NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport are joined by Steve Wyche to break down the start of Rookie Minicamps across the league, with a closer look at the Giants, Browns, and Steelers. Former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant shares his take on Dallas trading for George Pickens, alongside Insiders Steve Wyche and Jane Slater. Adam Rank asks, “What are they thinking?” in response to the Steelers, Bears, and Abdul Carter requesting retired players’ jersey numbers. Plus, the must-have fantasy flex players for your 2025 roster.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
We've talked about them for months. Now it is time
to see the class of twenty twenty five out on
the grass or community camps are underway with twenty six teams.
We will show you scenes from all of them over
the next sixty minutes. That includes the Giants, whose top
pick Abduel.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Carter Breaking finally has a number.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
We will discuss expectations for him in the Big Apple
and what could lie ahead for fellow first round pick
Jackson Dart in a crowded QB room. We also have
a special guest tonight who knows a little something while
being a high profile wide receiver in Dallas. So does
Dez Bryant think George Pickens has that star power? We
(00:48):
will ask him what Dez joins us for in the interview.
Make sure you catch it, because we all know Dez
did it. Welcome inside with the Insiders alongside Ian Rappaport,
I am Tom Pelisaro. One hundred and eighteen days out
from the kickoff game to the twenty twenty five NFL season,
just five days away from the big schedule release show
(01:10):
that is next Wednesday night. But you know what this looks, feels,
even smells like a football Friday, because we got rookie
kamvs all over the NFL. Cam Ward up there in
the top left, out there on the field for the
first time, Travis Hunter is out there in a Jaguars uniform.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
We got Will Campbell.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
We've got Abduel Carter not pictured from that giant social post.
Their other first round draft pick, Jackson Dart. New York
traded back into the first round not to go get
schnor Saators, but to get this man who they believe
could be their quarterback of the future. Dart spoke with
reporters after his first practice with some thoughts on being
(01:50):
coached by Brian Dable.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
I mean, I think a lot of people have seen,
you know, the process a little bit on hard knocks,
but it's intense. You know, I kind of had an
idea coming into it, you know that I had to
make sure that I was on my p's and q's
and I walked in.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
So it was super fun.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I think that at the same time, you know, me
and him were able to just form like an organic relationship,
and you know, they definitely tested me, you know, harder
than any other you know team throughout this process, and
you know, I was just grateful to to to come
here and to take that challenge on and you know,
be around these great coaches.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
Let's welcome Steve Whitch into the conversation.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Ian.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
The Giants quarterback off season has been unique, to say
the least signing Jamis Winston, first signing Russell Wilson, taking
Stabs and a few other quarterbacks along the way, and
then the big trade to get back in the first
round and take a quarterback in Jackson Dart who fits
the archetype that Brian Dable in visions at the position.
(02:45):
How do you imagine this offseason is going to play
out for the Giants who are hoping finally they've got
their franchise guy.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Now, First of all, I like how Aaron Rodgers is
some other guy is some other quarterbacks in too kind
of a dabble with Rodgers did end up with Russell Wilson,
who I would say is their presumptive starter right now,
Which is the best case scenario for Jackson Dart.
Speaker 5 (03:07):
You're right, Tom, the Giants ended up with a quarterback.
Speaker 4 (03:10):
I would think it's fair to say for the first
time in several years that they really really like wanted
selected ran through the entire process and have now landed
on their team. Jackson dart is exactly what Brian day
Ball has been hoping their quarterback situation would be.
Speaker 5 (03:25):
And it's not just the on the field stuff.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Although the way he throws the ball, the way he
performed in college, way he performed at the Senior Bowl,
the way he performed in those private workouts and pro
days and all that, all of that is good. But
the other stuff too, kind of the swag, the mental stuff.
You know, he mentioned that the Giants steve tested him
as much as anyone in part among the reasons where
the Giants drafted him was how he dealt with that
(03:49):
mental stuff, how he responded in those meeting, those grill sessions.
There is a lot to like for the Giants and
Jackson dart and the way their quarterback room is set
up now he does not have to play right away.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
He can just learn, which might be the best thing
of all of it.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
Well could be. He talking about the swag with bobt
the ice. Every time we see Jackson.
Speaker 7 (04:08):
Dart Man, he is iced up, like you know, he
got diamonds all over the right place. But you know,
one thing is intriguing you talked about the veterans in
that room, you know, Russell Wilson, Jamis Winston, Jackson Dart.
Don't you does this sound like one of those veteran
players could.
Speaker 6 (04:20):
End up being traded?
Speaker 7 (04:22):
Should Jackson Dart show that he's ready to be the
backup and at some point if another team needs to
be a quarterback, Hey.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
Guys, we got Jamis Winston up here.
Speaker 7 (04:30):
We have somebody who's draft capital, you know, bring back
a pick to the Giants and someone can go help
out another team. So they've really insulated themselves in a
lot of regards in terms of building their quarterback room
for the short term and the future, and also having
a player that could also bring them back some assets
in terms of trade value, be it Jameis Winston or
(04:51):
Russell Wilson.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
It's a really interesting point because we have seen quarterbacks
get traded before, even on one year deals. Remember years
ago Teddy Bridge Warner, Yeah, got traded during cam up
without playing a game for the New York Jets. I
also am reminded of that with the Eagles back in
twenty sixteen, where they were going into the offseason going
all the way through with Sam Bradford all of a sudden,
Teddy Bridgewater is the guy who gets hurt. They end
(05:13):
up trading Bradford and rolling with a guy named Carson
Wentz who was playing like an MVP candidate until.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
He hurt his knee.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
That's, of course, not the only Giants' first round pick here.
We also have to talk about Abduall Carter, mainly because
in order to practice he had to put on a
new number. It's fifty one. It's not fifty six, it's
not eleven. He could not get either of those numbers.
Kyle Brandt suggested on Good Morning Football a few days ago, Hey,
just smash him together and you create fifty one. Well,
(05:41):
here he is, Dick putkis James Ferrier, now Abduall Carter
wearing that number fifty one jersey in Cleveland. Shador Sanders
also ended up with a number that he was not
previously accustomed to. It's number twelve, not the two that
he wore at the University of Colorado. Some people in
sanders orbit did not seem overly thrilled that that number
(06:03):
was given to DeAndre Carter instead. But when you're a
fifth round pick, you don't necessarily have those options. Dylan
Gabriel took the first rep up the third round pick,
ahead of Shador Sanders and rookie Camp, although Kevin Stefanski says,
don't read too much into anything at this time of year.
Speaker 8 (06:21):
There's plenty of reps. There's a lot of time between
now and September, so uh, we'll have a plan. But
it's an all encompassing evaluation. It's not something that that's
just based on the practice reps. There's a lot that
goes into it.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
I'm struck by ian In just you know, flipping around
channels today while working out, and you've got debates about
is Shadur going to be a pro bowler? Is Shadur
qb One the NFL social accounts posting Shador Sanders first
daid press this doesn't ever happen with a fifth round pick.
It has created a very unique dynamic, at least in
(06:56):
terms of how Kevin Stefanski has to approach this because
not only does he have a guy that drafted two
rounds earlier, can he pick it until flak over there
as well?
Speaker 5 (07:04):
Well?
Speaker 4 (07:04):
And you're right, I mean, this is not the treatment
that most first rounders get. I mean, maybe like number
one overall pick but this year's number one overall pick
definitely not getting that treatment. It is Shador Sanders, in
part because of the publicity that came to him in
his epic draft fall, really one of the most dramatic
draft situations we have seen in several years. But this
(07:24):
is part of it, Tom, This is part of it.
This is part of the reason why a guy who's
talented enough to go in the first round falls to
the fifth round, because if he's not going to be
your starter, do you want all of those clicks surrounding
your quarterback who's buried on your depth chart. I would
also say that none of that actually matters, right because
the debate about whether or not Shador Sanders is going
(07:44):
to be a franchise quarterback is almost certainly not going
to be answered this year.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
And the way this is set up, with him being really.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Just a flyer, a lottery ticket for the Browns, they
don't have to find anything out. He doesn't need to play,
he doesn't need to be forced on the field, He
didn't need to be the backup Dylan Abriel manned up
as the back of anyway, Shador Sanders has an unbelievable luxury.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
He may not see it like this.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
I'm sure he doesn't, but he has an incredible luxury
of not having to do anything his rookie year, just fading.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Into the background as much as possible and just learning.
Hold up, he's got to make the team.
Speaker 6 (08:19):
He's a fifth round draft pick.
Speaker 7 (08:20):
They've already got three other quarterbacks, two of them were
veterans who started a lot of games, and then Dylan
Gabriel third round draft pick, who's a good player as well.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Sue. You know, we can sit here and say Shador's
got the luxury.
Speaker 9 (08:31):
Of sitting back.
Speaker 7 (08:31):
He has got to earn a roster spot because typically
teams don't stash quarterbacks on practice squads. Some do, but
Shador Sanders goes to a practice squad, someone's gonna claim it.
So he's either got to earn a roster spot or
he can be on another team's roster. So that's what's
intriguing about all of this. I do like Kevin Stefanski
coming out and saying, just because Dylan Gabriel got the
first shot at reps today, don't put too much into
(08:53):
it because right now they're probably gonna get balanced reps.
Speaker 6 (08:56):
When you need to start paying attentions when they get.
Speaker 7 (08:59):
Into the on field part of OTA's how many reps
is shuduar standers getting then, because it's Joe Flacco, He's
still gonna get some.
Speaker 6 (09:06):
He's got to get acclimated.
Speaker 7 (09:07):
You know, we know, Kenny Pickett's got to get some.
Dylan Gabriel's got to get some. If all of a
sudden shar standers is getting those post practice reps with
the backup wide receivers who want some extra work, that's.
Speaker 6 (09:17):
When you really have to keep an eye on.
Speaker 7 (09:19):
Okay, where is his head and what is his chance
to really make this team?
Speaker 1 (09:23):
And nobody's ever questioned the work ethic component with Shadoor senders.
He is going to put in the time. He wants
to be really good at this. One of the many
storylines to come. The preseason in particular, are going to
be fascinating to watch unfold on a network where we
happen to broadcast every single one of those preseason games.
Lador's old teammate Travis Hunter out on the field in
(09:44):
uniform for the first time today as well, wearing his
familiar number twelve, now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars,
and notably at least in this video playin wide receiver.
That's where it's going to begin for Travis Hunter, though
they're also going to integrate him on.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Defense many it's his lot. Mason Taylor also.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Out on the field for the first time, the son
of one time Jets defensive end Jason Taylor, who probably
would be preferred to be known for his time with
some other teams, but did play for the Jets. Mason
now out there in a new number that he said, Hey,
they just gave me this and I really don't care.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
That's a refreshing thing to hear.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Cam Ward, no surprise, the number one overall pick, and
he is indeed number one in their hearts and number
one on the score sheet for the first time, the
number one overall pick, whose placement in this segment probably
tells you how much we've actually talked about cam Ward.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Yes, he's out there.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
That not declaring him QB one yet, but all indications
are it will go that direction. Will Cambill also out
on the field, the Patriots drop draft pick, participating in
Patriots rookie MINNI camp. He has yet to sign his
rookie contract. That is not uncommon, but in rookie camps.
Unlike in training camp, you can sign a participation agreement
that allows you to be out on the field. Colston
(10:57):
Loveland did already sign his contract with the Chicago Bears,
one of the many toys that new head coach Ben
Johnson is going to be playing with. As Colston knows well,
Ben as a bit of a reputation for creativity.
Speaker 10 (11:13):
I'm a big fan. I love like his spirit is energy.
He's super like determined, he's ready to go. He's ready
to take this thing to the top. And he's no
nice guy. He's gonna I see him getting getting on
butt and you know, getting on people's butts and a
little but fired up to like super excited. I'm loving
how he coaches. It's early and I'm excited to play
(11:33):
for him.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Steelers rookies also in the building for their rookie camp.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
I love this.
Speaker 1 (11:40):
I want more slow motion shots of guys wearing socks
under sandals getting off the bus. This is what gets
the juices flowing at this time of year. Also, you
know what else helps trading a top wide receiver a
couple of days before that rookie mini camp.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
That's what the Steelers did sending George.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
Pickens to the analysts in exchange for a twenty twenty
six third round pick. Teams also flopping late round picks
in twenty twenty seven.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
That did raise a lot of.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Questions, at least from Steelers fans about exactly what the
plan is. Gm Omar Khan answered some of those questions today.
Speaker 11 (12:15):
No, we just kind of talked about it, you know,
lots of serious conversation on his conversations, and we just
felt that a fresh star for both sides was the
right thing. We wouldn't have done this if we didn't
feel good about the receiver situation, about our depth here.
You know, I know people make the comparison by last year,
it's not even close to being the same. Like we
(12:37):
made the investment with DK, We've had another year with
some of the young guys and gotten to know them,
watch them develop. We had a Robert Woods Romans healthy.
I've seen him the last couple of weeks out here
and how he's doing. And we saw how he was
progressing at the end of last year. Obviously he didn't
get the chance to get on the field, but there
(12:58):
was some excitement there. But we have a good group,
you know, there's some guys that Kim are back and
we've seen their growth and have another year under our
belt with them and feel good about it.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
That's quote from Omar contain a fresh start is good
for everyone. Probably is telling because on one hand you
have George Pickens, the person who nobody says he's a
bad guy, but he had had tardiness issues in terms
of meetings. There are a couple of games where he
showed up after the ninety man cut off for turning
in inactives. There were the personal fouls. It sounds like
(13:31):
it took a lot of energy out of the building.
On the other side of it is a really, really
talented player who can make some unbelievable catches.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
Now he's going to be doing that in Dallas.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Well, there's so many things here, guys, and Omar Khan
being pretty transparent and addressing all of them earlier today,
We'll start with the part that to me seems the
most relevant is it does seem like they are hoping
that it is additioned by subtraction. And I'm not saying
that George Pickens took away from the room, but you're right,
it was a lot. It was a lot of energy
from coaches and other people are around the team and
(14:02):
around the building.
Speaker 5 (14:03):
It was a lot of energy from reporters.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
It was essentially a lightning rod in part because he
is so unbelievably talented that you wanted to get the
very best out of him on the field. But there's
so many other weapons that we just haven't really seen.
And that's kind of the other part, which is that
the Steelers depth of receiver. I mean, obviously Dk, we
know Steve, but the Steelers depth of receiver we really
(14:25):
haven't seen. And this is a vote of confidence for
all the guys in the locker room who may not
have been everything you wanted last year, but get better
and you hope to see them getting better on the
field this year for the Steelers.
Speaker 7 (14:37):
You're right, we know Ian when omar content, it's a
good fresh start for everybody. That means they want to
exhale get him out of the building.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
We know that.
Speaker 7 (14:45):
You know, we just signed DK metcalf to a dealer
has paid him thirty million dollars a year. George Pickens
is going to want something in you know, in that
range if he has the type of season that he's
capable of and they knew that could get sticky as well,
so go ahead and get him out, get some trade compensation,
give Dallas a really good player to go with CD Lamb,
and let's see how this is going to work offensively,
especially how Aaron Rodgers fits in, because I don't think
(15:06):
they're done adding to that receiver room. And if Aaron
Rodgers does show up, they'll probably add one to his
buddies or someone that he's familiar with that wide receiver
room as well.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
They've also got Calvin Austin, who they like a lot.
They signed Robert Woods, they got Roman Wilson, a third
round pick last year, really didn't play because of injuries.
They're hopeful they get something there as well. And as
long as you brought up Aaron Rodgers here, Steve, I
would also note Aaron Rodgers, we know is very exacting
with his wide receivers. He wants to know where you're
going to be on the field. Maybe there's some other
(15:35):
guys would be a better fit with him than George Pickens.
Get ready for the twenty twenty five NFL season Like
never before, but the highly anticipated NFL schedule release, every
game revealed, every rivalry, every rematch, every rookie debut next
Wednesday night, APM Eastern time.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Mark your calendar.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Get all the details at NFL dot com slash schedule release.
Speaker 12 (15:59):
Throws it over the brant, They throw slap the as
that he cut it over the shoulder, dropped it in touchdown,
back of the end, John leaping Bryant cut it touchdown
and there's your big plane.
Speaker 6 (16:15):
I went back to the insiders.
Speaker 7 (16:17):
I'm Steve White, now joined by Jane Slater and that
man number eighty eight does Bryant.
Speaker 6 (16:23):
Let's all throw up the X to get this party started.
Speaker 13 (16:28):
You know what does I love that when you drive
around Dallas, people still love to pull up next to
you and throw up the X. Not a lot of
people know the origin of that story. Why did you
start throwing up the X in the first place?
Speaker 9 (16:42):
Oh man?
Speaker 14 (16:42):
You know, Jane, just overcoming all of that version in
my life, you know, and that was part of it,
you know, just believing in myself and just xing now
all the negativity and then the other side of it,
you know, letting the defense know. You know, I'm the
man to watch.
Speaker 6 (16:58):
All right.
Speaker 7 (16:58):
Well, on that note, then you just cowboys guy, no
matter you play for the Ravens in this age, your
Cowboys guy, they just traded for George Pickens. Your thoughts
on that deal, him joining Ceedee Lamb now, man, you.
Speaker 9 (17:12):
Know I love it. You know.
Speaker 14 (17:14):
That is unlike the Cowboys, and see the Cowboys go
out and get a playmaker like that says a lot
about where they're trying to.
Speaker 9 (17:23):
Go this year. You know, there's no more excuses.
Speaker 14 (17:25):
You know, fans including myself, Hey, we got to give
mister Jones Stephen Jones.
Speaker 9 (17:31):
Will McLay album God's break.
Speaker 14 (17:33):
They going out there doing what they're supposed to do
to make this team better.
Speaker 9 (17:36):
They went out and got that the hell of a piece.
Speaker 14 (17:38):
You know, George Pickens, he won of a cond you know,
you put them with Ceedee Lamb.
Speaker 9 (17:43):
Man, that's trouble. That's trouble. That's trouble for defenses.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
What do you like about his game?
Speaker 5 (17:49):
Does?
Speaker 13 (17:49):
And then you know even some of these comparisons about
you know, he's a young guy, he's emotionally wants the ball.
As someone who had similar criticisms about you and your
emotions on the old what's your defensive Pickens?
Speaker 14 (18:02):
I love piggins attitude. You know it is for a
guy like Piggins. It's easily for him to be misunderstood.
You know, for the guys who actually played the game,
they know the game of football, understands exactly what Piggins
is coming from.
Speaker 9 (18:15):
You know, he'll playmac. He wants the ball, you know,
and you know.
Speaker 14 (18:18):
When you got a guy like that with such a
raw talent, you got to.
Speaker 9 (18:21):
Get him the ball, you know.
Speaker 14 (18:23):
And Pittsburgh, you know, they didn't do a great job
of doing that, you know, matching him up with a
guy like Ceedee Lamb, Dak Prescott, you know, with you know,
with the elite offense. You know, I can this guy's
up for him. You know, we're gonna see this guy
do damage.
Speaker 6 (18:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (18:38):
Look, it's gonna be the best quarterback that George Pickens
has played with. So this is gonna be an interesting offense.
But you talk about a guy who wants the ball.
Travis Hunter is the most the most intriguing rookie in
this year's draft class, number two to Jacksonville both sides
of the ball.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
Does what do you think about Travis Hunter?
Speaker 7 (18:55):
His talents and him playing mainly wide receiver to start
out with, but also doling on defense.
Speaker 14 (19:01):
You know, first and foremost always thought Trevor someone was
a wide receiver. You know, he's a hell of a playmaker,
you know, on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 9 (19:08):
But I think that's where.
Speaker 14 (19:09):
He shines, you know, in my opinion, as you as
we see that fade right there, you know, is just
one of a con. You know, only a certain type
of player that can make that type of play, and.
Speaker 9 (19:19):
It's not many.
Speaker 14 (19:20):
He's one of them. Far as him, I'm being even
on the defensive side. His instincts are incredible, you know,
Like I said, he's one of a con. So I
think he could do both. You know, Jack was, They're
just gonna have to manage a little bit. But I
think Trafford's gonna, you know, go to the league and
(19:41):
you know, just be outstanding on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
You know, you've got it.
Speaker 13 (19:46):
You've got a young fourteen year old Dez Junior who's
coming up in the game. I see some of the
great videos of you guys out there. He's playing a
little wide receiver and quarterback. What's it like coaching the
next kid? Do you think that he's got potential to
be in the league after watching you know, Dione Sanders,
a guy that played in this league at a high level,
and the way that he's coached up and mentored his son.
(20:09):
What's your approach with with your kid?
Speaker 14 (20:11):
Well, you know, I think my approach is, uh, when
me and my boy out there, I'm less of a father,
you know. I think I'm his worst critic. I think
that's I think by me playing that you know, role
in his life, I think that would get him prepared,
(20:34):
you know, for anything you know that he might face,
not just on the football field.
Speaker 9 (20:39):
But you know in the real world.
Speaker 14 (20:40):
You know, his his path to this is a lot
different from mine.
Speaker 9 (20:45):
You know, my wild is a lot different, you know
from his.
Speaker 14 (20:47):
You know, I struggled, you know, I had something that
you know that that built that dog and that monster me.
You know, with him growing up having everything that he
wan't you know, living you know, a good life. He
got a different way and he gotta find that and
that's going to be through different types of hard work
and you know, on motivation.
Speaker 9 (21:05):
And I think he's been doing a you know, a
hell of.
Speaker 14 (21:07):
A job that you know, just you know, beating the
challenges that I put in front of him, you know,
and you know I tell them all the time. You know,
you're not living up to me. You're building yourself. You know,
we just had the same name. You know, I don't
want him fill in my shoes. I want him to
be better than me. You know, if God said the same,
that's what I'm hoping. I hope that's what we see.
Speaker 7 (21:29):
I love hearing this days, you know, you saying something
like that, You getting that timing with your son. One
last question before we get out of here, because a
lot of teams are starting their rookie mini camps.
Speaker 6 (21:37):
We know we just had the draft.
Speaker 7 (21:39):
This notion of rookies who haven't played it down in
the NFL asking some of the greatest players in the
NFL to unretire their jersey.
Speaker 6 (21:49):
Numbers for them.
Speaker 7 (21:50):
We know in Dallas they don't retire jersey numbers, but
you were the eighty eight. That's a legacy number. Drew Pearson,
Michael Irvan, now Ceedee Lamb has it. What are your
thoughts on it? Young his youngsters come in the league
asking for the number like that.
Speaker 14 (22:04):
Oh man, i'ma be honest with you. I think I
think it's when I see Carter, you know, Axe, Lawrence
Taylor and Field Silms.
Speaker 9 (22:11):
For those numbers.
Speaker 14 (22:12):
I think he's doing it with a great you know,
respect to those guys, and you know, I think it's
just more motivation, you know. I think it was a
more motivational thing for him to be, like, you know,
what I want to be, you know, a giant. I
want to be viewed as a future giants, you know, legend,
you know.
Speaker 9 (22:28):
So I didn't really see any wrong in it, you.
Speaker 14 (22:30):
Know, but the guys respectfully declined, and I think I think.
Speaker 9 (22:35):
They held it the right way. And I think Carter
gonna be a legend. You know.
Speaker 14 (22:38):
I just don't want to performing well against the boys,
but I do think he's going to be a future star.
He got all the talent in the world, you know,
and I'm wishing him. I'm wishing him much success except
against the Cowboys.
Speaker 7 (22:50):
There you go, He's gonna establish his own number. Like
you said, your son is gonna not walk in your
shoe for walking his Brian Jay Slater, thank you so much.
Speaker 6 (22:58):
Showed up one more time, yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Time Now for what are they thinking with Adam Rank
joining me?
Speaker 2 (23:11):
Tom Pelli Serowhonian rapport here on.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
The Insider's just heard Dez Bryant's takeaways from that big
George Pickens trade.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Adam, I pose this to you.
Speaker 15 (23:20):
What are they think you exactly?
Speaker 16 (23:23):
What are the Pittsburgh Steelers thinking trading away a talent
likes George Pickens And a lot of people were talking
about addition by subtraction? Is this not the same team
that once had Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell in the
same locker room and now George Pickens is too much
of an issue? Is this like when Dave Msstaine got
kicked out of Metallica for drinking too much?
Speaker 15 (23:44):
Lars was walking around with an ivy of Jack Daniels.
Speaker 16 (23:47):
Is like, no, Dave draging a little too much, had
to get rid of George Pickens. But you know what,
the Steelers always seemed to rebound every time they let
go of a receiver. It's the teams that receive a
Steelers receiver on are the Cowboys thinking? Did you not
learned about anybody who had Antonio Brown? About how the
Bears had to deal with Chase Claypool, whatever's going on
with Deontay Johnson. What Steelers receiver has gone on to
(24:10):
great success? He might say, Plexico Burris won a Super
Bowl with the Giants. YEA also shot himself in the
leg What are they thinking, Dallas Cowboys?
Speaker 15 (24:18):
Although you know what it might.
Speaker 9 (24:19):
Work out for him?
Speaker 5 (24:19):
Hold on, so you hated for both teams. No one's
thinking anything.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
That's what I do.
Speaker 15 (24:26):
Let's get to it more important.
Speaker 4 (24:29):
I got We'll get to a more important topic. Okay,
there was some big news today that I had sent
on for my Twitter account right before I went to
go play golf in the rain. Abdul Carter has a number.
It is fifty one. His long journey is over? Or
Taylor said no? Phil Simms said no. Ken Norton Junior,
(24:51):
I don't know. I'm sure there are other fifty ones
said yes, what is he thinking picking this number or whatever.
Speaker 5 (24:58):
Else you hate in this situation?
Speaker 16 (25:00):
Well, I was like, what is he think of asking
for number fifty six?
Speaker 6 (25:03):
That's a pretty bold dude.
Speaker 16 (25:05):
Hey, Kyle Manungui, I'm pretty sure didn't walk into Chicago
and be like, hey.
Speaker 15 (25:09):
Can I have number thirty four?
Speaker 6 (25:11):
Because you have deference.
Speaker 16 (25:12):
In respect for the guys whose number was retired. Lawrence
Taylor is still a legend in New York. He still
walks among us. Let him enjoy having his number retire.
He's one of the best players in the game. I
forget who was in the top one hundred of all
time players. I'm pretty confident that Lawrence Taylor was somewhere
near the top.
Speaker 15 (25:33):
He revolutionized the game.
Speaker 16 (25:35):
There is no way you should be asking for Lawrence
Taylor's number.
Speaker 15 (25:39):
As a matter of fact, I think the best.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Way that we did it.
Speaker 16 (25:42):
What's a couple of years ago when JJ Watt went
to the Arizona Cardinals and he wanted to wear number
ninety nine, the number ninety nine was retired for Marshall
Goldberg and outside of me, and that's about it. Maybe
Dave Damischik. Nobody's heard of Marshall Goldberg, but you know
what he asked the family and then it was also
Jay Watt, a future Hall of Famer. That's the kind
(26:03):
of guy who can ask to take a number out
of the Raptors first round back and draft pick.
Speaker 15 (26:08):
You're great.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
No, you got to earn that, Adam.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
I'm told that somewhere on talk radio or the deep
reaches of the Internet, there Bears fans saying that after
bringing in Colson Loveland, they should now trade away some
of their playmakers. I'm not on Bears Reddit, so I
haven't read it. But what are they think you?
Speaker 16 (26:27):
It's annoying me, Tom, I can't deal with these people anymore. Again,
these are the same guys that are upset that Luthor
Bird and the Third didn't get Bronco Negersky's number, Like,
what are we doing?
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Listen, Colson Lovelin.
Speaker 16 (26:41):
Could be a very good player, Luther Bird and the
Third can be a very good player.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
That does not.
Speaker 16 (26:45):
Mean that you trade away Dj Moore and Cole kamt.
You know what it's the Bears were a five win.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
Team last season.
Speaker 16 (26:50):
I'm not, much to my chagrin, whenever you get an
influx of talent keep it around. Why don't you just
kind of keep everybody and try to go out there.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
And in games.
Speaker 16 (27:00):
This is not a situation where the Bears should be
giving away talent. Please, everybody out there on Bear's Reddit,
Bear's Twitter, the guys who were drinking old style out
there in oswego stop it.
Speaker 15 (27:14):
We're keeping all of our players.
Speaker 2 (27:16):
Please.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Pretty sure they're drinking vodka and milk for the pope
out there tonight, but we'll let that slide.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
Rank.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
Thank you very much. Look forward to chatting with you again.
Sue and Jalen Walker to the list of first round
picks who have already signed their rookie contracts. The Falcons
and Walker agreed to terms earlier today. One of the
two pass rushers Atlanta added in Round one of the
(27:42):
draft and Boys, Raheem Morris, excited to not answer those
questions anymore.
Speaker 17 (27:48):
That's got a change and the only way you can
change that is to change that. And that was a
part of the process, very intentional tow going out and
trying to fix the edge room. And it's very intention
to go out and fix our rush to find, you know,
and not still not terrorism to find pressure players. And
it was very intensied to be able to do that,
and we was able to do that in the first
round with those two guys that we were going to
(28:08):
add there, to be able to get those guys, going
to be able to add Leonett Floyd within free agency,
to be too some things there, to add three guys
that were not here last year that you expect to
have significant roles in your pass rush and your pressure players.
Speaker 1 (28:22):
Welcome back to the Insiders, Tom Pella, sero, Ian Rapaport,
and Steve White. Steve, you are very close to that
Falcons organization. You know, Raheem Morris, you know that this
was probably the storyline besides the whole quarterback thing around
that team for the past couple of years.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
When are they going to get a pass rusher? They
got to what do they expect?
Speaker 7 (28:39):
Well, and they give one of them Julio Jones's numbers.
Speaker 6 (28:42):
Since we're talking about Jersey.
Speaker 7 (28:43):
Numbers, I'm sorry, too soon for me, but anyway, Jayden
Walker number eleven, and getting James Pierce as well. It's
about time, right The Atlanta Falcons have not had a
consistent pass rusher. Everyone in Atlanta knows this since John Abraham.
He hasn't played in fifteen years. So to go out
and get two players who could affect the game off
the corners, you only have.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
To play them situationally. Right now, as.
Speaker 7 (29:06):
Raheem Morris dis mentioned, they got the veteran Leonard Floyd.
They've got Arnold Ebacktny there as well. What's interesting right
now is Jalen Walker. He was mainly an off the
ball type of player. They're gonna keep working him more
and more at edge, but he's gonna be one of
these hybrid guys like Abdul Carter moving around a little
bit now you've got James Pierce.
Speaker 6 (29:25):
He's more of a true rush guy.
Speaker 7 (29:27):
But the one thing about him here you're seeing on
video rushing off the left end, he can also rush
off the right end, and he can reduce inside the tackle.
So the one thing Raheem Morris got on these two
rush players off the edge are also two guys who
are going to allow him to game and mix up
packages to really confuse offenses. They have to hope that
these guys can produce early. And look, if you get
(29:50):
four sacks from each of those guys, that's two more
sacks than any individual player got last year.
Speaker 6 (29:55):
For the Falcons.
Speaker 7 (29:56):
So if you get two for the price of one,
one for the price of two, however you want to
spin it, it should be better than what they've had
consistently when it comes to an individual sack player.
Speaker 4 (30:04):
Yeah, and no matter what happens, Steve, they're not going
to go into the trade deadline now being like gotta
get an edge's gotta get an edge. Those questions at
least have been addressed. One question that has not yet
been addressed is the future of Kirk Cousins. Although I
think it's fair to say the fency is coming gone,
the draft is coming gone. As of right now, it
certainly appears Kirk Cousins is set to be their backup
(30:25):
quarterback for the twenty twenty five season. Obviously, if any
team needs a quarterback with starting experience, that would also,
by the way, include the Pittsburgh series. If Aaron Rodgers
doesn't go there, Cousins would be the first call. Which
is why we're going to be talking about Kirk Cousins
all the time this coming preseason, this coming actual season.
Speaker 5 (30:44):
Every time a.
Speaker 4 (30:45):
Quarterback gets hurt, the Falcons are going to be like, hey,
look at the guy we got. Maybe could could get
a potential premium draft pick for a guy who is
now their backup.
Speaker 5 (30:54):
All that conversation for the future. As of right now,
Cousins at least set in Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (31:00):
A twenty seven point five million dollar backup quarterback in Atlanta.
Speaker 2 (31:05):
Stay tuned for the end of that saga.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
Elsewhere in the NFC south of Meca, Buca also signing
his rookie contract, participating in the Bucks rookie mini camp today,
another weapon for Baker Mayfield and company. Down there in Tampa.
Pryce Young also got a new playmaker, t Mac McMillan
Tenoro McMillan signing his rookie contract officially, He too took
(31:29):
part in mini camp today a little bit more dynamic
NFC South, which is kind of what happens when you're
drafting in the top half of the first round.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
Repeatedly get ready for the.
Speaker 4 (31:43):
Twenty twenty five NFL season like never before with the
highly highly anticipated NFL schedule release. Every game revealed, every rivalry,
every matchup, every rematch, every rookie debut. Wednesday, May fourteenth,
market kunder all the details at nfl dot com slash
Schedule release. Ah, there's nothing better than bringing back our
(32:07):
good friend Adam Rank.
Speaker 5 (32:09):
Who hates everyone.
Speaker 4 (32:10):
It's one of the best things we learned a couple
segments ago in this show. Now he's going to learn
which football a Fantasy Football flex players he really hates
and which he actually likes. Saquon Barkley is number one
flex option. Obviously had a ton of shake up this offseason.
I want Rank to break it all down. So that's
his top ten list, Hi, Rank, that's his top ten
(32:32):
list right there. I want you to take me through
some players you really like, or at least players you
believe deserve deeper analysis.
Speaker 5 (32:39):
Won't you give me a running back to start us off?
Speaker 2 (32:41):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (32:42):
Devin H.
Speaker 16 (32:42):
Chan is a player that was very productive last season
for the Miami Dolphins. A lot of fantasy enthusiasts love him.
When my list came out, there were people who were
upset that he wasn't high enough. I still have him
as an RB one. I think he's going to be
very good this year for the Miami Dolphins. When Tua
is healthy, this offense is a lot better. However, one
of the things that we noticed last season is that
(33:04):
a Chan's efficiency it went down a little bit when
they gave him a ton of carries. Now he carried
the ball over two hundred times last season. He went
from a rookie season where he's averaging seven yards per
carry down to just under five.
Speaker 15 (33:18):
I honestly believe.
Speaker 16 (33:18):
In listening to the coaches, they're going to limit his
carries a little bit. He's still going to be highly
effective catching the ball out of the backfield. So I
still love him as an RB one. I just don't
have him as high as a lot of other people.
Speaker 5 (33:30):
That's good reasoning. Let's break down another one for me.
Speaker 4 (33:33):
Once you give me a tight end, and I will
say this, I know who you're going to talk about.
Speaker 5 (33:37):
Should just make my head explode while you talk about it.
Speaker 6 (33:40):
You know.
Speaker 16 (33:40):
It's one of those things Ian like I every year
at the end of the season, I'm like, I'm never
drafting this player again. I'm not going to go through this.
And then every spring they're like, you know what, Kyle
Pitts is starting to look pretty good. All the coaches
are talking them up.
Speaker 6 (33:53):
I knew it.
Speaker 16 (33:54):
I knew as the words were coming out of my
app mouth at the end of last season where I
was officially done with Kyle Pitts that like this will
never happen again, Like mah, you know what.
Speaker 15 (34:03):
You kind of.
Speaker 16 (34:04):
Romanticize the past, you know, and you're like, you know what,
getting detention in high school wasn't that bad. It was
sort of fun. I read Fahrenheit four fifty one. It
wasn't all bad. But here's the thing. When you talk
about Michael Pennix and you're talking about a developing quarterback
in Atlanta last season, we really believed that Kirk Cousins
was going to be the guy who would unlock him. Obviously,
(34:25):
it did not work out the way that we wanted
it to.
Speaker 15 (34:27):
I think a lot of it.
Speaker 16 (34:28):
Kirk was still coming back from a devastating injury and
it took it.
Speaker 2 (34:31):
Just not the same player.
Speaker 16 (34:33):
I think with Michael Pennix there, you can give Kyle
Pitts an opportunity. If I miss out on one of
the elite tight ends, Kyle Pitts is going to be
a player that I'm looking at.
Speaker 4 (34:45):
Why don't you tell me about a player we've sort
of tangentially talked about this show and really every show
for the last week, Ceedee Lamb. Obviously the Cowboys added
George Pickens. Perhaps you heard protect you, perhaps you talked
about it. How does this affect Ceede Lamb in your mind?
Speaker 16 (35:00):
Well, a lot of people ask this question to him
because they're concerned. They're like, hey, is George Pickens gonna
end up funneling a lot of targets away from him?
Is it going to hurt Ceedee Lamb. I actually really
like this for Ceedee Lamb. I think having a dynamic
playmaker on the opposite side of you. There are a
few players in the NFL who stretched the field like
George Pickens does.
Speaker 15 (35:19):
So George Pickens is out there.
Speaker 16 (35:21):
For seventeen games, fifteen games, whatever it is out there
stretching the field. There is a real opportunity that Ceedee
Lamb goes back up to being the number one wide
receiver in fantasy football like he was two seasons ago.
Speaker 15 (35:34):
Took a little bit.
Speaker 16 (35:35):
Of a step back last year, which is fine that happens.
Love it for Ceede Lamb. And honestly, I don't I
don't honestly believe people.
Speaker 15 (35:42):
Talk enough about Dak Prescott.
Speaker 16 (35:45):
When you talk about quarterbacks who are unnecessarily maligned for
no reason.
Speaker 15 (35:50):
Dak Prescott is that guy.
Speaker 16 (35:52):
I honestly, he's a great quarterback and everybody acts like
he can't play the game. I think it'd be great
for Dak Prescott. And if I get an opportunity, if
I again, if you're waiting on a quarterback, one of
the top guys to wait on and go out and
draft would be Dak Prescott.
Speaker 5 (36:08):
Wow, was it.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
Even scheduled to be a topic in this segment? Still
get a little deck up? All right, give me one more,
give me one more. Spend the end of last year, obviously,
as it pertains, the Cincinnati Bank was talking about Chase Brown,
which shows you his importance.
Speaker 5 (36:22):
How does he fit into your rankings.
Speaker 16 (36:24):
Yeah, this is a player that's being undervalued in fantasy
drafts so far, and I believe it or not, fantasy
drafts are happening. But at the end of last year,
going from about weeks nine through seventeen, Chase Brown was
the running back four and just had an absolutely tremendous year.
He averaged around twenty four touches a game. He was
getting about one hundred and sixteen total yards. And this
(36:47):
was something going into last season. When I do my
State of the Franchise feature, I had Dan ord on
and we were talking about this and we were going,
I'm like, listen, I'm putting my neck out there for
Chase Brown. Dan, please tell me that he's to come through.
He gave me the green light. I fired it on
Chase Brown. Last year it paid off. You had to
be a little bit patient, But this year you got
(37:08):
to jump in on Chase Brown.
Speaker 15 (37:09):
That was not a mirage. He is going to come
back out.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
And kill it once again. Rank.
Speaker 4 (37:14):
You know I made fun of you earlier in this
segment for hating everyone.
Speaker 5 (37:17):
We don't hate you. We love you. Come back again
always great stuff.
Speaker 4 (37:21):
Thank you very much for hanging out with us on
a Friday night.
Speaker 1 (37:27):
Rookie mini camps underway for twenty six NFL teams today
and the number twenty two pick Omarion Hampton on the
field for the first time in eight Chargers uniform. This,
like the other three hundred and sixty four days a year,
probably the favorite one on the calendar for Chargers coach
Jim Harbaugh.
Speaker 18 (37:45):
This is a weekend. This is a day and a
weekend of evaluations. Really just mining for gold, you know, diamonds,
gems and like like those rare gems. They don't just
hop out of the ground and into your pocket. Uh,
(38:06):
you gotta dig, you gotta, you gotta go in there
and find them. So that's that's what I want to
do today, top of the list as a coach. And
you know, let the let the players know that, you know,
they they gotta they can make it known, you know,
by their talent and their effort. Uh, you know, scream
to us, uh through that that they want to be
(38:29):
a Charger.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Jackson, Sorry, it just gets me every time. How about
this the Raiders. That's Jackson Powers Johnson introducing himself to
a guy he's gonna be blocking for Ashton Genty.
Speaker 2 (38:44):
Big moves for the Raiders.
Speaker 1 (38:47):
In this offseason, including adding another playmaker Welcome back to
the Insiders, Tom Pellasaro, joined once again by Steve White. Steve,
the Chiefs have been winning the division every year since
pack Holmes was still playing baseball in Texas Tech. But
it's a lot of movement and shaken over these past
couple of years in that division.
Speaker 6 (39:06):
Yeah. Look, but three of these teams went to the
playoffs last year. So let's start with the Chargers.
Speaker 7 (39:10):
And you saw Jim Harbaugh talking about mining for goal
finding those gems. A player who's interesting to look out
for is an undrafted quarterback dj Ungle Ala. Remember he
was a five star recruit coming out started at Clemson,
Washington State, Florida State. Now he's there trying to be
the backup to Justin Herbert. If he makes the roster,
let's see if they can mine him. We know they
(39:30):
really upgraded talent at running back and at wide receiver.
They've got to score points. Now let's go to the Raiders.
You saw Ashton Genty right there. We know Pete Carroll
wants to run the football, but they're another team that
upgraded the talent at wide receiver with some of the
moves that they've made drafting Jack Besch, Dante Thornton, and
(39:51):
then Tommy Mallott, a former quarterback out of Montana State.
They're hoping he can be their Ladd McConkey to help
them get some points on the board. Let's also go
to another team, lash Denver Broncos surprised everyone.
Speaker 6 (40:03):
Bo Nicks comes out, plays very well.
Speaker 7 (40:06):
Let's not forget they added Evan Ingram and they added
rookie running back, the running back out of Central Florida.
Two players kind of the Alvin Kamara and the move
tight end type perfect for Sean Payton's offense.
Speaker 6 (40:18):
Rjie Hart.
Speaker 2 (40:19):
Gee, thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (40:23):
You thought we were going to talk about the Giants
rookies without showing you Cam Skataboo.
Speaker 2 (40:28):
Look at him. Colonel Sanders would love those thighs.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
Where number forty four in a Giants uniform for the
first time a rookie camp today. Tyler Shuck, rookie quarterback
out of Louisville also making his debut in a Saints uniform,
the second round quarterback, potentially a Week one starter, and
in Minnesota, their top pick offensive lineman Donovan Jackson get
warmed up getting the slow mo treatment. The bigger the man,
(40:53):
the better he looks in slow mo. Look at those
up downs. Even Stretchy looks exciting when he get at
a guard moving in slow motion. Welcome back to the Insiders,
Tom Piliicero, I rapport Steve Whites. What is the thing
that you would love to be shown doing in slow motion?
Speaker 10 (41:11):
Uh?
Speaker 6 (41:11):
It's fast, most of slow motion.
Speaker 7 (41:13):
I'm wishing all the mother's happy Mother's Day this weekend.
Speaker 6 (41:17):
Let's not forget about that very important what.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
It's mothers? You want to weekend?
Speaker 5 (41:25):
Well, how did you get some of the.
Speaker 2 (41:26):
Last every day?
Speaker 1 (41:28):
There's gonna be fine having a weekend. Everybody see Monday
We've talked about them for months. Now it is time
to see the class of twenty twenty five out on
the grass or community camps are underway with twenty six teams.
We will show you scenes from all of them over
the next sixty minutes. That includes the Giants, whose top
pick Abduel.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Carter Breaking finally has a number.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
We will discuss expectations for him in the Big Apple
and what could lie ahead for fellow first round pick
Jackson Dart in a crowded QB room. We also have
a special guest tonight who knows a little something while
being a high profile wide receiver in Dallas. So does
Dez Bryant think George Pickens has that star power? We
(00:48):
will ask him what Dez joins us for in the interview.
Make sure you catch it, because we all know Dez
did it. Welcome inside with the Insiders alongside Ian Rappaport,
I am Tom Pelisaro. One hundred and eighteen days out
from the kickoff game to the twenty twenty five NFL season,
just five days away from the big schedule release show
(01:10):
that is next Wednesday night. But you know what this looks, feels,
even smells like a football Friday, because we got rookie
kamvs all over the NFL. Cam Ward up there in
the top left, out there on the field for the
first time, Travis Hunter is out there in a Jaguars uniform.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
We got Will Campbell.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
We've got Abduel Carter not pictured from that giant social post.
Their other first round draft pick, Jackson Dart. New York
traded back into the first round not to go get
schnor Saators, but to get this man who they believe
could be their quarterback of the future. Dart spoke with
reporters after his first practice with some thoughts on being
(01:50):
coached by Brian Dable.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
I mean, I think a lot of people have seen,
you know, the process a little bit on hard knocks,
but it's intense. You know, I kind of had an
idea coming into it, you know that I had to
make sure that I was on my p's and q's
and I walked in.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
So it was super fun.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I think that at the same time, you know, me
and him were able to just form like an organic relationship,
and you know, they definitely tested me, you know, harder
than any other you know team throughout this process, and
you know, I was just grateful to to to come
here and to take that challenge on and you know,
be around these great coaches.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
Let's welcome Steve Whitch into the conversation.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Ian.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
The Giants quarterback off season has been unique, to say
the least signing Jamis Winston, first signing Russell Wilson, taking
Stabs and a few other quarterbacks along the way, and
then the big trade to get back in the first
round and take a quarterback in Jackson Dart who fits
the archetype that Brian Dable in visions at the position.
(02:45):
How do you imagine this offseason is going to play
out for the Giants who are hoping finally they've got
their franchise guy.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Now, First of all, I like how Aaron Rodgers is
some other guy is some other quarterbacks in too kind
of a dabble with Rodgers did end up with Russell Wilson,
who I would say is their presumptive starter right now,
Which is the best case scenario for Jackson Dart.
Speaker 5 (03:07):
You're right, Tom, the Giants ended up with a quarterback.
Speaker 4 (03:10):
I would think it's fair to say for the first
time in several years that they really really like wanted
selected ran through the entire process and have now landed
on their team. Jackson dart is exactly what Brian day
Ball has been hoping their quarterback situation would be.
Speaker 5 (03:25):
And it's not just the on the field stuff.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Although the way he throws the ball, the way he
performed in college, way he performed at the Senior Bowl,
the way he performed in those private workouts and pro
days and all that, all of that is good. But
the other stuff too, kind of the swag, the mental stuff.
You know, he mentioned that the Giants steve tested him
as much as anyone in part among the reasons where
the Giants drafted him was how he dealt with that
(03:49):
mental stuff, how he responded in those meeting, those grill sessions.
There is a lot to like for the Giants and
Jackson dart and the way their quarterback room is set
up now he does not have to play right away.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
He can just learn, which might be the best thing
of all of it.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
Well could be. He talking about the swag with bobt
the ice. Every time we see Jackson.
Speaker 7 (04:08):
Dart Man, he is iced up, like you know, he
got diamonds all over the right place. But you know,
one thing is intriguing you talked about the veterans in
that room, you know, Russell Wilson, Jamis Winston, Jackson Dart.
Don't you does this sound like one of those veteran
players could.
Speaker 6 (04:20):
End up being traded?
Speaker 7 (04:22):
Should Jackson Dart show that he's ready to be the
backup and at some point if another team needs to
be a quarterback, Hey.
Speaker 6 (04:28):
Guys, we got Jamis Winston up here.
Speaker 7 (04:30):
We have somebody who's draft capital, you know, bring back
a pick to the Giants and someone can go help
out another team. So they've really insulated themselves in a
lot of regards in terms of building their quarterback room
for the short term and the future, and also having
a player that could also bring them back some assets
in terms of trade value, be it Jameis Winston or
(04:51):
Russell Wilson.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
It's a really interesting point because we have seen quarterbacks
get traded before, even on one year deals. Remember years
ago Teddy Bridge Warner, Yeah, got traded during cam up
without playing a game for the New York Jets. I
also am reminded of that with the Eagles back in
twenty sixteen, where they were going into the offseason going
all the way through with Sam Bradford all of a sudden,
Teddy Bridgewater is the guy who gets hurt. They end
(05:13):
up trading Bradford and rolling with a guy named Carson
Wentz who was playing like an MVP candidate until.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
He hurt his knee.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
That's, of course, not the only Giants' first round pick here.
We also have to talk about Abduall Carter, mainly because
in order to practice he had to put on a
new number. It's fifty one. It's not fifty six, it's
not eleven. He could not get either of those numbers.
Kyle Brandt suggested on Good Morning Football a few days ago, Hey,
just smash him together and you create fifty one. Well,
(05:41):
here he is, Dick putkis James Ferrier, now Abduall Carter
wearing that number fifty one jersey in Cleveland. Shador Sanders
also ended up with a number that he was not
previously accustomed to. It's number twelve, not the two that
he wore at the University of Colorado. Some people in
sanders orbit did not seem overly thrilled that that number
(06:03):
was given to DeAndre Carter instead. But when you're a
fifth round pick, you don't necessarily have those options. Dylan
Gabriel took the first rep up the third round pick,
ahead of Shador Sanders and rookie Camp, although Kevin Stefanski says,
don't read too much into anything at this time of year.
Speaker 8 (06:21):
There's plenty of reps. There's a lot of time between
now and September, so uh, we'll have a plan. But
it's an all encompassing evaluation. It's not something that that's
just based on the practice reps. There's a lot that
goes into it.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
I'm struck by ian In just you know, flipping around
channels today while working out, and you've got debates about
is Shadur going to be a pro bowler? Is Shadur
qb One the NFL social accounts posting Shador Sanders first
daid press this doesn't ever happen with a fifth round pick.
It has created a very unique dynamic, at least in
(06:56):
terms of how Kevin Stefanski has to approach this because
not only does he have a guy that drafted two
rounds earlier, can he pick it until flak over there
as well?
Speaker 5 (07:04):
Well?
Speaker 4 (07:04):
And you're right, I mean, this is not the treatment
that most first rounders get. I mean, maybe like number
one overall pick but this year's number one overall pick
definitely not getting that treatment. It is Shador Sanders, in
part because of the publicity that came to him in
his epic draft fall, really one of the most dramatic
draft situations we have seen in several years. But this
(07:24):
is part of it, Tom, This is part of it.
This is part of the reason why a guy who's
talented enough to go in the first round falls to
the fifth round, because if he's not going to be
your starter, do you want all of those clicks surrounding
your quarterback who's buried on your depth chart. I would
also say that none of that actually matters, right because
the debate about whether or not Shador Sanders is going
(07:44):
to be a franchise quarterback is almost certainly not going
to be answered this year.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
And the way this is set up, with him being really.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Just a flyer, a lottery ticket for the Browns, they
don't have to find anything out. He doesn't need to play,
he doesn't need to be forced on the field, He
didn't need to be the backup Dylan Abriel manned up
as the back of anyway, Shador Sanders has an unbelievable luxury.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
He may not see it like this.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
I'm sure he doesn't, but he has an incredible luxury
of not having to do anything his rookie year, just fading.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Into the background as much as possible and just learning.
Hold up, he's got to make the team.
Speaker 6 (08:19):
He's a fifth round draft pick.
Speaker 7 (08:20):
They've already got three other quarterbacks, two of them were
veterans who started a lot of games, and then Dylan
Gabriel third round draft pick, who's a good player as well.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Sue. You know, we can sit here and say Shador's
got the luxury.
Speaker 9 (08:31):
Of sitting back.
Speaker 7 (08:31):
He has got to earn a roster spot because typically
teams don't stash quarterbacks on practice squads. Some do, but
Shador Sanders goes to a practice squad, someone's gonna claim it.
So he's either got to earn a roster spot or
he can be on another team's roster. So that's what's
intriguing about all of this. I do like Kevin Stefanski
coming out and saying, just because Dylan Gabriel got the
first shot at reps today, don't put too much into
(08:53):
it because right now they're probably gonna get balanced reps.
Speaker 6 (08:56):
When you need to start paying attentions when they get.
Speaker 7 (08:59):
Into the on field part of OTA's how many reps
is shuduar standers getting then, because it's Joe Flacco, He's
still gonna get some.
Speaker 6 (09:06):
He's got to get acclimated.
Speaker 7 (09:07):
You know, we know, Kenny Pickett's got to get some.
Dylan Gabriel's got to get some. If all of a
sudden shar standers is getting those post practice reps with
the backup wide receivers who want some extra work, that's.
Speaker 6 (09:17):
When you really have to keep an eye on.
Speaker 7 (09:19):
Okay, where is his head and what is his chance
to really make this team?
Speaker 1 (09:23):
And nobody's ever questioned the work ethic component with Shadoor senders.
He is going to put in the time. He wants
to be really good at this. One of the many
storylines to come. The preseason in particular, are going to
be fascinating to watch unfold on a network where we
happen to broadcast every single one of those preseason games.
Lador's old teammate Travis Hunter out on the field in
(09:44):
uniform for the first time today as well, wearing his
familiar number twelve, now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars,
and notably at least in this video playin wide receiver.
That's where it's going to begin for Travis Hunter, though
they're also going to integrate him on.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Defense many it's his lot. Mason Taylor also.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Out on the field for the first time, the son
of one time Jets defensive end Jason Taylor, who probably
would be preferred to be known for his time with
some other teams, but did play for the Jets. Mason
now out there in a new number that he said, Hey,
they just gave me this and I really don't care.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
That's a refreshing thing to hear.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Cam Ward, no surprise, the number one overall pick, and
he is indeed number one in their hearts and number
one on the score sheet for the first time, the
number one overall pick, whose placement in this segment probably
tells you how much we've actually talked about cam Ward.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Yes, he's out there.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
That not declaring him QB one yet, but all indications
are it will go that direction. Will Cambill also out
on the field, the Patriots drop draft pick, participating in
Patriots rookie MINNI camp. He has yet to sign his
rookie contract. That is not uncommon, but in rookie camps.
Unlike in training camp, you can sign a participation agreement
that allows you to be out on the field. Colston
(10:57):
Loveland did already sign his contract with the Chicago Bears,
one of the many toys that new head coach Ben
Johnson is going to be playing with. As Colston knows well,
Ben as a bit of a reputation for creativity.
Speaker 10 (11:13):
I'm a big fan. I love like his spirit is energy.
He's super like determined, he's ready to go. He's ready
to take this thing to the top. And he's no
nice guy. He's gonna I see him getting getting on
butt and you know, getting on people's butts and a
little but fired up to like super excited. I'm loving
how he coaches. It's early and I'm excited to play
(11:33):
for him.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Steelers rookies also in the building for their rookie camp.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
I love this.
Speaker 1 (11:40):
I want more slow motion shots of guys wearing socks
under sandals getting off the bus. This is what gets
the juices flowing at this time of year. Also, you
know what else helps trading a top wide receiver a
couple of days before that rookie mini camp.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
That's what the Steelers did sending George.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
Pickens to the analysts in exchange for a twenty twenty
six third round pick. Teams also flopping late round picks
in twenty twenty seven.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
That did raise a lot of.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Questions, at least from Steelers fans about exactly what the
plan is. Gm Omar Khan answered some of those questions today.
Speaker 11 (12:15):
No, we just kind of talked about it, you know,
lots of serious conversation on his conversations, and we just
felt that a fresh star for both sides was the
right thing. We wouldn't have done this if we didn't
feel good about the receiver situation, about our depth here.
You know, I know people make the comparison by last year,
it's not even close to being the same. Like we
(12:37):
made the investment with DK, We've had another year with
some of the young guys and gotten to know them,
watch them develop. We had a Robert Woods Romans healthy.
I've seen him the last couple of weeks out here
and how he's doing. And we saw how he was
progressing at the end of last year. Obviously he didn't
get the chance to get on the field, but there
(12:58):
was some excitement there. But we have a good group,
you know, there's some guys that Kim are back and
we've seen their growth and have another year under our
belt with them and feel good about it.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
That's quote from Omar contain a fresh start is good
for everyone. Probably is telling because on one hand you
have George Pickens, the person who nobody says he's a
bad guy, but he had had tardiness issues in terms
of meetings. There are a couple of games where he
showed up after the ninety man cut off for turning
in inactives. There were the personal fouls. It sounds like
(13:31):
it took a lot of energy out of the building.
On the other side of it is a really, really
talented player who can make some unbelievable catches.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
Now he's going to be doing that in Dallas.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Well, there's so many things here, guys, and Omar Khan
being pretty transparent and addressing all of them earlier today,
We'll start with the part that to me seems the
most relevant is it does seem like they are hoping
that it is additioned by subtraction. And I'm not saying
that George Pickens took away from the room, but you're right,
it was a lot. It was a lot of energy
from coaches and other people are around the team and
(14:02):
around the building.
Speaker 5 (14:03):
It was a lot of energy from reporters.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
It was essentially a lightning rod in part because he
is so unbelievably talented that you wanted to get the
very best out of him on the field. But there's
so many other weapons that we just haven't really seen.
And that's kind of the other part, which is that
the Steelers depth of receiver. I mean, obviously Dk, we
know Steve, but the Steelers depth of receiver we really
(14:25):
haven't seen. And this is a vote of confidence for
all the guys in the locker room who may not
have been everything you wanted last year, but get better
and you hope to see them getting better on the
field this year for the Steelers.
Speaker 7 (14:37):
You're right, we know Ian when omar content, it's a
good fresh start for everybody. That means they want to
exhale get him out of the building.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
We know that.
Speaker 7 (14:45):
You know, we just signed DK metcalf to a dealer
has paid him thirty million dollars a year. George Pickens
is going to want something in you know, in that
range if he has the type of season that he's
capable of and they knew that could get sticky as well,
so go ahead and get him out, get some trade compensation,
give Dallas a really good player to go with CD Lamb,
and let's see how this is going to work offensively,
especially how Aaron Rodgers fits in, because I don't think
(15:06):
they're done adding to that receiver room. And if Aaron
Rodgers does show up, they'll probably add one to his
buddies or someone that he's familiar with that wide receiver
room as well.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
They've also got Calvin Austin, who they like a lot.
They signed Robert Woods, they got Roman Wilson, a third
round pick last year, really didn't play because of injuries.
They're hopeful they get something there as well. And as
long as you brought up Aaron Rodgers here, Steve, I
would also note Aaron Rodgers, we know is very exacting
with his wide receivers. He wants to know where you're
going to be on the field. Maybe there's some other
(15:35):
guys would be a better fit with him than George Pickens.
Get ready for the twenty twenty five NFL season Like
never before, but the highly anticipated NFL schedule release, every
game revealed, every rivalry, every rematch, every rookie debut next
Wednesday night, APM Eastern time.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Mark your calendar.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Get all the details at NFL dot com slash schedule release.
Speaker 12 (15:59):
Throws it over the brant, They throw slap the as
that he cut it over the shoulder, dropped it in touchdown,
back of the end, John leaping Bryant cut it touchdown
and there's your big plane.
Speaker 6 (16:15):
I went back to the insiders.
Speaker 7 (16:17):
I'm Steve White, now joined by Jane Slater and that
man number eighty eight does Bryant.
Speaker 6 (16:23):
Let's all throw up the X to get this party started.
Speaker 13 (16:28):
You know what does I love that when you drive
around Dallas, people still love to pull up next to
you and throw up the X. Not a lot of
people know the origin of that story. Why did you
start throwing up the X in the first place?
Speaker 9 (16:42):
Oh man?
Speaker 14 (16:42):
You know, Jane, just overcoming all of that version in
my life, you know, and that was part of it,
you know, just believing in myself and just xing now
all the negativity and then the other side of it,
you know, letting the defense know. You know, I'm the
man to watch.
Speaker 6 (16:58):
All right.
Speaker 7 (16:58):
Well, on that note, then you just cowboys guy, no
matter you play for the Ravens in this age, your
Cowboys guy, they just traded for George Pickens. Your thoughts
on that deal, him joining Ceedee Lamb now, man, you.
Speaker 9 (17:12):
Know I love it. You know.
Speaker 14 (17:14):
That is unlike the Cowboys, and see the Cowboys go
out and get a playmaker like that says a lot
about where they're trying to.
Speaker 9 (17:23):
Go this year. You know, there's no more excuses.
Speaker 14 (17:25):
You know, fans including myself, Hey, we got to give
mister Jones Stephen Jones.
Speaker 9 (17:31):
Will McLay album God's break.
Speaker 14 (17:33):
They going out there doing what they're supposed to do
to make this team better.
Speaker 9 (17:36):
They went out and got that the hell of a piece.
Speaker 14 (17:38):
You know, George Pickens, he won of a cond you know,
you put them with Ceedee Lamb.
Speaker 9 (17:43):
Man, that's trouble. That's trouble. That's trouble for defenses.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
What do you like about his game?
Speaker 5 (17:49):
Does?
Speaker 13 (17:49):
And then you know even some of these comparisons about
you know, he's a young guy, he's emotionally wants the ball.
As someone who had similar criticisms about you and your
emotions on the old what's your defensive Pickens?
Speaker 14 (18:02):
I love piggins attitude. You know it is for a
guy like Piggins. It's easily for him to be misunderstood.
You know, for the guys who actually played the game,
they know the game of football, understands exactly what Piggins
is coming from.
Speaker 9 (18:15):
You know, he'll playmac. He wants the ball, you know,
and you know.
Speaker 14 (18:18):
When you got a guy like that with such a
raw talent, you got to.
Speaker 9 (18:21):
Get him the ball, you know.
Speaker 14 (18:23):
And Pittsburgh, you know, they didn't do a great job
of doing that, you know, matching him up with a
guy like Ceedee Lamb, Dak Prescott, you know, with you know,
with the elite offense. You know, I can this guy's
up for him. You know, we're gonna see this guy
do damage.
Speaker 6 (18:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (18:38):
Look, it's gonna be the best quarterback that George Pickens
has played with. So this is gonna be an interesting offense.
But you talk about a guy who wants the ball.
Travis Hunter is the most the most intriguing rookie in
this year's draft class, number two to Jacksonville both sides
of the ball.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
Does what do you think about Travis Hunter?
Speaker 7 (18:55):
His talents and him playing mainly wide receiver to start
out with, but also doling on defense.
Speaker 14 (19:01):
You know, first and foremost always thought Trevor someone was
a wide receiver. You know, he's a hell of a playmaker,
you know, on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 9 (19:08):
But I think that's where.
Speaker 14 (19:09):
He shines, you know, in my opinion, as you as
we see that fade right there, you know, is just
one of a con. You know, only a certain type
of player that can make that type of play, and.
Speaker 9 (19:19):
It's not many.
Speaker 14 (19:20):
He's one of them. Far as him, I'm being even
on the defensive side. His instincts are incredible, you know,
Like I said, he's one of a con. So I
think he could do both. You know, Jack was, They're
just gonna have to manage a little bit. But I
think Trafford's gonna, you know, go to the league and
(19:41):
you know, just be outstanding on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
You know, you've got it.
Speaker 13 (19:46):
You've got a young fourteen year old Dez Junior who's
coming up in the game. I see some of the
great videos of you guys out there. He's playing a
little wide receiver and quarterback. What's it like coaching the
next kid? Do you think that he's got potential to
be in the league after watching you know, Dione Sanders,
a guy that played in this league at a high level,
and the way that he's coached up and mentored his son.
(20:09):
What's your approach with with your kid?
Speaker 14 (20:11):
Well, you know, I think my approach is, uh, when
me and my boy out there, I'm less of a father,
you know. I think I'm his worst critic. I think
that's I think by me playing that you know, role
in his life, I think that would get him prepared,
(20:34):
you know, for anything you know that he might face,
not just on the football field.
Speaker 9 (20:39):
But you know in the real world.
Speaker 14 (20:40):
You know, his his path to this is a lot
different from mine.
Speaker 9 (20:45):
You know, my wild is a lot different, you know
from his.
Speaker 14 (20:47):
You know, I struggled, you know, I had something that
you know that that built that dog and that monster me.
You know, with him growing up having everything that he
wan't you know, living you know, a good life. He
got a different way and he gotta find that and
that's going to be through different types of hard work
and you know, on motivation.
Speaker 9 (21:05):
And I think he's been doing a you know, a
hell of.
Speaker 14 (21:07):
A job that you know, just you know, beating the
challenges that I put in front of him, you know,
and you know I tell them all the time. You know,
you're not living up to me. You're building yourself. You know,
we just had the same name. You know, I don't
want him fill in my shoes. I want him to
be better than me. You know, if God said the same,
that's what I'm hoping. I hope that's what we see.
Speaker 7 (21:29):
I love hearing this days, you know, you saying something
like that, You getting that timing with your son. One
last question before we get out of here, because a
lot of teams are starting their rookie mini camps.
Speaker 6 (21:37):
We know we just had the draft.
Speaker 7 (21:39):
This notion of rookies who haven't played it down in
the NFL asking some of the greatest players in the
NFL to unretire their jersey.
Speaker 6 (21:49):
Numbers for them.
Speaker 7 (21:50):
We know in Dallas they don't retire jersey numbers, but
you were the eighty eight. That's a legacy number. Drew Pearson,
Michael Irvan, now Ceedee Lamb has it. What are your
thoughts on it? Young his youngsters come in the league
asking for the number like that.
Speaker 14 (22:04):
Oh man, i'ma be honest with you. I think I
think it's when I see Carter, you know, Axe, Lawrence
Taylor and Field Silms.
Speaker 9 (22:11):
For those numbers.
Speaker 14 (22:12):
I think he's doing it with a great you know,
respect to those guys, and you know, I think it's
just more motivation, you know. I think it was a
more motivational thing for him to be, like, you know,
what I want to be, you know, a giant. I
want to be viewed as a future giants, you know, legend,
you know.
Speaker 9 (22:28):
So I didn't really see any wrong in it, you.
Speaker 14 (22:30):
Know, but the guys respectfully declined, and I think I think.
Speaker 9 (22:35):
They held it the right way. And I think Carter
gonna be a legend. You know.
Speaker 14 (22:38):
I just don't want to performing well against the boys,
but I do think he's going to be a future star.
He got all the talent in the world, you know,
and I'm wishing him. I'm wishing him much success except
against the Cowboys.
Speaker 7 (22:50):
There you go, He's gonna establish his own number. Like
you said, your son is gonna not walk in your
shoe for walking his Brian Jay Slater, thank you so much.
Speaker 6 (22:58):
Showed up one more time, yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Time Now for what are they thinking with Adam Rank
joining me?
Speaker 2 (23:11):
Tom Pelli Serowhonian rapport here on.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
The Insider's just heard Dez Bryant's takeaways from that big
George Pickens trade.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Adam, I pose this to you.
Speaker 15 (23:20):
What are they think you exactly?
Speaker 16 (23:23):
What are the Pittsburgh Steelers thinking trading away a talent
likes George Pickens And a lot of people were talking
about addition by subtraction? Is this not the same team
that once had Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell in the
same locker room and now George Pickens is too much
of an issue? Is this like when Dave Msstaine got
kicked out of Metallica for drinking too much?
Speaker 15 (23:44):
Lars was walking around with an ivy of Jack Daniels.
Speaker 16 (23:47):
Is like, no, Dave draging a little too much, had
to get rid of George Pickens. But you know what,
the Steelers always seemed to rebound every time they let
go of a receiver. It's the teams that receive a
Steelers receiver on are the Cowboys thinking? Did you not
learned about anybody who had Antonio Brown? About how the
Bears had to deal with Chase Claypool, whatever's going on
with Deontay Johnson. What Steelers receiver has gone on to
(24:10):
great success? He might say, Plexico Burris won a Super
Bowl with the Giants. YEA also shot himself in the
leg What are they thinking, Dallas Cowboys?
Speaker 15 (24:18):
Although you know what it might.
Speaker 9 (24:19):
Work out for him?
Speaker 5 (24:19):
Hold on, so you hated for both teams. No one's
thinking anything.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
That's what I do.
Speaker 15 (24:26):
Let's get to it more important.
Speaker 4 (24:29):
I got We'll get to a more important topic. Okay,
there was some big news today that I had sent
on for my Twitter account right before I went to
go play golf in the rain. Abdul Carter has a number.
It is fifty one. His long journey is over? Or
Taylor said no? Phil Simms said no. Ken Norton Junior,
(24:51):
I don't know. I'm sure there are other fifty ones
said yes, what is he thinking picking this number or whatever.
Speaker 5 (24:58):
Else you hate in this situation?
Speaker 16 (25:00):
Well, I was like, what is he think of asking
for number fifty six?
Speaker 6 (25:03):
That's a pretty bold dude.
Speaker 16 (25:05):
Hey, Kyle Manungui, I'm pretty sure didn't walk into Chicago
and be like, hey.
Speaker 15 (25:09):
Can I have number thirty four?
Speaker 6 (25:11):
Because you have deference.
Speaker 16 (25:12):
In respect for the guys whose number was retired. Lawrence
Taylor is still a legend in New York. He still
walks among us. Let him enjoy having his number retire.
He's one of the best players in the game. I
forget who was in the top one hundred of all
time players. I'm pretty confident that Lawrence Taylor was somewhere
near the top.
Speaker 15 (25:33):
He revolutionized the game.
Speaker 16 (25:35):
There is no way you should be asking for Lawrence
Taylor's number.
Speaker 15 (25:39):
As a matter of fact, I think the best.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Way that we did it.
Speaker 16 (25:42):
What's a couple of years ago when JJ Watt went
to the Arizona Cardinals and he wanted to wear number
ninety nine, the number ninety nine was retired for Marshall
Goldberg and outside of me, and that's about it. Maybe
Dave Damischik. Nobody's heard of Marshall Goldberg, but you know
what he asked the family and then it was also
Jay Watt, a future Hall of Famer. That's the kind
(26:03):
of guy who can ask to take a number out
of the Raptors first round back and draft pick.
Speaker 15 (26:08):
You're great.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
No, you got to earn that, Adam.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
I'm told that somewhere on talk radio or the deep
reaches of the Internet, there Bears fans saying that after
bringing in Colson Loveland, they should now trade away some
of their playmakers. I'm not on Bears Reddit, so I
haven't read it. But what are they think you?
Speaker 16 (26:27):
It's annoying me, Tom, I can't deal with these people anymore. Again,
these are the same guys that are upset that Luthor
Bird and the Third didn't get Bronco Negersky's number, Like,
what are we doing?
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Listen, Colson Lovelin.
Speaker 16 (26:41):
Could be a very good player, Luther Bird and the
Third can be a very good player.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
That does not.
Speaker 16 (26:45):
Mean that you trade away Dj Moore and Cole kamt.
You know what it's the Bears were a five win.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
Team last season.
Speaker 16 (26:50):
I'm not, much to my chagrin, whenever you get an
influx of talent keep it around. Why don't you just
kind of keep everybody and try to go out there.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
And in games.
Speaker 16 (27:00):
This is not a situation where the Bears should be
giving away talent. Please, everybody out there on Bear's Reddit,
Bear's Twitter, the guys who were drinking old style out
there in oswego stop it.
Speaker 15 (27:14):
We're keeping all of our players.
Speaker 2 (27:16):
Please.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Pretty sure they're drinking vodka and milk for the pope
out there tonight, but we'll let that slide.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
Rank.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
Thank you very much. Look forward to chatting with you again.
Sue and Jalen Walker to the list of first round
picks who have already signed their rookie contracts. The Falcons
and Walker agreed to terms earlier today. One of the
two pass rushers Atlanta added in Round one of the
(27:42):
draft and Boys, Raheem Morris, excited to not answer those
questions anymore.
Speaker 17 (27:48):
That's got a change and the only way you can
change that is to change that. And that was a
part of the process, very intentional tow going out and
trying to fix the edge room. And it's very intention
to go out and fix our rush to find, you know,
and not still not terrorism to find pressure players. And
it was very intensied to be able to do that,
and we was able to do that in the first
round with those two guys that we were going to
(28:08):
add there, to be able to get those guys, going
to be able to add Leonett Floyd within free agency,
to be too some things there, to add three guys
that were not here last year that you expect to
have significant roles in your pass rush and your pressure players.
Speaker 1 (28:22):
Welcome back to the Insiders, Tom Pella, sero, Ian Rapaport,
and Steve White. Steve, you are very close to that
Falcons organization. You know, Raheem Morris, you know that this
was probably the storyline besides the whole quarterback thing around
that team for the past couple of years.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
When are they going to get a pass rusher? They
got to what do they expect?
Speaker 7 (28:39):
Well, and they give one of them Julio Jones's numbers.
Speaker 6 (28:42):
Since we're talking about Jersey.
Speaker 7 (28:43):
Numbers, I'm sorry, too soon for me, but anyway, Jayden
Walker number eleven, and getting James Pierce as well. It's
about time, right The Atlanta Falcons have not had a
consistent pass rusher. Everyone in Atlanta knows this since John Abraham.
He hasn't played in fifteen years. So to go out
and get two players who could affect the game off
the corners, you only have.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
To play them situationally. Right now, as.
Speaker 7 (29:06):
Raheem Morris dis mentioned, they got the veteran Leonard Floyd.
They've got Arnold Ebacktny there as well. What's interesting right
now is Jalen Walker. He was mainly an off the
ball type of player. They're gonna keep working him more
and more at edge, but he's gonna be one of
these hybrid guys like Abdul Carter moving around a little
bit now you've got James Pierce.
Speaker 6 (29:25):
He's more of a true rush guy.
Speaker 7 (29:27):
But the one thing about him here you're seeing on
video rushing off the left end, he can also rush
off the right end, and he can reduce inside the tackle.
So the one thing Raheem Morris got on these two
rush players off the edge are also two guys who
are going to allow him to game and mix up
packages to really confuse offenses. They have to hope that
these guys can produce early. And look, if you get
(29:50):
four sacks from each of those guys, that's two more
sacks than any individual player got last year.
Speaker 6 (29:55):
For the Falcons.
Speaker 7 (29:56):
So if you get two for the price of one,
one for the price of two, however you want to
spin it, it should be better than what they've had
consistently when it comes to an individual sack player.
Speaker 4 (30:04):
Yeah, and no matter what happens, Steve, they're not going
to go into the trade deadline now being like gotta
get an edge's gotta get an edge. Those questions at
least have been addressed. One question that has not yet
been addressed is the future of Kirk Cousins. Although I
think it's fair to say the fency is coming gone,
the draft is coming gone. As of right now, it
certainly appears Kirk Cousins is set to be their backup
(30:25):
quarterback for the twenty twenty five season. Obviously, if any
team needs a quarterback with starting experience, that would also,
by the way, include the Pittsburgh series. If Aaron Rodgers
doesn't go there, Cousins would be the first call. Which
is why we're going to be talking about Kirk Cousins
all the time this coming preseason, this coming actual season.
Speaker 5 (30:44):
Every time a.
Speaker 4 (30:45):
Quarterback gets hurt, the Falcons are going to be like, hey,
look at the guy we got. Maybe could could get
a potential premium draft pick for a guy who is
now their backup.
Speaker 5 (30:54):
All that conversation for the future. As of right now,
Cousins at least set in Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (31:00):
A twenty seven point five million dollar backup quarterback in Atlanta.
Speaker 2 (31:05):
Stay tuned for the end of that saga.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
Elsewhere in the NFC south of Meca, Buca also signing
his rookie contract, participating in the Bucks rookie mini camp today,
another weapon for Baker Mayfield and company. Down there in Tampa.
Pryce Young also got a new playmaker, t Mac McMillan
Tenoro McMillan signing his rookie contract officially, He too took
(31:29):
part in mini camp today a little bit more dynamic
NFC South, which is kind of what happens when you're
drafting in the top half of the first round.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
Repeatedly get ready for the.
Speaker 4 (31:43):
Twenty twenty five NFL season like never before with the
highly highly anticipated NFL schedule release. Every game revealed, every rivalry,
every matchup, every rematch, every rookie debut. Wednesday, May fourteenth,
market kunder all the details at nfl dot com slash
Schedule release. Ah, there's nothing better than bringing back our
(32:07):
good friend Adam Rank.
Speaker 5 (32:09):
Who hates everyone.
Speaker 4 (32:10):
It's one of the best things we learned a couple
segments ago in this show. Now he's going to learn
which football a Fantasy Football flex players he really hates
and which he actually likes. Saquon Barkley is number one
flex option. Obviously had a ton of shake up this offseason.
I want Rank to break it all down. So that's
his top ten list, Hi, Rank, that's his top ten
(32:32):
list right there. I want you to take me through
some players you really like, or at least players you
believe deserve deeper analysis.
Speaker 5 (32:39):
Won't you give me a running back to start us off?
Speaker 2 (32:41):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (32:42):
Devin H.
Speaker 16 (32:42):
Chan is a player that was very productive last season
for the Miami Dolphins. A lot of fantasy enthusiasts love him.
When my list came out, there were people who were
upset that he wasn't high enough. I still have him
as an RB one. I think he's going to be
very good this year for the Miami Dolphins. When Tua
is healthy, this offense is a lot better. However, one
of the things that we noticed last season is that
(33:04):
a Chan's efficiency it went down a little bit when
they gave him a ton of carries. Now he carried
the ball over two hundred times last season. He went
from a rookie season where he's averaging seven yards per
carry down to just under five.
Speaker 15 (33:18):
I honestly believe.
Speaker 16 (33:18):
In listening to the coaches, they're going to limit his
carries a little bit. He's still going to be highly
effective catching the ball out of the backfield. So I
still love him as an RB one. I just don't
have him as high as a lot of other people.
Speaker 5 (33:30):
That's good reasoning. Let's break down another one for me.
Speaker 4 (33:33):
Once you give me a tight end, and I will
say this, I know who you're going to talk about.
Speaker 5 (33:37):
Should just make my head explode while you talk about it.
Speaker 6 (33:40):
You know.
Speaker 16 (33:40):
It's one of those things Ian like I every year
at the end of the season, I'm like, I'm never
drafting this player again. I'm not going to go through this.
And then every spring they're like, you know what, Kyle
Pitts is starting to look pretty good. All the coaches
are talking them up.
Speaker 6 (33:53):
I knew it.
Speaker 16 (33:54):
I knew as the words were coming out of my
app mouth at the end of last season where I
was officially done with Kyle Pitts that like this will
never happen again, Like mah, you know what.
Speaker 15 (34:03):
You kind of.
Speaker 16 (34:04):
Romanticize the past, you know, and you're like, you know what,
getting detention in high school wasn't that bad. It was
sort of fun. I read Fahrenheit four fifty one. It
wasn't all bad. But here's the thing. When you talk
about Michael Pennix and you're talking about a developing quarterback
in Atlanta last season, we really believed that Kirk Cousins
was going to be the guy who would unlock him. Obviously,
(34:25):
it did not work out the way that we wanted
it to.
Speaker 15 (34:27):
I think a lot of it.
Speaker 16 (34:28):
Kirk was still coming back from a devastating injury and
it took it.
Speaker 2 (34:31):
Just not the same player.
Speaker 16 (34:33):
I think with Michael Pennix there, you can give Kyle
Pitts an opportunity. If I miss out on one of
the elite tight ends, Kyle Pitts is going to be
a player that I'm looking at.
Speaker 4 (34:45):
Why don't you tell me about a player we've sort
of tangentially talked about this show and really every show
for the last week, Ceedee Lamb. Obviously the Cowboys added
George Pickens. Perhaps you heard protect you, perhaps you talked
about it. How does this affect Ceede Lamb in your mind?
Speaker 16 (35:00):
Well, a lot of people ask this question to him
because they're concerned. They're like, hey, is George Pickens gonna
end up funneling a lot of targets away from him?
Is it going to hurt Ceedee Lamb. I actually really
like this for Ceedee Lamb. I think having a dynamic
playmaker on the opposite side of you. There are a
few players in the NFL who stretched the field like
George Pickens does.
Speaker 15 (35:19):
So George Pickens is out there.
Speaker 16 (35:21):
For seventeen games, fifteen games, whatever it is out there
stretching the field. There is a real opportunity that Ceedee
Lamb goes back up to being the number one wide
receiver in fantasy football like he was two seasons ago.
Speaker 15 (35:34):
Took a little bit.
Speaker 16 (35:35):
Of a step back last year, which is fine that happens.
Love it for Ceede Lamb. And honestly, I don't I
don't honestly believe people.
Speaker 15 (35:42):
Talk enough about Dak Prescott.
Speaker 16 (35:45):
When you talk about quarterbacks who are unnecessarily maligned for
no reason.
Speaker 15 (35:50):
Dak Prescott is that guy.
Speaker 16 (35:52):
I honestly, he's a great quarterback and everybody acts like
he can't play the game. I think it'd be great
for Dak Prescott. And if I get an opportunity, if
I again, if you're waiting on a quarterback, one of
the top guys to wait on and go out and
draft would be Dak Prescott.
Speaker 5 (36:08):
Wow, was it.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
Even scheduled to be a topic in this segment? Still
get a little deck up? All right, give me one more,
give me one more. Spend the end of last year, obviously,
as it pertains, the Cincinnati Bank was talking about Chase Brown,
which shows you his importance.
Speaker 5 (36:22):
How does he fit into your rankings.
Speaker 16 (36:24):
Yeah, this is a player that's being undervalued in fantasy
drafts so far, and I believe it or not, fantasy
drafts are happening. But at the end of last year,
going from about weeks nine through seventeen, Chase Brown was
the running back four and just had an absolutely tremendous year.
He averaged around twenty four touches a game. He was
getting about one hundred and sixteen total yards. And this
(36:47):
was something going into last season. When I do my
State of the Franchise feature, I had Dan ord on
and we were talking about this and we were going,
I'm like, listen, I'm putting my neck out there for
Chase Brown. Dan, please tell me that he's to come through.
He gave me the green light. I fired it on
Chase Brown. Last year it paid off. You had to
be a little bit patient, But this year you got
(37:08):
to jump in on Chase Brown.
Speaker 15 (37:09):
That was not a mirage. He is going to come
back out.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
And kill it once again. Rank.
Speaker 4 (37:14):
You know I made fun of you earlier in this
segment for hating everyone.
Speaker 5 (37:17):
We don't hate you. We love you. Come back again
always great stuff.
Speaker 4 (37:21):
Thank you very much for hanging out with us on
a Friday night.
Speaker 1 (37:27):
Rookie mini camps underway for twenty six NFL teams today
and the number twenty two pick Omarion Hampton on the
field for the first time in eight Chargers uniform. This,
like the other three hundred and sixty four days a year,
probably the favorite one on the calendar for Chargers coach
Jim Harbaugh.
Speaker 18 (37:45):
This is a weekend. This is a day and a
weekend of evaluations. Really just mining for gold, you know, diamonds,
gems and like like those rare gems. They don't just
hop out of the ground and into your pocket. Uh,
(38:06):
you gotta dig, you gotta, you gotta go in there
and find them. So that's that's what I want to
do today, top of the list as a coach. And
you know, let the let the players know that, you know,
they they gotta they can make it known, you know,
by their talent and their effort. Uh, you know, scream
to us, uh through that that they want to be
(38:29):
a Charger.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Jackson, Sorry, it just gets me every time. How about
this the Raiders. That's Jackson Powers Johnson introducing himself to
a guy he's gonna be blocking for Ashton Genty.
Speaker 2 (38:44):
Big moves for the Raiders.
Speaker 1 (38:47):
In this offseason, including adding another playmaker Welcome back to
the Insiders, Tom Pellasaro, joined once again by Steve White. Steve,
the Chiefs have been winning the division every year since
pack Holmes was still playing baseball in Texas Tech. But
it's a lot of movement and shaken over these past
couple of years in that division.
Speaker 6 (39:06):
Yeah. Look, but three of these teams went to the
playoffs last year. So let's start with the Chargers.
Speaker 7 (39:10):
And you saw Jim Harbaugh talking about mining for goal
finding those gems. A player who's interesting to look out
for is an undrafted quarterback dj Ungle Ala. Remember he
was a five star recruit coming out started at Clemson,
Washington State, Florida State. Now he's there trying to be
the backup to Justin Herbert. If he makes the roster,
let's see if they can mine him. We know they
(39:30):
really upgraded talent at running back and at wide receiver.
They've got to score points. Now let's go to the Raiders.
You saw Ashton Genty right there. We know Pete Carroll
wants to run the football, but they're another team that
upgraded the talent at wide receiver with some of the
moves that they've made drafting Jack Besch, Dante Thornton, and
(39:51):
then Tommy Mallott, a former quarterback out of Montana State.
They're hoping he can be their Ladd McConkey to help
them get some points on the board. Let's also go
to another team, lash Denver Broncos surprised everyone.
Speaker 6 (40:03):
Bo Nicks comes out, plays very well.
Speaker 7 (40:06):
Let's not forget they added Evan Ingram and they added
rookie running back, the running back out of Central Florida.
Two players kind of the Alvin Kamara and the move
tight end type perfect for Sean Payton's offense.
Speaker 6 (40:18):
Rjie Hart.
Speaker 2 (40:19):
Gee, thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (40:23):
You thought we were going to talk about the Giants
rookies without showing you Cam Skataboo.
Speaker 2 (40:28):
Look at him. Colonel Sanders would love those thighs.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
Where number forty four in a Giants uniform for the
first time a rookie camp today. Tyler Shuck, rookie quarterback
out of Louisville also making his debut in a Saints uniform,
the second round quarterback, potentially a Week one starter, and
in Minnesota, their top pick offensive lineman Donovan Jackson get
warmed up getting the slow mo treatment. The bigger the man,
(40:53):
the better he looks in slow mo. Look at those
up downs. Even Stretchy looks exciting when he get at
a guard moving in slow motion. Welcome back to the Insiders,
Tom Piliicero, I rapport Steve Whites. What is the thing
that you would love to be shown doing in slow motion?
Speaker 10 (41:11):
Uh?
Speaker 6 (41:11):
It's fast, most of slow motion.
Speaker 7 (41:13):
I'm wishing all the mother's happy Mother's Day this weekend.
Speaker 6 (41:17):
Let's not forget about that very important what.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
It's mothers? You want to weekend?
Speaker 5 (41:25):
Well, how did you get some of the.
Speaker 2 (41:26):
Last every day?
Speaker 1 (41:28):
There's gonna be fine having a weekend. Everybody see Monday
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