March 7, 2024 • 50 mins
On today's episode of The NFL Report: Steve Wyche and James Palmer dive into the latest from around the NFL. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein joins the show to talk about his biggest takeaways from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, and why he has wide receiver Malik Nabers ranked ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr. Afterwards, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport stops by to discuss some players who received franchise tags, but are on the trade block. Next, Jane Slater joins the program with the latest on Dak Prescott's contract, and the Cowboys offseason priorities. Then, NFL Network analyst Marc Ross stops by to give a front-office view of what teams take into account when applying the franchise tag to a player. (edited)
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Antoine Winfield, junior safety for the Tip of Bay Buccaneers,
Walter Payton Man of the Year, and this is NFL Report.
Welcome into the NFL Report, James Palmer, Steve wis with you.
He did not mention that he is an All Pro
because that happened before he was an All Pro. Steve.
He also didn't mention that he's a franchise tagged safety,
one of eight players hit with the franchise tag. Will
(00:26):
over all of that with Ian Rappaport on this show.
We're also going to break down the Dallas Cowboys with
Jane Slater. Are there any talks going on between Dak
and the Cowboys? What's happening there? Steve lance Zerline also
joins the show. He was on the field in Indianapolis
talking about all these quarterbacks who helped themselves, who hurt themselves,
and we get into a wide receiver debate. I have
(00:47):
something I want to say about where he has these
top wide receivers. And then we also have Mark Ross
also was in Indianapolis breaking down cornerbacks. How about what
happens inside the building deciding these tags? Steve as well
as speed versus just being a football player, at the
wide receiver spot. Loaded loaded show.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
A loaded loaded show, and JP, we saw on Monday,
as you mentioned, eight players get franchise tag and we
had one player get transition tagged. With The one position
where we did not see a player get tagged was
running back. After last year we saw players like Saquon
Barkley get tagged. So the all these running backs, Josh Jacobs,
(01:27):
Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Zach Moss, they are about to
hit the market. So let's chop it up about these
running backs because as we know, on the free agent market,
it has not served these running backs. Well, that is
a depressed economic market. So when you look at some
of these players, JP, I'm expecting most of them to
land in different places. But one, do you think they're
(01:47):
gonna get the dollars that they desire? But two, how
much could it change of scenery not only help the player,
but help the team that acquires that player.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
You see, what we're gonna get a chance to see
is how other teams feel about these players. We know
how the Giants feel about Saquon Barkley, right how does
the rest of the league right now with his injury history?
But also is really dynamic play, dual threat as a
runner and catching the football. How do other teams, say,
maybe the Dallas Cowboys or the Houston Texans or any
(02:19):
other team that plays in the Great State of Texas
feels about Saquon. We are now for the first time,
going to have an opportunity where we really see if
the value could be there in going after these running backs.
The other part that plays a factor in this is
that the salary cap went up thirty million dollars. There's
some more space in there to give a couple extra dollars.
(02:40):
You know, running back agents are going to be saying
this to guys like Saquon and to guys like we
didn't mention him, Steve Dereck Henry possibly landing somewhere. He's
kind of an anomaly at his age. Where are these
players valued. We're gonna get our first opportunity to see that.
And I think that's the fascinating point of this offseason
because as you compound that with the lack of running
(03:02):
back talent coming out in this draft, our own Daniel Jeremiah,
not a single running back in the top fifty. There
are deep number of running backs. There's different style of
running backs. But there is money to give them, will
it find their way to their hands? That's the part
I'm still not entirely sure.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
I don't see it. I just been I don't see it, James.
We have seen these teams keep the running market depressed.
Year after the year. You're seeing young running backs, you know,
guys in their first and second year, like a Kyen
Williams with the Rams, come in and deliver on a
rookie contract from a mid round pick that you know,
instead of paying Derek Henry twelve or thirteen million dollars,
You're getting similar statistics out of that type of young
(03:37):
running back. And guess what when you look at Saquon Barkley,
when you look at Josh Jacobs, and you look at
Derrick Henry, did their teams make the playoffs? No, that's
what their teams are saying, we can lose without you.
Right now. I'm not saying the Raiders are going to
try to get rid of Josh Shacobs. We've heard Antonio
Pierce say, we know who stirs a drink on the offense,
and Josh Shakobs is that type of player.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
But I'll also say.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
This, he mentioned it sat Quon Barkley goes to a
Dallas or Derrick Henry goes to Baltimore, or Josh Jacobs
goes to a different team, They're gonna help. These are
very good players who can find themselves because they have
the choice to now put themselves, maybe even at less money,
in winning situations. And I think that's a that's a
(04:19):
very big deal JP. These players also have the choice
to say that team's got a good offensive line, that
team runs a zone stretch run scheme that fits my
style better instead of the power scheme that I've been in.
Let me try and go get to that the JP.
Let's also though, the quarterback market is very interesting because
we continue to hear that Baker Mayfield could be somebody
(04:42):
who returns to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that's playing on
a one year, five million dollar deal last year and
really putting himself in a situation to make money. He
wasn't tagged. He's gonna become available to sign with another
team next week unless him and the Buccaneers he come
to a deal. So look, le's play a little game
show here, JP. What free agent quarterback out there right
(05:06):
now might be or even a guy who gets traded,
he gets cut, might be the next Baker Mayfield, the
guy to play on a one year deal and cash
in the following year.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Now you mentioned cash in the part you forgot their Steve.
This deal could be well over thirty million dollars that
Baker Mayfield is going to sign, and that is a
massive jump from the five. So who is the guy
that can play that role? I'm gonna really value with
this one. What if it's Mac Jones. Now he is
not released, he obviously still is under contract, but it
would probably take a sixth rounder to trade for Mac
(05:40):
Jones right now, even if you're giving that. But this
is a guy that experienced probably quarterback malpractice in New England.
Remember that rookie season, he finished second for Rookie of
the Year, They had ten wins, they went to the postseason.
Then he has an off He is a defensive coordinator
and a special teams coordinator as co offensive coordinators the
(06:00):
next year, things go awry the following season. I go
back to the evaluators. I talked to Steve when he
was coming out, and it was he is the best
processor in this draft. And it's not even close in
terms of information I had one quarterback coach tell me
anything you tell him, he will spit it back to you.
In terms of coverage, in terms of progressions, in terms
of offensive line alignments, what are all of those things?
(06:23):
Kind of point at a lot of offenses that are
run around the NFL right now, you look at those
are all the things that Sean Payton is really looking for.
The craziest aspect of why I bring this up in Indianapolis,
Steve two different offensive coaches that work with the quarterback,
one an offensive coordinator, one a quarterback coach, said if
mac Jones was taken third overall by Kyle Shanahan, they
(06:44):
would have at least one super Bowl right now? Could
mac Jones be the one with a change of scenery
that does the Baker Mayfield? We'll see who do you have.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
I'm not even tolerating backhanded rock perty, slander, none of
that here. That's where the real MVP lives on this show.
So we are not get out of here that I
would agree if mat Jone goes to the right situation
to Sean Payton, I think even Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota,
he might have an opportunity. Okay, but I'm gonna I'm
gonna go way out here, laugh at me. Jameis Winston. Right,
(07:17):
Jameis Winston, He's had his opportunities had at Tampa, he
had some in New Orleans. Let's say he goes to
place like Seattle, Right, he goes there to back up Gino,
gets his opportunity to play first off. Jamis is gonna
win over a locker room, right, He's gonna win over
the community. He's one of the most well like dudes
in the NFL for a lot of different reasons. He's
a character, but he's somebody who's also like one of
(07:37):
these really sweet, absolute community driven guys. We know he
could throw the ball if he gets with a team
like Seattle with Jack Smith and Jigma, with DK Metcalf,
with Tyler Lockout Lockett, with a running game, with a
running game and all those strong offensive linemen that they
have a big armlike kids playing in weather like that,
and that could be temperamental. Jameis Winston might be a
(07:57):
guy who can play himself back into the conference station.
I know a lot of people are gonna look at
me crazy. Guess what, I'm gonna look at you crazy back,
because we're playing a game show in this segment right now.
And that's what we do. Okay, it's not pin the
tail on the donkey, it's not dark Love. We're just playing.
We're just playing a game show. But JB speaking a quarterback.
Lance Zerline, our draft analyst, came out with his mock
(08:19):
draft two point oh, and he only has four quarterbacks
going in the first round.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
We're getting ready to find out what's going on in
the mind of Lance Zerline. We come back on the
NFL repack flc I, We're back at the NFL Report.
I'm Steve White with my guy James Palmer and Lance Zerline,
(08:45):
our draft analyst, just released his draft. His mock draft
two point zero.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
HAYLEB.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Williams number one, No surprise you you have Jayden Daniels
and Drake May, but all quarterbacks going in the top three.
And look at number nine. Lance Zerline has the Broncos
training up to get Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, JAP. What
do you say we bring in Lance zero line. Of
course you can find he's mock draft NFL dot com.
(09:10):
And let's start right there. Lance number nine, the Denver
Bronco is making the move to go get JJ McCarthy.
And in this decision, was it harder as he de
broncos Is moving up or selecting McCarthy with that pick.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
No, it was harder to see them moving up.
Speaker 4 (09:26):
Look, they have limited draft capital this year, but you
know by cutting, you know, you cut Russell Wilson, you're
gonna take a cap hit this year, You're gonna take
a cap hit next year.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
I just thought JJ.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
McCarthy is one of these guys that really makes a
lot of sense with Sean Payton. Sean Payton, this is
year three for him. He needs to start moving in
the right direction. And I think if JJ McCarthy is
still there at nine and the Bears are willing to
move back, which I think they may based on how
I have the board shaking out and what their needs are,
because they could go pass Russer, they could go with
(09:59):
wide receiver.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
So if they were to move back now I know
it's an.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
Aggressive move, you'd probably have to deal a future second
round pick in next year's draft, but it would still
give Sean Payton a quarterback really run his offense. He's
a very efficient quarterback. JJ McCarthy, he's still getting better.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
I thought he did a nice.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
Job Steve the second half of the drills at the
combine where he really did some nice self correcting. He
threw great deep balls. He's a very accurate passer, intermediate
and deep.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
So I think this is just an.
Speaker 4 (10:29):
Aggressive move to try to quickly right the ship for
a failed quarterback mistake with Russell Wilson.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
I kind of like this lands because Bucky Brooks, your
co worker, our co worker was on the show a
couple of weeks ago, said I see some Justin Herbert
and JJ McCarthy. We all know where Sean was looking
to maybe land after that year off or crossing his fingers,
maybe that it would be with Justin Herbert and the Chargers,
but he's now in Denver maybe gets a similar style
of quarterback. You have Drake May there at the number
(10:59):
three spot. You kind of think him throwing or not
throwing helped or hurt him in the eyes of evaluators.
After your time in Indylance.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
You know, I think the third pick is one of
the hardest ones to First of all, it starts with
Washington do the quarterback?
Speaker 3 (11:15):
I'm assuming yes, Is it Daniels or May those.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
Are That's more than likely going to be the choice
at number two. But let's just say Daniels goes to
and may go's three. Think about this, you had picks.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Number one and potentially two not working out.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
You're the biggest guy with the biggest arm at the
combine in terms of the guys who are likely to
be first round picks, and you didn't work out the combine. Now,
I understand it's a choice that you have to make
based on the fact that you're throwing the guys who
maybe you're not going to have the same timing with,
And I understand that.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
But C J.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
Stroud through there, Anthony Richardson through there, Will Levis through there.
Last year, two of those guys went number two and
number four. One was offensive Rookie of the Year. So
I think with Drake may you know, yes, touching accuracy
can be an issue for him, but also that stage,
you know, that stage where he could have walked out
of there as the most talked about quarterback prospect instead
(12:07):
of Michael Pennox and JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
I think that would have been huge for Drake May.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
So.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
I don't know if he hurt himself, but I certainly
think there was an opportunity to help himself had he
worked out.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
Yeah. But you know, for guys like McCarthy and even
Caleb Williams, they say their draft position is pretty set.
It probably only hurt themselves if they participate in the combine.
That's always something they've got away. But in your mock draft,
and JP, I'm gonna let you jump in real quick.
But in your mock draft, Lance, you only got four
quarterbacks going in the first round. Okay, JP, I want
(12:38):
you to pick up because you got a point you
want to make right.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Here, Well, I want to make it. John Beck. On
our last show, Steve said that CJ. Stroud opting to
throw at the combine, the number of texts Lance that
becks that he got after CJ decided to throw where
they said they watched the film they thought the ball
came out of his hand. Well, but when all those
coaches can stand right behind him on the field and
he came out of his hand, they were wowed by CJ. Stroud.
(13:03):
And I think you're right, that's something Drake may could
have went out and done. Is there anybody with these quarterbacks?
And Steve's kind of alluding to the ones you have
going in the first round. Anybody kind of have that
happen to them at this combine where maybe there was
one perception and it was slightly maybe increased because they
did decide to throw.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
You know, actually it went the other way for bow Knicks.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
I didn't think it came out of his hands the
way I expected it to. And you are right, that
is something when you're on the field. And I saw
Richardson throw and I thought Carson Wentz had that happen
when he was on the field.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
It just came out differently for him.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
And of course he was the second pick of the
draft from with the Philadelphia Eagles in twenty sixteen. I
thought that, you know, JJ McCarthy was about like what
I expected, not a big arm.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
It's it's it's good enough.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
I think bo Knicks is good enough, but I expected
bow Knicks to be really have a plus arm. I
thought on tape it looked like he had a plus arm,
and really in the combine work out that I came
away wanting more from his arm. Now he throws accurately
and he does everything he needs to do, but there
was not the same zip on those throws that I
thought I was expecting to see, so it worked the
(14:12):
other way with him, But I do think that with
Drake May there would have.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Been a huge, huge emphasis.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
I think all those the people standing behind and I'm
you'll see me somewhere in there. If you slow down
the tape I was watching, you can.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Feel them there.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
I am.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
You can see me getting that shot of Joe Milton's throw.
I can promise you that that was unbelievable. But no,
you know, and Steve, you asked about four quarterbacksually, I
think what I just talked about with Yeah, I think
what I just talked about with bow Nicks, is he
himself out of the first a little bit. I think
the senior ball and maybe the combine he looks solid.
(14:49):
But are you taking solid quarterback the fifth one off
the board in the first round instead of some of
those pass rushers, cornerbacks, wide receivers.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
I don't think so. I don't think so.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
And then you know, similarly, Michael Pennix had a good combine,
but he also has four season ending injuries back to
back to back to back in his in his background,
and I think, you know, he'll be a twenty five
year old rookie. These are things that are hard to
get away from in the first round. But a team
also may look at Penis and say, look, he's gonna
be a twenty five year old rookie.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
Let's get that extra year on him.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
Let's take him at the back end of the first
So hard to say what's gonna happen with the fifth
quarterback or who it's going to be. But I think
it's going to be between bon Knicks and Penix. But
I don't see six picks. I don't see six quarterbacks
in the first round. I don't see that happen.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
All right, So we're assuming that, you know, Caleb Williams
and Jade Daniels who did not throw, they're going to
be among the top three picks. And I want to
get some of these wide receivers because Marvin Harrison, let's go,
didn't work out the combine, Nope, doesn't plan to work
out at his pro day. But I don't think any
of us is going to think this is going to
negatively impact his draft status. What about you know, you
(15:59):
just talk You just talk about drik may not not throwing,
and maybe that didn't naturally help him. What about this
approach that Marvin Harrison has done because This is pretty unique.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
It's a bold choice.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Cotton, to not do anything from a draft standpoint is
a very bold choice.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
But I think you make a very fair point, Steve.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
I think that you know, does he have to No,
he doesn't necessarily have to, and people know who he is.
But I do think that the general public has just
for years, or at least for the entire year, just
to assume Marvin Harrison, Junr. Is a top wide receiver
and KYLEB. Williams is generational. I don't know that either
of those are accurate. I don't think Caleb Williams generational.
People throw that term around way too much, or more
(16:42):
elite neighbors. You know, milite neighbors on a lot of
people's boards and teams boards is number one. It's not
a clean suite for Marvin Harrison like people think. And
I think Roma Donze is a legitimate contender as well.
So I think those top three guys Marvin Harrison Jr.
Elite neighbors. I have it neighbors one in the draft
for me, he's one one in the draft. I don't
(17:05):
think he'll go first, obviously, he's the top player in
this draft. And Marvin Harrison is my second favorite player
in this draft, and then we get down to Caleb Williams.
But I think Adunze Neighbors and Marvin Harrison Junior is
a much more close battle than people would expect. And
I think the boards are going to look vastly different
on how teams rate the top three wide receivers, because
(17:28):
I've already had those conversations, and so I do think
the race to be the first wide receiver is going
to be a good one.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
All right, Let's put Lance's board back up there, because
I would think, being an Ohio State Buck guy myself,
I would think Arizona would put Marvin Harrison Junior right
there at number four. Going to Arizona. I want to
press the button here a little bit, Lance, because I
have a feeling that there's a little bit of a
you know, just I don't want to say exhaustion or
(17:57):
just we've been talking about Marvin Harrrison Junior for so long,
and I mean like the last two years. That is
that impacting him in a negative fashion in some way?
Because I've spoken to Garrett Wilson, I've spoken to Chris Olave,
I've spoken to Jackson Smith and Jigba three first round
picks that were in that wide receiver room with Marvin
Harrison Junior at Ohio State, and all three of them
(18:19):
that were first round picks, one of them are Rookie
of the Year. All say Marvin Harrison Junior is better
than each of them. Are we just having a little
bit of fatigue here because we've been talking about Marvin
for so long?
Speaker 3 (18:30):
See not for me. I have Marvin Harrison. I have
Marvin Harrison Junior rated higher than all three of those guys.
And you got him two l Yeah, I've got I've
got him higher.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
But here's the problem. Malik Nighbors is going to be
a four three forty guy. We won't get a time on.
Most people think Marvin Harrison's going to be a mid
four four to higher four to four wide receiver, which
is fine, that's that's obviously not a problem. But it's
really going to get down to flavor here. Like Marvin's
very polished. We understand that, but I don't know. Look,
if his name wasn't Marvin Harrison Junior, I don't know
(19:02):
that this is like some lock that people think he's
automatically the guy.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
I know, he's a great wide receiver. He's a great
wide receiver.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
I'm not saying he's number two in my game a
sixty eight, which is really high. I'm just saying I
don't understand why anyone could actually watch tape and not
see what myliite Neighbors is capable of. This is what
I'm running into, guys, is I'm running into people who
just have decided that it's only Marvin Harrison and that's it.
And I'm telling you now, I've talked to one team
for sure, with the top five pick that could use
(19:33):
wide receiver. Who has Marvin Harrison third behind a Dunza
and Malik Neighbors won. So it's going to be different.
I'm just telling you it's a lot different when you
talk to teams than what the public thinks. But let's
remember this too. You talk about being fatigued, the fatigue
of Marvin Harrison Junior. Yes, for what we do, that's
correct potentially. However, it doesn't really affect me because I've
(19:56):
already got their grades down and I'm just trying to
think like NFL teams, and NFL teams don't get fatigued
of a player. They have to pick the best player
that gives them the best chance to win. So whoever
Arizona has at number four, you know they're going to
make that the first wide receiver off the board. If
it's Harrison, more power to them. Draft the guy you
think is number one. You want a real wild card.
(20:18):
What if the rumor about Baker Mayfield maybe being you know,
in play for What if he's in play for New
England and Elliott Wolf and Alonzo Highsmith and those guys
who had him in Cleveland. What if they were to
do that and then with the third pick take a
wide receiver, then all hell breaks loose because Arizona would
have a huge opportunity to either trade back and let
(20:38):
someone come up for a quarterback.
Speaker 3 (20:42):
Yeah, I mean, so listen, it may not be as
clean as my mock.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
Frankly, if you had flip flopped the wide receivers, you
guys would probably say, this is just a normal looking board. However,
I don't. It never goes normal. What does it ever
go like we think it's gonna go, It never does.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
No.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
No, I love the and I'm really hoping that there's
a situation where it gets all stirred up like this,
we have to get out. But one thing. And I
know you've probably heard this too. I know you said
Elik Neighbors and everyone says he is a dog like
he's like Davante Adams. Every snap in practice is like
the last play he's ever gonna play. Brian Thomas, his
LSU teammate. I've spoken to some people who say he's
(21:20):
more naturally gifted than Elik Neighbors, and he is starting
to realize to get that dog in him, that daily
grinded him. Where he is not nearly at his peak.
There's a lot of room to grow. That's a player
to look out for.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Lance.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
I'd love to get your opinion on this. I had
to tag it. I mean in my ear saying we
got to get out, we got to get you back.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
Brother.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
We love having that on my man.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
Let's make go straight to Twitter and start tweeting about
this right now.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Let's do it.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
Let's do it all right, man, Hey, Lance Zerline once again.
Check out his mock draft on NFL dot Com. It
is good stuff. And coming up, Jane Slater our Cowboys
Inside is gonna let us know the latest on Dak
Prescott negotiations. Is it gonna be a long term deal
or has Jerry Jones got something up his sleeve. We're
gonna find out next on the NFL Report. You're listening
(22:17):
to the NFL Report podcast, but you can watch me,
Steve Weich and my co host James Palmer on the
NFL Report at seven fifteen Eastern time on Mondays and
Thursdays on the NFL app and free streaming platforms on
the NFL channel on Roku two b Peacock, Pluto TV
and other.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Free streaming apps. Welcome back to the NFL Report, James
Palmer alongside Steve Which Here are the franchise tagged players
within the NFL. We had a bunch of them this
year t Higgins right there at the top. You look
at the number for the wide receiver, Steve Man. But
the I want to tell you about with the NFL
Network insider Ian Rappaport is not everybody is either going
(22:57):
to a play on the tag or b play on
the team that tagged them. Well, it almost sounds like
we're playing a game in the school yard, doesn't it. Ian.
What I want to bring you in and thank you
for joining us, is maybe when you look at this list,
is there anybody that jumps out at you. I know,
we've heard the rumblings of Lagarius Need has been tagged,
and then there is talk of a possible trade. Is
(23:19):
there anybody on this list and we'll start there that
this tag just allows them to kind of work further
and maybe having them play somewhere else.
Speaker 5 (23:28):
Yeah, I mean, Lugarius Need is the obvious one.
Speaker 6 (23:31):
I know, he has permission to seek a trade, his
agent as permission to talk to other teams. Anything is possible.
I think playing on the one year tag also possible.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
For the Chiefs.
Speaker 6 (23:40):
They're also trying to get Chris Jones done. If Chris
Jones does get done, it's going to be a very
very very large deal, potentially in the thirty million dollar.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
Range, So they need some space.
Speaker 6 (23:50):
A trade makes sense, and Lagarius Need is a very
very good player. Someone needs a really good player would
probably be the top will definitely be the top corner
on the market, So that makes sense. As far as
who just a lot of cornerback needy teams. Honestly, I
mean it seems like the Colts, the Titans, the Patriots,
the Lions. There's a lot of them, and so I think, yeah,
(24:13):
trade is possible as far as the others, I mean,
obviously we know there's been interest from other teams and
potentially trading for Brian Burns.
Speaker 5 (24:19):
The Carolina Panthers have always rebuffed that interest.
Speaker 6 (24:22):
They have a new GM now you sort of wonder
if that is still in the same place. I think
the others, you know, potentially could be looking at long
term deals, and you know, usually this is something we
deal with in July, much to my chagrin and drops
my golf season. There's some indications that some of the
deals might come sooner, you know. I would say, for instance,
(24:44):
the Bucks and Antoine Winfield and negotiated a potential long
term deal. The Colts and Michael Pittman have done the same.
We'll see if some of those deals. Pretend to Jalen
Johnson with the Bear, see if some of those deals
can get done sooner rather than later.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
An interesting name on this list to me though, is
Justin Amountaweek, the DND tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. He's
getting ready to see Stone Cole Chris Jones get paid
and Christian Wilkins get paid, whereas he's locked down in
a one year franchise tender. I mean when you're a
player like him, a young guy who just is coming
off a fantastic season, and you're gonna see players your
position get paid. Might the Ravens be working on a
(25:19):
longer term deal with him to bring him more in
line with those guys or is he a player that
we're likely to see playout on a one year tag.
Speaker 5 (25:27):
Well, I think the hope is to lock him in
a long term deal.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
And you know, this defensive tackle market for years was
all over the place, right, I mean you had the
Aaron Donald contract. Then you had a bunch of guys
really low and there just wasn't a lot of structure
there to kind of help the line deals.
Speaker 5 (25:41):
And then you had Jeff Simmons.
Speaker 6 (25:43):
Then you have Quinnin Williams, right, obviously Chris Jones from
a couple of years ago. This market is getting much
more well defined now. My guess is you get through
free agency, you see where Christian Wilkins ends up. Does
he get to like twenty three? Does he get to
like twenty five? That would probably go a long way
in dictating where justin Medabique lands. He's really good and
(26:06):
if he was a free agent, he'd be right with
Wilkins as being the top defensive tackle. My guess is,
you get through free agency, see where the salary slots in,
and then you say, basically, can we do a deal
off of these terms? And my guess is both sides
are pretty reasonable. My guess is something can get done.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
You know, I want to kind of stay right there
because you and I were in Indianapolis. We talked to
every team, and I'm hearing from multiple teams I need
defensive tackles. We are in need of them, and there's
not a lot of them in this draft. What is
the buzz when you look at Christian Wilkins and you
look at maybe if Chris Jones can get to the
point to where they can start talking to other teams
(26:43):
where like, is that I guess deficiency that some teams
are nervous or talking about drive these guys number up
potentially during free agency?
Speaker 6 (26:55):
Well yeah, and you know, the draft is separate from
free agency, but it's also kind of not because if
you're a team, like, there's not a ton of top, top,
top tier offensive tackles in this freateency market, right, I mean,
you have a couple Tyron Smith who's now is going
to be free you're gonna make a really good gonna
make a really good salary.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
There's a couple, but not a ton.
Speaker 6 (27:15):
And you look in the draft and there's like, could
be like eight first round offensive tackles. So teams would
be like, you know what, if I don't get a
tackle in freateency, I'll probably be okay. I'll probably find one.
Basically the opposite for defensive tackles. You can't find these guys,
Guys like Christian Wilkins, guys like Justin Mattabik, Chris Jones.
Speaker 5 (27:33):
You can't get them.
Speaker 6 (27:34):
So yeah, I mean, I think the market drives their
salaries up.
Speaker 5 (27:38):
And I think if you're the Chiefs, look, the Chiefs
are an awesome team. They're very well rounded.
Speaker 6 (27:43):
You can't look at what the Chiefs did on defense
and say, eh, they'd be fine without Chris Jones. He
helps make that whole thing go. Teams recognize that. So
it's not only like the Chiefs want to resign Chris
Jones because he's awesome. It's also other teams are like,
I need my own Chris Jones.
Speaker 5 (27:57):
That would help Already.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
We want you to go out and get in a
couple rounds of eighteen over the next couple of days
before the free agency legal tamping period starts on Monday, like.
Speaker 6 (28:07):
The off season start off season starts next Friday.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Yeah, there you go, brother, Hey, we'll hit him straight,
hit him straight. Until then. We appreciate you.
Speaker 6 (28:22):
Come on, cheer leader, we need you.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
Gotta love this man, you gotta love it.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Yeah, here we go, Here we go, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
Wait, tak, let me tell Nansel throws back of the insol.
Then once you do something like that, you gotta score.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
I can't come back to the sideline.
Speaker 1 (28:45):
How to touchdown.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
We'll do this again next week. Man went on three.
He went to three. James Palmer, we are now joining
me our Jane Slater and Jane. We saw Dak Prescott.
He's got the fresh new go tee. Looks like he's
at a Kung Fu theater with that new look right there.
But the big question with the Cowboys is a contract
extension for Dak. Jerry Jones is kind of like, hey,
(29:06):
we'll get it done when we get it done. And
I just want to know, have there been any conversation
between the Cowboys and Prescott or his representation real quick?
Speaker 7 (29:15):
It's funny any information as it relates to Dak, whether
it be the haircut, the tattoos, it goes viral.
Speaker 8 (29:21):
He is good for business here in Dallas.
Speaker 7 (29:24):
Napopjarry loves to keep things in the sideline, in the headlines,
right and he's a new dad, a girl dad, so
very excited for his young daughter, MJ.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
You know.
Speaker 7 (29:34):
Interestingly enough, Steve I reached out to a source and
formed and he told me that there have not been
any discussions with Todd Fritz, Dak's agent.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
Hmm. So in saying that, then, Jane, what are we
to kind of what are we to kind of take
from the fact that there's been no talks right now?
I mean, is it to something like they're prioritizing we'll
get to that when we get to it, or do
you think there's gonna be a sense of urgence? See,
because Dak right now is about to hold up a
significant part of their salary cap flexibility because what's his number?
(30:07):
Around sixty million?
Speaker 7 (30:09):
Yeah, sixty million, And yes, Steve I was surprised to
learn that Todd France and Dak Prescott's team.
Speaker 8 (30:17):
Rather have not talked with the Cowboys.
Speaker 7 (30:19):
But I want to be careful because I again when
we talked and started the segment.
Speaker 8 (30:23):
Anything you put out there about Dak goes viral.
Speaker 7 (30:26):
I'm not saying that the fact that these two sides
haven't talked is a bad thing. I fully anticipate that
this deal is going to get done, but I think
it's going to be closer to August. Now that might
make you scratch your head, right because you've got the draft,
and if he's not the future of your franchise, wouldn't
you want to, I don't know, draft a quarterback, elevate
Trey Lance, figure out what you're going to do with
(30:49):
maybe Kirk Cousins, maybe one of those guys out there.
But that's just not the Cowboy way. I think most
sides know that this thing is going to get done. Guys,
it's just Todd France and the cow Boys. If you
go back to the deal that they had last time, Man,
this thing got interesting, and remember this one seems like
it happened at the last hour. But Todd France and
(31:10):
Dak Prescott got exactly what they wanted. Essentially, they wanted
a shorter deal so they could do what they're trying
to do right now, maximize the ap y, and they
also got included in that short term deal a no
trade clause and a no franchise tag, which is why
we find ourselves here. I think that as much as
we say, look, DA's got a lot of leverage because
(31:31):
of that, I think he's got a lot of leverage,
mostly because of his durability. With the exception of two seasons,
he has been very durable as a starter. The thing
that unfortunately is mudding the waters and making some of
those complications with some of the negotiating is the two
and five record in the postseason and then those two
interceptions against a young Green Bay team at home where
(31:52):
we saw fans going to the exits in the fourth quarter.
So obviously that was frustrating. But you've got to put
some pieces around Dak. I think, namely the running back
situation has got to get addressed, and then you've got
to figure out what you're going to do with Ceedee
Lamb's contract, because I think we all know an extension
for him is going to be a costly one, and
I see him being a priority for the future and
(32:13):
figuring out what they're going to do with him moving forward.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
I would just get this deal done as fast as possible, guys.
I mean, you live at that sixty million if it's
free agency, which you're saying, Jane, right, no, tag none
of that. The number is going to be just as
big anyway, if not bigger. You look at his age.
You look at the other quarterbacks this offseason that are
going to be getting deals. None of them were runner
up for the MVP this past season, are going to
(32:36):
be in that right at the beginning of their thirties
where they could be hitting free agency. It's just, man,
this is just a wild one to watch as everybody
just kind of sits on their hands apparently a little bit.
Another spot that we want to look at, Jane is
behind Dak Prescott the running back situation. You look what
they did with tagging Tony Pollard and you look at
kind of the lack of run game that they had
(32:57):
as the season went on. What is in your mind
do you think is going to be the greatest path
for them to get back on track running the football.
Speaker 7 (33:07):
Well, I think that they need to go in there
and get a big bodied veteran, right, And you do
have guys like Derreck Henry. They're out there, Austin Eckler,
DeAndre Swift. There's a lot of free agents running backs.
We've seen them become devalued in recent years. I always
just laugh when I think about when they're going through
those contentious contract talks with Ezekiel At a couple years back,
I was told by a source, we don't believe that
(33:28):
Zeke deserves Todd Gurley type money. And I bring this
story up a lot because I remember Todd Gurley was
done shortly after that, and then they sort of regretted
what they were paying to Zeke in these remaining years.
And of course then they released him and they wanted
Tony Pollard to be the heir apparent. Well, Tony Pollard
had his lowest yards per Carrie. He was not as
productive as they had wanted him to be. Rico Daddle
(33:48):
and the guys behind him, Malik Davis, they didn't really
do much. And so they're allowing Rico Daddele and Tony
Pollard to go out and test the market.
Speaker 2 (33:55):
Now.
Speaker 7 (33:56):
I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that
maybe Pollard could come back on a reduced salary. But
I never thought that he was, you know, the number
one guy. And I say that because of so many
people that I talk to, a lot of people really
truly believed why not bring Zeke back on a you know,
a smaller deal.
Speaker 8 (34:15):
Let him be a third down back, not in every
down back.
Speaker 7 (34:18):
Now, I'm told they're very high on Jonathan Brooks, the
Texas guy that of course has a Texas alum, I'm
very familiar with guys. He would be a you know,
round two guy for them to target. He's going to
be one of their thirty visits. So that's someone that
they're high on and at least gives you a sense
of where they're prioritizing picking a running back in the draft.
But I think that running back room just in general
is going to look completely different. And then even if
(34:40):
they go and get running backs guys, we haven't seen
much from Mike McCarthy in his office to suggest that
he's going to run the ball. He's promised that every
year that he's been here, and they've sort of moved
away from it, and you can understand what they do
at times. Right, you've got guys like now Brandon Cooks
and you've got Ceedee Lamb. But I think that's going
to be a very interesting one to watch. Derreck Henry
(35:01):
does work out here in Dallas at Sanders Spitt. I
think he would love to be part of the Cowboys.
But we'll just see what that number looks like. As
the Cowboys always say, they've got only certain pieces of
the pie.
Speaker 8 (35:12):
So it's gonna be interesting to see how this works
and if the Cowboys are in fact going to.
Speaker 7 (35:16):
Go all in, guys, because some of the moves that
they've made this year don't give us a lot of
confidence that they are. Because if they work, they get
this dat Prescott thing figured it out sooner rather than later.
Speaker 2 (35:27):
Yeah, I mean, that's a company might not be able
to offer twelve million dollars to Saquon Barkley or something
like that because Dak's not done. Jamie got about forty
seconds here startin gi rid of Tyron Smith is the
superstar left tackle, but it's definitely gotten up there in age.
How could the Cowboys address the offensive line to enhance
that run game and to protect Dak a little bit better.
Speaker 7 (35:46):
Look, I think for some people it's probably surprising that
they're moving on from Tyron Smith, but you know, we
saw them at right tackle last year because of the
success that Tyler Smith was having over there. They've done
a good job at drafting offensive lineman. I tell you,
if the Cowboys were smart, they draft another offensive lineman
in the first round. Every time they draft a offensive
lineman in the first round, it tends to work out
(36:07):
pretty good for them. And examples that I would use
Zach Martin, Travis Frederick, and Tyron Smith. I do think
there's a lot of depth for the offensive line in
the draft this year, so let's see where they go
and move there. But they have been able to get
by without Tyron Smith unfortunately here in recent years, and
I think that's been part of the equation as to
why they're moving on here.
Speaker 1 (36:29):
Unbelievable. I would say a fascinating offseason, Jane, for the
Dallas Cowboys, but I think it's like every off season
is a fascinating off season. But I might put this
one right at the top with the way they're playing
this staring game with Dak Prescott and Todd France. Jane,
thank you so much for joining us. Wonderful to have you.
We'll have you multiple times before we get to the
draft here. On the NFL report coming up, Mark Ross
(36:51):
is going to join us, who was one of those
guys standing on the field watching the Underwear Olympics. Steve,
what does he think about measurements in terms of speed
in these drill compared to just maybe a guy's a
football player. We'll break all that down during the draft
of valuations that happen in team rooms. Next on the
NFL Report.
Speaker 2 (37:15):
All right, welcome back to the NFL Report, Steve White,
James Palmer JP. We're now joined by Mark Ross, the
former front offs executive with the Eagles with the Giants,
also was on the field at the combine last week,
and give us a bird's eye view. Mark. We've got
a lot of stuff we want to hit you about.
I mean, we're covering a lot of bases. But I
want you to go back when you're wearing your Armani
(37:35):
suits in the front office. You still wear your Armani
suits when you're wearing him in the front office. And
we've seen already this week, eight players get franchise tag,
one player get transition tagged. What goes into the decision
to tag a player versus extending him or letting him walk.
Speaker 9 (37:55):
Well, ideally you do want to extend him, Steve and James,
I mean that's your goal, is that you draft the
good players, and you want to have as many good
players as possible, and then you don't want to get
to this point.
Speaker 3 (38:07):
With your your cap guy and with your.
Speaker 9 (38:09):
Head coach and your owners and your front office staff.
You're saying, Okay, who are the let's identify these players
we know we want to have around and try to
get to that extension a year or two early and
make things work. When you get to this point, you
haven't made it work for one reason or another. So
you know, ideally, I think all of these teams that
just tag their guys they would rather have had extensions
(38:32):
done with them and say, you know, we want you
here for the long haul. Now there are times where
you tag a guy it's like we'll bet on yourself.
Let's see what it gets to at that certain point.
We need another year to see what it is or now.
More so, I think this year has been a ton
of them, you know, where it's almost like a holding
(38:53):
a holding spot for Okay, well let's just put this
on here. Now we couldn't get to where we wanted
to go. Now this buys us more time to get
something done with our guys. So a lot of different
variables guys, but ideally, you know, you don't want to
be at this point if you're any of these teams, Mark.
Speaker 1 (39:09):
I want to stay there real quick. Because you said
a lot of different variables. How much does the position
the player plays come into account when you're looking to
make certain tags, and how much does the landscape of
that position, whether it be the draft or other free
agents available play into account when you're trying to figure
out if tagging is the right way to go.
Speaker 9 (39:28):
Well, well, James, you hit on all that. For people
to know that they're different positions, get different number, you know,
they get tagged depending on what it is there. That's
why Michael Parson's got designated, you know, linebacker versus d
n they're the difference and the money there. But yeah,
you always have to look at that and say, all right,
are we willing to let this guy walk? And okay,
let's look at whether we tag this guy or let
(39:50):
him go. What's the free agent market looking at in
the dB spot or versus the draft? And all right,
I know we might lose our guy who's Brian Burns,
but okay, we'll go get somebody else because it's so
robust with the freeze at market or with the draft,
so all of that.
Speaker 1 (40:07):
Goes into it.
Speaker 9 (40:08):
And of course there's premier positions of that you want
to look at to say, well that receiver or corner
is more important than a guard, so we don't want
to do that. And you know, also it's where your
team is and we're if you're up at the top,
you think you've got Super Bowl aspirations and you've got
this guy that we got to have them for another
year and we're going to make this push, well, then
(40:29):
we got to do it. But if you're we're up
and coming, we need more assets, we need more cap space,
we need more value, then.
Speaker 3 (40:38):
You might let them go and you might not tag.
Speaker 9 (40:39):
So it's not just the positions, but it's also where
your team is and how you're looking on the horizon
with maybe some young guys you have on the team
as well.
Speaker 2 (40:48):
Yeah, and one thing we're going to see these franchise
tag guys if they go to their offseason workouts, if
they hold in. Remember, guys don't hold out anymore because
the fines are so excessive being there that that's also
part of it.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Mark.
Speaker 2 (40:59):
Now, let's go back to last week in Indianapolis when
you were at the combine and you came up with
a fantastic topic that you wanted to discuss. And that's
the guys who come out and they test, I mean
they blow things out of the water. And let's look
at some of these dbs, like you know Quinion Mitchell
out of Toledo, Right, he's someone who's highly rated, as
it is Nate Wiggins out of Clemson busted a four
to two eight, right, But how does that compare in
(41:21):
the evaluation when the tape says like Terry and Arnold
out of Alabama who ran a four to five, or
Ernardo Green out of Florida stage he is a four
to four to nine, so blazing fast times, but by
today's standards, he's got concrete in his cleats, Like, how
do you compare like the guys who blow that testing
out of the water versus due to show up over
(41:42):
and over again on Saturdays.
Speaker 9 (41:44):
That's always a big dilemma for scouts. It always has been.
Now just the numbers have just gotten so insane guys
where a four five, four four nine a few years ago,
five sx years ago is like, man, these guys are flying,
And as you mentioned, it's like, well, these guys are
slow now well though they're not. Those other guys are
just just historically fast, and each year they're getting faster
(42:05):
and faster, and more and more people are getting trained
to run fast and not actually play fast. So that's
when scouts really have to take in consideration of are.
Speaker 3 (42:14):
These numbers real?
Speaker 9 (42:16):
And you mentioned Arnold and Green, guys who are just instinctive, heady,
tough football players. When you watch them, really quick, productive,
they do all the things you want as a football player. Now,
Wiggins and Mitchell, I'm thinking when you watch them, okay,
they need a little bit development.
Speaker 2 (42:33):
Maybe not as instinctive.
Speaker 9 (42:35):
They may not have the X factors that the other
guys have, but man, here they go and they're running.
Speaker 3 (42:41):
They're blowing this out.
Speaker 9 (42:42):
So you're betting on do we over do we value
the better players who may not have the super workout numbers,
or do we value these guys that have this raw
super speed jumping ability but need some development on the field.
And that's where you have to match up what your
scouts are seeing, what your scouts are projecting, and also
(43:05):
with your coaching staff. You always have to match up
will your staff work with those kind of guys, you know,
like a Mitchell and the Wiggins versus you know what,
Arnold and Green they step in the door, they don't
really have to be coached. They're going to be out
there and ball out. They're gonna play fast, They're gonna
do everything you want. Whereas the other guys at hey,
they need some development. And you really have to be
(43:25):
in lockstep the scouting staff and the coaching staff and say,
all right, we got this raw prospect. He's going to
need some development, maybe need some time. Are you going
to work with him? If they say yes, then you
bring him in your building. If they say no, are
a little bit hesitant. That's where a lot of mistakes happen.
Speaker 1 (43:41):
Mark, Mark, can you take us inside these draft rooms
that you've been in. I mean, one name jumps out
of me because I was following so closely as a
beat reporter in Houston when DeAndre Hopkins was coming out
and he runs a four five seven, And I remember
talking to Keenan McCardell about you, who played the position
at a brilliant level. He said, oh, he's pigeon toed.
That's not a great time. But when you actually just
(44:02):
put on the tape and a guy is a football player.
That's usually a term that's used in these meetings. Who
usually pounds the table for certain guys? And how hard
do you have to do it when the numbers aren't
what certain people that value numbers really high aren't there?
How do you convince everybody by just going at the tape?
Speaker 9 (44:20):
Yeah, that's that's always a tough thing whenever you like
a player and they go do that at the common
Oh my goodness, So I learned that early. You remember
you remember hand Kwon Bolden. I'll take you one back,
even for GA State. When you watch the Pon Bolden play,
that guy was the toughest best player on the field.
Every time he's stepped on the field, he's throwing it,
he's running it, he's returning, he's blocking people. And then
(44:43):
he gets out there and runs a four to seven.
Speaker 3 (44:45):
Something.
Speaker 9 (44:45):
Goes to his pro day, I go to his prode
and he runs you know, doesn't it runs slow? Again,
It's like, oh my goodness. Yet you're the draft. Mean,
you're talking about all these things he can do, but
everyone's looking like, well he ran four seven. This guy
can't play, And you know that's first round talent When
you just watched him play. If he never ran, he
probably still would have been but okay, he got pushed
down to the second round because of that forty time.
(45:07):
And you know, it's so when you when you argue
with just about talent and routes and hands or whatever
that position is versus raw number, you can easily say
he's slow by just seeing that number. That's why scouts
love the combine and pro day is because you can
see that raw number, Whereas on the field it's so
subjective to say, no, he actually is fast. So it
(45:27):
really is a battle the whole way. And that's when
you're a scout. You really have to have conviction. You
want to have those scouts with conviction no matter what
the numbers say, this guy can ball. It doesn't matter
how much he how high he jumps, and how fast
he runs on a clock.
Speaker 2 (45:40):
I love all this talk about times and stuff because
Darius Hayward Bay's name just pops into my head to
another subject. Gonna pick on Darius.
Speaker 1 (45:48):
I mean, let's just talk about John Ross.
Speaker 2 (45:50):
I mean that knows Xavier Worthy's the guy now four
two one.
Speaker 1 (45:53):
Then you don't want to say, well.
Speaker 9 (45:54):
Guy's record you meet, he didn't turn out to be
a great prayer, happy for worthy at all of that.
Speaker 2 (45:58):
But no, John real quick mark about forty forty five seconds.
You're talking about the measurables versus being a football player.
How much does that come into play when you're deciding
on the defensive side outside corners versus the slot corner
or the slot safety.
Speaker 9 (46:15):
Yeah, that slot is so important there where you know,
you got to almost be more heady when you're outside.
You know it's not this simple, but hey, just cover
this guy, you know, go run with him pressed, mug
him up.
Speaker 1 (46:26):
Where's inside.
Speaker 9 (46:26):
There's so many more variables that go into play where
you got to recognize that you gotta be tough in
there too, because that run game is coming at you quicker.
You're usually going up against shiftier sort of inside guys
who are that smart too, So you got to have
that feel are we dropping his zone and by blitzing?
So I think there's just so many more things that
go into that slot position, and it's such a premiere
(46:48):
position now, you know, each year it's kind of got
gotten more and more valued of what that guy does
in there, whereas maybe way back you just say, well,
he's just a slot corner. But now I mean the
way teams are throwing the ball. That third spot, that
slot spot could be your premiere position, your premier spot
in your secondary So I mean tremendous with the head
and with the talent right there on the defense for sure.
Speaker 2 (47:11):
Great stuff, Mark, We appreciate all of this. Inside, we
got to have you back along the way again. So
you're gonna have to put on your your Armani suit
next time you come on. There you go.
Speaker 1 (47:20):
We gotta have you stories like the Bolden story. Yes,
well we.
Speaker 2 (47:25):
Will, Mark, start start bagging them up when we come back.
We know our own Brian Baldinger is the most interesting
man in the world. So we're gonna find out the
NFL team that's equivalent to Baldy, to find out what's
gonna be the most interesting team of the off season.
JP and I are gonna be chopping that up next
on the NFL Report.
Speaker 1 (47:48):
Hey, it's James Palmer and you're listening to the NFL
Report podcast along with myself and Steve Weisch. But remember,
if you want to see our beautiful faces, this is
a show at seven point fifteen Monday and Thursday at
seven fifteen pm Eastern, and we are on the NFL
app as well as fast streaming platforms. That's two B,
that's Roku, that's Pluto, that's Peacock, all of those platforms,
(48:11):
as well as the NFL dot Com Slash NFL channel.
Find us all of those spots. Welcome back to the
NFL Report, James Palmer, Steve weisch with you as we
close things out. We've been missing our old pal, Brian Baldinger,
who's just been somewhere on the planet Earth. You won't
tell us where. And he's the most interesting man in
the world, is Steve alluded to earlier. Most interesting team
(48:33):
this offseason, Steve will be who in your life?
Speaker 2 (48:36):
I've got to I've got the Washington Commanders and the
Las Vegas Raiders right the Commander's second overall pick. They've
got about ninety million dollars to spend in free agency JP,
They've got an opportunity to turn this round quickly. The
Raiders have nearly fifty million. But what are they going
to do at quarterback? What are they gonna do with
some of their key positions as their defense rounded out
last year? I am really intrigued to do because I
(48:58):
think these are two teams you'll be talking about beyond
the offseason if they get it right.
Speaker 1 (49:04):
And those are two teams that need a quarterback, I'll
talk to a team that's got a lot of cap space,
the fifth most in the NFL right now, and has
a quarterback in Kyler Murray. How about the Arizona Cardinals.
I love six in this draft, seven in the top
one oh five, and they have fifty six million dollars
to play within that fourth overall pick. I love how
Lance talked about. They could be a really interesting spot, Steve.
(49:26):
If it doesn't happen with quarterbacks one two three, they
can trade back still get the receiver that they're still
maybe possibly looking for because of this deep wide receiver draft,
and accumulate more draft capital. I am watching what Ozzie
is doing there. That's what I want to see. What
monte Asin Ford is doing, That's what I want to see, Steve.
Speaker 2 (49:45):
All Right, Look, next week, we only have one show
because Monday is the kickoff of the free agency legal
tampering period, So we're only going to be on Thursday,
and we're going to talk about those free agency signings. JP.
We're gonna be canning balling off the fifty foot cliff
with several guests to talk about the moves that the
team made. So until then, I expect you to join
(50:05):
Ian Rapidford on the golf course and to knock a
couple in from the sixth hole. You next week, I won't.
Speaker 1 (50:11):
I'll be on the ski slopes.
Antoine Winfield, junior safety for the Tip of Bay Buccaneers,
Walter Payton Man of the Year, and this is NFL Report.
Welcome into the NFL Report, James Palmer, Steve wis with you.
He did not mention that he is an All Pro
because that happened before he was an All Pro. Steve.
He also didn't mention that he's a franchise tagged safety,
one of eight players hit with the franchise tag. Will
(00:26):
over all of that with Ian Rappaport on this show.
We're also going to break down the Dallas Cowboys with
Jane Slater. Are there any talks going on between Dak
and the Cowboys? What's happening there? Steve lance Zerline also
joins the show. He was on the field in Indianapolis
talking about all these quarterbacks who helped themselves, who hurt themselves,
and we get into a wide receiver debate. I have
(00:47):
something I want to say about where he has these
top wide receivers. And then we also have Mark Ross
also was in Indianapolis breaking down cornerbacks. How about what
happens inside the building deciding these tags? Steve as well
as speed versus just being a football player, at the
wide receiver spot. Loaded loaded show.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
A loaded loaded show, and JP, we saw on Monday,
as you mentioned, eight players get franchise tag and we
had one player get transition tagged. With The one position
where we did not see a player get tagged was
running back. After last year we saw players like Saquon
Barkley get tagged. So the all these running backs, Josh Jacobs,
(01:27):
Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Zach Moss, they are about to
hit the market. So let's chop it up about these
running backs because as we know, on the free agent market,
it has not served these running backs. Well, that is
a depressed economic market. So when you look at some
of these players, JP, I'm expecting most of them to
land in different places. But one, do you think they're
(01:47):
gonna get the dollars that they desire? But two, how
much could it change of scenery not only help the player,
but help the team that acquires that player.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
You see, what we're gonna get a chance to see
is how other teams feel about these players. We know
how the Giants feel about Saquon Barkley, right how does
the rest of the league right now with his injury history?
But also is really dynamic play, dual threat as a
runner and catching the football. How do other teams, say,
maybe the Dallas Cowboys or the Houston Texans or any
(02:19):
other team that plays in the Great State of Texas
feels about Saquon. We are now for the first time,
going to have an opportunity where we really see if
the value could be there in going after these running backs.
The other part that plays a factor in this is
that the salary cap went up thirty million dollars. There's
some more space in there to give a couple extra dollars.
(02:40):
You know, running back agents are going to be saying
this to guys like Saquon and to guys like we
didn't mention him, Steve Dereck Henry possibly landing somewhere. He's
kind of an anomaly at his age. Where are these
players valued. We're gonna get our first opportunity to see that.
And I think that's the fascinating point of this offseason
because as you compound that with the lack of running
(03:02):
back talent coming out in this draft, our own Daniel Jeremiah,
not a single running back in the top fifty. There
are deep number of running backs. There's different style of
running backs. But there is money to give them, will
it find their way to their hands? That's the part
I'm still not entirely sure.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
I don't see it. I just been I don't see it, James.
We have seen these teams keep the running market depressed.
Year after the year. You're seeing young running backs, you know,
guys in their first and second year, like a Kyen
Williams with the Rams, come in and deliver on a
rookie contract from a mid round pick that you know,
instead of paying Derek Henry twelve or thirteen million dollars,
You're getting similar statistics out of that type of young
(03:37):
running back. And guess what when you look at Saquon Barkley,
when you look at Josh Jacobs, and you look at
Derrick Henry, did their teams make the playoffs? No, that's
what their teams are saying, we can lose without you.
Right now. I'm not saying the Raiders are going to
try to get rid of Josh Shacobs. We've heard Antonio
Pierce say, we know who stirs a drink on the offense,
and Josh Shakobs is that type of player.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
But I'll also say.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
This, he mentioned it sat Quon Barkley goes to a
Dallas or Derrick Henry goes to Baltimore, or Josh Jacobs
goes to a different team, They're gonna help. These are
very good players who can find themselves because they have
the choice to now put themselves, maybe even at less money,
in winning situations. And I think that's a that's a
(04:19):
very big deal JP. These players also have the choice
to say that team's got a good offensive line, that
team runs a zone stretch run scheme that fits my
style better instead of the power scheme that I've been in.
Let me try and go get to that the JP.
Let's also though, the quarterback market is very interesting because
we continue to hear that Baker Mayfield could be somebody
(04:42):
who returns to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that's playing on
a one year, five million dollar deal last year and
really putting himself in a situation to make money. He
wasn't tagged. He's gonna become available to sign with another
team next week unless him and the Buccaneers he come
to a deal. So look, le's play a little game
show here, JP. What free agent quarterback out there right
(05:06):
now might be or even a guy who gets traded,
he gets cut, might be the next Baker Mayfield, the
guy to play on a one year deal and cash
in the following year.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Now you mentioned cash in the part you forgot their Steve.
This deal could be well over thirty million dollars that
Baker Mayfield is going to sign, and that is a
massive jump from the five. So who is the guy
that can play that role? I'm gonna really value with
this one. What if it's Mac Jones. Now he is
not released, he obviously still is under contract, but it
would probably take a sixth rounder to trade for Mac
(05:40):
Jones right now, even if you're giving that. But this
is a guy that experienced probably quarterback malpractice in New England.
Remember that rookie season, he finished second for Rookie of
the Year, They had ten wins, they went to the postseason.
Then he has an off He is a defensive coordinator
and a special teams coordinator as co offensive coordinators the
(06:00):
next year, things go awry the following season. I go
back to the evaluators. I talked to Steve when he
was coming out, and it was he is the best
processor in this draft. And it's not even close in
terms of information I had one quarterback coach tell me
anything you tell him, he will spit it back to you.
In terms of coverage, in terms of progressions, in terms
of offensive line alignments, what are all of those things?
(06:23):
Kind of point at a lot of offenses that are
run around the NFL right now, you look at those
are all the things that Sean Payton is really looking for.
The craziest aspect of why I bring this up in Indianapolis,
Steve two different offensive coaches that work with the quarterback,
one an offensive coordinator, one a quarterback coach, said if
mac Jones was taken third overall by Kyle Shanahan, they
(06:44):
would have at least one super Bowl right now? Could
mac Jones be the one with a change of scenery
that does the Baker Mayfield? We'll see who do you have.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
I'm not even tolerating backhanded rock perty, slander, none of
that here. That's where the real MVP lives on this show.
So we are not get out of here that I
would agree if mat Jone goes to the right situation
to Sean Payton, I think even Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota,
he might have an opportunity. Okay, but I'm gonna I'm
gonna go way out here, laugh at me. Jameis Winston. Right,
(07:17):
Jameis Winston, He's had his opportunities had at Tampa, he
had some in New Orleans. Let's say he goes to
place like Seattle, Right, he goes there to back up Gino,
gets his opportunity to play first off. Jamis is gonna
win over a locker room, right, He's gonna win over
the community. He's one of the most well like dudes
in the NFL for a lot of different reasons. He's
a character, but he's somebody who's also like one of
(07:37):
these really sweet, absolute community driven guys. We know he
could throw the ball if he gets with a team
like Seattle with Jack Smith and Jigma, with DK Metcalf,
with Tyler Lockout Lockett, with a running game, with a
running game and all those strong offensive linemen that they
have a big armlike kids playing in weather like that,
and that could be temperamental. Jameis Winston might be a
(07:57):
guy who can play himself back into the conference station.
I know a lot of people are gonna look at
me crazy. Guess what, I'm gonna look at you crazy back,
because we're playing a game show in this segment right now.
And that's what we do. Okay, it's not pin the
tail on the donkey, it's not dark Love. We're just playing.
We're just playing a game show. But JB speaking a quarterback.
Lance Zerline, our draft analyst, came out with his mock
(08:19):
draft two point oh, and he only has four quarterbacks
going in the first round.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
We're getting ready to find out what's going on in
the mind of Lance Zerline. We come back on the
NFL repack flc I, We're back at the NFL Report.
I'm Steve White with my guy James Palmer and Lance Zerline,
(08:45):
our draft analyst, just released his draft. His mock draft
two point zero.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
HAYLEB.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Williams number one, No surprise you you have Jayden Daniels
and Drake May, but all quarterbacks going in the top three.
And look at number nine. Lance Zerline has the Broncos
training up to get Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, JAP. What
do you say we bring in Lance zero line. Of
course you can find he's mock draft NFL dot com.
(09:10):
And let's start right there. Lance number nine, the Denver
Bronco is making the move to go get JJ McCarthy.
And in this decision, was it harder as he de
broncos Is moving up or selecting McCarthy with that pick.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
No, it was harder to see them moving up.
Speaker 4 (09:26):
Look, they have limited draft capital this year, but you
know by cutting, you know, you cut Russell Wilson, you're
gonna take a cap hit this year, You're gonna take
a cap hit next year.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
I just thought JJ.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
McCarthy is one of these guys that really makes a
lot of sense with Sean Payton. Sean Payton, this is
year three for him. He needs to start moving in
the right direction. And I think if JJ McCarthy is
still there at nine and the Bears are willing to
move back, which I think they may based on how
I have the board shaking out and what their needs are,
because they could go pass Russer, they could go with
(09:59):
wide receiver.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
So if they were to move back now I know
it's an.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
Aggressive move, you'd probably have to deal a future second
round pick in next year's draft, but it would still
give Sean Payton a quarterback really run his offense. He's
a very efficient quarterback. JJ McCarthy, he's still getting better.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
I thought he did a nice.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
Job Steve the second half of the drills at the
combine where he really did some nice self correcting. He
threw great deep balls. He's a very accurate passer, intermediate
and deep.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
So I think this is just an.
Speaker 4 (10:29):
Aggressive move to try to quickly right the ship for
a failed quarterback mistake with Russell Wilson.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
I kind of like this lands because Bucky Brooks, your
co worker, our co worker was on the show a
couple of weeks ago, said I see some Justin Herbert
and JJ McCarthy. We all know where Sean was looking
to maybe land after that year off or crossing his fingers,
maybe that it would be with Justin Herbert and the Chargers,
but he's now in Denver maybe gets a similar style
of quarterback. You have Drake May there at the number
(10:59):
three spot. You kind of think him throwing or not
throwing helped or hurt him in the eyes of evaluators.
After your time in Indylance.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
You know, I think the third pick is one of
the hardest ones to First of all, it starts with
Washington do the quarterback?
Speaker 3 (11:15):
I'm assuming yes, Is it Daniels or May those.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
Are That's more than likely going to be the choice
at number two. But let's just say Daniels goes to
and may go's three. Think about this, you had picks.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Number one and potentially two not working out.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
You're the biggest guy with the biggest arm at the
combine in terms of the guys who are likely to
be first round picks, and you didn't work out the combine. Now,
I understand it's a choice that you have to make
based on the fact that you're throwing the guys who
maybe you're not going to have the same timing with,
And I understand that.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
But C J.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
Stroud through there, Anthony Richardson through there, Will Levis through there.
Last year, two of those guys went number two and
number four. One was offensive Rookie of the Year. So
I think with Drake may you know, yes, touching accuracy
can be an issue for him, but also that stage,
you know, that stage where he could have walked out
of there as the most talked about quarterback prospect instead
(12:07):
of Michael Pennox and JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
I think that would have been huge for Drake May.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
So.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
I don't know if he hurt himself, but I certainly
think there was an opportunity to help himself had he
worked out.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
Yeah. But you know, for guys like McCarthy and even
Caleb Williams, they say their draft position is pretty set.
It probably only hurt themselves if they participate in the combine.
That's always something they've got away. But in your mock draft,
and JP, I'm gonna let you jump in real quick.
But in your mock draft, Lance, you only got four
quarterbacks going in the first round. Okay, JP, I want
(12:38):
you to pick up because you got a point you
want to make right.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Here, Well, I want to make it. John Beck. On
our last show, Steve said that CJ. Stroud opting to
throw at the combine, the number of texts Lance that
becks that he got after CJ decided to throw where
they said they watched the film they thought the ball
came out of his hand. Well, but when all those
coaches can stand right behind him on the field and
he came out of his hand, they were wowed by CJ. Stroud.
(13:03):
And I think you're right, that's something Drake may could
have went out and done. Is there anybody with these quarterbacks?
And Steve's kind of alluding to the ones you have
going in the first round. Anybody kind of have that
happen to them at this combine where maybe there was
one perception and it was slightly maybe increased because they
did decide to throw.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
You know, actually it went the other way for bow Knicks.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
I didn't think it came out of his hands the
way I expected it to. And you are right, that
is something when you're on the field. And I saw
Richardson throw and I thought Carson Wentz had that happen
when he was on the field.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
It just came out differently for him.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
And of course he was the second pick of the
draft from with the Philadelphia Eagles in twenty sixteen. I
thought that, you know, JJ McCarthy was about like what
I expected, not a big arm.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
It's it's it's good enough.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
I think bo Knicks is good enough, but I expected
bow Knicks to be really have a plus arm. I
thought on tape it looked like he had a plus arm,
and really in the combine work out that I came
away wanting more from his arm. Now he throws accurately
and he does everything he needs to do, but there
was not the same zip on those throws that I
thought I was expecting to see, so it worked the
(14:12):
other way with him, But I do think that with
Drake May there would have.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Been a huge, huge emphasis.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
I think all those the people standing behind and I'm
you'll see me somewhere in there. If you slow down
the tape I was watching, you can.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Feel them there.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
I am.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
You can see me getting that shot of Joe Milton's throw.
I can promise you that that was unbelievable. But no,
you know, and Steve, you asked about four quarterbacksually, I
think what I just talked about with Yeah, I think
what I just talked about with bow Nicks, is he
himself out of the first a little bit. I think
the senior ball and maybe the combine he looks solid.
(14:49):
But are you taking solid quarterback the fifth one off
the board in the first round instead of some of
those pass rushers, cornerbacks, wide receivers.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
I don't think so. I don't think so.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
And then you know, similarly, Michael Pennix had a good combine,
but he also has four season ending injuries back to
back to back to back in his in his background,
and I think, you know, he'll be a twenty five
year old rookie. These are things that are hard to
get away from in the first round. But a team
also may look at Penis and say, look, he's gonna
be a twenty five year old rookie.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
Let's get that extra year on him.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
Let's take him at the back end of the first
So hard to say what's gonna happen with the fifth
quarterback or who it's going to be. But I think
it's going to be between bon Knicks and Penix. But
I don't see six picks. I don't see six quarterbacks
in the first round. I don't see that happen.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
All right, So we're assuming that, you know, Caleb Williams
and Jade Daniels who did not throw, they're going to
be among the top three picks. And I want to
get some of these wide receivers because Marvin Harrison, let's go,
didn't work out the combine, Nope, doesn't plan to work
out at his pro day. But I don't think any
of us is going to think this is going to
negatively impact his draft status. What about you know, you
(15:59):
just talk You just talk about drik may not not throwing,
and maybe that didn't naturally help him. What about this
approach that Marvin Harrison has done because This is pretty unique.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
It's a bold choice.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Cotton, to not do anything from a draft standpoint is
a very bold choice.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
But I think you make a very fair point, Steve.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
I think that you know, does he have to No,
he doesn't necessarily have to, and people know who he is.
But I do think that the general public has just
for years, or at least for the entire year, just
to assume Marvin Harrison, Junr. Is a top wide receiver
and KYLEB. Williams is generational. I don't know that either
of those are accurate. I don't think Caleb Williams generational.
People throw that term around way too much, or more
(16:42):
elite neighbors. You know, milite neighbors on a lot of
people's boards and teams boards is number one. It's not
a clean suite for Marvin Harrison like people think. And
I think Roma Donze is a legitimate contender as well.
So I think those top three guys Marvin Harrison Jr.
Elite neighbors. I have it neighbors one in the draft
for me, he's one one in the draft. I don't
(17:05):
think he'll go first, obviously, he's the top player in
this draft. And Marvin Harrison is my second favorite player
in this draft, and then we get down to Caleb Williams.
But I think Adunze Neighbors and Marvin Harrison Junior is
a much more close battle than people would expect. And
I think the boards are going to look vastly different
on how teams rate the top three wide receivers, because
(17:28):
I've already had those conversations, and so I do think
the race to be the first wide receiver is going
to be a good one.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
All right, Let's put Lance's board back up there, because
I would think, being an Ohio State Buck guy myself,
I would think Arizona would put Marvin Harrison Junior right
there at number four. Going to Arizona. I want to
press the button here a little bit, Lance, because I
have a feeling that there's a little bit of a
you know, just I don't want to say exhaustion or
(17:57):
just we've been talking about Marvin Harrrison Junior for so long,
and I mean like the last two years. That is
that impacting him in a negative fashion in some way?
Because I've spoken to Garrett Wilson, I've spoken to Chris Olave,
I've spoken to Jackson Smith and Jigba three first round
picks that were in that wide receiver room with Marvin
Harrison Junior at Ohio State, and all three of them
(18:19):
that were first round picks, one of them are Rookie
of the Year. All say Marvin Harrison Junior is better
than each of them. Are we just having a little
bit of fatigue here because we've been talking about Marvin
for so long?
Speaker 3 (18:30):
See not for me. I have Marvin Harrison. I have
Marvin Harrison Junior rated higher than all three of those guys.
And you got him two l Yeah, I've got I've
got him higher.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
But here's the problem. Malik Nighbors is going to be
a four three forty guy. We won't get a time on.
Most people think Marvin Harrison's going to be a mid
four four to higher four to four wide receiver, which
is fine, that's that's obviously not a problem. But it's
really going to get down to flavor here. Like Marvin's
very polished. We understand that, but I don't know. Look,
if his name wasn't Marvin Harrison Junior, I don't know
(19:02):
that this is like some lock that people think he's
automatically the guy.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
I know, he's a great wide receiver. He's a great
wide receiver.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
I'm not saying he's number two in my game a
sixty eight, which is really high. I'm just saying I
don't understand why anyone could actually watch tape and not
see what myliite Neighbors is capable of. This is what
I'm running into, guys, is I'm running into people who
just have decided that it's only Marvin Harrison and that's it.
And I'm telling you now, I've talked to one team
for sure, with the top five pick that could use
(19:33):
wide receiver. Who has Marvin Harrison third behind a Dunza
and Malik Neighbors won. So it's going to be different.
I'm just telling you it's a lot different when you
talk to teams than what the public thinks. But let's
remember this too. You talk about being fatigued, the fatigue
of Marvin Harrison Junior. Yes, for what we do, that's
correct potentially. However, it doesn't really affect me because I've
(19:56):
already got their grades down and I'm just trying to
think like NFL teams, and NFL teams don't get fatigued
of a player. They have to pick the best player
that gives them the best chance to win. So whoever
Arizona has at number four, you know they're going to
make that the first wide receiver off the board. If
it's Harrison, more power to them. Draft the guy you
think is number one. You want a real wild card.
(20:18):
What if the rumor about Baker Mayfield maybe being you know,
in play for What if he's in play for New
England and Elliott Wolf and Alonzo Highsmith and those guys
who had him in Cleveland. What if they were to
do that and then with the third pick take a
wide receiver, then all hell breaks loose because Arizona would
have a huge opportunity to either trade back and let
(20:38):
someone come up for a quarterback.
Speaker 3 (20:42):
Yeah, I mean, so listen, it may not be as
clean as my mock.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
Frankly, if you had flip flopped the wide receivers, you
guys would probably say, this is just a normal looking board. However,
I don't. It never goes normal. What does it ever
go like we think it's gonna go, It never does.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
No.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
No, I love the and I'm really hoping that there's
a situation where it gets all stirred up like this,
we have to get out. But one thing. And I
know you've probably heard this too. I know you said
Elik Neighbors and everyone says he is a dog like
he's like Davante Adams. Every snap in practice is like
the last play he's ever gonna play. Brian Thomas, his
LSU teammate. I've spoken to some people who say he's
(21:20):
more naturally gifted than Elik Neighbors, and he is starting
to realize to get that dog in him, that daily
grinded him. Where he is not nearly at his peak.
There's a lot of room to grow. That's a player
to look out for.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Lance.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
I'd love to get your opinion on this. I had
to tag it. I mean in my ear saying we
got to get out, we got to get you back.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
Brother.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
We love having that on my man.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
Let's make go straight to Twitter and start tweeting about
this right now.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Let's do it.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
Let's do it all right, man, Hey, Lance Zerline once again.
Check out his mock draft on NFL dot Com. It
is good stuff. And coming up, Jane Slater our Cowboys
Inside is gonna let us know the latest on Dak
Prescott negotiations. Is it gonna be a long term deal
or has Jerry Jones got something up his sleeve. We're
gonna find out next on the NFL Report. You're listening
(22:17):
to the NFL Report podcast, but you can watch me,
Steve Weich and my co host James Palmer on the
NFL Report at seven fifteen Eastern time on Mondays and
Thursdays on the NFL app and free streaming platforms on
the NFL channel on Roku two b Peacock, Pluto TV
and other.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Free streaming apps. Welcome back to the NFL Report, James
Palmer alongside Steve Which Here are the franchise tagged players
within the NFL. We had a bunch of them this
year t Higgins right there at the top. You look
at the number for the wide receiver, Steve Man. But
the I want to tell you about with the NFL
Network insider Ian Rappaport is not everybody is either going
(22:57):
to a play on the tag or b play on
the team that tagged them. Well, it almost sounds like
we're playing a game in the school yard, doesn't it. Ian.
What I want to bring you in and thank you
for joining us, is maybe when you look at this list,
is there anybody that jumps out at you. I know,
we've heard the rumblings of Lagarius Need has been tagged,
and then there is talk of a possible trade. Is
(23:19):
there anybody on this list and we'll start there that
this tag just allows them to kind of work further
and maybe having them play somewhere else.
Speaker 5 (23:28):
Yeah, I mean, Lugarius Need is the obvious one.
Speaker 6 (23:31):
I know, he has permission to seek a trade, his
agent as permission to talk to other teams. Anything is possible.
I think playing on the one year tag also possible.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
For the Chiefs.
Speaker 6 (23:40):
They're also trying to get Chris Jones done. If Chris
Jones does get done, it's going to be a very
very very large deal, potentially in the thirty million dollar.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
Range, So they need some space.
Speaker 6 (23:50):
A trade makes sense, and Lagarius Need is a very
very good player. Someone needs a really good player would
probably be the top will definitely be the top corner
on the market, So that makes sense. As far as
who just a lot of cornerback needy teams. Honestly, I
mean it seems like the Colts, the Titans, the Patriots,
the Lions. There's a lot of them, and so I think, yeah,
(24:13):
trade is possible as far as the others, I mean,
obviously we know there's been interest from other teams and
potentially trading for Brian Burns.
Speaker 5 (24:19):
The Carolina Panthers have always rebuffed that interest.
Speaker 6 (24:22):
They have a new GM now you sort of wonder
if that is still in the same place. I think
the others, you know, potentially could be looking at long
term deals, and you know, usually this is something we
deal with in July, much to my chagrin and drops
my golf season. There's some indications that some of the
deals might come sooner, you know. I would say, for instance,
(24:44):
the Bucks and Antoine Winfield and negotiated a potential long
term deal. The Colts and Michael Pittman have done the same.
We'll see if some of those deals. Pretend to Jalen
Johnson with the Bear, see if some of those deals
can get done sooner rather than later.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
An interesting name on this list to me though, is
Justin Amountaweek, the DND tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. He's
getting ready to see Stone Cole Chris Jones get paid
and Christian Wilkins get paid, whereas he's locked down in
a one year franchise tender. I mean when you're a
player like him, a young guy who just is coming
off a fantastic season, and you're gonna see players your
position get paid. Might the Ravens be working on a
(25:19):
longer term deal with him to bring him more in
line with those guys or is he a player that
we're likely to see playout on a one year tag.
Speaker 5 (25:27):
Well, I think the hope is to lock him in
a long term deal.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
And you know, this defensive tackle market for years was
all over the place, right, I mean you had the
Aaron Donald contract. Then you had a bunch of guys
really low and there just wasn't a lot of structure
there to kind of help the line deals.
Speaker 5 (25:41):
And then you had Jeff Simmons.
Speaker 6 (25:43):
Then you have Quinnin Williams, right, obviously Chris Jones from
a couple of years ago. This market is getting much
more well defined now. My guess is you get through
free agency, you see where Christian Wilkins ends up. Does
he get to like twenty three? Does he get to
like twenty five? That would probably go a long way
in dictating where justin Medabique lands. He's really good and
(26:06):
if he was a free agent, he'd be right with
Wilkins as being the top defensive tackle. My guess is,
you get through free agency, see where the salary slots in,
and then you say, basically, can we do a deal
off of these terms? And my guess is both sides
are pretty reasonable. My guess is something can get done.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
You know, I want to kind of stay right there
because you and I were in Indianapolis. We talked to
every team, and I'm hearing from multiple teams I need
defensive tackles. We are in need of them, and there's
not a lot of them in this draft. What is
the buzz when you look at Christian Wilkins and you
look at maybe if Chris Jones can get to the
point to where they can start talking to other teams
(26:43):
where like, is that I guess deficiency that some teams
are nervous or talking about drive these guys number up
potentially during free agency?
Speaker 6 (26:55):
Well yeah, and you know, the draft is separate from
free agency, but it's also kind of not because if
you're a team, like, there's not a ton of top, top,
top tier offensive tackles in this freateency market, right, I mean,
you have a couple Tyron Smith who's now is going
to be free you're gonna make a really good gonna
make a really good salary.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
There's a couple, but not a ton.
Speaker 6 (27:15):
And you look in the draft and there's like, could
be like eight first round offensive tackles. So teams would
be like, you know what, if I don't get a
tackle in freateency, I'll probably be okay. I'll probably find one.
Basically the opposite for defensive tackles. You can't find these guys,
Guys like Christian Wilkins, guys like Justin Mattabik, Chris Jones.
Speaker 5 (27:33):
You can't get them.
Speaker 6 (27:34):
So yeah, I mean, I think the market drives their
salaries up.
Speaker 5 (27:38):
And I think if you're the Chiefs, look, the Chiefs
are an awesome team. They're very well rounded.
Speaker 6 (27:43):
You can't look at what the Chiefs did on defense
and say, eh, they'd be fine without Chris Jones. He
helps make that whole thing go. Teams recognize that. So
it's not only like the Chiefs want to resign Chris
Jones because he's awesome. It's also other teams are like,
I need my own Chris Jones.
Speaker 5 (27:57):
That would help Already.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
We want you to go out and get in a
couple rounds of eighteen over the next couple of days
before the free agency legal tamping period starts on Monday, like.
Speaker 6 (28:07):
The off season start off season starts next Friday.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Yeah, there you go, brother, Hey, we'll hit him straight,
hit him straight. Until then. We appreciate you.
Speaker 6 (28:22):
Come on, cheer leader, we need you.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
Gotta love this man, you gotta love it.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Yeah, here we go, Here we go, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
Wait, tak, let me tell Nansel throws back of the insol.
Then once you do something like that, you gotta score.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
I can't come back to the sideline.
Speaker 1 (28:45):
How to touchdown.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
We'll do this again next week. Man went on three.
He went to three. James Palmer, we are now joining
me our Jane Slater and Jane. We saw Dak Prescott.
He's got the fresh new go tee. Looks like he's
at a Kung Fu theater with that new look right there.
But the big question with the Cowboys is a contract
extension for Dak. Jerry Jones is kind of like, hey,
(29:06):
we'll get it done when we get it done. And
I just want to know, have there been any conversation
between the Cowboys and Prescott or his representation real quick?
Speaker 7 (29:15):
It's funny any information as it relates to Dak, whether
it be the haircut, the tattoos, it goes viral.
Speaker 8 (29:21):
He is good for business here in Dallas.
Speaker 7 (29:24):
Napopjarry loves to keep things in the sideline, in the headlines,
right and he's a new dad, a girl dad, so
very excited for his young daughter, MJ.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
You know.
Speaker 7 (29:34):
Interestingly enough, Steve I reached out to a source and
formed and he told me that there have not been
any discussions with Todd Fritz, Dak's agent.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
Hmm. So in saying that, then, Jane, what are we
to kind of what are we to kind of take
from the fact that there's been no talks right now?
I mean, is it to something like they're prioritizing we'll
get to that when we get to it, or do
you think there's gonna be a sense of urgence? See,
because Dak right now is about to hold up a
significant part of their salary cap flexibility because what's his number?
(30:07):
Around sixty million?
Speaker 7 (30:09):
Yeah, sixty million, And yes, Steve I was surprised to
learn that Todd France and Dak Prescott's team.
Speaker 8 (30:17):
Rather have not talked with the Cowboys.
Speaker 7 (30:19):
But I want to be careful because I again when
we talked and started the segment.
Speaker 8 (30:23):
Anything you put out there about Dak goes viral.
Speaker 7 (30:26):
I'm not saying that the fact that these two sides
haven't talked is a bad thing. I fully anticipate that
this deal is going to get done, but I think
it's going to be closer to August. Now that might
make you scratch your head, right because you've got the draft,
and if he's not the future of your franchise, wouldn't
you want to, I don't know, draft a quarterback, elevate
Trey Lance, figure out what you're going to do with
(30:49):
maybe Kirk Cousins, maybe one of those guys out there.
But that's just not the Cowboy way. I think most
sides know that this thing is going to get done. Guys,
it's just Todd France and the cow Boys. If you
go back to the deal that they had last time, Man,
this thing got interesting, and remember this one seems like
it happened at the last hour. But Todd France and
(31:10):
Dak Prescott got exactly what they wanted. Essentially, they wanted
a shorter deal so they could do what they're trying
to do right now, maximize the ap y, and they
also got included in that short term deal a no
trade clause and a no franchise tag, which is why
we find ourselves here. I think that as much as
we say, look, DA's got a lot of leverage because
(31:31):
of that, I think he's got a lot of leverage,
mostly because of his durability. With the exception of two seasons,
he has been very durable as a starter. The thing
that unfortunately is mudding the waters and making some of
those complications with some of the negotiating is the two
and five record in the postseason and then those two
interceptions against a young Green Bay team at home where
(31:52):
we saw fans going to the exits in the fourth quarter.
So obviously that was frustrating. But you've got to put
some pieces around Dak. I think, namely the running back
situation has got to get addressed, and then you've got
to figure out what you're going to do with Ceedee
Lamb's contract, because I think we all know an extension
for him is going to be a costly one, and
I see him being a priority for the future and
(32:13):
figuring out what they're going to do with him moving forward.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
I would just get this deal done as fast as possible, guys.
I mean, you live at that sixty million if it's
free agency, which you're saying, Jane, right, no, tag none
of that. The number is going to be just as
big anyway, if not bigger. You look at his age.
You look at the other quarterbacks this offseason that are
going to be getting deals. None of them were runner
up for the MVP this past season, are going to
(32:36):
be in that right at the beginning of their thirties
where they could be hitting free agency. It's just, man,
this is just a wild one to watch as everybody
just kind of sits on their hands apparently a little bit.
Another spot that we want to look at, Jane is
behind Dak Prescott the running back situation. You look what
they did with tagging Tony Pollard and you look at
kind of the lack of run game that they had
(32:57):
as the season went on. What is in your mind
do you think is going to be the greatest path
for them to get back on track running the football.
Speaker 7 (33:07):
Well, I think that they need to go in there
and get a big bodied veteran, right, And you do
have guys like Derreck Henry. They're out there, Austin Eckler,
DeAndre Swift. There's a lot of free agents running backs.
We've seen them become devalued in recent years. I always
just laugh when I think about when they're going through
those contentious contract talks with Ezekiel At a couple years back,
I was told by a source, we don't believe that
(33:28):
Zeke deserves Todd Gurley type money. And I bring this
story up a lot because I remember Todd Gurley was
done shortly after that, and then they sort of regretted
what they were paying to Zeke in these remaining years.
And of course then they released him and they wanted
Tony Pollard to be the heir apparent. Well, Tony Pollard
had his lowest yards per Carrie. He was not as
productive as they had wanted him to be. Rico Daddle
(33:48):
and the guys behind him, Malik Davis, they didn't really
do much. And so they're allowing Rico Daddele and Tony
Pollard to go out and test the market.
Speaker 2 (33:55):
Now.
Speaker 7 (33:56):
I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that
maybe Pollard could come back on a reduced salary. But
I never thought that he was, you know, the number
one guy. And I say that because of so many
people that I talk to, a lot of people really
truly believed why not bring Zeke back on a you know,
a smaller deal.
Speaker 8 (34:15):
Let him be a third down back, not in every
down back.
Speaker 7 (34:18):
Now, I'm told they're very high on Jonathan Brooks, the
Texas guy that of course has a Texas alum, I'm
very familiar with guys. He would be a you know,
round two guy for them to target. He's going to
be one of their thirty visits. So that's someone that
they're high on and at least gives you a sense
of where they're prioritizing picking a running back in the draft.
But I think that running back room just in general
is going to look completely different. And then even if
(34:40):
they go and get running backs guys, we haven't seen
much from Mike McCarthy in his office to suggest that
he's going to run the ball. He's promised that every
year that he's been here, and they've sort of moved
away from it, and you can understand what they do
at times. Right, you've got guys like now Brandon Cooks
and you've got Ceedee Lamb. But I think that's going
to be a very interesting one to watch. Derreck Henry
(35:01):
does work out here in Dallas at Sanders Spitt. I
think he would love to be part of the Cowboys.
But we'll just see what that number looks like. As
the Cowboys always say, they've got only certain pieces of
the pie.
Speaker 8 (35:12):
So it's gonna be interesting to see how this works
and if the Cowboys are in fact going to.
Speaker 7 (35:16):
Go all in, guys, because some of the moves that
they've made this year don't give us a lot of
confidence that they are. Because if they work, they get
this dat Prescott thing figured it out sooner rather than later.
Speaker 2 (35:27):
Yeah, I mean, that's a company might not be able
to offer twelve million dollars to Saquon Barkley or something
like that because Dak's not done. Jamie got about forty
seconds here startin gi rid of Tyron Smith is the
superstar left tackle, but it's definitely gotten up there in age.
How could the Cowboys address the offensive line to enhance
that run game and to protect Dak a little bit better.
Speaker 7 (35:46):
Look, I think for some people it's probably surprising that
they're moving on from Tyron Smith, but you know, we
saw them at right tackle last year because of the
success that Tyler Smith was having over there. They've done
a good job at drafting offensive lineman. I tell you,
if the Cowboys were smart, they draft another offensive lineman
in the first round. Every time they draft a offensive
lineman in the first round, it tends to work out
(36:07):
pretty good for them. And examples that I would use
Zach Martin, Travis Frederick, and Tyron Smith. I do think
there's a lot of depth for the offensive line in
the draft this year, so let's see where they go
and move there. But they have been able to get
by without Tyron Smith unfortunately here in recent years, and
I think that's been part of the equation as to
why they're moving on here.
Speaker 1 (36:29):
Unbelievable. I would say a fascinating offseason, Jane, for the
Dallas Cowboys, but I think it's like every off season
is a fascinating off season. But I might put this
one right at the top with the way they're playing
this staring game with Dak Prescott and Todd France. Jane,
thank you so much for joining us. Wonderful to have you.
We'll have you multiple times before we get to the
draft here. On the NFL report coming up, Mark Ross
(36:51):
is going to join us, who was one of those
guys standing on the field watching the Underwear Olympics. Steve,
what does he think about measurements in terms of speed
in these drill compared to just maybe a guy's a
football player. We'll break all that down during the draft
of valuations that happen in team rooms. Next on the
NFL Report.
Speaker 2 (37:15):
All right, welcome back to the NFL Report, Steve White,
James Palmer JP. We're now joined by Mark Ross, the
former front offs executive with the Eagles with the Giants,
also was on the field at the combine last week,
and give us a bird's eye view. Mark. We've got
a lot of stuff we want to hit you about.
I mean, we're covering a lot of bases. But I
want you to go back when you're wearing your Armani
(37:35):
suits in the front office. You still wear your Armani
suits when you're wearing him in the front office. And
we've seen already this week, eight players get franchise tag,
one player get transition tagged. What goes into the decision
to tag a player versus extending him or letting him walk.
Speaker 9 (37:55):
Well, ideally you do want to extend him, Steve and James,
I mean that's your goal, is that you draft the
good players, and you want to have as many good
players as possible, and then you don't want to get
to this point.
Speaker 3 (38:07):
With your your cap guy and with your.
Speaker 9 (38:09):
Head coach and your owners and your front office staff.
You're saying, Okay, who are the let's identify these players
we know we want to have around and try to
get to that extension a year or two early and
make things work. When you get to this point, you
haven't made it work for one reason or another. So
you know, ideally, I think all of these teams that
just tag their guys they would rather have had extensions
(38:32):
done with them and say, you know, we want you
here for the long haul. Now there are times where
you tag a guy it's like we'll bet on yourself.
Let's see what it gets to at that certain point.
We need another year to see what it is or now.
More so, I think this year has been a ton
of them, you know, where it's almost like a holding
(38:53):
a holding spot for Okay, well let's just put this
on here. Now we couldn't get to where we wanted
to go. Now this buys us more time to get
something done with our guys. So a lot of different
variables guys, but ideally, you know, you don't want to
be at this point if you're any of these teams, Mark.
Speaker 1 (39:09):
I want to stay there real quick. Because you said
a lot of different variables. How much does the position
the player plays come into account when you're looking to
make certain tags, and how much does the landscape of
that position, whether it be the draft or other free
agents available play into account when you're trying to figure
out if tagging is the right way to go.
Speaker 9 (39:28):
Well, well, James, you hit on all that. For people
to know that they're different positions, get different number, you know,
they get tagged depending on what it is there. That's
why Michael Parson's got designated, you know, linebacker versus d
n they're the difference and the money there. But yeah,
you always have to look at that and say, all right,
are we willing to let this guy walk? And okay,
let's look at whether we tag this guy or let
(39:50):
him go. What's the free agent market looking at in
the dB spot or versus the draft? And all right,
I know we might lose our guy who's Brian Burns,
but okay, we'll go get somebody else because it's so
robust with the freeze at market or with the draft,
so all of that.
Speaker 1 (40:07):
Goes into it.
Speaker 9 (40:08):
And of course there's premier positions of that you want
to look at to say, well that receiver or corner
is more important than a guard, so we don't want
to do that. And you know, also it's where your
team is and we're if you're up at the top,
you think you've got Super Bowl aspirations and you've got
this guy that we got to have them for another
year and we're going to make this push, well, then
(40:29):
we got to do it. But if you're we're up
and coming, we need more assets, we need more cap space,
we need more value, then.
Speaker 3 (40:38):
You might let them go and you might not tag.
Speaker 9 (40:39):
So it's not just the positions, but it's also where
your team is and how you're looking on the horizon
with maybe some young guys you have on the team
as well.
Speaker 2 (40:48):
Yeah, and one thing we're going to see these franchise
tag guys if they go to their offseason workouts, if
they hold in. Remember, guys don't hold out anymore because
the fines are so excessive being there that that's also
part of it.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Mark.
Speaker 2 (40:59):
Now, let's go back to last week in Indianapolis when
you were at the combine and you came up with
a fantastic topic that you wanted to discuss. And that's
the guys who come out and they test, I mean
they blow things out of the water. And let's look
at some of these dbs, like you know Quinion Mitchell
out of Toledo, Right, he's someone who's highly rated, as
it is Nate Wiggins out of Clemson busted a four
to two eight, right, But how does that compare in
(41:21):
the evaluation when the tape says like Terry and Arnold
out of Alabama who ran a four to five, or
Ernardo Green out of Florida stage he is a four
to four to nine, so blazing fast times, but by
today's standards, he's got concrete in his cleats, Like, how
do you compare like the guys who blow that testing
out of the water versus due to show up over
(41:42):
and over again on Saturdays.
Speaker 9 (41:44):
That's always a big dilemma for scouts. It always has been.
Now just the numbers have just gotten so insane guys
where a four five, four four nine a few years ago,
five sx years ago is like, man, these guys are flying,
And as you mentioned, it's like, well, these guys are
slow now well though they're not. Those other guys are
just just historically fast, and each year they're getting faster
(42:05):
and faster, and more and more people are getting trained
to run fast and not actually play fast. So that's
when scouts really have to take in consideration of are.
Speaker 3 (42:14):
These numbers real?
Speaker 9 (42:16):
And you mentioned Arnold and Green, guys who are just instinctive, heady,
tough football players. When you watch them, really quick, productive,
they do all the things you want as a football player. Now,
Wiggins and Mitchell, I'm thinking when you watch them, okay,
they need a little bit development.
Speaker 2 (42:33):
Maybe not as instinctive.
Speaker 9 (42:35):
They may not have the X factors that the other
guys have, but man, here they go and they're running.
Speaker 3 (42:41):
They're blowing this out.
Speaker 9 (42:42):
So you're betting on do we over do we value
the better players who may not have the super workout numbers,
or do we value these guys that have this raw
super speed jumping ability but need some development on the field.
And that's where you have to match up what your
scouts are seeing, what your scouts are projecting, and also
(43:05):
with your coaching staff. You always have to match up
will your staff work with those kind of guys, you know,
like a Mitchell and the Wiggins versus you know what,
Arnold and Green they step in the door, they don't
really have to be coached. They're going to be out
there and ball out. They're gonna play fast, They're gonna
do everything you want. Whereas the other guys at hey,
they need some development. And you really have to be
(43:25):
in lockstep the scouting staff and the coaching staff and say,
all right, we got this raw prospect. He's going to
need some development, maybe need some time. Are you going
to work with him? If they say yes, then you
bring him in your building. If they say no, are
a little bit hesitant. That's where a lot of mistakes happen.
Speaker 1 (43:41):
Mark, Mark, can you take us inside these draft rooms
that you've been in. I mean, one name jumps out
of me because I was following so closely as a
beat reporter in Houston when DeAndre Hopkins was coming out
and he runs a four five seven, And I remember
talking to Keenan McCardell about you, who played the position
at a brilliant level. He said, oh, he's pigeon toed.
That's not a great time. But when you actually just
(44:02):
put on the tape and a guy is a football player.
That's usually a term that's used in these meetings. Who
usually pounds the table for certain guys? And how hard
do you have to do it when the numbers aren't
what certain people that value numbers really high aren't there?
How do you convince everybody by just going at the tape?
Speaker 9 (44:20):
Yeah, that's that's always a tough thing whenever you like
a player and they go do that at the common
Oh my goodness, So I learned that early. You remember
you remember hand Kwon Bolden. I'll take you one back,
even for GA State. When you watch the Pon Bolden play,
that guy was the toughest best player on the field.
Every time he's stepped on the field, he's throwing it,
he's running it, he's returning, he's blocking people. And then
(44:43):
he gets out there and runs a four to seven.
Speaker 3 (44:45):
Something.
Speaker 9 (44:45):
Goes to his pro day, I go to his prode
and he runs you know, doesn't it runs slow? Again,
It's like, oh my goodness. Yet you're the draft. Mean,
you're talking about all these things he can do, but
everyone's looking like, well he ran four seven. This guy
can't play, And you know that's first round talent When
you just watched him play. If he never ran, he
probably still would have been but okay, he got pushed
down to the second round because of that forty time.
(45:07):
And you know, it's so when you when you argue
with just about talent and routes and hands or whatever
that position is versus raw number, you can easily say
he's slow by just seeing that number. That's why scouts
love the combine and pro day is because you can
see that raw number, Whereas on the field it's so
subjective to say, no, he actually is fast. So it
(45:27):
really is a battle the whole way. And that's when
you're a scout. You really have to have conviction. You
want to have those scouts with conviction no matter what
the numbers say, this guy can ball. It doesn't matter
how much he how high he jumps, and how fast
he runs on a clock.
Speaker 2 (45:40):
I love all this talk about times and stuff because
Darius Hayward Bay's name just pops into my head to
another subject. Gonna pick on Darius.
Speaker 1 (45:48):
I mean, let's just talk about John Ross.
Speaker 2 (45:50):
I mean that knows Xavier Worthy's the guy now four
two one.
Speaker 1 (45:53):
Then you don't want to say, well.
Speaker 9 (45:54):
Guy's record you meet, he didn't turn out to be
a great prayer, happy for worthy at all of that.
Speaker 2 (45:58):
But no, John real quick mark about forty forty five seconds.
You're talking about the measurables versus being a football player.
How much does that come into play when you're deciding
on the defensive side outside corners versus the slot corner
or the slot safety.
Speaker 9 (46:15):
Yeah, that slot is so important there where you know,
you got to almost be more heady when you're outside.
You know it's not this simple, but hey, just cover
this guy, you know, go run with him pressed, mug
him up.
Speaker 1 (46:26):
Where's inside.
Speaker 9 (46:26):
There's so many more variables that go into play where
you got to recognize that you gotta be tough in
there too, because that run game is coming at you quicker.
You're usually going up against shiftier sort of inside guys
who are that smart too, So you got to have
that feel are we dropping his zone and by blitzing?
So I think there's just so many more things that
go into that slot position, and it's such a premiere
(46:48):
position now, you know, each year it's kind of got
gotten more and more valued of what that guy does
in there, whereas maybe way back you just say, well,
he's just a slot corner. But now I mean the
way teams are throwing the ball. That third spot, that
slot spot could be your premiere position, your premier spot
in your secondary So I mean tremendous with the head
and with the talent right there on the defense for sure.
Speaker 2 (47:11):
Great stuff, Mark, We appreciate all of this. Inside, we
got to have you back along the way again. So
you're gonna have to put on your your Armani suit
next time you come on. There you go.
Speaker 1 (47:20):
We gotta have you stories like the Bolden story. Yes,
well we.
Speaker 2 (47:25):
Will, Mark, start start bagging them up when we come back.
We know our own Brian Baldinger is the most interesting
man in the world. So we're gonna find out the
NFL team that's equivalent to Baldy, to find out what's
gonna be the most interesting team of the off season.
JP and I are gonna be chopping that up next
on the NFL Report.
Speaker 1 (47:48):
Hey, it's James Palmer and you're listening to the NFL
Report podcast along with myself and Steve Weisch. But remember,
if you want to see our beautiful faces, this is
a show at seven point fifteen Monday and Thursday at
seven fifteen pm Eastern, and we are on the NFL
app as well as fast streaming platforms. That's two B,
that's Roku, that's Pluto, that's Peacock, all of those platforms,
(48:11):
as well as the NFL dot Com Slash NFL channel.
Find us all of those spots. Welcome back to the
NFL Report, James Palmer, Steve weisch with you as we
close things out. We've been missing our old pal, Brian Baldinger,
who's just been somewhere on the planet Earth. You won't
tell us where. And he's the most interesting man in
the world, is Steve alluded to earlier. Most interesting team
(48:33):
this offseason, Steve will be who in your life?
Speaker 2 (48:36):
I've got to I've got the Washington Commanders and the
Las Vegas Raiders right the Commander's second overall pick. They've
got about ninety million dollars to spend in free agency JP,
They've got an opportunity to turn this round quickly. The
Raiders have nearly fifty million. But what are they going
to do at quarterback? What are they gonna do with
some of their key positions as their defense rounded out
last year? I am really intrigued to do because I
(48:58):
think these are two teams you'll be talking about beyond
the offseason if they get it right.
Speaker 1 (49:04):
And those are two teams that need a quarterback, I'll
talk to a team that's got a lot of cap space,
the fifth most in the NFL right now, and has
a quarterback in Kyler Murray. How about the Arizona Cardinals.
I love six in this draft, seven in the top
one oh five, and they have fifty six million dollars
to play within that fourth overall pick. I love how
Lance talked about. They could be a really interesting spot, Steve.
(49:26):
If it doesn't happen with quarterbacks one two three, they
can trade back still get the receiver that they're still
maybe possibly looking for because of this deep wide receiver draft,
and accumulate more draft capital. I am watching what Ozzie
is doing there. That's what I want to see. What
monte Asin Ford is doing, That's what I want to see, Steve.
Speaker 2 (49:45):
All Right, Look, next week, we only have one show
because Monday is the kickoff of the free agency legal
tampering period, So we're only going to be on Thursday,
and we're going to talk about those free agency signings. JP.
We're gonna be canning balling off the fifty foot cliff
with several guests to talk about the moves that the
team made. So until then, I expect you to join
(50:05):
Ian Rapidford on the golf course and to knock a
couple in from the sixth hole. You next week, I won't.
Speaker 1 (50:11):
I'll be on the ski slopes.
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