May 5, 2025 • 42 mins
NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo, Judy Battista and Ian Rapoport dive into the Ravens' decision to release 7x Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker the exciting news that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held at the National Mall in Washington D.C. Jeffri Chadiha, Marc Ross, Brian Baldinger, and Sara Walsh join the conversation with the latest offseason updates on the Chiefs, Ravens, and Buccaneers. Marc and Brian talk with Judy about the offseason priorities for NFC North teams, including J.J. McCarthy’s injury recovery and Ben Johnson's plans to reshape the Bears' offense. Plus, the Insiders break down the top remaining free agents, explore the best landing spots, and Marc reveals his picks for second-year breakout players in the 2025 season.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
The Ravens making the decision on Monday to move on
from Justin Tucker, who has been accused of improper conduct
and is coming off the worst season of.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
His NFL career.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
We'll have the breakdown on what's next for Tucker and
the Ravens. Meanwhile, we've got our off season Checklist series
continuing with the team that was the runner up this
past season, but back in the Super Bowl, the Kansas
City Chiefs. How do they get back there and how
do they get over the hup to win again this time?
Jeffrey Todea will be along to discuss that. And yes,
(00:41):
there are still some legitimately good NFL free agents who
are available. We will find some homes for those players.
Coming up later in the program. Welcome Inside with the Insiders.
Mike Garrafalo here alongside Judy Battista and Ian rappaport I
mentioned Jadea. He'll be with us, Mark Ross, Brian Baldinger,
(01:02):
Sarah Walsh joining us as well as we break down
all the.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
News in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
And we did have some news today out of Baltimore
regarding Justin Tucker. We thought things might be headed in
this direction when the Ravens drafted Tyler Loop, a kicker,
in the sixth round, just a couple of short weeks ago.
Justin Tucker, after thirteen seasons out in Baltimore. There are
the accusations of his improper conduct with missuses that have
(01:30):
been trickling in over the last couple of months. Here
Tucker has defended himself and proclaimed his innocence. The Ravens, though,
as we'll see in the statement that we bring up
from Eric DaCosta, the executive vice president and general manager
of the Ravens, calling it right off the bat a
football decision. John Harball, the head coach, had mentioned that
just the other day during rookie Mini Caamp and the
(01:53):
Ravens have been adamant they will make a football decision
and this could be a football decision. Ian in large
part became because Tucker made only seventy three percent of
his field goals. Let's s Fith's face it, he struggled
mightily down the stretch. You add these accusations on top
as the investigation is still.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Going on in them.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
But in the end, the raven saying it was a
football decision to move on from Justin Tucker.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
I think it's fair to say it was a football decision,
mostly because of Justin Tucker's age and the struggles that
had this year, especially compared to the bar that he
set throughout his entire potentially Hall of Fame career, multi
year Pro Bowler, multi year All Pro. However, you cannot
say that this is only a football decision. Really, this
is about so much more in these decisions, especially when
(02:38):
it comes to saying goodbye one of the all time
greats of a franchise.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
They don't exist at a vacuum.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yes, thirty five years old, Justin Tucker has earned a
high salary, been one of the highest paid kickers in
the NFL. He struggled this year and all that, but
the many many allegations sixteen I believe from Baltimore Area
Messuse's allegation that Tucker and his family have denied allegations
the NFL is still looking into. Of course, they played
(03:03):
a role, and as soon as became clear that the
Ravens were at least thinking about moving on from as
soon as it became clear that they drafted Tyler Loop
in the sixth round of this draft, you knew that
it was at least possible that Justin Tucker's days were numbered.
That is, of course what happened today. The original play
from the Ravens was to let this investigation play out,
(03:25):
let the NFL come to its decision on what it
meant for the future of Justin Tucker. In the end,
they decide, you know what, drafted kicker, move on. It
is the end for Tucker with the Ravens. That would
not be surprised. Getting the allegations and his age and
his performance. This is the last time we see Tucker
in an NFL uniform.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
No decision like this it's ever made in isolation. It
was a football decision in the sense that he was
not a good kicker last year. As a matter of fact,
he was one of the worst kickers in the NFL
last year. If Justin Tucker was still the ninety percent
successful kicker than he had been for most of his career,
would he still be.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
On the Ravens. Possibly so.
Speaker 5 (04:10):
Would they have waited longer to see how the investigation
played out, maybe so, But those were not the conditions
that they were operating under. He had the worst season
of his career by a lot. He cost them games,
and then, of course, the embarrassment of the allegations and
the unknown of an investigation. The investigation is still going on.
(04:31):
We don't know how it's going to be resolved, We
don't know when it's going to be resolved. And so
if you're the Baltimore Ravens, you have to look at
the uncertainty of the fact that you have a thirty
five year old kicker coming off not just the worst
season of his career, but the worst.
Speaker 6 (04:44):
Season of his career by a lot.
Speaker 5 (04:46):
He went off a cliff last season and cost them games.
If you're looking at that set of circumstances, do you say, well,
let's hang on to him and see how this investigation goes,
or do you say, listen, it's time to move on.
The Other part of just strictly the football part of
this is during the season last season, they couldn't identify
what the problem was.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
The coaches couldn't. Justin Tucker couldn't.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
They kept saying things like, he's doing great in practice,
He's doing all the routine things that he always does.
They couldn't figure out what was wrong. Well, if you
can't identify the problem, you sure can't fix it. And
certainly the Ravens made a decision they were not going
to sit around with all that was going on around
them to stay with Justin Tucker.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Now, and Judy, you're right, John Harball was adamant in
his defense of John Harball. They didn't even want to
bring in kickers for tryouts. They wanted all indications that
they were sticking behind Justin Tucker late last season, again
before the allegations arose. But now at the age of
thirty five, and you mentioned his age, and do four
point two million dollars this upcoming season, there'll be a
(05:48):
post June first designation to help with the cap. At
four point two million in cash comes off the books.
And you've got the presence of Tyler Loup, whom senior
special teams coach Randy Brown. He handles the kickers and
the kicking operation was certainly high on before the draft.
So looking like Tyler Loop has a clear path now
to be the Ravens kicker, the first change at the
(06:10):
position in thirteen years. Elsewhere in the DMV today we
had an announcement, and a big one at that the
twenty twenty seven NFL Draft. Now, the twenty twenty six,
by the way, is in Pittsburgh, but the twenty twenty
seven is now slated for Washington, DC on the National
Mall right by that Washington Monument. Hopefully we won't have
any audio issues like they experienced with that Vietnam soldier
(06:32):
by the name of Forrest Gump.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Couldn't hear what he was saying.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
I don't think we're going to have that problem there.
They are expecting over a million fans over three days
in twenty twenty seven. Here is Donald Trump, Roger Goodell,
and Josh Harris.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
I don't think I was just saying to Roger, I
don't think there's ever been anything like that.
Speaker 7 (06:51):
That's a good idea.
Speaker 8 (06:52):
In fact, maybe we could use it for other things.
Speaker 9 (06:55):
Also, I have an.
Speaker 10 (06:55):
Idea it's going to be beautiful. It's going to be
something that nobody else will ever be able to duplicate
that I don't suspect. It's very exciting.
Speaker 9 (07:04):
Draft has really become one of the great entertainment and
sports events. Just a week ago in Green Bay we
had over six hundred thousand people attend. The year before
in Detroit we had close to eight hundred thousand. As
the President remarked, we believe will be well over in
May and when we come here to DC in twenty
(07:24):
twenty seven. So we not only believe it's a great site,
we believe it's consistent what the President said, which is
investing in our communities, investing specifically here in the nation's
capital one that I grew up here in Washington, d C.
And it's particularly important. We think we can have a
tremendous impact on this community.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
What a great day for Washington.
Speaker 11 (07:46):
I mean to host the NFL Draft in twenty twenty
seven on the mall. I believe we'll get over a
million people and it's going to be an amazing day
and it'll showcase what Washington's all about.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
You see a draft pick at some point celebrating by
going for a splash in the mirror pool. That would
be fantastic, Judy, you're callings in the draft in DC.
Speaker 5 (08:10):
This is just the next event in the absolutely remarkable
renaissance of the Washington Commanders. This would never have happened
under the prior ownership, just as a new stadium in
the district would never have happened under the prior owners
It's less than two years ago that Josh Harris was
approved as the new owner of the Washington Commanders, and
(08:32):
in that time, they have hired the right coach, hired
the right general manager, drafted the right quarterback, gone to
an NFC championship game, already took a big step toward
getting a stadium built in the district, and now they're
going to bring the draft to the National ball It's
a remarkable turnaround for one of the flagship franchises for
(08:53):
the NFL, and I know that the league is thrilled
with the success of that franchise.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
It really does Judy feeling return of Washington, d C
To the NFL landscape. And you know, I mean, you
could see Roger Goodell up there today how much this
means to him.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
He has talked in the past.
Speaker 3 (09:09):
About, you know, let's say, going at games at the
RFK site and just how much DC means to the NFL.
Get a new stadium to be built, usually that comes
with a Super Bowl along with it. Now we know
for sure they are hosting a drafty monumental day for
Washington and they're not done yet, but a little bit
of a mission accomplished day for Josh Harris and the Commanders.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Yeap listen, landover Maryland, no offense, but you go to
a game there you cover a game there, you go
nowhere near all of these amazing landmarks in the downtown area.
So it feels good that things are starting to be
redirected toward DC proper.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
That is fantastic. On the other side of the country.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Now, we're gonna go and check in on the Los
Angeles Rams because Matthew Stafford, as ore Ian Rappaport reported
this morning, two years eighty four million dollars forty four
this year, with four million, all already paid. These details.
You're saying, well, wait a minute, wasn't this like months ago? Well,
those details were hammered out back then. They were finally
finalized today. So Matthew Stafford locked in Sean McVay, the
(10:13):
head coach, hoping that Stafford is going to play much
longer than the two years that are on that contract.
We shall see elsewhere in the state of California concerning
the quarterbacks. Yeah, we're getting there. I promise you we're
getting there. Brock Party in the forty nine ers, they're
making progress. It's slow, steady progress. We're finally in the
area where everybody accepts what we've been telling you for
months now, which is that Brock Party is going to
(10:35):
make somewhere in the fifties on millions per year on
this deal, if and when it gets done. They continue
to try to get it done as early as possible.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Ian.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
I think you mentioned today on the Pat McAfee show,
if I'm not mistaken that they are making progress here
as well.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Yeah, it does seem to First of all, nothing immin
on the brock Party contract with the forty nine ers.
Is not like you got to tweet ready and you're
going to hit set. That's not where they are. But
it does seem to be positive and headed in the
right direction. That's really all you're looking for in a
time like this. It's the spring, there's no real deadline.
Sometimes teams try to get things done maybe before mandatory
mini camp. If that doesn't happen, it's like, all right,
(11:13):
do they get it done sometime before training camp. That's
usually the timeline for these big time quarterback contracts. But
you're right, Mike, it does seem block Party going to
make in the fifties, and at least right now, it
seems to be going well progressing for all sides.
Speaker 7 (11:29):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
We will let you know when we get there. We'll
see if we get to OTAs and it's not done.
Does brock Party try to make some noise by not attending.
That's a lot of times what you do when these
things happen. He has been at the off season workouts
because things have been progressing. Meanwhile, before we get to
the OTAs, we've got these rookie mini camps that are
wrapping up, including the Chiefs who invited sixty sixty tryouts.
(11:51):
A lot of times you get maybe in the teens
or the twenties, they've got sixty tryouts.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
No stone unturned.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
For the Kansas City chief and Andy Reid as they
look to fill out their roster.
Speaker 8 (12:03):
There's only what maybe sixteen fifteen sixteen of them that
whether it's the seven draft picks and ten or so
others that have been signed as free agents college free agents.
So the rest of the guys are just invites to
this camp and as free agents, and that's a challenge
(12:26):
for him to catch our eye. They're going about it
the right way, and it's literally that I mean, how
are you going to Are you going to make the
catch or are you going to make the throw, or
are you going to make the coverage adjustment that you
need to make? On the back end and defensive line.
How you're it's all passed, so do you have rush
(12:48):
ability in that linebackers? Same my coverage and kind of
an understanding you're grasping the defensive part that we're asking.
So anyways, all of that is part of it. And
that's where we look at.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Jeffrey Genia now joining us Ian Rappaport, Geniepatista, and myself.
It's always the first round pick that you're obviously looking
at first. For the Chiefs, that's Josh Simmons, and by
the way, was a fascinating The Eagles were trying to
trade up and then they finally flipped with Brett Beach
and everybody say, why did they do that? Even Howie
Roseman said, we probably just gave him a free pick
there to go from thirty one to thirty two where
they take Simmons. What are you hearing about Simmons so
(13:26):
far out of Chiefs camp.
Speaker 4 (13:28):
Look, chief so excited about him.
Speaker 12 (13:29):
Obviously they hope he can be their long time left tackle,
but they're also taking it very slow. Look, he went
through the rookie minute camp. He was only involved in drill.
It didn't involve defense, So they tried to make sure
he wasn't going to get hit or do anything crazy.
But they like the way he was moving around. That
patilla tendon injury he had. I'll talk about how hard
it is to recover from it, but they feel like
(13:49):
he's on schedule. They're hoping he can be ready for
training camp. They love everything about his traits. They talk
about his feet, his balance, and they have jo little
more left tackle.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Right now. We're better and they brought in.
Speaker 12 (14:00):
They're hoping this guy will be the long term answer
and taking it slow is a good way to approach that.
Speaker 4 (14:06):
Well.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Fixing that offensive line and getting that offensive line settled
down was their number one issue going into the off season. Obviously,
it was laid bare by the Philadelphia Eagles in the
Super Bowl. They've now committed quite a few resources to it, right.
I mean, they just used their first round draft pick
on a tackle. They spent money on it. They've thrown
(14:27):
money on it at it in free agency. Now they
need to get that offensive line on the field to
the extent they can. As we know that the first
round draft pick is rehabbing an injury, so we'll have
to wait for a training camp before he can go
through a full workload, but they need to get that
offensive line on the field and working together and settled.
Last year, part of the problem was there was so
(14:48):
much shuffling going on. Some of that was injury related,
but they just couldn't get set and it showed repeatedly
week after week. They need to get the offensive line set.
They need them to get their timing and their with
them together, because that was their undoing last season. Everything
else is in place for the Chiefs to make another
big push this year if they can get this right.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Man, if they nailed the first first round pick, obviously
a huge deal and great things for this offensive line.
And we spent so much time focusing in on the
first round pick, I want to focus in on another pick,
Ashton Gilatee, which I just nailed the pronunciation of thank
you very much. Third rounder from Louisville has not gone
into a lot of conversations. Jeff, tell me about this
(15:31):
pick and why he's going to contribute for the Chiefs.
Speaker 12 (15:34):
He quietly could be the biggest contributor of this rookie
class just because of his ability.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
As a pass rusher.
Speaker 12 (15:41):
Quietly, as has kept this team had a hard time
rushing the passer where Chris Jones wasn't on the field,
and so they still have George carl optics there.
Speaker 4 (15:48):
But they've had a lot of questions.
Speaker 12 (15:49):
And on the other side with Charles Menahu Carry's acl
a couple of years ago, Felix and a duque Zama
first round pick a couple of years ago, has it
worked out? Mike Dana got a game, a long term
deal to last year, hasn't stepped up. So this guy
has the ability to a latte. Playing at Louisville, he
had eleven sacks as a junior. They left his speed
the power. They feel like even though he's not the
(16:11):
biggest guy in the world, with the longest arms, he
can really wreck a game plan and get to the quarterback,
go right through offensive tackles. So don't be surprised to
you hear his name a lot because he has an
opportunity to play and make a big impact.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
He got good hair too, right, Yeah, I can't underst that.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
I gotta say Barbara Weedy, right yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Earlier today, the Ravens made an expected but consequential decision
releasing Justin Tucker. There embattled Kicker, one of the best
players all time, in the organization, one of the best
kickers in NFL history, someone who has been accused of multiple,
multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior sexual in nature. The NFL's
(16:54):
investigation is ongoing, but the Ravens officially say goodbye to
Tucker in part because they did draft a kicker in
Tyler Loop, one of several players who were walking into
Ravens rookie mini camp that.
Speaker 13 (17:10):
By the way, and did today.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
As we move on from the Tucker situation, now in
the past, these rookies now in the future. Let us
welcome in Mark Ross and Brian Baldinger. Mark, we'll start
with you. So we obviously know what the Ravens did
last year. Excellent season, coming right up there, close, just
not close enough. Bring back a ton of the same guys.
(17:32):
What are we looking forward to for the Ravens in
the twenty twenty five season.
Speaker 14 (17:37):
That's when a story for the Ravens last few year
is just not close enough, not able to beat case,
couldn't beat Buffalo. So these moves that they're making, especially
these first two picks this year, the first round pick
Malachi Starts the safety, the versatile safety, and second round
pick Mike Green from Marshall Well, I thought was the
second best edg rusher in the draft. I mean, really,
as the Ravens do in the draft, completely crushed it
(17:59):
with those two starts. Will probably step in right away
opposite Kyle Hamilton, given that secondary tons of versatility, and
Mike Greed, even though he might not start at this point,
he might be the best pass rusher on the team. Baldy,
Kyle Vandoi getting up there in age a little bit.
They've took in swings and missus not missus, but with
o Way and Ojabo haven't really panned out to be
(18:20):
those consistent forces. So Mike Greed might lead the team
in sacks this year. So the Ravens really, with these
two moves, as they do, they're going.
Speaker 13 (18:29):
To be in the hunt. Baldy, it's just ten v's
to get them over the top.
Speaker 10 (18:34):
Well, we're there, one of the best draft in development teams,
and so that's why they stay on top, why they
stay competitive while they keep knocking.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
Even though they're coming up a little short. I mean,
just think about this.
Speaker 10 (18:45):
Nine days ago, they had five sixth round picks and
when he drafted Tyler Loop, nobody knew what was going
to happen to Justin Tucker. But all of a sudden,
the only kicker that was drafted loop out of Arizona.
Speaker 7 (18:57):
It looks like it's a pretty important kick.
Speaker 10 (19:00):
I'm and I pretty important pick right here, and he'll
get plenty of coaching from Randy Brown, their kicking coach.
But in addition to this point, I'm a Malachi Starts.
Everybody thought, uh, probably the best safety in this draft
team with Oar, Darius Washington, Kyle Hamilton, you got your
three safeties, Mike Green. When I was at the Senior
Bowl this year, Mark, he literally was number one in
(19:23):
every single defensive line drill. He started every drill. I
don't care if it was one on ones, if it
was individual drills. He started every single drill. And he
just wanted to assert himself as a leader. And I
think Chuck Smith, the pass rushing coach, will side we'll
see that and identify that, and I would I'd be
surprised if he doesn't get on the field right away.
Met contribution. Emery Jones, the LSU tackle can play guard tackle.
(19:47):
He drafted three line including the only HBCU player drafted, Carson.
Speaker 7 (19:52):
Vincent, who's at the Senior Bowl as well.
Speaker 10 (19:55):
You just go down this list and you can just
see guys Teddy Buchanan at a cow unfortunate he tackles
last year immediately, Special teams contribution, some of the stuff
that we see year and year out from these picks
later in the draft, how they get on the field,
how they develop the more and how it keeps them
on top of this division.
Speaker 9 (20:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (20:14):
Yeah, and that's why Baltimore is for years.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
Let big ticket free agents walk, replace them, draft them,
develop them. That's how an organization that's successful stay successful.
Mark Baldi, thank you very much. More from you guys
to come. Of course, let's focus in on the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers. I'm Mecca at Buka, a draft pick that
is everyone excited in Tampa Bay, including our good friend
(20:38):
Sarah Walsh who joined us. Nice.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Buccaneers rookie camp is approaching and Mecca Igbuka the first
round pick, arriving in the sweetest shirt. Hey, what's up,
Nelson Luis Buccaneers media relations. Uh, that is an amazing shirt.
I'm not a bucket, never been one, not a fan
of any team right now, but I would love to
have I would wear that shirt. That's how sweet. That
(21:05):
shirt is Sarah Walsh sa.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
If you can get me one this medium. So depending
on how it runs, I'll take either one.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Welcome Welcome to the Probrank Beck a book part of
a Buccaneers offense that they are excited for in twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 15 (21:20):
Yeah, I think when the Bucks went into this draft,
they had definite needs on defense, and I think that's
what everyone was looking at. So there was some surprise
when nineteenth overall, then in that first round they take
a wide receiver. But you have ad Jason light the
general manager, saying when you've got a guy, a defensive
minded guy like Todd Bowles running uphill, saying we've got
to draft this guy. I think it speaks volumes to
(21:41):
what they believe he can mean to this organization. And
now you give a quarterback in Baker Mayfield who's coming
off a career high forty one touchdown season. He hasn't
lost a single starter. On offense, you've got a thirty
one year old Mike Evans who's never had.
Speaker 16 (21:55):
Under one thousand receiving yards.
Speaker 15 (21:57):
You got a twenty nine year old pro bowler, and
Chris Godwin who's coming off injury but is very hopeful
that he'll be back for the start of the season.
You have a Buka who you're looking at footage of
right now, who everyone in this organization is so high on.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
And then Mike.
Speaker 16 (22:08):
It's an abundance of riches.
Speaker 15 (22:10):
Because you got Jalen McMillan, who's coming off his rookie
season one in which he was incredibly impressive.
Speaker 16 (22:15):
I spoke to McMillan today.
Speaker 4 (22:16):
He told me the.
Speaker 15 (22:17):
Second he found out that they were taking a book,
he DMed him said, I'll help you with whatever you need,
and you should listen to this guy, right because towards
the end of the season he really came on. From
weeks fourteen to eighteen, there's not a receiver in the
league that had more touchdowns than Jalen McMillan over that span.
He had five consecutive games with a touchdown as a rookie.
Only Randy Moss had more. You know, McMillan told me
(22:40):
there's an offensive coordinator that's new again. This has sort
of been the same story for the Buccaneers for the
last couple of years because the guys keep leaving for
head coaching jobs.
Speaker 16 (22:48):
And it's now Josh Bizzard's job.
Speaker 15 (22:50):
But McMillan told me today things are very familiar there,
they are very comfortable, and he said there's no reason
why they couldn't be the best offense in the league
if they go about their busines this offseason the right way. Hey,
Jason light said that receiving room called him a bunch
of unicorns, So we'll see how magical they can be, Mike.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
G unicorns like it.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
On the defensive side of the ball, we had Desmond
Watson on the other day, the four hundred and now
thirty pound defensive tackle they sign as an undrafted free agent.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Not a lot of draft picks on that side of
the ball. What are we looking at defensively for the Bucks?
Speaker 6 (23:22):
Okay, So I think a lot.
Speaker 15 (23:23):
Of people thought that they might go corner right out
of the gate, and that's something that this Buccaneers team
really needed.
Speaker 16 (23:29):
Todd Bowles, when you think of him, this is a.
Speaker 15 (23:32):
Defensive coach and defense has really never been an issue
here for the Buccaneers, and it sort of was.
Speaker 16 (23:37):
Last season.
Speaker 15 (23:37):
Only three teams gave up more passing yards than the Buccaneers.
So after they got Abuca, because they obviously loved this guy,
they went cornerback in the second round.
Speaker 16 (23:45):
They went cornerback in the third round, Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison.
Speaker 15 (23:48):
They went and got Kansas State's Jacob Parrish, and they
believe that that will help certainly.
Speaker 16 (23:53):
Adapt Jamel din as the starters. I am Accomson starter,
but they.
Speaker 15 (23:56):
Had depth issues there and so they feel like they've
that they hope that they've addressed it. And Mike guh
we all believe down here in Tampa that Todd Bowles
clearly we'll get a defensive thing figured out if he
has to.
Speaker 1 (24:08):
Yeah, I missed what I meant to say. It was
not a lot of defensive front. But they got those
guys in the back end, including Benjamin Morrison. Go back
and watch that draft call again because it was just
that amazing to watch. Benjamin Marris and a friend of
the in Saturday guessed previously and hopefully again in the future.
Speaker 16 (24:21):
Just like you, Sarah, we'll get your shirt.
Speaker 13 (24:24):
Micing Green Baypackers. For the first time since two thousand.
Speaker 7 (24:30):
Last a wide receiver.
Speaker 13 (24:34):
Matthew Bolder.
Speaker 8 (24:38):
Detroit Lions like ty League Williams defensive tackle Ohio Sat.
Speaker 4 (24:44):
The Chicago Bears.
Speaker 2 (24:46):
Select Coaston Bloodlin.
Speaker 7 (24:50):
Miss again.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
The Minnesota Vikings.
Speaker 13 (24:55):
Select Jonavan Jackson, Yuard Ohio SA.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
More shots of living room celebrations. That's what I say
about the draft. Let's take another look at the NFC.
North Baldy and Mark Ross are here with me, Judy Batista,
all right, let's start with the Chicago Bears, who actually
have had a very active offseason, doing a whole lot
to make Caleb Williams life a lot better. They worked
on the offensive line first, they hired Ben Johnson. To me,
(25:26):
the thing left to do is they got to put
it all on the field and put it all together.
Speaker 10 (25:34):
Well, Judy, I mean you look at what they did
in free agency, and then you back it up with
you know, Colson Lovelin the first tight end pick. A
little surprise maybe to some people, but they actually love them.
And Luther Burdon is going to be Is it excellent
in the slat for Missouri? I mean, two excellent pieces
and your draft OUSI Trapilla. What I see, Judy is
competition everywhere on the offensive line at receiver right now.
(25:57):
You can look along the defense at defense line and linebackers.
They have depth and they have competition. And if you've
Ben Johnson coming in you can't ask for anything more
as the first year head coach. Let's get this competition
going right now in mini camp in OTAs, take it
into training camp, and let's get the best people in
the field who'll kicked the season off.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
All right, Mark, When I look at the Green Bay Packers,
the only thing that flashes into my head is first
round receiver. There are entire lifetimes that have gone by
where they haven't seen a first round receiver, and then
they took another receiver. Clearly the idea is to try
to get an elevated performance out of Jordan Love.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
What do you say, No.
Speaker 14 (26:39):
Doubt they gave the people what they wanted at the draft,
the draft being right there in Green Bay, Judy. So yeah,
it all starts and ends with Jordan Love. And we
know he struggled last year. I think that injury really
hindered him throughout the whole season. It never really looked
like himself to me. And when you look at their
receiving group, you know they've got some nice young playmakers
there and read but and Dobbs, but I don't see
(27:01):
a true true number one. So drafting Matthew Golden in
the first round, is he finally the answer for that
and then save Jon Williams is really sort of a
utility guy there that they'll have to mix and match,
similar to Read just a bigger version. So yeah, it's
all about getting Jordan Love as many resources as possible
and seeing if he can work that consistency out.
Speaker 5 (27:24):
You know, Baldy, when you look at the Vikings, obviously
they made the change at quarterback, letting Sam Donald go,
and now JJ McCarthy is going to be the starter.
Speaker 6 (27:31):
But really the story of the off season.
Speaker 5 (27:33):
And you knew it from the minute their playoff game ended,
was they had to rebuild the interior of the offensive line.
It really caved in in the playoff game. Sam Donald
took the brunt of it. How do you think they've done.
Speaker 7 (27:44):
I think you've done great.
Speaker 10 (27:45):
And they're going to get Christian Darisol back at left tackle,
who you know missed the second half of the season
to go with Brian O'Neal at the right side. But
you draft Donovan Jackson plug and play with Ryan Kelly
and Will Freese.
Speaker 7 (27:58):
I mean, there you go.
Speaker 10 (27:59):
You got your eyes up front. Give the JJ McCarthy
error the best chance to succeed.
Speaker 4 (28:04):
Right away.
Speaker 10 (28:05):
We know the talent on the outside of what they have,
what Aaron Jones and the running backs can do, what
Kevin O'Connell can do as a play called, but give
them all of the tools necessary up front to get
the best protection for him and then open up the
most holes in the running game. I think that JJ
has a great chance get off to a fast start
because of what they've done to build that wall stronger
(28:27):
and better.
Speaker 7 (28:27):
Than it was a year ago.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
All right, Mark, we know the talent that is still
on the Detroit Lions. They also added pieces on both lines,
but tonim when I look at this team, the big
question is like the brain drain on the coaching staff.
They had to replace both coordinators. That is a compliment
to them, but still not the easiest thing to do.
How much of an adjustment period is there going to
be for the Lions?
Speaker 13 (28:52):
Yeah, it's always different.
Speaker 14 (28:53):
You know, you can't just assume, you know, out goes
Aaron lenn incomes Kelvin Shepherd, and he worked with them
and it's going to be the same earning curve since
he's never done it before. So the onus will be
on Shepherd to say, Okay, I've got to put my
stamp on this defense and similar kind of Zach Orr
last year with the Ravens. It took him time to
get into the mix and find his groove there. So
Kevin Sheppard will have to do that. But it will
(29:14):
start by getting healthy. As we know last year Detroit,
every week guys were just going down. Towards the end
they of that playoff game against the Commanders, they really
couldn't stop them at all. So number one, get Aiden
Hutchinson back in that whole crew healthy and see if
they'd got a chance, because we know, I think the
offense will still be put up thirty against anyone, but
can the defense get any stops.
Speaker 5 (29:37):
Still one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL,
maybe the most competitive division in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
Get ready for the twenty twenty five NFL season like
never before with a highly anticipated NFL schedule release. Every
game revealed, every rivalry, every rematch, and every rookie debut.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
May fourteenth, mark your calendar.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
Get all the details at NFL dot com slash schedule
release and lock it here.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
On May fourteenth, we will have all the games for you.
Speaker 1 (30:03):
Greg Rosenthal's one hundred and one Top free agents still
a sizeable chunk left here on Cinco de Mayo. You
can get the full list at NFL dot com slash
top one oh one. As Amari Cooper leads the way
number eleven overall, he's got some some team teams nosing
around looking for the right fit. Jeffrey Jedia and Brian
(30:23):
Balding are always the right fit. Alongside me, Mike here
follow and Ian Rappaport.
Speaker 4 (30:27):
We are looking for fit.
Speaker 1 (30:28):
Jeffrey t Is gonna have an article up tomorrow, but
since you asked nicely, we'll give you a preview here.
Speaker 2 (30:34):
JK. Dobbins, Jeff where do we put in?
Speaker 12 (30:38):
I am going with the Chicago Bears, And I know
there's a buzz about Nick Chubb being that guy, but
I love what JK.
Speaker 4 (30:44):
Dobbins brings.
Speaker 12 (30:45):
He has a skill set similar to what DeAndre Slipped
has Ben Johnson.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
That's super creative. I like what Dobbins showed last year.
Speaker 12 (30:52):
First, he was able to stay healthy in a long
period of time, running for over nine hundred yards, and
I just feel like this guy could be a difference.
Speaker 4 (31:00):
He's twenty seven years old, Baldy, Nick supp is thirty.
This makes all the sense in the world. For the
Bears still in this direction.
Speaker 10 (31:06):
As they kind of build that nucleus. I mean, JK
is only twenty six years old Jet, so he's still younger.
He has had his injuries, but he's coming off his
best year. I kind of think like the Saints, I
think need playmakers. They have so many guys who got
injured this year at the wide receiving four, at the
quarterback position. I feel like they need some spark and
guys that can explode from that backfield.
Speaker 4 (31:28):
Back there.
Speaker 10 (31:28):
We know Kamara is there and Kendre Miller, but it
feels like there could be a place for JK Dobbins
in a Saints organization with a new coach and maybe
a new way of doing things.
Speaker 4 (31:40):
Certainly rare this time.
Speaker 3 (31:41):
You had to see a player that young, that talented
still available. No doubt JK Dobbins going to help someone.
Judea will Stefan Gilmour help someone. Former Defensive Player of
the Year, former big time is stud with the Patriots,
played last year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Speaker 2 (31:58):
Getting up at age.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
Still and do it? Where do we see him? Yeah?
Speaker 12 (32:02):
Thirty five years old, and I know Miami makes a
lot of sense, but I'm gonna go Cincinnati Bengals here
because they have a young secondary.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
All those corners there are super.
Speaker 12 (32:11):
Young, second, third year guys, and I feel like bringing
in a player like a Stefan Gilmour, a proven veteran,
a guy who played really good last year in Minnesota,
a guy to still play man coverage, which defensive coordinator
Al Golden wants to do in Cincinnati. Again, I think
it's going to help a young defense and a young
team rebound Baldi.
Speaker 4 (32:30):
You know, Jeff, you hit on a.
Speaker 7 (32:31):
Couple of points here.
Speaker 10 (32:32):
With Stefan, I mean, he's a coach on the field,
he's a coach in the defensive back room. He's a
guy that every young guy can lean on. And I
think the older you get, you should get to warmer
clients a climate. So like I think Miami they're probably
gonna lose Jalen Ramsey, They've lost Zavian Howard, They've lost
defensive backs, they lost Javon Holland, Like it seems like
(32:54):
Stefan Gilmore going to South Beach.
Speaker 7 (32:57):
That's good for an older guy. Like out in the.
Speaker 10 (32:59):
Humidity of South Florida right now, you start sweating the
minute you walk outside. That's good for whole guys that
need a little oil in the joints. I feel like
Stefan could fit in down here and play well for
him right now.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
That's what it is.
Speaker 1 (33:13):
Little oil in the joints there, Baldy, get that, you
get right. Justin Simmons, the veteran safety thirty one going
on thirty two, might need a little oil in the
joints as well.
Speaker 2 (33:24):
So where are we putting him geographically?
Speaker 12 (33:26):
Jeffrey Jadea, I like a reunion here with Vic Fangio
in Philadelphia. The Eagle defensive coordinator coached him when he
was the head coach in broccol and Fangio was the
head coach there, and I think this guy walks right
into that system, knows what he's doing.
Speaker 4 (33:40):
They lost CJ.
Speaker 12 (33:41):
Gardner Johnson last year who was a big playmaker for
them in the secondary. Justin Simmons is the fourth active
leader in interceptions right now for players still playing with
thirty two. I think he gives that secondary a booth.
M quinnon, Mitchell Cooper, Dejen Reblake and shipbald If this
makes all of sense in the world.
Speaker 10 (33:58):
Yeah, And I've been saying it all off season too. Jeff,
I agree, and it's not just a reunion with Justin
Simmons and Vic Fangel. He wants to come to Philadelphia.
Speaker 7 (34:08):
He wants to be there.
Speaker 10 (34:10):
You know, they drafted Andrew mccooba out of Texas, which
is good. They've drafted Sydney Brown to go read blanket ship.
There's there's players there, but nobody with the numbers, the interceptions,
like really the leadership that he can provide.
Speaker 7 (34:25):
They lost Aarius Slay, they lost some leaders in that secondary.
Speaker 10 (34:29):
He provides that he's another very very smart guy, understands
the game high football like you.
Speaker 7 (34:35):
And when he wants to be there, he wants to
come to Philly. Just find a house in South Jerseys,
gonna He's gonna be here. He'll be fine.
Speaker 3 (34:44):
They need a house, just an apartment. He might not
be there very long, just a couple of months. Go
in contribute in this second day that actually does make
a lot of sense. And one thing I think Justin
Simmons showed last year, and if I remember correctly he signed,
was it the middle of August. I feel like it
was the middle of August last year when he signed,
came in made a big time contribution today Atlanta Falcons
(35:04):
alongside Jesse Bates would be an excellent signing for someone.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Feels like an older player really just thirty.
Speaker 6 (35:10):
One or so years old.
Speaker 3 (35:12):
Justin Simmons binding his time, but I would expect him
to contribute to someone next season.
Speaker 4 (35:18):
I listen.
Speaker 1 (35:18):
I'm not worried about the warm climate for him though,
because he's got the pregame fits, he's got like the
wool long coats on, he's got the sea.
Speaker 2 (35:27):
He'll be fine.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
He'll be fine from that walk to the car to
the locker room. My guy Jens playbook cooking him up Ian.
That is one of the guys that.
Speaker 2 (35:33):
He does dress. So Justin Simmons, we'll see where he lands.
Speaker 1 (35:37):
NFL dot com slash Chidia tomorrow what time, I don't know.
Log on when you wake up and just keep hitting
refreshed until you see the story pop up for you.
Speaker 2 (35:46):
Okay, Jeffrey Toda.
Speaker 1 (35:48):
Brian Balding a baldygo oil them joints. Buddy, you're free,
You're Dutch.
Speaker 5 (35:52):
Welcome back to the Insiders. Hey, that's Colston Lovelin making
himself comfortable. It looks like at hallis Hall already eight
tenth overall draft pick tight end first round by the
Chicago Bears. Why is this relevant, Well, because he's probably
going to have an impact on what Mark Ross is
going to talk about next, and that is players who
(36:12):
are poised for breakouts in their second year. All right,
let's start this as an easy segue. Let's start with
the quarterback.
Speaker 4 (36:20):
Mark.
Speaker 14 (36:21):
Yeah, this has to be Caleb Williams here, And really
what could have want Drake Maye because the Patriots did
similar things. But Kayleb Williams, I just think number one
with Ben Johnson, new head coach who worked wonders with
that Detroit offense and making Jared Golf into a Pro
Bowl player, so prolific there what he did, and he
put his stamp on it right away, Judy in the
offseason and getting all those old linemen trading in signing
(36:42):
those free agents, and then he said, all right, well
in the draft, I'm not done. I got to keep
helping Kayleb Williams out, drafting Colston Loveland with that tenth pick,
and then doubling up in the second round with Luther.
Speaker 13 (36:53):
Burden, the receiver, the versatile receiver out of Missouri.
Speaker 14 (36:56):
So you pair those two guys with the DJ Moores,
Deandre's coming out of the backfield, and really it's just
a plethora of options for Caleb Williams, who showed the
huge flashes last year. Judy just didn't have the overall
consistency and that O line was not very good. So
everything now is set up for Caleb Williams to have
a Jade Daniels type performance this season.
Speaker 5 (37:19):
You're right, there were definitely flashes of what we expect
to see from Caleb Williams.
Speaker 6 (37:23):
All right, let's go to wide receiver. Who you got.
Speaker 14 (37:26):
Gotta go with Xavier Legatt out of the Carolina Panthers
there at the Kentucky Derby showing up a lot the
other day, so look at look again. He showed the flashes,
but it was the consistency. You see the stats there
just only forty nine receptions. But the most troubling part
when I saw was eight drops in eighty one target.
So when I evaluated him coming out of South Carolina,
(37:47):
I didn't see him drop many passes at all. Thought
he had some of the surest hands in the draft.
So now, with the development of Bryce Young coming on
towards the end of the second half of last season,
they drafted tech McMillan at Arason in the first round
this year too, So those two guys together really need
to come on strong.
Speaker 5 (38:07):
Certainly raised expectations for that offense. All right, let's close
it out on defense pass rusher.
Speaker 13 (38:13):
Well, let's go Lot to Lot too.
Speaker 14 (38:14):
Out of from the Colts there and coming out of
the draft again, I got thought was the best pass
rusher coming out last year, just had with such versatility
and so many moves and the relentless effort that just
didn't really transfer in year one. But I think this
year new defensive coordinator lou Anarumo will hope to have Lot,
to have a Trey Hendrickson type of role there and
(38:37):
have a breakout performance for that Colts defense that's going
to really need it with so many question marks at
the quarterback position of Judy.
Speaker 13 (38:45):
So I think Lot too is poise for that breakout
because he's got all the tools.
Speaker 5 (38:51):
All right, Mark has many more candidates for second year breakouts.
Speaker 6 (38:55):
His column will be up.
Speaker 5 (38:56):
On NFL dot Com probably by this morning, so tomorrow morning.
Such a keep hitting refresh when you wake up and
it'll pop up there.
Speaker 6 (39:03):
Mark, thank you very much.
Speaker 5 (39:04):
And when we return, Ian had a good weekend, he
was at the Kentucky Derby.
Speaker 6 (39:10):
Leah looks fantastic. Forget about Ian, Let's talk about Leah.
Speaker 4 (39:14):
When we returned.
Speaker 1 (39:26):
Recapping the biggest news of the day, the Ravens moving
on from Justin Tucker in what they deemed a football
decision after thirteen seasons, the last of which was the
worst of his career seventy three percent field goal make percentage.
Speaker 2 (39:41):
And yeah, perhaps they would.
Speaker 1 (39:43):
Have addressed the position in the off season anyway, but
then you had the accusations of improper behavior with Messus's.
In the end, the Ravens decide to move on from
Justin Tucker after drafting Tyler Loop in the sixth round
in this year's NFL draft. Elsewhere New Today, Julian Edelman
elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame, thirty seventh member
(40:07):
of the Hall. Hill done that rid jacket. That's what
they give everyone who gets into the Hall of Fame.
Well deserved for a guy who came in as a
converted quarterback.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
He was a punt returner.
Speaker 1 (40:17):
He was off injured early in his career, but became
reliable and available late in his career. And that amazing
catch that he made in that Super Bowl comeback there
for the Patriots Ian.
Speaker 4 (40:29):
Do we have.
Speaker 2 (40:32):
The whereabouts of where you were this week? And I
believe take us through these pictures. Ah, there we go.
Speaker 3 (40:38):
That's me and Leah and Dexter Fowler by the way,
great dude, former baseball star. That's our suite at the
Kentucky Derby. Unbelievable weekend. There's Leah looking baller with that hat.
Girl's hat right there. That's at our hotel. I got
a nice Vineyard Vines jacket there. Cooper de Jeane, my
new friend hanging out with me at the Sports Illustrated party.
My biggie shirt that our old friend Andrew Gruver got me.
(41:00):
That's a classic right there there. I am uh winning
the Kentucky.
Speaker 4 (41:07):
Derby as I usually do.
Speaker 2 (41:10):
The silks.
Speaker 13 (41:10):
I don't know about the eyes, the yellow and green.
Speaker 4 (41:14):
Well, listen.
Speaker 3 (41:15):
I took a nice picture with Flauren Dureau, one of
the great jockeys, and I tower over him by like
two or maybe even three inches.
Speaker 6 (41:25):
It is a big time for me.
Speaker 13 (41:26):
I love those pictures.
Speaker 3 (41:27):
If I could only take pictures with jockeys, I would
be extremely happy.
Speaker 13 (41:31):
By the way Leya looked at me.
Speaker 1 (41:33):
Yeah, Leah did look amazing. Yeah, we recapt that on
Friday to kentuckyo Oaks. Speaking of people who look amazing
or sometimes ridiculous, although the NFL players came out strong.
Here's Joe Burrow at the Metcala right there, strong look,
little double breasted action. I don't know what color that is,
some kind of bluish sage maybe. And then Saquon Barkley,
(41:54):
who is just riding high this off season. Just a classic,
great look from Meccala. I still have no idea, Judy,
what happens inside the Metcala?
Speaker 6 (42:02):
Do you? I have no idea.
Speaker 5 (42:05):
I've never attended the Metcala, that's for sure. They look fantastic.
Justin Jefferson is also there in like a voluminous jacket.
Speaker 6 (42:12):
He looks amazing. Hopefully we get that picture tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (42:15):
Next year, you're here, Judy, I feel
The Ravens making the decision on Monday to move on
from Justin Tucker, who has been accused of improper conduct
and is coming off the worst season of.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
His NFL career.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
We'll have the breakdown on what's next for Tucker and
the Ravens. Meanwhile, we've got our off season Checklist series
continuing with the team that was the runner up this
past season, but back in the Super Bowl, the Kansas
City Chiefs. How do they get back there and how
do they get over the hup to win again this time?
Jeffrey Todea will be along to discuss that. And yes,
(00:41):
there are still some legitimately good NFL free agents who
are available. We will find some homes for those players.
Coming up later in the program. Welcome Inside with the Insiders.
Mike Garrafalo here alongside Judy Battista and Ian rappaport I
mentioned Jadea. He'll be with us, Mark Ross, Brian Baldinger,
(01:02):
Sarah Walsh joining us as well as we break down
all the.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
News in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
And we did have some news today out of Baltimore
regarding Justin Tucker. We thought things might be headed in
this direction when the Ravens drafted Tyler Loop, a kicker,
in the sixth round, just a couple of short weeks ago.
Justin Tucker, after thirteen seasons out in Baltimore. There are
the accusations of his improper conduct with missuses that have
(01:30):
been trickling in over the last couple of months. Here
Tucker has defended himself and proclaimed his innocence. The Ravens, though,
as we'll see in the statement that we bring up
from Eric DaCosta, the executive vice president and general manager
of the Ravens, calling it right off the bat a
football decision. John Harball, the head coach, had mentioned that
just the other day during rookie Mini Caamp and the
(01:53):
Ravens have been adamant they will make a football decision
and this could be a football decision. Ian in large
part became because Tucker made only seventy three percent of
his field goals. Let's s Fith's face it, he struggled
mightily down the stretch. You add these accusations on top
as the investigation is still.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Going on in them.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
But in the end, the raven saying it was a
football decision to move on from Justin Tucker.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
I think it's fair to say it was a football decision,
mostly because of Justin Tucker's age and the struggles that
had this year, especially compared to the bar that he
set throughout his entire potentially Hall of Fame career, multi
year Pro Bowler, multi year All Pro. However, you cannot
say that this is only a football decision. Really, this
is about so much more in these decisions, especially when
(02:38):
it comes to saying goodbye one of the all time
greats of a franchise.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
They don't exist at a vacuum.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yes, thirty five years old, Justin Tucker has earned a
high salary, been one of the highest paid kickers in
the NFL. He struggled this year and all that, but
the many many allegations sixteen I believe from Baltimore Area
Messuse's allegation that Tucker and his family have denied allegations
the NFL is still looking into. Of course, they played
(03:03):
a role, and as soon as became clear that the
Ravens were at least thinking about moving on from as
soon as it became clear that they drafted Tyler Loop
in the sixth round of this draft, you knew that
it was at least possible that Justin Tucker's days were numbered.
That is, of course what happened today. The original play
from the Ravens was to let this investigation play out,
(03:25):
let the NFL come to its decision on what it
meant for the future of Justin Tucker. In the end,
they decide, you know what, drafted kicker, move on. It
is the end for Tucker with the Ravens. That would
not be surprised. Getting the allegations and his age and
his performance. This is the last time we see Tucker
in an NFL uniform.
Speaker 5 (03:48):
No decision like this it's ever made in isolation. It
was a football decision in the sense that he was
not a good kicker last year. As a matter of fact,
he was one of the worst kickers in the NFL
last year. If Justin Tucker was still the ninety percent
successful kicker than he had been for most of his career,
would he still be.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
On the Ravens. Possibly so.
Speaker 5 (04:10):
Would they have waited longer to see how the investigation
played out, maybe so, But those were not the conditions
that they were operating under. He had the worst season
of his career by a lot. He cost them games,
and then, of course, the embarrassment of the allegations and
the unknown of an investigation. The investigation is still going on.
(04:31):
We don't know how it's going to be resolved, We
don't know when it's going to be resolved. And so
if you're the Baltimore Ravens, you have to look at
the uncertainty of the fact that you have a thirty
five year old kicker coming off not just the worst
season of his career, but the worst.
Speaker 6 (04:44):
Season of his career by a lot.
Speaker 5 (04:46):
He went off a cliff last season and cost them games.
If you're looking at that set of circumstances, do you say, well,
let's hang on to him and see how this investigation goes,
or do you say, listen, it's time to move on.
The Other part of just strictly the football part of
this is during the season last season, they couldn't identify
what the problem was.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
The coaches couldn't. Justin Tucker couldn't.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
They kept saying things like, he's doing great in practice,
He's doing all the routine things that he always does.
They couldn't figure out what was wrong. Well, if you
can't identify the problem, you sure can't fix it. And
certainly the Ravens made a decision they were not going
to sit around with all that was going on around
them to stay with Justin Tucker.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Now, and Judy, you're right, John Harball was adamant in
his defense of John Harball. They didn't even want to
bring in kickers for tryouts. They wanted all indications that
they were sticking behind Justin Tucker late last season, again
before the allegations arose. But now at the age of
thirty five, and you mentioned his age, and do four
point two million dollars this upcoming season, there'll be a
(05:48):
post June first designation to help with the cap. At
four point two million in cash comes off the books.
And you've got the presence of Tyler Loup, whom senior
special teams coach Randy Brown. He handles the kickers and
the kicking operation was certainly high on before the draft.
So looking like Tyler Loop has a clear path now
to be the Ravens kicker, the first change at the
(06:10):
position in thirteen years. Elsewhere in the DMV today we
had an announcement, and a big one at that the
twenty twenty seven NFL Draft. Now, the twenty twenty six,
by the way, is in Pittsburgh, but the twenty twenty
seven is now slated for Washington, DC on the National
Mall right by that Washington Monument. Hopefully we won't have
any audio issues like they experienced with that Vietnam soldier
(06:32):
by the name of Forrest Gump.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Couldn't hear what he was saying.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
I don't think we're going to have that problem there.
They are expecting over a million fans over three days
in twenty twenty seven. Here is Donald Trump, Roger Goodell,
and Josh Harris.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
I don't think I was just saying to Roger, I
don't think there's ever been anything like that.
Speaker 7 (06:51):
That's a good idea.
Speaker 8 (06:52):
In fact, maybe we could use it for other things.
Speaker 9 (06:55):
Also, I have an.
Speaker 10 (06:55):
Idea it's going to be beautiful. It's going to be
something that nobody else will ever be able to duplicate
that I don't suspect. It's very exciting.
Speaker 9 (07:04):
Draft has really become one of the great entertainment and
sports events. Just a week ago in Green Bay we
had over six hundred thousand people attend. The year before
in Detroit we had close to eight hundred thousand. As
the President remarked, we believe will be well over in
May and when we come here to DC in twenty
(07:24):
twenty seven. So we not only believe it's a great site,
we believe it's consistent what the President said, which is
investing in our communities, investing specifically here in the nation's
capital one that I grew up here in Washington, d C.
And it's particularly important. We think we can have a
tremendous impact on this community.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
What a great day for Washington.
Speaker 11 (07:46):
I mean to host the NFL Draft in twenty twenty
seven on the mall. I believe we'll get over a
million people and it's going to be an amazing day
and it'll showcase what Washington's all about.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
You see a draft pick at some point celebrating by
going for a splash in the mirror pool. That would
be fantastic, Judy, you're callings in the draft in DC.
Speaker 5 (08:10):
This is just the next event in the absolutely remarkable
renaissance of the Washington Commanders. This would never have happened
under the prior ownership, just as a new stadium in
the district would never have happened under the prior owners
It's less than two years ago that Josh Harris was
approved as the new owner of the Washington Commanders, and
(08:32):
in that time, they have hired the right coach, hired
the right general manager, drafted the right quarterback, gone to
an NFC championship game, already took a big step toward
getting a stadium built in the district, and now they're
going to bring the draft to the National ball It's
a remarkable turnaround for one of the flagship franchises for
(08:53):
the NFL, and I know that the league is thrilled
with the success of that franchise.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
It really does Judy feeling return of Washington, d C
To the NFL landscape. And you know, I mean, you
could see Roger Goodell up there today how much this
means to him.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
He has talked in the past.
Speaker 3 (09:09):
About, you know, let's say, going at games at the
RFK site and just how much DC means to the NFL.
Get a new stadium to be built, usually that comes
with a Super Bowl along with it. Now we know
for sure they are hosting a drafty monumental day for
Washington and they're not done yet, but a little bit
of a mission accomplished day for Josh Harris and the Commanders.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Yeap listen, landover Maryland, no offense, but you go to
a game there you cover a game there, you go
nowhere near all of these amazing landmarks in the downtown area.
So it feels good that things are starting to be
redirected toward DC proper.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
That is fantastic. On the other side of the country.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Now, we're gonna go and check in on the Los
Angeles Rams because Matthew Stafford, as ore Ian Rappaport reported
this morning, two years eighty four million dollars forty four
this year, with four million, all already paid. These details.
You're saying, well, wait a minute, wasn't this like months ago? Well,
those details were hammered out back then. They were finally
finalized today. So Matthew Stafford locked in Sean McVay, the
(10:13):
head coach, hoping that Stafford is going to play much
longer than the two years that are on that contract.
We shall see elsewhere in the state of California concerning
the quarterbacks. Yeah, we're getting there. I promise you we're
getting there. Brock Party in the forty nine ers, they're
making progress. It's slow, steady progress. We're finally in the
area where everybody accepts what we've been telling you for
months now, which is that Brock Party is going to
(10:35):
make somewhere in the fifties on millions per year on
this deal, if and when it gets done. They continue
to try to get it done as early as possible.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Ian.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
I think you mentioned today on the Pat McAfee show,
if I'm not mistaken that they are making progress here
as well.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Yeah, it does seem to First of all, nothing immin
on the brock Party contract with the forty nine ers.
Is not like you got to tweet ready and you're
going to hit set. That's not where they are. But
it does seem to be positive and headed in the
right direction. That's really all you're looking for in a
time like this. It's the spring, there's no real deadline.
Sometimes teams try to get things done maybe before mandatory
mini camp. If that doesn't happen, it's like, all right,
(11:13):
do they get it done sometime before training camp. That's
usually the timeline for these big time quarterback contracts. But
you're right, Mike, it does seem block Party going to
make in the fifties, and at least right now, it
seems to be going well progressing for all sides.
Speaker 7 (11:29):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
We will let you know when we get there. We'll
see if we get to OTAs and it's not done.
Does brock Party try to make some noise by not attending.
That's a lot of times what you do when these
things happen. He has been at the off season workouts
because things have been progressing. Meanwhile, before we get to
the OTAs, we've got these rookie mini camps that are
wrapping up, including the Chiefs who invited sixty sixty tryouts.
(11:51):
A lot of times you get maybe in the teens
or the twenties, they've got sixty tryouts.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
No stone unturned.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
For the Kansas City chief and Andy Reid as they
look to fill out their roster.
Speaker 8 (12:03):
There's only what maybe sixteen fifteen sixteen of them that
whether it's the seven draft picks and ten or so
others that have been signed as free agents college free agents.
So the rest of the guys are just invites to
this camp and as free agents, and that's a challenge
(12:26):
for him to catch our eye. They're going about it
the right way, and it's literally that I mean, how
are you going to Are you going to make the
catch or are you going to make the throw, or
are you going to make the coverage adjustment that you
need to make? On the back end and defensive line.
How you're it's all passed, so do you have rush
(12:48):
ability in that linebackers? Same my coverage and kind of
an understanding you're grasping the defensive part that we're asking.
So anyways, all of that is part of it. And
that's where we look at.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Jeffrey Genia now joining us Ian Rappaport, Geniepatista, and myself.
It's always the first round pick that you're obviously looking
at first. For the Chiefs, that's Josh Simmons, and by
the way, was a fascinating The Eagles were trying to
trade up and then they finally flipped with Brett Beach
and everybody say, why did they do that? Even Howie
Roseman said, we probably just gave him a free pick
there to go from thirty one to thirty two where
they take Simmons. What are you hearing about Simmons so
(13:26):
far out of Chiefs camp.
Speaker 4 (13:28):
Look, chief so excited about him.
Speaker 12 (13:29):
Obviously they hope he can be their long time left tackle,
but they're also taking it very slow. Look, he went
through the rookie minute camp. He was only involved in drill.
It didn't involve defense, So they tried to make sure
he wasn't going to get hit or do anything crazy.
But they like the way he was moving around. That
patilla tendon injury he had. I'll talk about how hard
it is to recover from it, but they feel like
(13:49):
he's on schedule. They're hoping he can be ready for
training camp. They love everything about his traits. They talk
about his feet, his balance, and they have jo little
more left tackle.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Right now. We're better and they brought in.
Speaker 12 (14:00):
They're hoping this guy will be the long term answer
and taking it slow is a good way to approach that.
Speaker 4 (14:06):
Well.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Fixing that offensive line and getting that offensive line settled
down was their number one issue going into the off season. Obviously,
it was laid bare by the Philadelphia Eagles in the
Super Bowl. They've now committed quite a few resources to it, right.
I mean, they just used their first round draft pick
on a tackle. They spent money on it. They've thrown
(14:27):
money on it at it in free agency. Now they
need to get that offensive line on the field to
the extent they can. As we know that the first
round draft pick is rehabbing an injury, so we'll have
to wait for a training camp before he can go
through a full workload, but they need to get that
offensive line on the field and working together and settled.
Last year, part of the problem was there was so
(14:48):
much shuffling going on. Some of that was injury related,
but they just couldn't get set and it showed repeatedly
week after week. They need to get the offensive line set.
They need them to get their timing and their with
them together, because that was their undoing last season. Everything
else is in place for the Chiefs to make another
big push this year if they can get this right.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Man, if they nailed the first first round pick, obviously
a huge deal and great things for this offensive line.
And we spent so much time focusing in on the
first round pick, I want to focus in on another pick,
Ashton Gilatee, which I just nailed the pronunciation of thank
you very much. Third rounder from Louisville has not gone
into a lot of conversations. Jeff, tell me about this
(15:31):
pick and why he's going to contribute for the Chiefs.
Speaker 12 (15:34):
He quietly could be the biggest contributor of this rookie
class just because of his ability.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
As a pass rusher.
Speaker 12 (15:41):
Quietly, as has kept this team had a hard time
rushing the passer where Chris Jones wasn't on the field,
and so they still have George carl optics there.
Speaker 4 (15:48):
But they've had a lot of questions.
Speaker 12 (15:49):
And on the other side with Charles Menahu Carry's acl
a couple of years ago, Felix and a duque Zama
first round pick a couple of years ago, has it
worked out? Mike Dana got a game, a long term
deal to last year, hasn't stepped up. So this guy
has the ability to a latte. Playing at Louisville, he
had eleven sacks as a junior. They left his speed
the power. They feel like even though he's not the
(16:11):
biggest guy in the world, with the longest arms, he
can really wreck a game plan and get to the quarterback,
go right through offensive tackles. So don't be surprised to
you hear his name a lot because he has an
opportunity to play and make a big impact.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
He got good hair too, right, Yeah, I can't underst that.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
I gotta say Barbara Weedy, right yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Earlier today, the Ravens made an expected but consequential decision
releasing Justin Tucker. There embattled Kicker, one of the best
players all time, in the organization, one of the best
kickers in NFL history, someone who has been accused of multiple,
multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior sexual in nature. The NFL's
(16:54):
investigation is ongoing, but the Ravens officially say goodbye to
Tucker in part because they did draft a kicker in
Tyler Loop, one of several players who were walking into
Ravens rookie mini camp that.
Speaker 13 (17:10):
By the way, and did today.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
As we move on from the Tucker situation, now in
the past, these rookies now in the future. Let us
welcome in Mark Ross and Brian Baldinger. Mark, we'll start
with you. So we obviously know what the Ravens did
last year. Excellent season, coming right up there, close, just
not close enough. Bring back a ton of the same guys.
(17:32):
What are we looking forward to for the Ravens in
the twenty twenty five season.
Speaker 14 (17:37):
That's when a story for the Ravens last few year
is just not close enough, not able to beat case,
couldn't beat Buffalo. So these moves that they're making, especially
these first two picks this year, the first round pick
Malachi Starts the safety, the versatile safety, and second round
pick Mike Green from Marshall Well, I thought was the
second best edg rusher in the draft. I mean, really,
as the Ravens do in the draft, completely crushed it
(17:59):
with those two starts. Will probably step in right away
opposite Kyle Hamilton, given that secondary tons of versatility, and
Mike Greed, even though he might not start at this point,
he might be the best pass rusher on the team. Baldy,
Kyle Vandoi getting up there in age a little bit.
They've took in swings and missus not missus, but with
o Way and Ojabo haven't really panned out to be
(18:20):
those consistent forces. So Mike Greed might lead the team
in sacks this year. So the Ravens really, with these
two moves, as they do, they're going.
Speaker 13 (18:29):
To be in the hunt. Baldy, it's just ten v's
to get them over the top.
Speaker 10 (18:34):
Well, we're there, one of the best draft in development teams,
and so that's why they stay on top, why they
stay competitive while they keep knocking.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
Even though they're coming up a little short. I mean,
just think about this.
Speaker 10 (18:45):
Nine days ago, they had five sixth round picks and
when he drafted Tyler Loop, nobody knew what was going
to happen to Justin Tucker. But all of a sudden,
the only kicker that was drafted loop out of Arizona.
Speaker 7 (18:57):
It looks like it's a pretty important kick.
Speaker 10 (19:00):
I'm and I pretty important pick right here, and he'll
get plenty of coaching from Randy Brown, their kicking coach.
But in addition to this point, I'm a Malachi Starts.
Everybody thought, uh, probably the best safety in this draft
team with Oar, Darius Washington, Kyle Hamilton, you got your
three safeties, Mike Green. When I was at the Senior
Bowl this year, Mark, he literally was number one in
(19:23):
every single defensive line drill. He started every drill. I
don't care if it was one on ones, if it
was individual drills. He started every single drill. And he
just wanted to assert himself as a leader. And I
think Chuck Smith, the pass rushing coach, will side we'll
see that and identify that, and I would I'd be
surprised if he doesn't get on the field right away.
Met contribution. Emery Jones, the LSU tackle can play guard tackle.
(19:47):
He drafted three line including the only HBCU player drafted, Carson.
Speaker 7 (19:52):
Vincent, who's at the Senior Bowl as well.
Speaker 10 (19:55):
You just go down this list and you can just
see guys Teddy Buchanan at a cow unfortunate he tackles
last year immediately, Special teams contribution, some of the stuff
that we see year and year out from these picks
later in the draft, how they get on the field,
how they develop the more and how it keeps them
on top of this division.
Speaker 9 (20:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (20:14):
Yeah, and that's why Baltimore is for years.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
Let big ticket free agents walk, replace them, draft them,
develop them. That's how an organization that's successful stay successful.
Mark Baldi, thank you very much. More from you guys
to come. Of course, let's focus in on the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers. I'm Mecca at Buka, a draft pick that
is everyone excited in Tampa Bay, including our good friend
(20:38):
Sarah Walsh who joined us. Nice.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Buccaneers rookie camp is approaching and Mecca Igbuka the first
round pick, arriving in the sweetest shirt. Hey, what's up,
Nelson Luis Buccaneers media relations. Uh, that is an amazing shirt.
I'm not a bucket, never been one, not a fan
of any team right now, but I would love to
have I would wear that shirt. That's how sweet. That
(21:05):
shirt is Sarah Walsh sa.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
If you can get me one this medium. So depending
on how it runs, I'll take either one.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Welcome Welcome to the Probrank Beck a book part of
a Buccaneers offense that they are excited for in twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 15 (21:20):
Yeah, I think when the Bucks went into this draft,
they had definite needs on defense, and I think that's
what everyone was looking at. So there was some surprise
when nineteenth overall, then in that first round they take
a wide receiver. But you have ad Jason light the
general manager, saying when you've got a guy, a defensive
minded guy like Todd Bowles running uphill, saying we've got
to draft this guy. I think it speaks volumes to
(21:41):
what they believe he can mean to this organization. And
now you give a quarterback in Baker Mayfield who's coming
off a career high forty one touchdown season. He hasn't
lost a single starter. On offense, you've got a thirty
one year old Mike Evans who's never had.
Speaker 16 (21:55):
Under one thousand receiving yards.
Speaker 15 (21:57):
You got a twenty nine year old pro bowler, and
Chris Godwin who's coming off injury but is very hopeful
that he'll be back for the start of the season.
You have a Buka who you're looking at footage of
right now, who everyone in this organization is so high on.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
And then Mike.
Speaker 16 (22:08):
It's an abundance of riches.
Speaker 15 (22:10):
Because you got Jalen McMillan, who's coming off his rookie
season one in which he was incredibly impressive.
Speaker 16 (22:15):
I spoke to McMillan today.
Speaker 4 (22:16):
He told me the.
Speaker 15 (22:17):
Second he found out that they were taking a book,
he DMed him said, I'll help you with whatever you need,
and you should listen to this guy, right because towards
the end of the season he really came on. From
weeks fourteen to eighteen, there's not a receiver in the
league that had more touchdowns than Jalen McMillan over that span.
He had five consecutive games with a touchdown as a rookie.
Only Randy Moss had more. You know, McMillan told me
(22:40):
there's an offensive coordinator that's new again. This has sort
of been the same story for the Buccaneers for the
last couple of years because the guys keep leaving for
head coaching jobs.
Speaker 16 (22:48):
And it's now Josh Bizzard's job.
Speaker 15 (22:50):
But McMillan told me today things are very familiar there,
they are very comfortable, and he said there's no reason
why they couldn't be the best offense in the league
if they go about their busines this offseason the right way. Hey,
Jason light said that receiving room called him a bunch
of unicorns, So we'll see how magical they can be, Mike.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
G unicorns like it.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
On the defensive side of the ball, we had Desmond
Watson on the other day, the four hundred and now
thirty pound defensive tackle they sign as an undrafted free agent.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Not a lot of draft picks on that side of
the ball. What are we looking at defensively for the Bucks?
Speaker 6 (23:22):
Okay, So I think a lot.
Speaker 15 (23:23):
Of people thought that they might go corner right out
of the gate, and that's something that this Buccaneers team
really needed.
Speaker 16 (23:29):
Todd Bowles, when you think of him, this is a.
Speaker 15 (23:32):
Defensive coach and defense has really never been an issue
here for the Buccaneers, and it sort of was.
Speaker 16 (23:37):
Last season.
Speaker 15 (23:37):
Only three teams gave up more passing yards than the Buccaneers.
So after they got Abuca, because they obviously loved this guy,
they went cornerback in the second round.
Speaker 16 (23:45):
They went cornerback in the third round, Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison.
Speaker 15 (23:48):
They went and got Kansas State's Jacob Parrish, and they
believe that that will help certainly.
Speaker 16 (23:53):
Adapt Jamel din as the starters. I am Accomson starter,
but they.
Speaker 15 (23:56):
Had depth issues there and so they feel like they've
that they hope that they've addressed it. And Mike guh
we all believe down here in Tampa that Todd Bowles
clearly we'll get a defensive thing figured out if he
has to.
Speaker 1 (24:08):
Yeah, I missed what I meant to say. It was
not a lot of defensive front. But they got those
guys in the back end, including Benjamin Morrison. Go back
and watch that draft call again because it was just
that amazing to watch. Benjamin Marris and a friend of
the in Saturday guessed previously and hopefully again in the future.
Speaker 16 (24:21):
Just like you, Sarah, we'll get your shirt.
Speaker 13 (24:24):
Micing Green Baypackers. For the first time since two thousand.
Speaker 7 (24:30):
Last a wide receiver.
Speaker 13 (24:34):
Matthew Bolder.
Speaker 8 (24:38):
Detroit Lions like ty League Williams defensive tackle Ohio Sat.
Speaker 4 (24:44):
The Chicago Bears.
Speaker 2 (24:46):
Select Coaston Bloodlin.
Speaker 7 (24:50):
Miss again.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
The Minnesota Vikings.
Speaker 13 (24:55):
Select Jonavan Jackson, Yuard Ohio SA.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
More shots of living room celebrations. That's what I say
about the draft. Let's take another look at the NFC.
North Baldy and Mark Ross are here with me, Judy Batista,
all right, let's start with the Chicago Bears, who actually
have had a very active offseason, doing a whole lot
to make Caleb Williams life a lot better. They worked
on the offensive line first, they hired Ben Johnson. To me,
(25:26):
the thing left to do is they got to put
it all on the field and put it all together.
Speaker 10 (25:34):
Well, Judy, I mean you look at what they did
in free agency, and then you back it up with
you know, Colson Lovelin the first tight end pick. A
little surprise maybe to some people, but they actually love them.
And Luther Burdon is going to be Is it excellent
in the slat for Missouri? I mean, two excellent pieces
and your draft OUSI Trapilla. What I see, Judy is
competition everywhere on the offensive line at receiver right now.
(25:57):
You can look along the defense at defense line and linebackers.
They have depth and they have competition. And if you've
Ben Johnson coming in you can't ask for anything more
as the first year head coach. Let's get this competition
going right now in mini camp in OTAs, take it
into training camp, and let's get the best people in
the field who'll kicked the season off.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
All right, Mark, When I look at the Green Bay Packers,
the only thing that flashes into my head is first
round receiver. There are entire lifetimes that have gone by
where they haven't seen a first round receiver, and then
they took another receiver. Clearly the idea is to try
to get an elevated performance out of Jordan Love.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
What do you say, No.
Speaker 14 (26:39):
Doubt they gave the people what they wanted at the draft,
the draft being right there in Green Bay, Judy. So yeah,
it all starts and ends with Jordan Love. And we
know he struggled last year. I think that injury really
hindered him throughout the whole season. It never really looked
like himself to me. And when you look at their
receiving group, you know they've got some nice young playmakers
there and read but and Dobbs, but I don't see
(27:01):
a true true number one. So drafting Matthew Golden in
the first round, is he finally the answer for that
and then save Jon Williams is really sort of a
utility guy there that they'll have to mix and match,
similar to Read just a bigger version. So yeah, it's
all about getting Jordan Love as many resources as possible
and seeing if he can work that consistency out.
Speaker 5 (27:24):
You know, Baldy, when you look at the Vikings, obviously
they made the change at quarterback, letting Sam Donald go,
and now JJ McCarthy is going to be the starter.
Speaker 6 (27:31):
But really the story of the off season.
Speaker 5 (27:33):
And you knew it from the minute their playoff game ended,
was they had to rebuild the interior of the offensive line.
It really caved in in the playoff game. Sam Donald
took the brunt of it. How do you think they've done.
Speaker 7 (27:44):
I think you've done great.
Speaker 10 (27:45):
And they're going to get Christian Darisol back at left tackle,
who you know missed the second half of the season
to go with Brian O'Neal at the right side. But
you draft Donovan Jackson plug and play with Ryan Kelly
and Will Freese.
Speaker 7 (27:58):
I mean, there you go.
Speaker 10 (27:59):
You got your eyes up front. Give the JJ McCarthy
error the best chance to succeed.
Speaker 4 (28:04):
Right away.
Speaker 10 (28:05):
We know the talent on the outside of what they have,
what Aaron Jones and the running backs can do, what
Kevin O'Connell can do as a play called, but give
them all of the tools necessary up front to get
the best protection for him and then open up the
most holes in the running game. I think that JJ
has a great chance get off to a fast start
because of what they've done to build that wall stronger
(28:27):
and better.
Speaker 7 (28:27):
Than it was a year ago.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
All right, Mark, we know the talent that is still
on the Detroit Lions. They also added pieces on both lines,
but tonim when I look at this team, the big
question is like the brain drain on the coaching staff.
They had to replace both coordinators. That is a compliment
to them, but still not the easiest thing to do.
How much of an adjustment period is there going to
be for the Lions?
Speaker 13 (28:52):
Yeah, it's always different.
Speaker 14 (28:53):
You know, you can't just assume, you know, out goes
Aaron lenn incomes Kelvin Shepherd, and he worked with them
and it's going to be the same earning curve since
he's never done it before. So the onus will be
on Shepherd to say, Okay, I've got to put my
stamp on this defense and similar kind of Zach Orr
last year with the Ravens. It took him time to
get into the mix and find his groove there. So
Kevin Sheppard will have to do that. But it will
(29:14):
start by getting healthy. As we know last year Detroit,
every week guys were just going down. Towards the end
they of that playoff game against the Commanders, they really
couldn't stop them at all. So number one, get Aiden
Hutchinson back in that whole crew healthy and see if
they'd got a chance, because we know, I think the
offense will still be put up thirty against anyone, but
can the defense get any stops.
Speaker 5 (29:37):
Still one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL,
maybe the most competitive division in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
Get ready for the twenty twenty five NFL season like
never before with a highly anticipated NFL schedule release. Every
game revealed, every rivalry, every rematch, and every rookie debut.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
May fourteenth, mark your calendar.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
Get all the details at NFL dot com slash schedule
release and lock it here.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
On May fourteenth, we will have all the games for you.
Speaker 1 (30:03):
Greg Rosenthal's one hundred and one Top free agents still
a sizeable chunk left here on Cinco de Mayo. You
can get the full list at NFL dot com slash
top one oh one. As Amari Cooper leads the way
number eleven overall, he's got some some team teams nosing
around looking for the right fit. Jeffrey Jedia and Brian
(30:23):
Balding are always the right fit. Alongside me, Mike here
follow and Ian Rappaport.
Speaker 4 (30:27):
We are looking for fit.
Speaker 1 (30:28):
Jeffrey t Is gonna have an article up tomorrow, but
since you asked nicely, we'll give you a preview here.
Speaker 2 (30:34):
JK. Dobbins, Jeff where do we put in?
Speaker 12 (30:38):
I am going with the Chicago Bears, And I know
there's a buzz about Nick Chubb being that guy, but
I love what JK.
Speaker 4 (30:44):
Dobbins brings.
Speaker 12 (30:45):
He has a skill set similar to what DeAndre Slipped
has Ben Johnson.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
That's super creative. I like what Dobbins showed last year.
Speaker 12 (30:52):
First, he was able to stay healthy in a long
period of time, running for over nine hundred yards, and
I just feel like this guy could be a difference.
Speaker 4 (31:00):
He's twenty seven years old, Baldy, Nick supp is thirty.
This makes all the sense in the world. For the
Bears still in this direction.
Speaker 10 (31:06):
As they kind of build that nucleus. I mean, JK
is only twenty six years old Jet, so he's still younger.
He has had his injuries, but he's coming off his
best year. I kind of think like the Saints, I
think need playmakers. They have so many guys who got
injured this year at the wide receiving four, at the
quarterback position. I feel like they need some spark and
guys that can explode from that backfield.
Speaker 4 (31:28):
Back there.
Speaker 10 (31:28):
We know Kamara is there and Kendre Miller, but it
feels like there could be a place for JK Dobbins
in a Saints organization with a new coach and maybe
a new way of doing things.
Speaker 4 (31:40):
Certainly rare this time.
Speaker 3 (31:41):
You had to see a player that young, that talented
still available. No doubt JK Dobbins going to help someone.
Judea will Stefan Gilmour help someone. Former Defensive Player of
the Year, former big time is stud with the Patriots,
played last year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Speaker 2 (31:58):
Getting up at age.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
Still and do it? Where do we see him? Yeah?
Speaker 12 (32:02):
Thirty five years old, and I know Miami makes a
lot of sense, but I'm gonna go Cincinnati Bengals here
because they have a young secondary.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
All those corners there are super.
Speaker 12 (32:11):
Young, second, third year guys, and I feel like bringing
in a player like a Stefan Gilmour, a proven veteran,
a guy who played really good last year in Minnesota,
a guy to still play man coverage, which defensive coordinator
Al Golden wants to do in Cincinnati. Again, I think
it's going to help a young defense and a young
team rebound Baldi.
Speaker 4 (32:30):
You know, Jeff, you hit on a.
Speaker 7 (32:31):
Couple of points here.
Speaker 10 (32:32):
With Stefan, I mean, he's a coach on the field,
he's a coach in the defensive back room. He's a
guy that every young guy can lean on. And I
think the older you get, you should get to warmer
clients a climate. So like I think Miami they're probably
gonna lose Jalen Ramsey, They've lost Zavian Howard, They've lost
defensive backs, they lost Javon Holland, Like it seems like
(32:54):
Stefan Gilmore going to South Beach.
Speaker 7 (32:57):
That's good for an older guy. Like out in the.
Speaker 10 (32:59):
Humidity of South Florida right now, you start sweating the
minute you walk outside. That's good for whole guys that
need a little oil in the joints. I feel like
Stefan could fit in down here and play well for
him right now.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
That's what it is.
Speaker 1 (33:13):
Little oil in the joints there, Baldy, get that, you
get right. Justin Simmons, the veteran safety thirty one going
on thirty two, might need a little oil in the
joints as well.
Speaker 2 (33:24):
So where are we putting him geographically?
Speaker 12 (33:26):
Jeffrey Jadea, I like a reunion here with Vic Fangio
in Philadelphia. The Eagle defensive coordinator coached him when he
was the head coach in broccol and Fangio was the
head coach there, and I think this guy walks right
into that system, knows what he's doing.
Speaker 4 (33:40):
They lost CJ.
Speaker 12 (33:41):
Gardner Johnson last year who was a big playmaker for
them in the secondary. Justin Simmons is the fourth active
leader in interceptions right now for players still playing with
thirty two. I think he gives that secondary a booth.
M quinnon, Mitchell Cooper, Dejen Reblake and shipbald If this
makes all of sense in the world.
Speaker 10 (33:58):
Yeah, And I've been saying it all off season too. Jeff,
I agree, and it's not just a reunion with Justin
Simmons and Vic Fangel. He wants to come to Philadelphia.
Speaker 7 (34:08):
He wants to be there.
Speaker 10 (34:10):
You know, they drafted Andrew mccooba out of Texas, which
is good. They've drafted Sydney Brown to go read blanket ship.
There's there's players there, but nobody with the numbers, the interceptions,
like really the leadership that he can provide.
Speaker 7 (34:25):
They lost Aarius Slay, they lost some leaders in that secondary.
Speaker 10 (34:29):
He provides that he's another very very smart guy, understands
the game high football like you.
Speaker 7 (34:35):
And when he wants to be there, he wants to
come to Philly. Just find a house in South Jerseys,
gonna He's gonna be here. He'll be fine.
Speaker 3 (34:44):
They need a house, just an apartment. He might not
be there very long, just a couple of months. Go
in contribute in this second day that actually does make
a lot of sense. And one thing I think Justin
Simmons showed last year, and if I remember correctly he signed,
was it the middle of August. I feel like it
was the middle of August last year when he signed,
came in made a big time contribution today Atlanta Falcons
(35:04):
alongside Jesse Bates would be an excellent signing for someone.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Feels like an older player really just thirty.
Speaker 6 (35:10):
One or so years old.
Speaker 3 (35:12):
Justin Simmons binding his time, but I would expect him
to contribute to someone next season.
Speaker 4 (35:18):
I listen.
Speaker 1 (35:18):
I'm not worried about the warm climate for him though,
because he's got the pregame fits, he's got like the
wool long coats on, he's got the sea.
Speaker 2 (35:27):
He'll be fine.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
He'll be fine from that walk to the car to
the locker room. My guy Jens playbook cooking him up Ian.
That is one of the guys that.
Speaker 2 (35:33):
He does dress. So Justin Simmons, we'll see where he lands.
Speaker 1 (35:37):
NFL dot com slash Chidia tomorrow what time, I don't know.
Log on when you wake up and just keep hitting
refreshed until you see the story pop up for you.
Speaker 2 (35:46):
Okay, Jeffrey Toda.
Speaker 1 (35:48):
Brian Balding a baldygo oil them joints. Buddy, you're free,
You're Dutch.
Speaker 5 (35:52):
Welcome back to the Insiders. Hey, that's Colston Lovelin making
himself comfortable. It looks like at hallis Hall already eight
tenth overall draft pick tight end first round by the
Chicago Bears. Why is this relevant, Well, because he's probably
going to have an impact on what Mark Ross is
going to talk about next, and that is players who
(36:12):
are poised for breakouts in their second year. All right,
let's start this as an easy segue. Let's start with
the quarterback.
Speaker 4 (36:20):
Mark.
Speaker 14 (36:21):
Yeah, this has to be Caleb Williams here, And really
what could have want Drake Maye because the Patriots did
similar things. But Kayleb Williams, I just think number one
with Ben Johnson, new head coach who worked wonders with
that Detroit offense and making Jared Golf into a Pro
Bowl player, so prolific there what he did, and he
put his stamp on it right away, Judy in the
offseason and getting all those old linemen trading in signing
(36:42):
those free agents, and then he said, all right, well
in the draft, I'm not done. I got to keep
helping Kayleb Williams out, drafting Colston Loveland with that tenth pick,
and then doubling up in the second round with Luther.
Speaker 13 (36:53):
Burden, the receiver, the versatile receiver out of Missouri.
Speaker 14 (36:56):
So you pair those two guys with the DJ Moores,
Deandre's coming out of the backfield, and really it's just
a plethora of options for Caleb Williams, who showed the
huge flashes last year. Judy just didn't have the overall
consistency and that O line was not very good. So
everything now is set up for Caleb Williams to have
a Jade Daniels type performance this season.
Speaker 5 (37:19):
You're right, there were definitely flashes of what we expect
to see from Caleb Williams.
Speaker 6 (37:23):
All right, let's go to wide receiver. Who you got.
Speaker 14 (37:26):
Gotta go with Xavier Legatt out of the Carolina Panthers
there at the Kentucky Derby showing up a lot the
other day, so look at look again. He showed the flashes,
but it was the consistency. You see the stats there
just only forty nine receptions. But the most troubling part
when I saw was eight drops in eighty one target.
So when I evaluated him coming out of South Carolina,
(37:47):
I didn't see him drop many passes at all. Thought
he had some of the surest hands in the draft.
So now, with the development of Bryce Young coming on
towards the end of the second half of last season,
they drafted tech McMillan at Arason in the first round
this year too, So those two guys together really need
to come on strong.
Speaker 5 (38:07):
Certainly raised expectations for that offense. All right, let's close
it out on defense pass rusher.
Speaker 13 (38:13):
Well, let's go Lot to Lot too.
Speaker 14 (38:14):
Out of from the Colts there and coming out of
the draft again, I got thought was the best pass
rusher coming out last year, just had with such versatility
and so many moves and the relentless effort that just
didn't really transfer in year one. But I think this
year new defensive coordinator lou Anarumo will hope to have Lot,
to have a Trey Hendrickson type of role there and
(38:37):
have a breakout performance for that Colts defense that's going
to really need it with so many question marks at
the quarterback position of Judy.
Speaker 13 (38:45):
So I think Lot too is poise for that breakout
because he's got all the tools.
Speaker 5 (38:51):
All right, Mark has many more candidates for second year breakouts.
Speaker 6 (38:55):
His column will be up.
Speaker 5 (38:56):
On NFL dot Com probably by this morning, so tomorrow morning.
Such a keep hitting refresh when you wake up and
it'll pop up there.
Speaker 6 (39:03):
Mark, thank you very much.
Speaker 5 (39:04):
And when we return, Ian had a good weekend, he
was at the Kentucky Derby.
Speaker 6 (39:10):
Leah looks fantastic. Forget about Ian, Let's talk about Leah.
Speaker 4 (39:14):
When we returned.
Speaker 1 (39:26):
Recapping the biggest news of the day, the Ravens moving
on from Justin Tucker in what they deemed a football
decision after thirteen seasons, the last of which was the
worst of his career seventy three percent field goal make percentage.
Speaker 2 (39:41):
And yeah, perhaps they would.
Speaker 1 (39:43):
Have addressed the position in the off season anyway, but
then you had the accusations of improper behavior with Messus's.
In the end, the Ravens decide to move on from
Justin Tucker after drafting Tyler Loop in the sixth round
in this year's NFL draft. Elsewhere New Today, Julian Edelman
elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame, thirty seventh member
(40:07):
of the Hall. Hill done that rid jacket. That's what
they give everyone who gets into the Hall of Fame.
Well deserved for a guy who came in as a
converted quarterback.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
He was a punt returner.
Speaker 1 (40:17):
He was off injured early in his career, but became
reliable and available late in his career. And that amazing
catch that he made in that Super Bowl comeback there
for the Patriots Ian.
Speaker 4 (40:29):
Do we have.
Speaker 2 (40:32):
The whereabouts of where you were this week? And I
believe take us through these pictures. Ah, there we go.
Speaker 3 (40:38):
That's me and Leah and Dexter Fowler by the way,
great dude, former baseball star. That's our suite at the
Kentucky Derby. Unbelievable weekend. There's Leah looking baller with that hat.
Girl's hat right there. That's at our hotel. I got
a nice Vineyard Vines jacket there. Cooper de Jeane, my
new friend hanging out with me at the Sports Illustrated party.
My biggie shirt that our old friend Andrew Gruver got me.
(41:00):
That's a classic right there there. I am uh winning
the Kentucky.
Speaker 4 (41:07):
Derby as I usually do.
Speaker 2 (41:10):
The silks.
Speaker 13 (41:10):
I don't know about the eyes, the yellow and green.
Speaker 4 (41:14):
Well, listen.
Speaker 3 (41:15):
I took a nice picture with Flauren Dureau, one of
the great jockeys, and I tower over him by like
two or maybe even three inches.
Speaker 6 (41:25):
It is a big time for me.
Speaker 13 (41:26):
I love those pictures.
Speaker 3 (41:27):
If I could only take pictures with jockeys, I would
be extremely happy.
Speaker 13 (41:31):
By the way Leya looked at me.
Speaker 1 (41:33):
Yeah, Leah did look amazing. Yeah, we recapt that on
Friday to kentuckyo Oaks. Speaking of people who look amazing
or sometimes ridiculous, although the NFL players came out strong.
Here's Joe Burrow at the Metcala right there, strong look,
little double breasted action. I don't know what color that is,
some kind of bluish sage maybe. And then Saquon Barkley,
(41:54):
who is just riding high this off season. Just a classic,
great look from Meccala. I still have no idea, Judy,
what happens inside the Metcala?
Speaker 6 (42:02):
Do you? I have no idea.
Speaker 5 (42:05):
I've never attended the Metcala, that's for sure. They look fantastic.
Justin Jefferson is also there in like a voluminous jacket.
Speaker 6 (42:12):
He looks amazing. Hopefully we get that picture tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (42:15):
Next year, you're here, Judy, I feel
Hosts And Creators
Judy Battista
Tom Pelissero
Ian Rapaport
Mike Garafolo
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