. offensive line, I think, probably sooner rather than later. Sam Roush, if you are going to play 12 and 13 personnel like Ben Johnson wants to do and wants to do more of, it's the same as if you're going to play three receiver sets and you activate six of them or five of them on game day. If you are going to play with three tight ends and two of them at least are going to be
Starting point is 00:48:07 past catchers, and maybe three of them are going to be predominant volume targets in your offense, you will activate four and even five tight ends and they need viable players do that. Sam Rausch to me is a perfect fit schematically for this and a long-term player for the departure of Cole Komet eventually. And this is a position I believe they'll keep restocking every single year. It's that important, not just for blocking, but as a skill player, as a target in Ben Johnson's offense. All right, Jordan, you are back up with the Detroit Lions. Yes, this was a Vibs draft. I like this draft a lot, But one thing that really stood out to me about the Lions draft this year is they,
Starting point is 00:48:49 they seem to be like refinding themselves and refinding that identity. They've sort of been in this all-out sprint, first their ascension and their team build that got really, really solid with Dan Campbell. And then the turnover, you know, Ben Johnson leaves, Aaron Glenn leaves. And they figure things out with new coordinators. They're doing that again, bringing Drew Petzing into the mix as their offensive coordinator. And it almost seems like they've been a little bit unsteady, still moving forward, of course, and still competitive, but a little bit like, okay, let's take a beat and remember who we are
Starting point is 00:49:22 and what we're trying to build our culture and how the types of players that come in and do that. And with their picks, it really does seem like they were reiterating a lot of this. Blake Miller being not just a need for them, but also, in my opinion, best player available for them to take at that pick point. And also a player who's going to come in immediately and play tackle for them. Penae Soule moving over, obviously, to the left side. He's somebody who gives them teeth immediately. I just, all the way through the draft, pick by pick, you can just sort of see this is a
Starting point is 00:49:56 alliance team that's resetting itself, but not in a rebuild kind of way, in a gathering itself for like a real push, like trying to be what they believe they can be again after a little bit of unsteadiness. A lot depends on their second round pick, Derek Moore, who they traded up for. they have not done well taking edges other than Aiden Hutchinson. They have invested a lot of blown picks in the Brad Holmes era. That's probably where he's been the worst is on the defensive line. And like he might be starting for them.
Starting point is 00:50:25 I mean, it's hard to expect a second round pick to start, but they don't really have another option. They could be looking for veterans as well. But man, their offensive line in one off season, they did what we wanted. Cade Mays at center, Blake Miller. Now you move Sewell to left tackle. Now they look like one of the better offensive lines in the last season. league again. And they sprinkle in a little Brad Holmes fun in Kendrick Law. Where
Starting point is 00:50:46 it's like, ah, this draft is going on. The Lions don't have anything fun, explosive. And then here comes Kendrick Law, who's like kind of in that Jaden Reed body type where he's 5-11, 200 pounds, ran to 4-4s, had some kick and punt return in his game. And it's just
Starting point is 00:51:03 another, another fun aspect where it feels like a lion's draft where you get what you need. And you also get that little bit of bonus, that sprinkle of fun. Like Isaac DeSaheisaw getting better. But again, they've missed a couple drafts in terms of, you know, since that great one three years ago now. So they need the classroom two years ago, for instance. The one with Terriott Arnold and Enis Rakstra, who hasn't given them much of anything, Ty Leak Williams a year ago.
Starting point is 00:51:27 And they need some of those picks to get better. Yeah. And I, Patrick, to your point, I like when you also get a fired up Brad Holmes in the post-draft pressers, basically telling the beat writers, see, I drafted an edge rusher because you guys. have been on my ass. Like it just, it's like they, you can always tell when they feel like
Starting point is 00:51:48 they're returning to themselves is kind of what my point is here. They're feeling spicy. It is an incredibly good division. I don't know if I can remember a division that looks any more balanced and quality from top to bottom as the NFC North entering this year. That includes the Green Bay Packers
Starting point is 00:52:04 who have an offense that's returning mostly intact. What do you think, Patrick? Yeah, the offense are returning mostly intact, although they're little lose some depth at certain spots, which will lead into my question, but we'll talk about the draft picks, no first round pick. Obviously, you could say that's Michael Parsons. Pretty good. It's going to Proph of All-Fam,
Starting point is 00:52:20 all that. Yada, yada, yada, yada. Brandtisiana out of South Carolina. Very good corner. In tandem, got a chance to see a lot of him in watching the Nicky Man Worry tape where he was making plays and you see the way that he get deployed and had a solid season
Starting point is 00:52:36 last year. Chris McClellan out of Missouri, another good defensive player. In fact, they get Trace Mack, the kicker, and it's all defense other than Jagger Burton out of Kentucky. And I just look at when I think about this era of the Green Bay Packers, I think about massive depth at wide receiver. And now Don Tavian Wicks and now Romeo Dobbs,
Starting point is 00:53:00 the departures there, have they taken what was a strength in terms of their depth at wide receiver and now turned it into a little bit of a weakness where these guys are helping guys on other rosters. I think the hope is that clarity in roles, if Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jaden Reed are all healthy, that they have specific roles with Tucker Kraft. It's a big if.
Starting point is 00:53:22 I think you would like to add one more player, probably to that mix, but they have a third round pick from a year ago, Savianne Williams, to maybe step into that role. So it's risky because these guys have missed a lot of games, but they're investing. Watson might get a new contract,
Starting point is 00:53:35 and Reed just got a new one. Yeah, I remember the high points of their, offense last season, which was, of course, when Tucker Kraft was healthy. And so I have to think that the plane is being built in the passing game around Tucker Kraft in the future, if you can return to full health. And then also, I think to answer your question, Patrick, I think that it's almost funny, even if they won't overtly admit it, what it seems like they're doing is making the path easier for themselves, understanding almost that they overcomplicated things by saying, everybody eats. Well, okay, they had issues figuring that out for years. And, and,
Starting point is 00:54:10 out of that strategy. And so now if you almost like declutter the room or declutter the ideas and the styles in the room, like maybe you can start to sort things out a little bit better. Now that's a problem of your own creation, but it's also a solution of your own creation potentially too. And I do think that all of this will focus around the existing ability of Tucker Kraft. I think their coaching staff is always put in a tough spot. And there's talk of like, do they spend as much on assistance?
Starting point is 00:54:39 they ask the most out of their coaching staffs to develop. C-Sysay, kind of a developmental guy. They always take these raw developmental guys on defense, and they're always the youngest team in the NFL. They got to coach them up. Like, do we have faith in the Matt Lafleur assistant and the rest of that coaching staff? I think they're putting a tough spot a little bit.
Starting point is 00:54:58 We'll see, too, because, man, I have never seen a coach have to go on, like, a explanation tour of keeping his job and getting a contract extension the way that Matt LaFleur had to this off season. And it was prior to an extension, there were questions, and they were losing games and all of that. But then he had to go and basically explain, you know,
Starting point is 00:55:19 and say how unbothered he was by the entire conversation. Well, that was happening. KOC was getting more important at work than ever in Minnesota, coming off his worst season. And, you know, he zags in his first draft alongside Rob Brzezinski. and they go heavy defense. Caleb Banks with just a total wild home run swing, boomer bust pick at defensive tackle.
Starting point is 00:55:45 It could work out. Great fit. I think if Brian Flores wants him, I believe. But the injuries are a concern. Jake Galdet, the second round pick, feels like kind of a one-to-one comp for Andrew Van Ginkle in terms of the style of player that he could be. Not many of those guys out there.
Starting point is 00:56:01 So great that he landed with Minnesota. And then Big Citrus, Dominique Orange, in the third round kind of doubling up at defensive tackle, which I like. My only question, and this gets to the Juan Jennings news, as we're taping, he's visiting the Vikings. Usually a veteran visiting
Starting point is 00:56:17 at this time of year he's going to sign. I was going to ask, like, are we concerned that they haven't touched the offense almost at all this offseason? I think Jennings adds real dimension to the receiver group. They were 29th in DVOA last year. And I know J.J. Jim McCarthy didn't play well,
Starting point is 00:56:35 but it's kind of a lot to say like, oh, 29th in the league is all on J.J. McCarthy. Let's run it all back the same. Joanne Jennings would make me feel better about it. What do you think about the offensive plan here, Patrick? Yeah, I mean, the biggest acquisition in the all season was Kyler Murray. They're not running it back. Right. Other than that.
Starting point is 00:56:54 There's a significant upgrade there. But I can see where you're getting at like a little. Same running back, same receiver, same offensive line. But yes, it's obviously my point was like, like, okay, we're just going to replace the quarterback and everything's better. They're telling you what they think the problem was. Yeah. In terms of whether...
Starting point is 00:57:11 And you could get old quickly, but maybe that's not a 2026 problem. That's a life lesson. And the evaluation on what the actual, like, the sum nation of the problems in Minnesota versus there... We clearly know, like, it was all J.J. McCarthy's fault. And the people and the person who was had the title when J.J. McCarthy was picked is ousted. And so here we are now. One minute.
Starting point is 00:57:35 It's maybe maybe the microscope will be turned on a little bit. Well, they did take a third round tackle, Caleb Tiernan, and then they took a fifth round fullback, which was very Kevin O'Connell, a CJ Ham replacement in the fifth round. A little wild. And the future. I'm just realizing that Kyler's previous organization,
Starting point is 00:57:54 it was deemed that he was, of course, the problem for everything. Now goes to an organization where he is the solution for everything. And other people were the problem. When you're the solution to everything, if it doesn't work out, you can also be the problem. I'm curious who their general manager is going to be. Just a reminder, they still have an interim general manager, Robert Brzezinski, and they allegedly will open up that search to a lot of different candidates, and I guess we'll see because they still don't have one.
Starting point is 00:58:25 But it was Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores. You could see their fingerprints all over this, and that seems to me probably what at least one of those guys wanted, was that amount of say over the draft. Quietly, they needed some youth on that defense. All their best players essentially have been free agent pickups or trade pickups. And other than Dallas Turner, there's not a lot of high octane like homegrown guys. Now I have a question for you, Greg. Yes, we did it.
Starting point is 00:58:51 That's the end, by the way, of the NFC. Did you know that you assigned me the Minnesota Vikings? Initially, yes. And then I did fix it. I don't know if you saw that. You know, I did fix it because we were going to. I like it. It took so much off my plate. I appreciate it. We did go in that order the whole time. I did notice that this morning that I had written J.R. twice, like almost back to back.
Starting point is 00:59:12 I was ready to be the workhorse here. And you know what? You gave me a gift today. I appreciate that. Hey, you know what? We're going to be counting on you for the AFC coming up. Yeah. It's crazy. I wore the same outfit. Patrick, Jordan. It's been a pleasure. Love to do this. And this is like the real off season now. Oh, this is it? Well, the regular season's over. Right. Draft season's over. This is time where we just like kick back and have some fun.
Starting point is 00:59:42 Energy. While also producing a daily show, which is going to have a lot of great content. I can't wait for it. We'll see you with the AFC next time around. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I am Greg Rosenthal. I know that, Greg. We're teaming up on 40s and free agents, the podcast that owns the NFL off season.
Starting point is 01:00:03 This is where teams are built. Free agency, Combine, Pro Days. trades. Every move matters. From my draft boards and mock drafts to my vaunted top 101 free agents and how rosters come together. Quarterback movement. Surprise signings. We'll tell you what it means
Starting point is 01:00:19 and who really wins. Open your free iHeart radio app. Search 40s and free agents and listen now. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.