The NFL Now Podcast begins with news on the suspension of multiple Lions players for gambling.
Host, Omar Ruiz, is joined by James Palmer for a discussion on the Eagles draft. Georgia Tech's Defensive end, Keion White, joins the show. Plus, an interview with Deonte Banks.
The NFL Now Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
NFL Now is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Hello and welcome into NFL Now, presented by Ikia. I'm
Omar Race. In the NFL Network newsroom. We are now
six days away from Kansas City hosting the first round
of the NFL Draft. We have Georgia Tech prospect Keon
why To, projected first rounder.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
He's set to join us.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
We have all the news and notes you want to
get to about the NFL Draft, including three of the
top ten picks holding their pre draft press conferences today,
including Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
You hear from him in just a little bit. But
first we start with some.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Breaking news into NFL Network. This from the league office.
The NFL has suspended five players for violating the league's
gambling policy, including the Detroit Lions one of their two
first round picks a year ago, Jamison Williams.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
He's been suspended for six games. Here is the full
list of the five players.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
For of them, Detroit Lions Stanley Berryhill, fellow Lions receiver,
also suspended six games. And you have Quintes Cephis, CJ.
Moore and Washington Commander's defensive end Shaka Tony All suspended indefinitely.
You see Quintez Cephis and CJ. Moore have already been
released by the Lions. Here is Detroit Lions statement from
(01:36):
executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes. As a
result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention
that a few of our players had violated the league's
gambling policy. These players exhibited decision making that is not
consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. We
have made the decision to part ways with Quintes and CJ.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Immediately.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
You go on to say, we are disappointed by the
decision making demonstrated by Stanley and Jamison, and we'll work
with both those players to ensure they understand the severity
of these violations and have clarity on the league.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Rules moving forward.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
For much more on this, we welcome in our NFL
network insiders Tom Pellasero and Mike Garofollo. We thought players
might have gotten the message last year when Calvin Ridley
was suspended for a year.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
Tom, apparently that's not the case. What more can you
tell us about this suspension?
Speaker 4 (02:30):
Well, much like Calvin Ridley, omar the three players suspended
in definitely for violating the NFL's gambling policy. Were suspended
because they bet on NFL games during the twenty twenty
two season. That is a bright line. NFL players, anyone
with an NFL club or the league offense, cannot bet
on NFL games. Players are permitted to bet on other sports,
(02:53):
but they are not permitted to do so while in
NFL stadiums or facilities, anything associated with the league. That's
what happened with Jamison Williams, who was suspended six games
for betting as our in report report earlier today, on
college games while inside the Lions facility. A couple of
notable things from the NFL. The league said that the
(03:16):
evidence does not show or they have not found any
evidence that any inside information was used in these bets
or that any game was compromised. Still, much like in
the Calvin Ridley situation, Mike, this is a clear message
from the NFL. Gambling is much more readily available. There
are now sportsbooks inside stadiums, You can place bets on
(03:37):
your phone. It does not change the policy here, and
if you are turned in for violating that policy, it
will be swift and significant discipline.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Yes, and much like the Calvin Ridley situation, there was
that electronic evidence. You can't hide from that. So Jamison Williams,
via his agency, has confirmed that yes, he did bet
on NFL games and suspended by the league for six games.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
Now.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
That's statement from his agency.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Alliance Sports also says, quote, Jamison would never intentionally jeopardize
the integrity of the game he loves so much and
looks forward to getting back to his team as soon
as possible. It also makes that distinction that you were
talking about, Tom, it was not for betting on football,
but rather the location of the bet that was placed,
which is again at the team facility. Cannot use your phone,
(04:29):
You cannot gamble at all at NFL facilities. If you're
a player, you can do that away from the facility.
That I suppose as a luxury that the players have
that other personnel don't have. Remember, Jets coach Miles Austin
was betting on non NFL games. He was doing that
at the facility as well. Coaches, personnel everyone like that
cannot gamble on sports period. Players can, it's just a
(04:52):
matter of where they do it. In this case, Jamison
Williams did it in the wrong place.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah, certainly noteworthy distinction. They're betting on NFL games and
not betting on NFL games. Tom, when you talk about
Baltimore Ravens quarterback situation, we've been focusing all off season
on that, and we have some news about the Baltimore
Ravens quarterbacks room.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
What can you tell us about that?
Speaker 4 (05:13):
That's right, Omar, the Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback is not
going anywhere. That is, of course, Tyler Snoop Huntley, who
is selected to the Pro Bowl Games one year ago.
He plans, i am told to sign his restricted free
agent tender on Monday. Today is the deadline for restricted
free agents who received the tender to potentially sign an
offer sheet with another club. That is really rare in
(05:36):
the modern NFL, and so Huntley, like the other restricted
free agents this year, albeit guys could still sign them today,
but he is going to end up back with Baltimore.
He's actually already been back in Baltimore. I'm told that
he's been training at the Ravens facility, participating in their
off season program this week, which he's allowed to do
with a waiver. Huntley is actually headed to Tampa this
(05:57):
weekend to throw with some of his teammates. We'll be
back Monday to sign the tender, resume being in the program.
And as for that other quarter back who has played
for the Ravens in recent years, Lamar Jackson on that
franchise tender still not signed.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
I laughed when you tweeted it this morning. Tom, I'm
still laughing at that joke, as Steven Isle as it
might be. Mike Garrolfalo, we have just less than a
couple of weeks, now, Is it that bad?
Speaker 3 (06:22):
That joke? How Mike?
Speaker 7 (06:23):
No, I'm stifling a cough. Let me just get it out.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Okay, go ahead, there you go. We'll set this up here.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Sorry, we have less than a couple of weeks for
first round picks in the twenty twenty NFL Draft to
have their fifth year options exercised. A big name just
got extended, Mike, What more can you tell us about that?
Speaker 3 (06:41):
See? This is much better.
Speaker 5 (06:42):
I'm not nervous about coffee now. While I'm talking, Ceee Lamb,
the Cowboys wide receiver, the team has picked up his
fifth year.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
The Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Dallas.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Well, we know who that is. That's that's Ceedee Lamb.
Speaker 5 (06:54):
You know it's like Tom doing his all. See Tom's
already moved on, he's less and he's probably reading his
quarterback story from earlier today, nine thousand words.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Go check that out when you got a chance. Ceedee.
Speaker 5 (07:03):
Lamb's fifth year option picked up, So he'll make seventeen
point nine million dollars if we round up, it's actually
eighteen eighteen in twenty twenty four, fully guaranteed.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Yeah, no brainer right here.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
I mean, we've got some other fifty year options that
are extremely questionable, including Chase Young with the Commanders, but
this one was an easy one because the Cowboys do
want to sign CD Lamb to a long term extension. Well,
now they've got a number for twenty twenty four to
work off of. So let's see if the sides can
come together on an extension and how quickly they can
do that.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Omark, We're going to break down Tom's article a little
later in the show.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Thanks for plugging that, Mike.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
As for the Colts, better save a big segment for it.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
He has it all to himself, if I'm not mistaken.
The Colts have the number four pick all to themselves
as of right now.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
But will they go quarterback?
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Well, Chris Ballard said he's either going to dance around
questions at his pre draft press conference or he's going
to answer them honestly. You can imagine what he decided
to do today.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
How much lying do you think goes on right now?
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Oh, everybody's lying. I might be the most honest, unfortunately,
but everybody's lying.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
I think you know may well enough.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Like usually, if you answer question, I'll either dance around
it or give you an answer. Today, I'm a dancer.
Speaker 5 (08:24):
Today, I'm an answer.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Hold me closer, timey dance all right, Tom, Chris Ballard
says he's dancing around these questions.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
What can you tell us about the Colts and number four? Well, maar, I.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Think that if you look at the top ten in
this draft, it's a short list of teams that you know,
with virtual certainty you're going to take quarterbacks. Starts at
number one with the Carolina Panthers and the Colts, who
are sitting there at number four. It would be a
shock if they don't go that direction. The question, and
part of the reason Chris Ballard has to dance around
these things is they just don't know what's going to
(08:58):
happen at number two and number three. Now, if you
speak to people within the league, which I have been
doing a lot for that, or you can find at
NFL dot com slash Pelicero, he will find that there
certainly is some belief that Will Levis from Kentucky could
end up being the quarterback. He has run a pro
style offense the last couple of years at Kentucky, influenced
(09:19):
by the Shanahan McVeigh type of a system. He is
a big guy with a big arm. He does have
running ability, although he didn't get to show it a
whole lot last year because he was dealing with injuries
on a really injury and talent depleted type of a
Kentucky offense. But there's also some love for Anthony Richardson
through the course of this process. A classic low ceiling,
(09:40):
high floor, excuse me, low floor, high ceiling type of
a player here. He might profile a little bit more
like Jalen Hurts in terms of the things that you
could do and Shane Stake and d Hurts in Philadelphia
the last couple of years with the run threat in
addition to the pass threat here. But what are the
Texans do at two? Do they in fact pass on
a quarterback and take a defensive player. That would then
put Arizona, which is at number three, in position to
(10:02):
put their pickup forbid for whoever wants to come up
and take the number or two quarterback. All of which
is to say, good reason for Chris Ballard Mike to
remain a dancer today, because if he stops dancing, well,
then it'll be like footloose and everybody will know exactly
what's going on.
Speaker 5 (10:18):
I don't know what that metaphor means. Some's gonna take
it and go with it.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
And I lost it. I was dancing.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
I think he's trying to plane, and then yeah, like
I was so close to having it, and then I
realized I didn't know how it was ending.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
So yeah, I'm still worried about the floor versus the
ceiling or whether Michael Jordan who said the ceiling is
the roof. I believe he was the one that said
that the floor is lava.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
Am I talking here? Yeah, Mike, the floor is lava.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
If you've got kids, Yeah, it's it's The draft is
an exercise a lot of times in futility when you're
trying to report on it, because it's not like free
agency where teams have to show their cards and you
kind of get a good feeling going in the free
agency that your info is right.
Speaker 7 (11:01):
This this top ten.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Last year's top ten was really easy to peg. It
was amazing how it fell based on how we were here.
This year, it's really hard to and it's really hard
to figure out what the cults are doing and how
they have those quarterbacks stacked. I've heard that they are
not high on Levis. I've heard that they are high
on Levis. So as we get closer here, we'll eventually
start to figure it out, maybe have a better feel
(11:23):
for it before Round one kicks off. But right now
and again, they're at the mercy of the Texans. I mean,
the teams are calling and wanting to know what we're
hearing about what Houston is going to do, and nobody
knows for sure.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Back to you, Omar, Well, if you haven't heard yet, Mike,
we are going to break down Tom Pellisaro's quarterback rankings
article coming up a little later in this show. If
you want to get a sneak feet, folks at home,
go to NFL dot com slash Palissaro and.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Read all about it before we get there. Thank you, Tom,
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Mike a monumental day for the Philadelphia Eagles. They has
store day Jalen Hurts and the Eagles that would to
chose only five year, two million dollars contract defensive, making
this statement very clear. Jalien Hurts is in fact the
(12:12):
franchise quarterback for Eagles five years, two fifty five. That
makes him the highest paid player in the NFL. All
in all, a day where everyone can walk away smiling,
the Eagles and Dalen Hurts can walk throughto the future together.
So now that the Jalen Hurds contract is done, the
Eagles can pay full attention to the NFL Draftnicks Week,
(12:34):
Chad Ryders seven round mock.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
Draft is out. He has the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Going defense to start their draft, just like they did
last year with Jordan Davis Junior Gibbs, the Alabama running
back their second pick. Howid Roseman yesterday talking about getting
special players with.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
A number ten pick, which writers has them trading out of.
Speaker 8 (12:57):
I think the most important thing when when you're picking
in the first round, certainly when you're picking ten, is
that you get a unique player. And I think that
there's so few unique players in any draft that if
you start picking by position and not based on the
quality of the talent, then you really you get a chance.
So if you pick by position and you pick a
(13:19):
back a player who's not any good, then it's not
a good pick anyway. And so I think the most
important thing for us here is that we get you.
We utilize this opportunity to get a unique player.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Six days away, the Eagles tweeting out Devontae Smith, who's
been a star both at Alabama.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
And for the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Six The amount of picks too at the Eagles head
coming into next week's draft are much more on the
Eagles discussion, we welcome in James Homer, who will be
in Philadelphia, his hometown, to cover the Eagles and their
draft too.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
First round picks.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
No Bruce Springsteen, Ohmarks you we're gonna bust down to
Bruce Springsteen for Philadelphia.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Now anah, yeah, you like that singing last segmentary? Oh
you didn't all it?
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Thought it was horrible? Okay, you just like my kids
think I sing horribly. I'd have to agree, but it
doesn't shy away from me doing it. Okay, Number ten,
Number thirty there, James. For the Eagles, what might they
be thinking ahead?
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Of next week.
Speaker 6 (14:15):
You heard how Roseman Omar talk about a unique player. Right,
They have two picks in the first round, which is great,
but they only have six total picks. They have ten
thirty sixty two, ninety four and then nothing in rounds four, five,
and six, and then they have two more picks in
round seven. So it's interesting the way the Eagles are
looking at this draft, not just in those six picks.
Speaker 3 (14:35):
They're also looking.
Speaker 6 (14:37):
At the guys that they had in the second round,
third round, first round of last year's draft that barely played.
That's Jordan Davis in the first round. That's Cam Jurgens
the center they took in the second round, Ni Kobe
Dean the linebacker in the third round. Nick Sirianni believes
that's almost like adding another group into this draft class.
But also Omar, they're looking at the twenty twenty four
(14:57):
draft class and how that could impact what they do
with this draft, because Howi Roseman believes he's going to
have roughly twelve picks, adding in four comp picks for
the guys that they have lost in free agency. They
have an added second round pick from a trade. Can
those twenty twenty four picks impact some of the moves
they potentially make in this year's draft. If they're sitting
at ten and a player starts to fall towards them,
(15:18):
could they use that added second round pick from twenty
twenty four into a trade to move up for somebody
that they'd like or be able to fill that gap
that I mentioned omar in terms of not having any
picks in those rounds. Nick Sirianni and Howie Rosen want
to make sure that if they're going to use those
future picks, they have to really look at the value
of the player, why they're moving, and why they would
(15:40):
make that move. But the Eagles are really looking at this,
not just in the twenty twenty three draft, but the
picks they have in the year.
Speaker 7 (15:47):
To come, in the picks that they had last season.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Yeah, so many factors at play, so many gymnastics to
hurdle through there, but one certainty they do have is
who their quarterback is going to be for the foreseeable future.
How did the Jalen hurtzteal affect how they can do
business going forward?
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Now?
Speaker 6 (16:04):
James well I mentioned that they're looking at some of
the players added in into the equation. They're looking at
twenty twenty four in all of those picks with its
as I mentioned twelve right now, they believe that getting
the Jalen Hurts deal done prior to this draft, actually,
and how he Roseman's wor was yesterday, gives them some
flexibility about what they want to do. They know the
cap situation, they know where the quarterback position stands, and
(16:27):
this is something also that Jalen Hurts wanted done early,
and Howie Roseman commended him on that, considering that Hurts
and his team wanted to make sure that it was
done so that the Eagles could continue to try to
build this team around him. That was important to Hurts,
obviously important to the Eagles. Everyone involved believes this was
somewhat of a win win for both sides. Getting it
done early before the draft was the win portion for
(16:51):
the Philadelphia Eagles and Howie Roseman's mind omark.
Speaker 7 (16:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
We talked last hour about how the Chiefs, obviously coming
off a super Bowl and great position, and the Eagles,
I think same thing coming off their quarterback signing and
the great run last year, continue to build with all
that talent certainly looking good with those two first round picks,
James Palmer.
Speaker 9 (17:15):
Oh, he was detonated on by Keon White. He's hit
from behind and now he goes and it was Keon
White running up huff around the edge, sacked at the
tan Keeon White.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
He has been all over the field.
Speaker 9 (17:35):
And he gets sacked again. Keon White on third stack
of the night.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
He's one of the top prospects in the entire NFL Draft.
He's fifth on Bucky Brooks position rankings for a premium.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Position edge rusher.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
He is Keon White edge rusher from Georgia Tech and
he joins us. Now, Keon we are six days away
from a life changing night for you to hear your
name called in Kansas City.
Speaker 3 (18:05):
How you doing right now? How are you feeling?
Speaker 7 (18:07):
Definitely I'm good.
Speaker 10 (18:08):
It's getting about that time, so you know, it's getting
kind of anxious seeing what's going to happen next.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Yeah, when you talk about your history, you started at
Old Dominion University as a tight end. What was the
conversation like, was it your coach that came to you?
Was it you that went to the coaches to ultimately
switch positions, which obviously has greatly benefited you.
Speaker 10 (18:31):
Yeah, So at the time I was the starting tight end,
and then we had a guy who ended up leaving
those Shane z m Andez, going to the NFL doing
pretty well, and our coaches just felt like it was
a big hole to be filled. And so my coach
sat me down and said, we want to play you
here for springball and try you out, and the rest
is kind of history.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Yeah, how do you think some of those tight end
attributes have helped you there as a pass rusher?
Speaker 5 (18:58):
A lot?
Speaker 7 (18:58):
For sure.
Speaker 10 (19:00):
I feel like I can dissect offenses and see tendencies
a little bit better than the average person because I
know what the offense wants to do, and I know
what they're trying to set up and things like that.
So just knowing what Titans don't want you to do,
I kind of do that well.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Obviously, you've shown your athleticism throughout your career at both
ODU and Georgia Tech. But I think one of the
things that's underrated about your game is how strong you are.
We want to show you this old clip from when
you're still at Old Dominion of you squatting ken. Do
you remember how much you lifted here?
Speaker 7 (19:35):
Yeah? That was probably five thirty right there.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
That was about five years ago. What are you up
to now?
Speaker 10 (19:42):
I'll probably do I stopped doing one rep maxes, but
for a one rep I probably projected around seven seven hundred.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Wow, that's incredible. Is that something that you've tried to
tell these teams that, hey, yes, I have all the
athleticism in the world, but I'm equally as strong.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
Is that something you've had to convince them?
Speaker 10 (19:59):
No, I feel like that's got to show up on
tape because there's guys that can squat a house but
can't play strong. So I try to play straw more
than anything and just use the weight room as like
a compliment to that.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
Sure, and one of the things about your game is
that you've been shooting up draft boards.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
How do you explain that.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
For me?
Speaker 10 (20:18):
I really care about the guys who are making decisions
in the office, like the general managers. I'm like, you
can't let the draft boards kind of inflate your ego
in your head, and you got to remain humble. So
while I appreciate the attention, I'm more so trying to
impress the guys that are making the decisions.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Well, six days from now, you're going to hear your
name called in Kansas City. What do you want teams
to know about you here with just six days to go?
Speaker 7 (20:45):
Then I'm a worker.
Speaker 10 (20:46):
I don't really like to talk too much, and I
feel like you can't really talk about football you at
the show. So I'm the one that's going to work
like That's the thing I get up in the morning
to do. That's why I go to sleep thinking about
just how hard I can work and how I can
be better than the next person and just refuseing to
let anybody around me outwork me.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
So you're one of the player that has been invited
to Kansas City to be a part of the draft
in person.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Have you thought about how you'll greet Roger Goodell?
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Have you picked out your suit you're gonna wear next
Thursday night?
Speaker 7 (21:17):
Yeah?
Speaker 10 (21:17):
So got the suit getting it fitted again, refitted on Monday.
Speaker 7 (21:23):
Just thought about all of that.
Speaker 10 (21:24):
So my thing is just going there for the experience
where I get drafted is I have no control over.
I'm just trying to have a good time. I'm bringing
my friends with me, and so we're all just going
to go there and just take all the moment.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
And what are you looking forward to most about the
trip with your friends?
Speaker 7 (21:40):
So just sharing it with my friends.
Speaker 10 (21:41):
So I decided to go the unconventional route, not really
bringing any of my family. I'm bringing all of my
friends and just enjoying the time and the experience.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
That's cool.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Where's you mentioned the fit about your suit. Where's a
perfect fit for you in the NFL.
Speaker 10 (21:57):
Just a multi front team, A team that doesn't pigeonhole
me and say, hey, I want you to get up
three hundred and five pounds and play three tech, or hey,
I want you to get down to two sixty and
play outside linebacker. A team that allows me to just
be multi dimensional and play outside inside wherever is needed
that week. And just somewhere that's big on teaching because
(22:18):
there's still a lot of things I need to learn
about my game for sure, and just someone who's going
to be able to just show me the ropes and
teach me and be able to work with me for true.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Yeah, ke On White, well you've had a heck of
a college career. We can't wait to see where you
end up on Thursday night. Good luck the rest of
the way, and enjoy your time in Kansas City next week.
Speaker 7 (22:37):
Definitely, I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
Thank you. Keon White.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Gonna hear his name called on Thursday night, a draft
you can see right here on NFL Network Live eight
o'clock Eastern on Thursday, Rice Young, Anthony Richardson, C J. Stroud,
Will Anderson. They'll also be hearing their names called. He's
one of the hottest prospects in this year's draft. He's
(23:02):
Maryland Corner Deontay Bang, who Ian Rappaport reported earlier this week,
met with the Bills to close out his visit, visiting
with nearly every team in the league. Also visited with
the Saints, Commanders, Titans, Vikings, Raiders, Texans, Giants, Bucks, Eagles, Jaguars, Bears,
and Steelers. As far as our mock drafts go, we
(23:24):
have Daniel Jeremiah. Cynthia Freeland have him going at twenty
four to the Jaguars. Then you have Bucky Brooks and
Lancezerlin both having him at seventeen to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You have Charles Davis to the Seahawks, Eric et Ome
to the Washington Commanders at twenty and twenty one, respectively.
Speaker 3 (23:43):
We're pleased to.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Welcome in Deontay Banks, Maryland Corner right now. And as
a kid who grew up in Baltimore, Deontay. Can you
see yourself in the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Speaker 11 (23:56):
I can see myself playing anyway, to be honest, anywhere.
I'm just ready to play football, honestly.
Speaker 2 (24:02):
What's this last couple months been like for you? Of
course you've been going through all the tests and the
meetings and the visits. Now that we're six days away,
kind of what are you thinking about heading into next
week's draft?
Speaker 11 (24:14):
I'm man enjoying it, to be honest, I really just
made join the process. Like, everything been real good.
Speaker 12 (24:19):
A lot of a lot of airplanes, a lot of planes.
Speaker 11 (24:23):
It's been real fun espectally just going to to city
to city.
Speaker 12 (24:26):
It's been really fun.
Speaker 2 (24:27):
What's been the most surprising thing about your visits or
maybe this process for you?
Speaker 11 (24:32):
I didn't really know like that you take visits in
all that, so that's kind of new to me.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Are you safe to say this is probably the most
time you've spent on planes the last couple of months,
the previously in your life.
Speaker 12 (24:44):
I've never been on this mini plane.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
You got any travel tips for us at this point?
Speaker 12 (24:49):
Oh, I go to sleep on a plane and a
help out for sure.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
Take those Naps. I'm right there with you. Where do
you see an ideal fit for you?
Speaker 3 (24:58):
Deontay?
Speaker 12 (25:01):
I just want to I don't know. I feel like
anywhere I could go fit for me.
Speaker 11 (25:05):
People that play of blits a lot of a lot
of pressure, right, that's.
Speaker 3 (25:08):
Me, Gionta.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
When you look at your journey at Maryland, at what
point did you realize, Hey, this NFL prospect is not
only attainable, but I can actually go high in the draft.
What point did that set in to be a reality
for you?
Speaker 11 (25:24):
I always know as a reality for me, honestly, like
since I was young. But for me, when I honestly
like I would see my sophomore year, I really be like.
Speaker 12 (25:34):
Oh yeah, I can really do this, I can really
big topic, I could do this. It's me.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
We've seen so many of those highlights that you had.
I remember the blocked extra point against Ohio State, against
that high level competition, going against C. J. Stroud and
all the receivers they've had over the years, going toe
to toe with a team like that and all those prospects.
Speaker 3 (25:52):
What did that do for your confidence?
Speaker 11 (25:56):
I kind of already had it, but I just I
guess it felt good. You just felt good. No, I
like I played a real well game. I guess tough
a pony.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
You mentioned how long this last couple of months have
been for you, and you know you work on the
testing stuff and all the drills that the teams put
you through. But what have you been working on that
will help your game on the field next season getting
ready for the NFL.
Speaker 11 (26:19):
I just focused on really just catching about uncomfortable situations
so I can catch more interceptions.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
Yeah, making plays on the ball, becoming more of a
ball hawk.
Speaker 12 (26:28):
Is that what you mean?
Speaker 7 (26:29):
Sir?
Speaker 3 (26:30):
Okay, okay.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
So when you're at the combine, what did you want
to impress upon the teams that you were meeting with there?
Speaker 12 (26:38):
Mut I just want to show it fast.
Speaker 11 (26:40):
I was lot of teams I kept saying, like I
realized that they said, like I wasn't really fast or whatever.
But I don't know where they got that from. Like
I've always been fast. I've been fast. I was young,
So I don't really know where they got that from.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Real bro Well obviously showed it for three five forty
with your six foot two, two hundred five pound frame.
What do you think is most impressive the physicality that
you play with or your speed.
Speaker 12 (27:05):
I think it's my speed at my size. I think
that's way more impressive skied at my size.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
Okay, well we have the draft next week. Where do
you plan on watching the draft? What's your party going
to be like? Take us through, Deontay Banks draft party.
Speaker 11 (27:18):
Here'ready gonna be a real cool vibe.
Speaker 12 (27:21):
It's gonna be my family. It's gonna be honest. It's
my My extended family is my it's like my immediate family.
So that's how we are clues. So bill me a
real cool vibe for us.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
All right, Well, we're pulling hard for you, Deontay.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Thanks again for joining us, Congratulations on getting to this point,
and good luck this week.
Speaker 7 (27:38):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
NFL Now is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app,
Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
NFL Now is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Hello and welcome into NFL Now, presented by Ikia. I'm
Omar Race. In the NFL Network newsroom. We are now
six days away from Kansas City hosting the first round
of the NFL Draft. We have Georgia Tech prospect Keon
why To, projected first rounder.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
He's set to join us.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
We have all the news and notes you want to
get to about the NFL Draft, including three of the
top ten picks holding their pre draft press conferences today,
including Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
You hear from him in just a little bit. But
first we start with some.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Breaking news into NFL Network. This from the league office.
The NFL has suspended five players for violating the league's
gambling policy, including the Detroit Lions one of their two
first round picks a year ago, Jamison Williams.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
He's been suspended for six games. Here is the full
list of the five players.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
For of them, Detroit Lions Stanley Berryhill, fellow Lions receiver,
also suspended six games. And you have Quintes Cephis, CJ.
Moore and Washington Commander's defensive end Shaka Tony All suspended indefinitely.
You see Quintez Cephis and CJ. Moore have already been
released by the Lions. Here is Detroit Lions statement from
(01:36):
executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes. As a
result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention
that a few of our players had violated the league's
gambling policy. These players exhibited decision making that is not
consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. We
have made the decision to part ways with Quintes and CJ.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Immediately.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
You go on to say, we are disappointed by the
decision making demonstrated by Stanley and Jamison, and we'll work
with both those players to ensure they understand the severity
of these violations and have clarity on the league.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Rules moving forward.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
For much more on this, we welcome in our NFL
network insiders Tom Pellasero and Mike Garofollo. We thought players
might have gotten the message last year when Calvin Ridley
was suspended for a year.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
Tom, apparently that's not the case. What more can you
tell us about this suspension?
Speaker 4 (02:30):
Well, much like Calvin Ridley, omar the three players suspended
in definitely for violating the NFL's gambling policy. Were suspended
because they bet on NFL games during the twenty twenty
two season. That is a bright line. NFL players, anyone
with an NFL club or the league offense, cannot bet
on NFL games. Players are permitted to bet on other sports,
(02:53):
but they are not permitted to do so while in
NFL stadiums or facilities, anything associated with the league. That's
what happened with Jamison Williams, who was suspended six games
for betting as our in report report earlier today, on
college games while inside the Lions facility. A couple of
notable things from the NFL. The league said that the
(03:16):
evidence does not show or they have not found any
evidence that any inside information was used in these bets
or that any game was compromised. Still, much like in
the Calvin Ridley situation, Mike, this is a clear message
from the NFL. Gambling is much more readily available. There
are now sportsbooks inside stadiums, You can place bets on
(03:37):
your phone. It does not change the policy here, and
if you are turned in for violating that policy, it
will be swift and significant discipline.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Yes, and much like the Calvin Ridley situation, there was
that electronic evidence. You can't hide from that. So Jamison Williams,
via his agency, has confirmed that yes, he did bet
on NFL games and suspended by the league for six games.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
Now.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
That's statement from his agency.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Alliance Sports also says, quote, Jamison would never intentionally jeopardize
the integrity of the game he loves so much and
looks forward to getting back to his team as soon
as possible. It also makes that distinction that you were
talking about, Tom, it was not for betting on football,
but rather the location of the bet that was placed,
which is again at the team facility. Cannot use your phone,
(04:29):
You cannot gamble at all at NFL facilities. If you're
a player, you can do that away from the facility.
That I suppose as a luxury that the players have
that other personnel don't have. Remember, Jets coach Miles Austin
was betting on non NFL games. He was doing that
at the facility as well. Coaches, personnel everyone like that
cannot gamble on sports period. Players can, it's just a
(04:52):
matter of where they do it. In this case, Jamison
Williams did it in the wrong place.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah, certainly noteworthy distinction. They're betting on NFL games and
not betting on NFL games. Tom, when you talk about
Baltimore Ravens quarterback situation, we've been focusing all off season
on that, and we have some news about the Baltimore
Ravens quarterbacks room.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
What can you tell us about that?
Speaker 4 (05:13):
That's right, Omar, the Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback is not
going anywhere. That is, of course, Tyler Snoop Huntley, who
is selected to the Pro Bowl Games one year ago.
He plans, i am told to sign his restricted free
agent tender on Monday. Today is the deadline for restricted
free agents who received the tender to potentially sign an
offer sheet with another club. That is really rare in
(05:36):
the modern NFL, and so Huntley, like the other restricted
free agents this year, albeit guys could still sign them today,
but he is going to end up back with Baltimore.
He's actually already been back in Baltimore. I'm told that
he's been training at the Ravens facility, participating in their
off season program this week, which he's allowed to do
with a waiver. Huntley is actually headed to Tampa this
(05:57):
weekend to throw with some of his teammates. We'll be
back Monday to sign the tender, resume being in the program.
And as for that other quarter back who has played
for the Ravens in recent years, Lamar Jackson on that
franchise tender still not signed.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
I laughed when you tweeted it this morning. Tom, I'm
still laughing at that joke, as Steven Isle as it
might be. Mike Garrolfalo, we have just less than a
couple of weeks, now, Is it that bad?
Speaker 3 (06:22):
That joke? How Mike?
Speaker 7 (06:23):
No, I'm stifling a cough. Let me just get it out.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Okay, go ahead, there you go. We'll set this up here.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Sorry, we have less than a couple of weeks for
first round picks in the twenty twenty NFL Draft to
have their fifth year options exercised. A big name just
got extended, Mike, What more can you tell us about that?
Speaker 3 (06:41):
See? This is much better.
Speaker 5 (06:42):
I'm not nervous about coffee now. While I'm talking, Ceee Lamb,
the Cowboys wide receiver, the team has picked up his
fifth year.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
The Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Dallas.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Well, we know who that is. That's that's Ceedee Lamb.
Speaker 5 (06:54):
You know it's like Tom doing his all. See Tom's
already moved on, he's less and he's probably reading his
quarterback story from earlier today, nine thousand words.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Go check that out when you got a chance. Ceedee.
Speaker 5 (07:03):
Lamb's fifth year option picked up, So he'll make seventeen
point nine million dollars if we round up, it's actually
eighteen eighteen in twenty twenty four, fully guaranteed.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Yeah, no brainer right here.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
I mean, we've got some other fifty year options that
are extremely questionable, including Chase Young with the Commanders, but
this one was an easy one because the Cowboys do
want to sign CD Lamb to a long term extension. Well,
now they've got a number for twenty twenty four to
work off of. So let's see if the sides can
come together on an extension and how quickly they can
do that.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Omark, We're going to break down Tom's article a little
later in the show.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Thanks for plugging that, Mike.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
As for the Colts, better save a big segment for it.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
He has it all to himself, if I'm not mistaken.
The Colts have the number four pick all to themselves
as of right now.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
But will they go quarterback?
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Well, Chris Ballard said he's either going to dance around
questions at his pre draft press conference or he's going
to answer them honestly. You can imagine what he decided
to do today.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
How much lying do you think goes on right now?
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Oh, everybody's lying. I might be the most honest, unfortunately,
but everybody's lying.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
I think you know may well enough.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Like usually, if you answer question, I'll either dance around
it or give you an answer. Today, I'm a dancer.
Speaker 5 (08:24):
Today, I'm an answer.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Hold me closer, timey dance all right, Tom, Chris Ballard
says he's dancing around these questions.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
What can you tell us about the Colts and number four? Well, maar, I.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Think that if you look at the top ten in
this draft, it's a short list of teams that you know,
with virtual certainty you're going to take quarterbacks. Starts at
number one with the Carolina Panthers and the Colts, who
are sitting there at number four. It would be a
shock if they don't go that direction. The question, and
part of the reason Chris Ballard has to dance around
these things is they just don't know what's going to
(08:58):
happen at number two and number three. Now, if you
speak to people within the league, which I have been
doing a lot for that, or you can find at
NFL dot com slash Pelicero, he will find that there
certainly is some belief that Will Levis from Kentucky could
end up being the quarterback. He has run a pro
style offense the last couple of years at Kentucky, influenced
(09:19):
by the Shanahan McVeigh type of a system. He is
a big guy with a big arm. He does have
running ability, although he didn't get to show it a
whole lot last year because he was dealing with injuries
on a really injury and talent depleted type of a
Kentucky offense. But there's also some love for Anthony Richardson
through the course of this process. A classic low ceiling,
(09:40):
high floor, excuse me, low floor, high ceiling type of
a player here. He might profile a little bit more
like Jalen Hurts in terms of the things that you
could do and Shane Stake and d Hurts in Philadelphia
the last couple of years with the run threat in
addition to the pass threat here. But what are the
Texans do at two? Do they in fact pass on
a quarterback and take a defensive player. That would then
put Arizona, which is at number three, in position to
(10:02):
put their pickup forbid for whoever wants to come up
and take the number or two quarterback. All of which
is to say, good reason for Chris Ballard Mike to
remain a dancer today, because if he stops dancing, well,
then it'll be like footloose and everybody will know exactly
what's going on.
Speaker 5 (10:18):
I don't know what that metaphor means. Some's gonna take
it and go with it.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
And I lost it. I was dancing.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
I think he's trying to plane, and then yeah, like
I was so close to having it, and then I
realized I didn't know how it was ending.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
So yeah, I'm still worried about the floor versus the
ceiling or whether Michael Jordan who said the ceiling is
the roof. I believe he was the one that said
that the floor is lava.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
Am I talking here? Yeah, Mike, the floor is lava.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
If you've got kids, Yeah, it's it's The draft is
an exercise a lot of times in futility when you're
trying to report on it, because it's not like free
agency where teams have to show their cards and you
kind of get a good feeling going in the free
agency that your info is right.
Speaker 7 (11:01):
This this top ten.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Last year's top ten was really easy to peg. It
was amazing how it fell based on how we were here.
This year, it's really hard to and it's really hard
to figure out what the cults are doing and how
they have those quarterbacks stacked. I've heard that they are
not high on Levis. I've heard that they are high
on Levis. So as we get closer here, we'll eventually
start to figure it out, maybe have a better feel
(11:23):
for it before Round one kicks off. But right now
and again, they're at the mercy of the Texans. I mean,
the teams are calling and wanting to know what we're
hearing about what Houston is going to do, and nobody
knows for sure.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Back to you, Omar, Well, if you haven't heard yet, Mike,
we are going to break down Tom Pellisaro's quarterback rankings
article coming up a little later in this show. If
you want to get a sneak feet, folks at home,
go to NFL dot com slash Palissaro and.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Read all about it before we get there. Thank you, Tom,
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Mike a monumental day for the Philadelphia Eagles. They has
store day Jalen Hurts and the Eagles that would to
chose only five year, two million dollars contract defensive, making
this statement very clear. Jalien Hurts is in fact the
(12:12):
franchise quarterback for Eagles five years, two fifty five. That
makes him the highest paid player in the NFL. All
in all, a day where everyone can walk away smiling,
the Eagles and Dalen Hurts can walk throughto the future together.
So now that the Jalen Hurds contract is done, the
Eagles can pay full attention to the NFL Draftnicks Week,
(12:34):
Chad Ryders seven round mock.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
Draft is out. He has the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Going defense to start their draft, just like they did
last year with Jordan Davis Junior Gibbs, the Alabama running
back their second pick. Howid Roseman yesterday talking about getting
special players with.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
A number ten pick, which writers has them trading out of.
Speaker 8 (12:57):
I think the most important thing when when you're picking
in the first round, certainly when you're picking ten, is
that you get a unique player. And I think that
there's so few unique players in any draft that if
you start picking by position and not based on the
quality of the talent, then you really you get a chance.
So if you pick by position and you pick a
(13:19):
back a player who's not any good, then it's not
a good pick anyway. And so I think the most
important thing for us here is that we get you.
We utilize this opportunity to get a unique player.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Six days away, the Eagles tweeting out Devontae Smith, who's
been a star both at Alabama.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
And for the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Six The amount of picks too at the Eagles head
coming into next week's draft are much more on the
Eagles discussion, we welcome in James Homer, who will be
in Philadelphia, his hometown, to cover the Eagles and their
draft too.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
First round picks.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
No Bruce Springsteen, Ohmarks you we're gonna bust down to
Bruce Springsteen for Philadelphia.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Now anah, yeah, you like that singing last segmentary? Oh
you didn't all it?
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Thought it was horrible? Okay, you just like my kids
think I sing horribly. I'd have to agree, but it
doesn't shy away from me doing it. Okay, Number ten,
Number thirty there, James. For the Eagles, what might they
be thinking ahead?
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Of next week.
Speaker 6 (14:15):
You heard how Roseman Omar talk about a unique player. Right,
They have two picks in the first round, which is great,
but they only have six total picks. They have ten
thirty sixty two, ninety four and then nothing in rounds four, five,
and six, and then they have two more picks in
round seven. So it's interesting the way the Eagles are
looking at this draft, not just in those six picks.
Speaker 3 (14:35):
They're also looking.
Speaker 6 (14:37):
At the guys that they had in the second round,
third round, first round of last year's draft that barely played.
That's Jordan Davis in the first round. That's Cam Jurgens
the center they took in the second round, Ni Kobe
Dean the linebacker in the third round. Nick Sirianni believes
that's almost like adding another group into this draft class.
But also Omar, they're looking at the twenty twenty four
(14:57):
draft class and how that could impact what they do
with this draft, because Howi Roseman believes he's going to
have roughly twelve picks, adding in four comp picks for
the guys that they have lost in free agency. They
have an added second round pick from a trade. Can
those twenty twenty four picks impact some of the moves
they potentially make in this year's draft. If they're sitting
at ten and a player starts to fall towards them,
(15:18):
could they use that added second round pick from twenty
twenty four into a trade to move up for somebody
that they'd like or be able to fill that gap
that I mentioned omar in terms of not having any
picks in those rounds. Nick Sirianni and Howie Rosen want
to make sure that if they're going to use those
future picks, they have to really look at the value
of the player, why they're moving, and why they would
(15:40):
make that move. But the Eagles are really looking at this,
not just in the twenty twenty three draft, but the
picks they have in the year.
Speaker 7 (15:47):
To come, in the picks that they had last season.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Yeah, so many factors at play, so many gymnastics to
hurdle through there, but one certainty they do have is
who their quarterback is going to be for the foreseeable future.
How did the Jalen hurtzteal affect how they can do
business going forward?
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Now?
Speaker 6 (16:04):
James well I mentioned that they're looking at some of
the players added in into the equation. They're looking at
twenty twenty four in all of those picks with its
as I mentioned twelve right now, they believe that getting
the Jalen Hurts deal done prior to this draft, actually,
and how he Roseman's wor was yesterday, gives them some
flexibility about what they want to do. They know the
cap situation, they know where the quarterback position stands, and
(16:27):
this is something also that Jalen Hurts wanted done early,
and Howie Roseman commended him on that, considering that Hurts
and his team wanted to make sure that it was
done so that the Eagles could continue to try to
build this team around him. That was important to Hurts,
obviously important to the Eagles. Everyone involved believes this was
somewhat of a win win for both sides. Getting it
done early before the draft was the win portion for
(16:51):
the Philadelphia Eagles and Howie Roseman's mind omark.
Speaker 7 (16:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
We talked last hour about how the Chiefs, obviously coming
off a super Bowl and great position, and the Eagles,
I think same thing coming off their quarterback signing and
the great run last year, continue to build with all
that talent certainly looking good with those two first round picks,
James Palmer.
Speaker 9 (17:15):
Oh, he was detonated on by Keon White. He's hit
from behind and now he goes and it was Keon
White running up huff around the edge, sacked at the
tan Keeon White.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
He has been all over the field.
Speaker 9 (17:35):
And he gets sacked again. Keon White on third stack
of the night.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
He's one of the top prospects in the entire NFL Draft.
He's fifth on Bucky Brooks position rankings for a premium.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Position edge rusher.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
He is Keon White edge rusher from Georgia Tech and
he joins us. Now, Keon we are six days away
from a life changing night for you to hear your
name called in Kansas City.
Speaker 3 (18:05):
How you doing right now? How are you feeling?
Speaker 7 (18:07):
Definitely I'm good.
Speaker 10 (18:08):
It's getting about that time, so you know, it's getting
kind of anxious seeing what's going to happen next.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Yeah, when you talk about your history, you started at
Old Dominion University as a tight end. What was the
conversation like, was it your coach that came to you?
Was it you that went to the coaches to ultimately
switch positions, which obviously has greatly benefited you.
Speaker 10 (18:31):
Yeah, So at the time I was the starting tight end,
and then we had a guy who ended up leaving
those Shane z m Andez, going to the NFL doing
pretty well, and our coaches just felt like it was
a big hole to be filled. And so my coach
sat me down and said, we want to play you
here for springball and try you out, and the rest
is kind of history.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Yeah, how do you think some of those tight end
attributes have helped you there as a pass rusher?
Speaker 5 (18:58):
A lot?
Speaker 7 (18:58):
For sure.
Speaker 10 (19:00):
I feel like I can dissect offenses and see tendencies
a little bit better than the average person because I
know what the offense wants to do, and I know
what they're trying to set up and things like that.
So just knowing what Titans don't want you to do,
I kind of do that well.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Obviously, you've shown your athleticism throughout your career at both
ODU and Georgia Tech. But I think one of the
things that's underrated about your game is how strong you are.
We want to show you this old clip from when
you're still at Old Dominion of you squatting ken. Do
you remember how much you lifted here?
Speaker 7 (19:35):
Yeah? That was probably five thirty right there.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
That was about five years ago. What are you up
to now?
Speaker 10 (19:42):
I'll probably do I stopped doing one rep maxes, but
for a one rep I probably projected around seven seven hundred.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Wow, that's incredible. Is that something that you've tried to
tell these teams that, hey, yes, I have all the
athleticism in the world, but I'm equally as strong.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
Is that something you've had to convince them?
Speaker 10 (19:59):
No, I feel like that's got to show up on
tape because there's guys that can squat a house but
can't play strong. So I try to play straw more
than anything and just use the weight room as like
a compliment to that.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
Sure, and one of the things about your game is
that you've been shooting up draft boards.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
How do you explain that.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
For me?
Speaker 10 (20:18):
I really care about the guys who are making decisions
in the office, like the general managers. I'm like, you
can't let the draft boards kind of inflate your ego
in your head, and you got to remain humble. So
while I appreciate the attention, I'm more so trying to
impress the guys that are making the decisions.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Well, six days from now, you're going to hear your
name called in Kansas City. What do you want teams
to know about you here with just six days to go?
Speaker 7 (20:45):
Then I'm a worker.
Speaker 10 (20:46):
I don't really like to talk too much, and I
feel like you can't really talk about football you at
the show. So I'm the one that's going to work
like That's the thing I get up in the morning
to do. That's why I go to sleep thinking about
just how hard I can work and how I can
be better than the next person and just refuseing to
let anybody around me outwork me.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
So you're one of the player that has been invited
to Kansas City to be a part of the draft
in person.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Have you thought about how you'll greet Roger Goodell?
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Have you picked out your suit you're gonna wear next
Thursday night?
Speaker 7 (21:17):
Yeah?
Speaker 10 (21:17):
So got the suit getting it fitted again, refitted on Monday.
Speaker 7 (21:23):
Just thought about all of that.
Speaker 10 (21:24):
So my thing is just going there for the experience
where I get drafted is I have no control over.
I'm just trying to have a good time. I'm bringing
my friends with me, and so we're all just going
to go there and just take all the moment.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
And what are you looking forward to most about the
trip with your friends?
Speaker 7 (21:40):
So just sharing it with my friends.
Speaker 10 (21:41):
So I decided to go the unconventional route, not really
bringing any of my family. I'm bringing all of my
friends and just enjoying the time and the experience.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
That's cool.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Where's you mentioned the fit about your suit. Where's a
perfect fit for you in the NFL.
Speaker 10 (21:57):
Just a multi front team, A team that doesn't pigeonhole
me and say, hey, I want you to get up
three hundred and five pounds and play three tech, or hey,
I want you to get down to two sixty and
play outside linebacker. A team that allows me to just
be multi dimensional and play outside inside wherever is needed
that week. And just somewhere that's big on teaching because
(22:18):
there's still a lot of things I need to learn
about my game for sure, and just someone who's going
to be able to just show me the ropes and
teach me and be able to work with me for true.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Yeah, ke On White, well you've had a heck of
a college career. We can't wait to see where you
end up on Thursday night. Good luck the rest of
the way, and enjoy your time in Kansas City next week.
Speaker 7 (22:37):
Definitely, I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
Thank you. Keon White.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Gonna hear his name called on Thursday night, a draft
you can see right here on NFL Network Live eight
o'clock Eastern on Thursday, Rice Young, Anthony Richardson, C J. Stroud,
Will Anderson. They'll also be hearing their names called. He's
one of the hottest prospects in this year's draft. He's
(23:02):
Maryland Corner Deontay Bang, who Ian Rappaport reported earlier this week,
met with the Bills to close out his visit, visiting
with nearly every team in the league. Also visited with
the Saints, Commanders, Titans, Vikings, Raiders, Texans, Giants, Bucks, Eagles, Jaguars, Bears,
and Steelers. As far as our mock drafts go, we
(23:24):
have Daniel Jeremiah. Cynthia Freeland have him going at twenty
four to the Jaguars. Then you have Bucky Brooks and
Lancezerlin both having him at seventeen to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You have Charles Davis to the Seahawks, Eric et Ome
to the Washington Commanders at twenty and twenty one, respectively.
Speaker 3 (23:43):
We're pleased to.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Welcome in Deontay Banks, Maryland Corner right now. And as
a kid who grew up in Baltimore, Deontay. Can you
see yourself in the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Speaker 11 (23:56):
I can see myself playing anyway, to be honest, anywhere.
I'm just ready to play football, honestly.
Speaker 2 (24:02):
What's this last couple months been like for you? Of
course you've been going through all the tests and the
meetings and the visits. Now that we're six days away,
kind of what are you thinking about heading into next
week's draft?
Speaker 11 (24:14):
I'm man enjoying it, to be honest, I really just
made join the process. Like, everything been real good.
Speaker 12 (24:19):
A lot of a lot of airplanes, a lot of planes.
Speaker 11 (24:23):
It's been real fun espectally just going to to city
to city.
Speaker 12 (24:26):
It's been really fun.
Speaker 2 (24:27):
What's been the most surprising thing about your visits or
maybe this process for you?
Speaker 11 (24:32):
I didn't really know like that you take visits in
all that, so that's kind of new to me.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Are you safe to say this is probably the most
time you've spent on planes the last couple of months,
the previously in your life.
Speaker 12 (24:44):
I've never been on this mini plane.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
You got any travel tips for us at this point?
Speaker 12 (24:49):
Oh, I go to sleep on a plane and a
help out for sure.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
Take those Naps. I'm right there with you. Where do
you see an ideal fit for you?
Speaker 3 (24:58):
Deontay?
Speaker 12 (25:01):
I just want to I don't know. I feel like
anywhere I could go fit for me.
Speaker 11 (25:05):
People that play of blits a lot of a lot
of pressure, right, that's.
Speaker 3 (25:08):
Me, Gionta.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
When you look at your journey at Maryland, at what
point did you realize, Hey, this NFL prospect is not
only attainable, but I can actually go high in the draft.
What point did that set in to be a reality
for you?
Speaker 11 (25:24):
I always know as a reality for me, honestly, like
since I was young. But for me, when I honestly
like I would see my sophomore year, I really be like.
Speaker 12 (25:34):
Oh yeah, I can really do this, I can really
big topic, I could do this. It's me.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
We've seen so many of those highlights that you had.
I remember the blocked extra point against Ohio State, against
that high level competition, going against C. J. Stroud and
all the receivers they've had over the years, going toe
to toe with a team like that and all those prospects.
Speaker 3 (25:52):
What did that do for your confidence?
Speaker 11 (25:56):
I kind of already had it, but I just I
guess it felt good. You just felt good. No, I
like I played a real well game. I guess tough
a pony.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
You mentioned how long this last couple of months have
been for you, and you know you work on the
testing stuff and all the drills that the teams put
you through. But what have you been working on that
will help your game on the field next season getting
ready for the NFL.
Speaker 11 (26:19):
I just focused on really just catching about uncomfortable situations
so I can catch more interceptions.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
Yeah, making plays on the ball, becoming more of a
ball hawk.
Speaker 12 (26:28):
Is that what you mean?
Speaker 7 (26:29):
Sir?
Speaker 3 (26:30):
Okay, okay.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
So when you're at the combine, what did you want
to impress upon the teams that you were meeting with there?
Speaker 12 (26:38):
Mut I just want to show it fast.
Speaker 11 (26:40):
I was lot of teams I kept saying, like I
realized that they said, like I wasn't really fast or whatever.
But I don't know where they got that from. Like
I've always been fast. I've been fast. I was young,
So I don't really know where they got that from.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Real bro Well obviously showed it for three five forty
with your six foot two, two hundred five pound frame.
What do you think is most impressive the physicality that
you play with or your speed.
Speaker 12 (27:05):
I think it's my speed at my size. I think
that's way more impressive skied at my size.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
Okay, well we have the draft next week. Where do
you plan on watching the draft? What's your party going
to be like? Take us through, Deontay Banks draft party.
Speaker 11 (27:18):
Here'ready gonna be a real cool vibe.
Speaker 12 (27:21):
It's gonna be my family. It's gonna be honest. It's
my My extended family is my it's like my immediate family.
So that's how we are clues. So bill me a
real cool vibe for us.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
All right, Well, we're pulling hard for you, Deontay.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Thanks again for joining us, Congratulations on getting to this point,
and good luck this week.
Speaker 7 (27:38):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
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