The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL - Prospects to Pros: Mock Draft Madness and Championship Week check-in

Episode Date: November 29, 2023

Nate Tice and Dane Brugler have both released mock drafts recently. Let's talk about 'em! That's what the guys do on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Prospects to Pros. Then, the guys check in on this weekend's conference championship games.Follow Nate on Twitter: @Nate_TiceFollow Dane on Twitter: @dpbruglerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the athletic football show's Prospects to Prospects to Pros. Hello, welcome to Prospects to Pros presented by Invesco QQ, the official ETF of the NCAA. I'm your host, Nate Tice. It is mock draft madness this week and conference championship check-in. We are going to be looking at a couple respective mock drafts. One kind of came out a week ago, which was mine, which was a, we're going to be some team positions that might change in a week, which I think, My co-host pointed out on the pre-show and I was like, oh, yeah, that's how much of changes in the NFL. My co-host, who just wrapped up with his mock draft, which I cannot wait to read, it will be out by the time this episode comes out on your ears.

That is Mr. Mock himself. Dane Brueger, how are you doing today, Dane? I'm good. Had a good weekend, took the kids, cut down the Christmas tree. I'm looking out my window right now at about three inches of snow. So it's definitely starting to feel like winter out here. And it's an interesting part of the draft cycle because you have in the NFL area scouts, they're on deadline right now to submit all senior evaluations.

It's crunch time for them. We're getting a lot of the underclassmen declarations coming out now with the regular season, college football regular season done. And cameras. And the transfer portal, right. And so, I mean, there's still a chance that guys that go into the transfer portal could go to the league. Maybe if they don't like their options in the transfer portal, that's still an option.

I believe the deadline for underclassmen this year is January 9th. But yeah, it's Cameron Kitchens, safety from Miami declared today. Jeremiah Trotter, the linebacker from Clemson. Neither of those guys are first round guys, but both have a shot to go on day two. You know, it's an interesting part of the calendar because, yeah, between now and Christmas and then, you know, New Year's, it's there's going to be a lot of draft newsy stuff with the interclassmen and things shaken out. Yeah. I mean, even names like Tyler Van Dyke, who we both, you text to me right as I was texting

you about the text to you, the exact same news because he, he entered the transfer portal. That's a guy I was pretty high on. Actually, look pretty good against Boston College. Can't quit him. I text you. Can't quit him. I just can't come off of them. But no, it just, it's, I support you.

Thank you. It can be surprising. Like a guy, I remember recently, guys that returned to school, you know, like a Zach. Charbonnet returned to school. And I remember being like, I had just finished writing him up. And all of a sudden he's returning to school. And I was like, oh, and that's how scouts. Yeah.

I did the same thing with Jerzon Newton. Oh, Newton. You know, Illinois defensive tackle, who a lot of people thought would come out last year, decided to go back to school. And, you know, he's one of the seniors in both of our mock drafts now. So, yeah, it's some underclassmen decisions being made right now. And NIL is interesting. I was talking to, um, actually, uh,

a parent of a player who is technically a senior, but he could go back for that extra COVID year. I think we're getting close to players not being able to use that COVID year anymore, but players this year can do it if they haven't yet. And he got an NAL deal worth $300,000. And it's like, okay. Yeah. What do you think, where do you think he's going to be drafted?

Like, what do you? And I'm, this is the feedback I'm getting on your son. This is where I think you'd be drafted. it would be hard not to take that $300,000 if he is not dead set on going to the NFL. And so NIL is certainly playing a factor in these underclassmen and senior decisions right now, which is just kind of crazy. But it's good for the players. They have options.

Absolutely. You know, the NFL will, whether it's this year or next year or the year after that, NFL's not going anywhere. And so if you have a chance to make money now, I totally understand. Yeah. Strike a while. It's hot. Also, that's what blows my mind sometimes is looking at some of the high school recruiting.

pages because I glance once in a while, see how Wisconsin is doing on their recruiting trail. So see if I can pound the table, good or bad about it. But then seeing their NIL values for some of the recruits, prospects. And that's just like, oh, yeah, this is the reality. This is, this is how these guys are now. That's how these guys are going to be, like, that's the terms that they are negotiating for themselves now. So it's just, it's an interesting new world.

But it's going to be interesting about kind of the next steps of it. Like, just like, even, shoot, when I was in high school and those online recruiting pages became a thing. Like that was just like such a big deal. And it was like, oh my God, I'm looking at how standardized it is now. You know, all the camps and everything. So it's just crazy. All the stuff moves on.

Speaking of, you know, Newton, you mentioned that you might have been on both of our mocks. So let's get it right into it. We're going to do some superlatives going over. Dane just completed his. It'll be out on the athletic by the time you hear this. I did mine for Yahoo last week. There would be some team changes based on the wins and losses, especially in the NFC

South, which is just how it goes with some of these. tight division races and tight wild car races. But we're just going to go through a couple of these prolives. And I'm going to just start out with what was your favorite team fit, Dane? When you went through this, this 32 picks in the first round, what was one that made you just go, ooh, I like that? There were definitely a couple. Arizona and Marvin Harrison, Jr.

I mean, I mentioned on last week's episode how he reminds me a lot of a leaner Larry Fitzgerald. Just the way they adjusted the catch point, the way the ball slows down. them next April would be the 20 year anniversary of when the Cardinals drafted Fitzgerald top three. So, you know, it's kind of be a cool story too just to see Marvin Harrison go there. And as they build up that roster, you know, will the Cardinals take a quarterback? Will they not? They're not, they can't trade them, you know, like that's, I know that no one's trading for that contract. Now, they could cut them, but that becomes a lot easier a year from now. So I don't think it's crazy that even if Arizona does finish with the top three pick,

they went with a Marvin Harrison Jr. Or even traded back and did not draft the quarterback this year. But time will tell with that. And Kyle is playing well. Well enough. Yeah, well enough where I'm not like, oh God. And he's coming off the injury. There's going to be rust involved.

There's going to take some time. So yeah, I think he's looking better at this point than I thought. I assumed he would. And that's encouraging because I like this Cardinals coaching staff right now. So it's watching him in a quote unquote, real offense has been really interesting right now. So it's something I'm kind of keeping an eye on. And he's like Justin Fields, the organizational microscope with these quarterbacks, because how they finish will play a part in what teams decided to do in the off season. Yes. So, you know,

he's he's on he's one of those guys along with Fields and a few others that need to finish strong for a variety of reasons. So I've got a few more, but what about you? What was your favorite team fit in your mock? Oh, boy. The one and I believe I texted to you after I wrote it was Cooper DeGine to the Chargers because they they need spine help and wherever you want to put DeGine. And I actually threw this in my mock. I said he is the prospect. I'm not even saying because it's a one to one as far as athleticism, but DeGine's a high end athlete is this is the prospect that reminds me the most of Geelan Ramsey since Jalen Ramsey came out. As far as that he could play the slot outside. I could see him at safety as far as being a returner, just a dynamic athlete. no matter where you put him, I view him as a plus or even a plus plus player.

And football smart, right? It's not just the athleticism. It's the ability. And the size and everything. Yeah. Yeah. It's he is really smart. You understand angles.

He understands situations. So, yeah, you can play him in the box. You can play him as a nickel. You can play them in the outside. You can, yeah, you could do so many things with him that you don't feel comfortable saying with just any corner or any other defense. Right. And that's the thing is that I think because of that,

what this Chargers team needs really badly, no matter who is in charge next year, is that they need this type of player. They need an impact player along the middle of their defense. No matter what defensive scheme they run from in the future, they need a type of player. So that was one once I put it in. I was like, oh, yeah, I really like that one. Way to go, Nate. Way to go my head cannon.

So you just mentioned that you have a couple others. I also have a couple others. So what are some other matching, some pairings that you like, Dane? You know, I think with just a lot of these tackles where these tackles end up. I really, especially in the late the back half of round one,

you have a team like the 49ers who could really use an upgraded right tackle. Trent Williams isn't getting any younger. The Chiefs, Donovan Smith, barely a short-term option, certainly not a long-term option. So, you know, there's, and then the Eagles, with Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles' offensive line coach.

I think he's going to take one look at BYU's Kingsley, Suamata I don't know I'm working on it uh it's going to be love at first sight I think the way he moves the upside that he has um and these are playoff teams that you know could use immediate depth but then also someone to groom for the future and so this this tackle class is so much fun it's um to me yes the quarterbacks obviously at the the top with Caleb williams Drake may who's quarterback three how many quarterbacks going the first round it's always going to drive the conversation.

But after that, after you get past the quarterbacks, the theme of the first round, in my opinion, is going to be these offensive tackles. Are we going to set a record for the amount of offensive tackles drafted in the first round? How many going to top 10? All these things. And so we're going to see a few of them later on in the back half of round one with a few of these playoff teams that could use an upgrade there. And I think what it's, they're worthy first rounders in my mind.

It's not like, oh, just because of how this draft makeup is, it's like these guys, there's a lot of talent. These guys are really talented. And not all of them have first round grades, but after you're, say there's 20 first round grades, okay, there's still 12 more picks in the first round.

And so you go to your second round grades and offensive tackle is one of those positions that usually is the first to get the bump, to go maybe a little bit earlier than many thought because the supply demand, not, there are only so many tackles in every draft class. and every team could use depth of the position.

So, yeah, I think that while not every tackle in my first round mock is a first round player, a lot of more second round players. But again, I think that's the position along with, you know, corner receiver, quarterback. I mean, they are the first to get that bump when teams are looking in the late first and saying, okay, yeah, we could use help in the offensive line. Yep, yeah, they get the inflation. I mean, that's quarterback. I always gets that.

But, yeah, especially in other positions. Yeah, a couple of my other favorites were. tackles. I had J.C. Latham going to the Jets and 11 at the time when I wrote it and kind of fudged maybe another pick to get to that one. Because if I just liked it, I think that that's what they need. That'll happen. Yeah. And also I just think the, I don't know if it's poetry or irony of, you know, the Rogers injury happening and of course of how it happened. And then they get to keep that first rounder and they get to spend it on a tackle. It's kind of, there's something to that. And I felt like it was fitting. I did also a tackle to the 49ers, much like you did. I did Patrick Paul

there. And I just thought, you know, just a project type-ish guy, but more traits. And again, same reasoning going on with Trent Williams or the right side, which has always just been a churn. It seems like there, even drafting McGlinchy a few years ago. I did one that was truly one of my guys. And I think of this draft, which is Jack Sawyer of Ohio State. I had him sneaking into the first round to the Ravens, much like you said, I view him as more of a second round type. But you got the bump. And I think the Ravens would like that kind of, I said, kaleidoscope skill set,

where you kind of could do a lot of things well. And for a defense that kind of prioritizes that, I think he matches them. And I think the last like head cannon one that I really liked, at least were two receivers, which was Brian Thomas from LSU, you've gone to the bills because I just want to see that. And Roman Dunez to the Colts. I just, depending on what happens with Pittman, it's like, okay, him with Anthony Richardson, you know,

and the slot with downs and Jonathan Taylor and the Zach Moss in this run game. It's like, ooh, I just could see that offense maybe going supernova. So some of the ones that made more sense of my head canning at least. Well, and I had Rome going to the Bengals. And, you know, with T. Higgins, if he moves on, okay, you plug in a dunzee. I mean, there are greater needs on this Bengals roster. You go offensive line. You can use some help on defense.

But if they're at a specific part of the draft and they have a high grade on a dunsey, you can see that happening and, you know, filling that Higgins role where he's going to win those 50-50 balls. He's a guy that's going to keep pressure off Jamar Chase and really keep Joe Burrow happy with his options out there. So that makes sense. And you mentioned the Jets. If they, I mean, assuming Aaron Rogers comes back in 2024, healthy and ready to go, this is a franchise that's still going to be all in for 2024. And so it makes, it would be hard to see any other position outside of an offensive player that can help right, away. So J.C. Latham, I understand why you went that direction, help on the offensive line from

day one. I went with Brock Bowers. Another offensive guy who's going to help you from day one. Is he a receiver? Is he a tight end? It doesn't matter. He's going to help your offense. He's a weapon. And so I, you know Aaron Rogers would be able to use him pretty quickly if that marriage came to be. That actually makes a lot of sense even for who they have, how Garrett Wilson wins and even the tight ends they have. They're giving record. Yeah, we like record. But he's a Y. Right. And then it powers, you move around with him.

Like you said, he's an offense of weapon. So it's 12 like 11 or 12 like 12. So I love that. I had him going to the Bucks and I think that would, is a nice segue. Pair him with Kate Otten and. Yeah, and just like I don't know what to do with their receiver situation. I don't think they know what they're doing with the receiver situation yet. I'm not saying a bad way.

I'm just saying like, that's hard. It's going to be hard to parse through this off season. A lot of talent still. But that leads to the next kind of question. That's a very good second. way. It was great. It worked out nice. Hardest team to pair a player with. Mine was the Bucks, but I want to hear what yours was, Dan, because I had a couple here.

I have a couple, too, but Tampa is the first team I wrote down. And the biggest, I think, is because they feel unsettled at quarterback. I mean, they're still fighting for the division crown right now, but right now, if the draft for tomorrow, they'd be picking seventh overall. So, you know, this is still a middle of the road team at best. And our, our, are they satisfied with rolling with Baker Mayfield again next year because they feel like this is a win now window or do they want to find the quarterback of the future? And do they see that guy in this draft? You know, I think you could throw the giants in this mix, the commanders as well, where, you know, they are probably not going to be picking high enough to get Caleb Williams or

Drake May, but they will be in a spot somewhere in those top 12 picks where quarterback three could come off the board, whoever that is for those teams. And do they like quarterback three enough to invest in the position and say, okay, we've got our long-term guy here? That'll be interesting. One other name or one other team I wrote in the late first round, Jacksonville. You know, they, you can make a case for a few positions. You know, they could use an upgrade here, upgrade there. But I don't, I don't think there was a just one clear, obvious hole, especially with where they're picking in the draft, the options that were available. I struggled to, I ended up giving them a receiver, but I struggled a little bit with them,

you know, just which direction they might go. Yep, same. I ended up going with the receiver too. I went with Troy Franklin, maybe from Oregon. Maybe I just wanted the skinny receiver with the skinny quarterback. But I just wanted to see the ball winner with that Trevor Lawrence says, I had some Clemsonsons. I think that would be perfect there. But yeah, the bucks, I had, they were picked 10 when I was doing this.

And I don't, it was like, I don't know if they go QB. I gave him Bowers, because I didn't know what to do with the receiver. But yeah, they're just a team at a crossroads. That's so many, like, important spots. So it's going to be interesting. I had the chiefs a little bit as a team. It was hard. Do they go tackle?

You know, Donovan Smith is not a long-term answer. He's kind of a stopgap right now. Do they go receiver? So many were off the board by then. More defense, but they've kind of like been really heavy on the defense the last couple of years. So it's kind of tough. Legerious needs a pending free agent, but it's hard to see. it's hard to see them, you know, letting him go.

You know, some way, somehow it feels like they're going to, they're going to bring them back. So that's, yeah, there's so many things, so many dominoes here that we don't know yet. I mean, we're talking about Tampa. There might be a coaching change there. You know, there might be a whole regime change there. So there's so many dominoes here that will continue to fall once we get through, you know, Black Monday and, you know, all the firings and things that happen.

Free agency is obviously a big domino here. The franchise tag. A lot of things that will happen over the next few months that shape how these mock drafts change. But yeah, I think, you know, if the draft were tomorrow, I think some of these teams would be harder to figure out than others. I totally agree. Yeah, especially for agency. That's going to be interesting for agency here, too. Do you want to reveal who your QB3 was or in this, in your mock?

Or do you want to just keep going to the next superlative? Because it can be pertinent to our previous discussion. Well, I won't say where I put on it. But it is Jane Daniels. And I think, you know, one of the superlatives we're going to do is big a surprise. And I'll just do it here is that's maybe how high I have Jane Daniels going. I was talking to a Southeast Scout about this. It's just, it's a case of, okay, a guy that you have a formed opinion on coming into the year.

You know, he's a fifth year starter. It would be hard not to have an opinion on him. Despite all the games he's played, this is only a second year in the same system. And the more you watch him, the more it just becomes tough. to say why he won't be an impact NFL starter. The way he has been playing this year has just been phenomenal. And one of my favorite stats when looking at offensive skill players, it doesn't matter of the position, is explosive plays.

And when you look at, I tweeted this earlier this week, when you look at what Daniels has done in 12 games, he's responsible for 90 plays of 20 yards or more. That is a remarkable number. It's the most by any quarterback the last five years. and the only reason I say the last five years is that's how far back the data goes. There's a good chance. That's the record. Good chance has never been done before.

Joe Burrow in his legendary 2019 season, he had 87 plays of 20 plus yards. And that was in 15 games. Last year, Caleb Williams ran away with the Heisman, 73 explosive plays in 14 games. So he had two more games this year than Daniels, and Daniels has almost 20 more explosive plays. So, yes, I know LSU basically has an NFL depth chart at wide receiver. But Daniels deserves credit for what he's doing out there. And again, when you look at the Giants, Tampa, the Raiders, there are some really interesting teams who probably miss out on those first two guys,

May and Caleb Williams. And they're going to have a Jane Danos conversation. Is he the spark worth investing in in the top 10 to 12 picks? And so it's becoming, I think, a lot more palatable for a lot of people to see Jane Daniels as quarterback three, but now it's okay, how high does he go? And this is something we, you know, at this time,

last year, Anthony Richardson was a guy that we weren't even sure was coming out. You know, a lot of people, including myself, was, oh yeah, he could go back and get a lot better. There's no question. Yeah, and then, okay, he decides to declare and it's like, okay, how early in the first round is he going?

We know he's going first round. How early? And it's like, oh, maybe, you know, the lions are picking mid-first round. and it became just an increase throughout the year. Right now, I mean, Jane Daniels has higher grades than Anthony Richardson did last year from Southeast Scouts. So if Richardson went four, how can Jane Daniels go? I mean, it's a really interesting conversation, one that will continue throughout the process.

I like what you're talking about where it's like you feel like you have a settled opinion because that's how I felt on him, even Arizona State to Ellis. to you, Daniels. I was like, yeah, I get this guy. I like a lot what he does, but I kind of was like, yeah, third rounder. Like, that's how I kind of was kind of settled there, you know, ish. It's, he just does so much well that's impossible to ignore and it's impossible to knock him because it's, he does the quarterback stuff well as far as accuracy, ball out on time, all that stuff. I kind of always got you out.

It's gotten better and better and better. That's the thing. You want to see that progression and he showed it. Exactly. You want to see these guys look dominant. He looks like the best player always. And the zip on his arm because he's throwing with anticipation is really standing out. And he's pushing the ball.

He's aggressive when he needs to be. So as far as the decision-making standpoint, it's like, okay, he's doing all the stuff that you want to see that showing polish. But on top of it, it's not like he's just a statue back there. And he's like, he's a solid college athlete. You know, these guys, as soon as they get to the NFL, it's like, ooh, that 4-8-5's hard to get to the edge, you know, against some of these D-Ns. It's like, no, he actually was tearing these guys up on the ground and jukeing guys and creating positive plays one after another. So I, yeah, he's my QB3. It's, I feel like it's kind of hard to ignore and not, I can't put anyone else over him.

The biggest knock I have on him, and this is why it's a huge discussion between a guy like him and Anthony Richardson. You know, if he were in this class, it's the whole traits, production, all those types of things because he is skinny. And that is always the thing I, but he does have the one thing that makes me tolerate. Skinnier guys, which is athleticism. And also he operates from the pocket and can get rid of the ball. Even if he does play like Johnny Knoxville sometimes, it's just, I had him going pick 20 to the Vikings. And it was one that I was like, yeah, I like this.

I like it too. Yeah. I was comfortable with him going 20. And I think that's for a long time, a lot of these QB3 discussions, I think there was us talking on the show. It was hard for me to truly go like, maybe see him in the first. Like maybe at the end of the first. It's like him.

I'm like, yeah, I see it. And like you're saying, it's like, actually, I see. kind of keep rising because of his play and because I think it's just what he does. So I'm with you. It's not like we're missing. I mean, this is the same thing,

same conversations the scouts are having with Jane Daniels. Because again, you have a formed opinion on him. And then it's just, okay, the more you watch, the more you watch, the more you watch.

And yeah, LSU has lost three games this year. The average point total for the offense is 34, 34 points in those games. Like, it's not the, not the offense's fault. LSU has lost a few games here.

So, yeah, Jane Daniels, the way he's been playing, the way he has won over scouts, it's a matter of how high. And that's an interesting conversation that will continue to have throughout the process. Your Deshawn Watson thing was, I think as far as the rise of Watson, I think that was the most apt comparison where I'm just like, ah, yes, that's exactly how that went. His entire last year into the pre-draft process, it felt like it was going up five spots. every like three to four weeks he just kept rising or rising so i thought that was exactly how daniels is feeling right now so it's great because i just i really like him like it's just it's hard for me to just kind of knock him because he does all like i said again it's the quarterback stuff and it's just yeah it's i i'm totally i'm seeing what the hype's about i think as a guy's maybe a guy's got like

pennix i'm not trying to knock him down it's like oh yeah he's putting up the stats but how he does it is not real like going to translate as well daniel's stuff translates yeah no doubt and i think You know, you talk to LSU people and they rave about them. You know, I know some people, yeah, some people at Arizona State weren't happy with the way he left, Jane Daniels, and there's some drama there. I remember the videos of the players, like they, like, who did his locker room or something like that. Right, right. And you stuff with his mom and, you know, just the way things were handled there, you know,

but it was such a dumpster fire at Arizona State during those last term years, Herm Edwards that it's hard to know really everything, you know, what's factual, what's not. I do know that LSU raves about him. His work ethic, the way that he's respected throughout the program. So, you know, it's something where, okay, character check, work ethic check, tape check, production check, talent. I mean, again, you run out of reasons why this guy cannot be an impact starter at the next level. I mean, do I wish he were 230 pounds? Yeah, he's not.

he's hopefully he gets up to 2.15 by the combine. You know, I mean, he's 6.3 and a half. And right now probably 205, 207. Hopefully, you know, he has that Brayshung diet gets up to 215 by the combine. So he could be known as 215 the rest of his life. Right. But yeah. That NFL weight.

Yeah, exactly. They'll make it 2.14 just to, you know. Right. There you go. That's suspicious. Which, yeah, that was, Lamar was around there too, wasn't he? he's like 217 maybe I don't know but uh strah was strah was only 214 2 15 yeah right right um so you know it's as long as he can get really above 210 i think teams would be okay with that um he has a

magic number yeah he is a maniac when he runs the ball that that's something that he needs to calm down and understand it's so much fun though but it's like he'd be terrifying to coach though because it's oh yeah it's like you don't have to prove every game how tough you are you don't or every play, you know, like, it's okay to, you know, just, I know you pop up and you're proud of that and that's great, but for longevity of your career, let's take better care of yourself. But, uh, yeah, it's going to be the Jane Daniels ascension has been a fun thing to, to see play out. And again, it's something we'll be talking about quite a bit here the next few months. Yeah. I know. I'm glad. I'm glad you kind of popped them up too because that's really fun. Did you have any, uh, big surprise? Uh, I have one more.

But, yeah, I had Jaywin Polk as a first rounder that surprised me. Had him going to the chiefs at the end of the first round. So you had how many received, six receivers? I'd eight, eight wide receivers. That was also a surprise. Yeah. Wide receivers. And really, this is kind of, I don't want to spoil what about other answers for another

superlative. But yeah, I had eight and I had three going to the top five. Again, I had no trades. So that kind of changed some things up, but also just made sense for how my narrative went on my mock draft. But I would say in all eight, I was comfortable putting up there. I feel like I'm tough on receivers. And I was like, now I like all these guys.

And again, they have size and they have skill sets that I think are justifiable to be in the first round. Either they can be a one or a high, high, high, high and two, which is what I think of what you have to draft in the first round. So yeah. Yeah, Polk was one. And then I also have emphasis is just how good this tackle class was, which you already kind of emphasized in an earlier superlative. So same thing there. So any other surprises that you had? you said you got a couple more.

Well, I think people will find it surprising that Kooliad McKinstree, not the first Alabama corner drafted in my mock. I think with the traits, the competitiveness, Terry and Arnold, I think he's going to be ranked higher for some teams. And so I don't think it should be a surprise if he is the first off the board. He might be in contention for corner one for some of these teams. So, yeah, Terry and Arnold, he is a lot better than I think. people are talking about him. What's that? Do you have measurables on him or officials?

I don't. And he's listed at what, six foot, 195? I mean, he's, I was curious how long his arms are because he looks not, he looks the part. He does. No, he does. And I think the fact that he plays so competitive makes him look even bigger. Like, he plays bigger than, you know, even just what the, uh, five, eleven and a half or whatever he ends up being. He plays bigger than that because he's so dang competitive that it really makes him stand out. out in a good way. So now he's not the most disciplined player. We've talked about him before.

He needs some development. But again, the traits, the competitiveness, the things you can't teach, can't coach, he's got that. And so for certain teams in the first round, yeah, I can, I will make a bet that he will be higher ranked than the country is. That's it. Yeah. No, totally makes sense.

We were talking about the pre-show. But yeah, he did not make my first round. Other corners did. And I, but I totally get because I watched him right before and I was like, ah, dang it. It was one of those were, it was all of those were. It was like, oh, I should have snuck him in somehow. I did sneak in Mitchell from Toledo because I believe you did as well.

I can, teams are going to love him. That, that, uh, he is just going to be, he makes plays on the ball and he has trades. Oh, man. Teams are going to love him. Six one, two hundred pounds. Oh. And he ran a four three nine for scouts in the spring. So he, uh, he's going to be a 40 inch, uh, vert guy too.

Like he is. Well, Toledo's an 11-1 team, and he's their defensive leader. He's a guy that, you know, the coaches respect, all the team, all of his teammates respect, and that carries a lot of weight. So, yeah, he's a good player. So toughest player, you had to leave out of the first round. Is that Arnold for you, or did you have someone else? Arnold, no safety or linebackers in general.

Yeah. And I didn't either. Okay, I did not, I couldn't really argue for one and make. and understand where that fits. I would love to hear me, the one guy that I thought maybe was Tyler Nubin, the Minnesota safety, who I like a lot, but same. I would love to hear an argument why someone thinks the linebacker safety from this group should be in there. You know, I just, I just don't see it with this group.

I tried too with the Clemson guys and I just couldn't like it was just, yeah, yeah, I couldn't pull the trigger on anybody. I mean, Jeremiah Trotter is a good, and he would have been a first rounder in 1994, but just in today's NFL, he's just, he's not that guy in space. but I love the way he plays. He's so physical at the line of scrimmage. These are the type guys you're kind of like though, don't you? Don't you like the old school mics or is that you like?

They're easy to like, yeah. But I'm realistic about where you should draft them, obviously. You know, and Trotter is one of the bloodlines you love. I mean, it's going to be a great story. But yeah, he's not first round material. Also just another QB in general. That was just kind of tough for me to not access. Because you only included three, right?

I only had three. And I kind of, I was trying to maybe like, McCarthy you had up there. I saw that. But I, sorry, spoilers, but, but yeah, but I also, with mine, I just, yeah, again, I couldn't pull the trigger on one day I felt really good about. Daniels was a lot of fun to study the last couple of weeks ago. I'm like, yeah, I'm getting this. Right. And enough to put him at number 20 to the Vikings. So Braylon Trice was another player. I was trying to make an argument for kind of, I think we both seem to say we've talked about

this, kind of that 40 spot. I could see some teams liking him, but I just couldn't pull the trigger to get him in the first round. So those were tough for me. Right. Yeah. How about yourself? Another one for me was Denzel Burke, Ohio State Corner. I really like him because part of my process when doing a mock draft is I will vet it with some scouts around the league just to see if they have any strong opinions about, oh, this guy.

Why do you have this guy in there? You know, this guy. You're missing this player, whatever. One of the names that came up was Burke as, you know, I understand why he didn't. make it but wouldn't be surprised if he did make it that kind of thing um he didn't make it and then uh i just gave him to detroit and i ended up putting mitchell to detroit so no that that makes sense yeah i think i did the same thing with baltimore instead of um i almost went denzil burke but instead i went quignon mitchell um from toledo so yeah that makes sense we had the same thought process there

uh competitive that was that was that was king the penn state corner yeah i kept him out too he didn't make mine i mean i just he has not been a first rounder this year play and simple. I agree. So he missed. Yeah, like others, way better now. Yeah, kind of feel comfortable where I met with him. Yeah, and he's got an NFL decision to make here.

Yeah, he has a twin brother at Penn State who, you know, I don't know if that will influence his decision to stay or go. But, yeah, we'll see what Kail and King decides to go or decides to do. I think that was my only, yeah, those are only, like, it was tough to leave those guys out. I mean, I only had five receivers. And so there were a few receivers that I, I think, you know, I could have included in there. But, you know, this is a, again, once you get your first round grades done and you have to fill in the last 10 to 12 picks, receivers one of those teams or one of those positions that you could, okay, this team really needs a playmaker.

There's second round receiver. Okay, I could see him sneaking in there. You know, this will be an interesting receiver class to see how many actually go in that first round. I know a lot of people are saying, oh, it's going to be a historic first round receiver class. and I'm not there yet, but I still think, you know, we're going to see quite a few going the first two rounds, no doubt.

I feel four I have legit first round grades on, which I think everyone. Same four. Yeah, same four. I don't think that's crazy. Well, I was, I'm five. I'm including, yeah, I'm including Thomas in line. Yeah, that I was going to say,

Thomas is the one I can make the argument to be five. Okay, so we're on same wavelength there. And then, yeah, then there's another group about five. Four, four-ish, five. I ended up going with eight, Yeah, those are all those kind of, I don't know, if you want to call them late first, second round grades. You know, picks 20 to 40 that are interchangeable, but that tier. But I do think there's four to, for sure, four, and we could both argue five that are true, true first rounders.

But way more, I ended up making an argument for it. And also it was just to kind of keep some fans off my back and go, like, here you go, here, here. Here you go, here. Here's a receiver. Right, right. Like, Troy Franklin's a great example. Like, I, you play off coverage against him and he'll just, he'll burn. you. I mean, he'll... He'll put corners through hell. I mean, he really, but okay, put him nose and nose with a press man corner in the NFL, and that's where I have my

question marks. You know, is this 180 pound guy who, there's some play strength questions there. Can he get open against, get off a jam, get open? Like, that's where I think my question's coming with him. But again, you watch, you know, you just watch him go up and high point the football and go make plays, that's the long striding speed. You're like, all right, I'm, I'm, back on board. I get it. You know, and so I go back and forth to a guy like Troy Franklin. I like him if you already have a one and you are like, you're just, okay, we're, I mean, the bills could be an example of that.

Maybe even, you know, I'm just trying to take some other changes. I had him going to the Jags. I said technically they both both be X's, but I think him and Calvin Ridley with Christian Kirk in the middle could be a really fun trio. It's just like you said, the skinny, skininess is a little worried. But, man, I just, I just, he is so twitchy for how long he is. It's kind of what I wanted, uh, Justin Ross to be from, uh, from the clubs and kind of like that same kind of type of skill set that those types of guys I'm always going to kind of fall for. That's kind of like a Bucca was kind of like I have him in the same tier, but Bucca's way more useful.

But then it's like what, what's his high end? What's his dominant like dominating trait? And so it's like, again, these types of tier players, Jay one poke I had in this tier. I ended up giving him the bump into the first round. So those are kind of, we had surprises, we had toughest players. What's the biggest thing you learned while doing it? We're going to learn some lessons here on Prospects for us. Well, I don't know that I necessarily learned, but this was, to me, this exercise is more

of a reminder that this is an offensive tackle class. This is, or an offensive tackle draft. I had eight offensive tackles in my preseason top 50 back in August. So this was something that we knew already. I have nine offensive tackles in the first. round of my mock draft. And that doesn't include Graham Barton, who's in there.

Because in my opinion, he's not a tackle. He's an interior alignment. I think he's going to be a really good interior alignment. I haven't going to Cowboys in my mock, who, with Beaudish being a free agent, Tyron Smith will see what happens. Tyler Smith moved the left tackle. It might be a need at guard or center.

Graham Barton can step in and be that guy. So I like that fit quite a bit. But these tackles, Again, I think a lot of them are second round players, whether Patrick Paul to me is a second round player. You know, the Kingsley from BYU, it's more of a second round player. But again, once you think about that late first round, I think a lot of these guys are going to go into back half a round one.

Amarius Mims from Georgia. I can't quit him. I still, I am. Teams are going to love him. He's, again, 6, 7, 3.30. And the way he moves, he has single digit starts to his name. There's so much, he's a puppy. There's so much that he doesn't know yet that you have to, you know, you have to develop him.

But I still think he's going to go first round and pretty high in the first round. I have him going top half around one in my mock just because of the traits. And that's what teams draft. So the record for offensive tackles in the first round is seven back in 08. That was the year offense tackle went number one overall. Yeah, who was? Jake Long. That's right.

Ryan Clady was in that draft. Dwayne Brown, who's still playing, was in that draft. So that was a big-time offense tackle class in the first round. Four years ago, the Tristan Wirthes, Andrew Thomas, Judge Rick Wills Group, Mackay Beckton. That was four years ago. That was six offensive tackles in the first round. Man, I'm probably a ton, too.

Yeah. The infamous Isaiah Wilson pick, probably the first, or the worst first round pick in NFL history. Yeah. Or maybe the worst non-quarterback pick in. first round history. Vikings had a good one. They had Demetrius Underwood. Remember that name?

Oh my gosh. What year? Same draft as Cole Pepper. So that would have been 99. Yeah. Yeah, they had two first rounders because they traded Brad Johnson for a first rounder, I think. So they got, they took Cole Pepper with that. And then they had their other pick because they went 15.

And it was Demetrius Underwood. That was, that was, that sounds like you still have some scars from that one. This is like what it was like, I'd be becoming an aware football fan. And so now it's like, yeah. So it's like those are the beginning of my time. It's like right as I became aware, times went bad. So, hey, growing up in Northeast Ohio, that 99 draft was what made me fall in love with the draft because that's when the Browns came back. And I was, you know, I was, I was a baseball guy.

I was like, all right, go Indians. That was my thing. And then the Browns come back in 99. And I was like, huh, this is, I'm just, I love this. And it's like, okay, Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, Ricky Williams. like, you know, who should go number one? You know, what makes a good college player or a great NFL player? And that took me down a rabbit hole that I've never come out of.

But, yeah, it's, that was a fun draft. That was an all-timer. 99. Oh, yeah. Didn't work out for the Browns and Tim Couch. But to this day, I still say if Tim Couch was drafted to an organization that had an actual team of players worth putting on the field, Tim Couch would have been a really good pro. I remember those browns is because that draft I remember very vividly because of the quarterbacks taking the Ricky Williams trade, booing McNabb, all that stuff. I remember because I liked Oregon.

So at the time. Achilles Smith? Yes. Also, they would always come up at the Metro dome because I was always there for pregame stuff. So they always come up with schedule and who was on a buy and all this stuff. And that the 31 teams messed up the buy week. So like some team had a buy, I think, week one or week 17. And they had to play like 16 straight games.

Yeah, but that's why I remember that 99 Browns team like more than anything. It's just these random things that come up. Also, the Dwayne Smoot taken off his helmet. I don't know if that was the 99 Browns. That might have been to 2000 or 2000. Dwayne Rudd. Dwayne Rudd. Yeah.

Against the chiefs. Oh, never forget that. On the field goal, right? Yeah, that was, I think that was a couple years later. That was a couple years later. It was a couple years later. That's how I remember those Brown teams, though, because there was, that was heartbreaking. I remember, like, Brown, I, like, or couch, I'm sorry, I understand, like, he did look the part.

And that's when that air raid offense was, like, a new thing. So it's like he was putting up all the numbers. And so I kind of totally get it. Although I did rewatch some Donovan McNabb college tape because I was trying to find an Anthony Richardson comparison. And McNabb at Syracuse, oh, my God. That was fun. Because I don't remember it.

And so I just remember McAb with the Eagles. So I'm watching that Sarah case. I'm like, oh, my God. Like, that was a lot of fun. I totally get why Andy Reid fell for that. But, no, I'm with you going back to kind of our mocks is I leaned towards, I had eight offense tackles as well and nine offense alignment. And we had a different tackle as our eighth tackle.

You went Kingsley and I went Morgan for George Morgan from Arizona. So that's telling you that, I mean, double digit type guys are being looked at that kind of disarranged of the draft. I went eight wide receivers. And really that's what I'd learn the most. Or point of emphasis, like you're saying, that I had the most in this draft was O-line and receivers

make up more than half the first-round picks. 17 of my 32 first-rounders were O-line and O-line receivers. Really, more than that. And if you could have quarterbacks, you're talking 20-ish. And that's not that hard to swim. Throwing corners. And all of a sudden,

you're like, yeah, exactly. That's how this draft picks. Yeah, that's key positions, you know, the positions, the pivotal positions on the roster that matter. Yeah, you want the tent pole positions, you know, that's what you want to invest in the first round. And especially not only because they're important for your roster, but because those guys usually don't last. I mean, obviously you can find these guys, you know, there's an example start the league, but the high-end traits guys who.

Yeah, it's going to take a first round pick, especially in this class. You have to invest. These are the premium spots. And I think it's a good draft if you need this. Every team could use a tackle or an offensive weapon or a corner, a high-end corner. So I think it's in a lot of different flavors. I think it's going to be, yeah, like you said, a temple draft, a blockbuster type draft with those types of positions. I have one more question for you with your mom.

How much did you debate putting a quarterback at number one to Chicago? Was there much of a debate for you? I spent 500 words trying to explain my thinking. I made it into like a little mini article about where the bears are at. It was very hard because of how fields displaying. But I do think just some timeline reset and everything. But I did say, yeah, I think that's the biggest argument you can make. I had May going number one.

And how I've kind of really looked at this is I think May, even as prospects, is that a tier above even where I had fields or at least a half tier. So I think that's why it's an easier argument for me to make them with May to move on from fields. but having said that, the flashes feels have shown, even with the fumbles, is some of the best football he's ever played and the stuff that seems sustainable

on top of the explosive play. So it's... If you're the Bears, though, that's great. It's amazing. Drive up the trade value. It's win, win, win, win, no matter what. Even if you're drafting a quarterback number one, which I think they should do,

because again, like we were mentioning with the time clock, basically this comes down the one thing. Are you prepared to give Justin Fields 100 plus million dollars of guarantees? It's hard to say yes to that. It wasn't healthy this year. Right.

It's hard to say yes to that. That's what it will take to extend Justin Fields. And if the answer is no, I think you have to move on. And, you know, I think Fields will be just fine in Atlanta or... Honey spots. Wherever he ends up going, you know, and you can get something in return for him. Reset the quarterback clock at number with the number one pick, whether that is... It's going to be funny because it's...

with Drake May, it's, oh gosh, not another North Carolina quarterback. Could be any more different. And then, right, absolutely. But they have the same color helmet. So it will come up constantly. And then with Caleb Williams, it's like, oh, great, another indecisive quarterback who fumbles. Even though these guys have, you know, all these differences, it will be. Caleb and Fields couldn't throw any more different as far as like throwing style and everything.

Bears fans are so jaded because of these last two first round quarterbacks, which I understand that it's just ironic that the two guys we're talking about with Fields and Mitchell Trabiski, uh, you could correlate, you know, just with these two first round or, uh, candidates at number one overall with Caleb and,

uh, Drake May. It's just funny that there's these built in excuses why some Bears fans won't want either one of them, even though they're, there's so much, these two quarterbacks are so much more than just that. Um, but yeah,

I think it comes down to, why they did it want Stroud last year. Oh, gosh. Same school as fields. Right. Exactly. High State quarterbacks don't work out. Yep, that's it.

That's, which is finally, hopefully we can finally stop with that argument. C.J. Stroud's putting that. Pretty definitive answer for C.J. Stroud putting that one to bed. But no, it's a great point to make. I'd say so, yeah. But, yeah, I'm with you. I mean, I did go Caleb at one. I, I don't, the bears don't know.

If the draft were tomorrow, I think the bears know who they would draft yet. So we have to see if, you know, the same head coach is going to be there. That's going to play a factor. I'm assuming polls will still be the general manager, but you never know. There could be a change there as well, and that just shakes up everything. So there's a lot about the bears we still don't know. But I think it's a most people are going to lean towards them going with the quarterback with this selection. I think that'd probably be the right move.

The cleanest thing I, the cleanest, the cleanest path, as far as right now, end of November, what I see is that they move on for Puell's trade to pick and start the time, where you start the timeline. That's what I see. But I think if, yeah, Fields go supernova for a month, like, yeah, that's a whole discussion. But everything we talk about here, it's like just, it's going to be interesting. I even wrote in my article, it's like one of the most fascinating timelines in the entire NFL is the Bears and low-key, the Cardinals with the stuff that with Kyler and everything in their picks. Right. It's going to be very interesting how that kind of breaks down. It's being interesting.

Got some really fun conference title matchups happening this week in conference championship, one of which I will be going to here in Las Vegas. That is Friday night. Oregon versus Washington. We have mentioned a couple of those receivers, but first time this game happened. We talked about these receivers and these quarterbacks. But what else are you paying attention to on top of these fantastic weapons that both these teams have, Dane?

I mean, really, this comes down to the quarterbacks. This is what, Bo Nicks, to me, in the first matchup, it was in Seattle. It was a hostile place to play for a visiting team. And I thought Bo Nix, you could see how skid issue was at times, where if that initial read wasn't there, he started to really kind of shuffle his feet. He seemed very unsure of himself. You know, they started to panic a little bit. This game, he's been playing great the last month since that game. This game's obviously a neutral field.

It's going to be a different situation. They've got momentum riding into this game. And I just, I want to see Bo Nix play at his best. We'll see it. I was talking with, you know, Jeff Schwartz about this, how just the offense looks a little bit different, more West Coast principles, just with what they're doing. And they're making it easy on Bow Nix to understand where he needs to go with the football. How does that manifest itself in this conference championship game? What have they been holding back?

You know, what are they going to show different in this game than what we saw, you know, just over a month ago? So I want to see how these quarterbacks look. I want to see Michael Pennix as well. You and I have been pretty consistent with our evaluation of Pennix. You know, nice college player, not necessarily someone you're going to build your franchise around as an NFL quarterback. But, you know, he's still got games to play. Still has chances to try and, you know, persuade the doubters. So we'll see how he does.

Both these guys, again, when you have the offensive line and protection that they do, it makes it hard to evaluate them how they deal with pressure. And so I want to see hopefully these guys, these defensive lines, can heat up these quarterbacks, force them to make throws under duress, make those split-second decisions, be accurate under pressure, and we'll see if they can do that

because just from a selfish evaluation perspective, that's what I want to see. But regardless, it's going to be fireworks. This game, I believe Jane Daniels is the Heisman Trophy winner. That's my opinion. That's who I would look for as well. Yeah, but this game could go to deciding

who the Heisman winner is going to be. So this is going to be a lot of, in the line Friday night. That'll be a lot of fun. I'm jealous that you're, I don't get to go, but that'll, that'll be, we'll get a live reaction from you on, uh, next, next week's pod. That'll be fun. Yeah. It's gonna be great. I know. I even like that's Friday because I have regretted any time I've done anything on Saturday past like nine o'clock. Like if I'm not home in my bed by 10 on Saturday, I regret it because of how long Sundays are for me in a fun way. But it's, yeah, I'm going with my dad. I, I shot my text and I was like, hey, the games is, I was like,

Oregon, Washington, it's here in Vegas, Friday. And then I didn't hear from him for like two days. And then he'll send me a screenshot. He was like, got two tickets. Is this fine? I was like, okay. And then my parents told my wife before I got even a chance to tell her because I didn't know that we were doing it. So that got me, that was a nice little like, what are you doing Friday night? Yeah. I've been meaning to talk to you about that. So got caught in the trap. It got caught in the trap. Yeah, hosted by my own Pitar, but I am fired up to go to this game. This is, I'm, I'm excited to watch all the receivers. I know what you mentioned with all the quarterbacks.

I think Nix is the one I want to watch the most, so I'm glad you brought it up because I kind of feel solidified on panics, but Nix is one I think I'm pretty good on, but I still just want to, I want to make sure, put an emphasis, put a period on. You have them day two, like second and third round. Day two, third round. More of a lower day two than even a higher day two.

But again, he's just kind of how they have some guardrails on the offense, which we've talked about, and you mentioned some stuff with the offense. but also some offensive line play. So maybe I'll have my dad, maybe him's thoughts. Watch Fetano. Troy Fonteau at Left Tackle. He made my mock draft.

I mean, he's playing outstanding. Where'd you have him go? What's that? Where'd you have him go? Miami at 25. Ah, I love that. I think, you know, he's aesthetically, he looks like a guard, but he's playing well at left tackle.

He's got the feet and the arm length to stay at left tackle. but Miami's a team that have some differing needs and offensive line. Yeah, he plug him in a guard. I mean, Toronto, Armstead, if, you know, we'll see he's missed more games this year than he's played because of injury. We'll see, you know, long term, you know,

this could be an option for his replacement, that type of thing. So I like that fit quite a bit. That's a, yeah, I had Morgan going to the dolphins kind of similar thinking. Kind of like, where's his best spot? Doesn't matter. They need a guy.

They just need bodies. Same with Scoronski last year with going to the Titans. It's like, what's his best spot? Doesn't matter. They need linemen. Just give them good players. Going on, Big 12, OK State, Oklahoma State versus Texas is the, we've got pretty, what's the Quinn year's situation right now, actually, I generally ask you.

Good question. It's interesting with, in all of Texas's skill players, you know, Xavier Worthy is playing well. I mean, you have to wonder, Xavier Worthy, one of the reasons why he's not, the first round mock is he's 165 pounds. Exactly. It's like, is what Tank Dell's doing? Is that going to help Xavier Worthy in the minds of some teams?

You know, just an underside. Now, Xavier Worthy is a lot, you know, he's a lot slimmer because he's over six foot where Tank Dell's, you know, under 5'9. So it's a shock. Yeah. Right. So it's okay. Different body types, obviously, but just a leaner player, is that going to help the

evaluation with Xavier worthy? Jatioon Sanders. the tight end. He's probably leaving for the NFL. How is he looking this game? A.D. Mitchell. And then, of course, like you mentioned, Quinn Ewers. Big NFL decision to make coming up.

He's been playing well. It's just, you know, you want to see more big-time throws. And the consistency factor hasn't been there yet. But this is a chance against Oklahoma State to change that. Because if they win this game, they're going to the playoff. And in the playoff, you know, they're facing Georgia in the first round or, you know, you're facing Michigan, whatever it ends up being, that's going to be one that, a much bigger test than what I think he is, you know, used to facing the Big 12. You know, obviously he faced Alabama earlier this year. So seeing Quinn Ewers in this game and then beyond in the playoff will be really interesting and go a long way to determining what he's going to do after this year.

Yeah, I know. Another guy that just can't put that kind of final statement on yet because it's just how. the season's gone and everything. Good and bad. And if he ended up in the first round, I don't think it'd be that much of a surprise. He didn't make my first round mock, you know,

this time, but, you know, I think that it wouldn't be a shock if he actually ends up there. There's some people that like him, like a lot. Yeah.

I mean, he's still young. I mean, he's, right now he should be a true sophomore. I mean, we have to remember. He reclassifies a senior in high school

and then redshirted and really didn't have any impact his first year at Ohio State. And then the last two years, I think it's fair to say he's gotten better and better. And so the armed talent that he has and the fact that you feel like he's on an upward trajectory, easy to talk yourself into investing in a Quinn Ewers. And so, you know, just continuing those positive vibes going against Oklahoma State and then in the playoff, that'll certainly help him. Absolutely.

And also not saying, yeah, like you said, a real defense, maybe not a big 12 defense. So it's fun when they, like when you see him. You kind of go against these defenses that have particular game plans to stop them, see how they answer and everything. I already kind of mentioned this, a little small school, the Mac championship, Miami of Ohio versus Toledo. We were talking about, people just call him Q, Q Mitchell. Yeah, right, Q Mitchell. But, yeah, again, very traits-heavy guy. But if you have that on your multi-screen, you know, make sure to check out the corner for Toledo.

There's only a couple of games on at noon. So, you know, there's no excuse. Yeah, no excuse not to watch him. Or for you, what, 9 a.m. I'll be up. Yeah, watch some Quignon Mitchell with your breakfast. Yeah, our son is teething. He is an early teethe like I was.

So it's just one after another. It's a lot of fun. So I am up very early every day now. I imagine. It's been great for the film watching, though. But no, and anyone from Boise State, UNLV? I couldn't think of anyone from UMLV. They have a freshman quarterback that's pretty fun.

But they had a receiver last year that, I kept an eye on, but not so much. But I was just curious if there's any small school, small school guys for the Mountain West Championship. I don't know when that I think is, oh, definitely getting drafted. That's, yeah. You need to make sure you want, you know, no one like that. You know what he's decent this year. So I've been watching him.

Right. Like, yeah, I was hoping one of the guys were really pop. I could have like a little hipster local pick. But yeah, I couldn't really find anything there. Then you got Georgia Alabama, which does have plenty of NFL talent. Yes. Where do you want to parse through on this one? Carson's back, obviously.

Yeah, definitely. Is there one matchup that maybe you just can't wait to say? For me, it's to see, I want to see a Marius Mims versus those, Braswell, Dallas Turner. How does he hold up? Again, immensely talented, but it just doesn't have a lot of skins on his wall. You know, he needs to continue to get better and better. And this is one of those games where he could grow up quickly. Yeah, any Mims game.

He's the designated hitter. She just comes in for, you just wheel him in like Hannibal Lecter for the big games. Just having played tackle and just wheel him back. out. But Ladd, our guy Ladd versus the Gamma Corners, I think that could be a lot of fun. But also watch for them to get Ladd matched up with Malachi Moore one-on-one in the slot. And I think they'll try to hit them over the top. So, yeah, Ladd-McConkey versus Malachi Moore, who's kind of their Brian Branch this year. Yeah, just, you know, more four rounds later than when Brian Branch was drafted. So a good player.

I've watched him as preseasoned. Yeah, yeah, yeah, but yeah, that'll be interesting. But, yeah, a lot of NFL pros on this field. Yeah, it'll be good. No, I'm a good shout with Mims. SMU, Tulane, you know, you got Pratt at Tulane. Michael Pratt. Yep, yep, but you know, I can't quit him.

But, you know, I feel he's definitely in the high-endike tier. That's kind of where I'm putting them right now. So we'll see if you can kind of rise up from that. But he's an interesting guy to watch. He's a lot of fun. Two-lane's a lot of fun to watch period. He's, you know, I think he's in a, like, the way I felt about A.N. O'Connell last year in the fourth round.

Like, that's Michael Pratt this year is a guy that I don't, know that's going to be an NFL starter long term, but I just want them on my team. I want them as my backup. I want them as my spot starter. Yeah, that's the Michael Pratt this year. That's how I always put the, the guy that's smart enough to get you through play by play can run around, make a couple plays for you. Those are the ones you want.

Those are your backups. High character guys. Everyone likes them. Love the backup quarterback. Spot starter backup quarterback archetype. Michigan, Iowa. This is, yeah, we kind of dove. been to Michigan a little bit last week.

Right. Ohio State. And what was your stat with that game? Over 20 potential draft picks. Yeah, between Ohio State and Michigan. Yeah. It's just a loaded, loaded game. And the game didn't disappoint with the amount of,

it was the intrigue in that one. Now against Iowa, it'll be a little bit easier. Most as Iowa got for you. Like, is anyone else outside? I know Dijine's hurt, but. Yeah, obviously, no Dijin. And really a lot of their, You know, best players are out with Dijin, and both their tight ends are legit guys.

You know, Eric All, Michigan Transfer would have been fun to see him. He's out. The other tight ends out. I like, I mean, there's a few guys on the defensive line. Number 94, Black, he's a good player. I don't think he's going to come out, though. So he's just a guy to watch for the 2025 draft. But this is as a unit, it's a really sound defense.

And so just to see how J.C. McCarthy, Blake Corman, Edwards, how they do against the defense will be at least worth watching from a scouting perspective. It's not like, I mean, last year just felt like Michigan was going to roll over Purdue. Usually the Big Ten West doesn't give us, sorry, with all due respect to Wisconsin. That's right now. That's right. But Iowa has at least a respectable defense. They can't score on offense, but they have a respectable defense.

And that'll be at least worth watching for a little bit to see the Michigan offensive players, see how they match up. Yeah. Iowa basically runs the same exact defensive calls they ran when we played against them. It would be, every Iowa guy I talked to, it would be over the years. Was Phil Parker there back then? That's, I don't think so. Okay. He might have been. But no one leaves there.

Right. That's. I think he might have been, actually. Hold on. Uh, he was a DB coach. Yeah. Yeah, okay. He was the Navy coach when I was there.

Became DC and 12. Yeah, it's the year after I left. I was 11 was my senior year. So it's the same stuff. Yeah. It would be hilarious. So like we could get into a formation. It was like, if we went to empty, it's like, all right, here's cover six.

It was like, we know what you're going to do. You know what we're going to do. It was truly execution on execution. So it was like, it was for kind of like truly like X's and O's. No one was botching. Like I did a video, a podcast with. Coach Vass, if anyone follows him on Twitter, but with a TCU GA. So we're talking about the Rose Bowl.

And all the big plays that TCU hit on us defensively were botches. We're somebody messing up on their defense, two guys blitzing the same gap, one guy blitzing when they shouldn't, one guy wrong in coverage. It's like, that's annoying. But Iowa, Wisconsin, yeah, it was I could tell you exactly who's going in every single gap. But you just had to block Adrian Claiborne for four quarters. That would be your, I would have, like, was loaded on the defensive line when I was there. They always find those guys, yeah.

They do. I know. And someone from like Minnesota. They're all from the Midwest too. Well, Claymore, I think isn't. But yeah, all the same guys get recruited by those schools. Michigan State as well. They all recruit kind of the same types.

So it's kind of interesting who rises and who falls in the Big Ten West. A lot of it's coaching. A lot of it's coaching. Last one, Louisville, Florida State. Anyone from Louisville? Like anybody? You know, kind of remember if we talked about. Small, but he's fun.

You know, he's, There's nothing really differentiating about him, but I don't know if he's 185 pounds or not, but he plays fast. And so there's things like about him. Jamari Thrash, the receiver, is really good. I think he's ranking my top senior receivers. He's somewhere in the top five to seven senior receivers. So, you know, he's definitely a guy to watch. But really, this is, I want to see Florida State.

I want to see the defensive line. and once he, um, uh, verse, uh, Jared verse, he took over the game. I don't know if you saw that sack that he had where he just speed to power, the left tackle into the quarterback for the sack. Um, I, it's almost like the left tackle deserves half the sack there. And I, it was phenomenal. Um, but he just took over the game late, late, uh, in the fourth quarter. And we played well all game, but took it over in the fourth quarter.

Um, want to see that defense, how, how they do against this offense. I, I think Florida State's going to win, but obviously when you have backup quarter, back anything's possible. So can Tray Benson? Trey Benson has been more of a complimentary piece than a true belcow for that team. Running back, can he play more of a role in this one where they

really need him to step up and make some of those big splash plays that we saw against Florida that we see we've seen constantly throughout the season. So can you just do it more with a bigger workload? We'll have to see how he does. Yeah, that's very fair points. I know when you have

Keaun Coleman out there, kind of know which where your offense is going to get filtered through. And it's tough with the backup quarterback, right? So it's like, you know, Keon Coleman and just come a few jump balls. It's good for catching range grades, you know. Right. Yeah. See some of those throws behind the Calvin Johnson grade.

We all the throws are behind them. The catch radius. It's okay. Oh, yeah, we got a couple more examples in this game for when Travis is out. So it makes sense. But no, Dane, thanks so much. It's a lot of fun. I'm glad you had a great Thanksgiving.

Thank you guys so much for joining us. We will be here every Wednesday with Prospects to Pros. We are getting into bowl season. So get ready. Then we got some bowl takes who will sit out. Who's transferring? Who's returning? Yeah, but it's going to be great as the draft is starting to really heat up the draft process.

Thank you guys so much for joining us. We'll see you guys next time. This was the Athletic Football Show's Prospects to Prospects Podcast.