April 29, 2025 • 23 mins
In the 11th episode of "Bending the Edge with Beef and Lettuce," Ryan Coyle and Nick McClay break down what this series has been leading to: the 2025 #NFLDraft. The #Eagles selected Jihan Campbell with their first pick, but who else did they grab? What happened with Shedeur Sanders? All that and more.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
We spent some weeks, even a couple of months discussing
the NFL Draft, everything in between, player breakdowns, big news, sleepers,
everything in between, and just like that, the weekend of Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
full blown NFL Draft coverage has coming gone, and here
we are recording this on Monday night, Bending the Edge
with Ryan Coyle and Nick McLay here at Fox Sports
(00:23):
The Gambler, ready to kind of recap, kind of just
have a like we did last time, Nick, a little
informal kind of conversation back and forth and just recap
some of the big picture items of the NFL Draft.
But just to start it off, Nick, I guess big
picture wise, you know, overall thoughts on the draft. We
talked a lot about potential craziness, and there certainly was
some throughout the draft. I think it made for some
(00:45):
good television. But just big picture thoughts on this twenty
five draft now that's coming gone officially.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Yeah, I mean it did come and go pretty quick,
big picture wise for the Birds. I really love the
draft that we came up with. Loved how he's a
pro going right at Johd Campbell, a clear need in
the Eagles defense. We need, you know, some consistency at
the linebacker position. We signed Zach Bawn, but really other
(01:11):
than that, we don't know. With Da Kobe Dean, we
don't know how he's gonna play. Trotter still has some,
you know, things to improve on. So I love going
getting your guy Jahah Campbell at thirty one, only had
to jump one spot, really didn't give up too much,
just was kind of playing it safe, not letting anyone
jump ahead the Chiefs. But really happy that we went
(01:32):
Andrew mccouba in the second round. I know Xavier Watts
was still there, so that was maybe a little, I
don't know, a jump, but a big fan of mccouba,
very instinctual, physical guy, experience to a four year starter,
top five in picks this last season with five picks,
and I saw another stack played four one hundred covered snaps,
(01:53):
only seventy six yards allowed, no touchdowns allowed, So you
know production was there this last season. Then I think
he's gonna come out here and he's gonna compete. He's
gonna give Sydney Brown, he's gonna give Red Blankenship, you know,
a run for their money from playing time. I know,
you just kind of mix them in. Mccoobi is a
guy you just throw in the field. He'll go out
there and make play. So top two picks, I'm pretty
(02:13):
happy about it, and even down the board, I like
some depth pieces we got to. We really addressed the
offensive line, and you know we need depth there. And yeah,
saying our offensive line, we are all obviously signed a
lot of them to contracts, but you always need depth there.
So I'm happy that they went at that too.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Big picture wise, kind of just total draft. I think
the team that stole the show or it was in
the headlines of most and they're in the headlines a lot,
and usually not for the right reason. But the Cleveland
Browns certainly some interesting moves, some interesting decisions. But you know,
the fireworks start up after the draft with with obviously
Cam Moore going one to the Titans, and then we
(02:53):
kind of get blown up after that. The Jags trade
up from five to two, take Travis Hunter, the Browns
moved back, they get Mason Graham there, acquire another first
round pick next year's draft, the second rounder in this
in this past draft in twenty twenty five, and then
you know, Day three comes along, or Day two comes along,
they select Dlan Gabriel quarterback out of Oregon, and then
day three they select should Or Sanders and stop his
(03:15):
slide there. So you know, the Browns in the news
again for questionable moves, questionable decisions. Just give me your
overall thoughts on what they did, their moves and kind
of are they ever going to get out of being
the Cleveland Browns and potentially just be a you know, normal,
consistent franchise.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
It doesn't ever seem like they're ever gonna stop being
the Cleveland Browns. Like the headlines that we have been
seeing so our entire lifetime, it's two quarterbacks late one
in the late third, one in the fifth that was
supposed to be a first round pick and slid all
the way to the fifth round. I mean, I don't
know what they're gonna do. They have all these quarterbacks,
(03:52):
but the saying is, you have all those quarterbacks in
your room, you don't even have one. So I don't
know what their their plan is this point. Just third
flacout out there and run with it is what I
would got with. But just to see Flaco out there
one more time. But Mason Graham, I think he's one
of the safer picks of this class. He's I don't
he's a y like weird top five pick because he's
(04:15):
not like he's not going to produce that much, but
he's always going to be that one stopper. He'll probably
have a very long career. But I love the Carson
swushianser pick. Didn't think he was going to go that
early first pick in the second round. Love him as
a guy that to just kind of fly around. He's
real athletic, not the biggest guy, but he's he just
knows he's out there high IQ knows what's going to happen.
(04:39):
And Harol Fannon behind Nijoke, who could be interesting. You
never know with how he can develop behind a player
like Nijoku, because Nijoku has been having a pretty solid
career with the Browns. So I like that, But you
never know. With the Browns, they're always going to be
some type of dumpster fire and it's just going to
be the same old thing every year.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
How about the Jazz Actually another team that's been you know,
in that dumpster fire kind of area for you know,
most of our lifetime. At least, they've had a couple
of good years here and there, but for them to
not saw the farm, but you know, give up some
pretty significant draft capital to go up and get Travis Hunter.
Were your thoughts on that move because he sounded like
throughout the day it was gaining steam that somebody was
(05:20):
trying to move up for him.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Yeah, I mean, I wasn't expecting it to be the Jags,
but they went out there. Knew, you know, front office,
they went out there and got their guy. They got
to give credit to him. I know they gave up
a lot, but you know, you see a player like
Travis Hunter, he's he is one of a kind, so
you never know what he could be an amazing two
way player. But I mean they took the chance and
(05:44):
they went for it. And I like even what they
did down the board too. Is Wyatt Mom, I'm a
big fan of him. He talked about him a lot.
I really wanted him in an Eagle uniform. He is
just a mauller out there. He goes out there and
head hunts. He's gonna be I think, starting sooner rather
than later in that Jags offensive line and then right
after that basial tooting. He's one of the home run
(06:06):
hitter guys that if he can just clean up those fumbles,
those you know, mistakes. I think he could be a
very valuable back. He could even be the starting running
back by the end of the season with Etn not producing,
and he only has one year left Tank Biggs, but
you never know with him, He's either go off one
game or to absolutely do nothing. So I'm a big
(06:26):
fan what they did. They did give up a lot,
but I think they went out there and they're really
willing to take the game, but willing to take the
risk for a player like Travis Hunter, who's one of a.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Cun Yeah, new head coach, new GM as you're kind
of touching on, let's make a move, let's make a
big statement. I think kind of was their their goal.
The GM and his monologue talking about Travis Hunter said
that too. It's like, you know, this wasn't just a
pick for like a football player. This was a statement
about kind of the organization that were goad to be
going forward. It's gonna be interested to see how how
(06:57):
they handle that. You know, this unique player with the
youngest GM in the league, young head coach as well,
certainly gonna be something just to cover and follow throughout
the season. I'm a team that kind of like the Browns,
some puzzling decisions, but like, if it works out, these
picks are they have a couple boomer Bus players. I
(07:17):
put it like that. The Atlanta Falcons, I mean in
terms of what they did one of the more head
scratching moves where they draft Jalen Walker out of Georgia
with their pick and then they trade back into the
first round and then they take James Pearce out of Tennessee.
But they have to give up their first round or
next year, so they get their two potential you know,
Pro Bowl edge rushers for moving forward, but it also
(07:39):
comes with a risk and James Pearce he can tell
for some reasons, so give me your thoughts on them.
And then also they were able to go out there
and get Xaber Watts as well. Zaber Watts falls away
in ninety six. Very surprised to see him drop that far.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Yeah, I mean, I'm not surprised that they really addressed
the addresser position, as they haven't been in the backfield
in like five seasons. They've been one of the worst
secducing teams of the last five seasons, so I wasn't
was pretty much expecting or penciling in them to be
drafting that position. And I was a big fan of Walker.
I really thought he was going to go eight to
(08:12):
the Panthers, back to his hometown. But he slid the
fifteen for him and they just and then, like you said,
they did have to give up a price for James Pears.
There is a reason why he slid, But the talent
is there with him. He's one of the big best
athletes at that position. But even him and Walker, you
cant Walker's versatile. You can play him in the middle too.
I think he's more of an edge, but you can
(08:32):
move him around around the ball and he'll make plays.
And Xavier Watts too, they they went up and got him.
He's a pretty you know, ballhawk out there. So I
think they really addressed their needs. They did give up
a lot, But at the same time, you were, well,
you should be willing to do that well in the
game of that for team needs. If you know you're
a young team with the quarterback. You know, I don't
(08:53):
know controversy because I think they're going Penix, but a
young quarterback who's not really proven yet. So you go
out there short up to defense and hopefully you know,
improve that for the future.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Another team that caught my eye that I really like
their offseason and kind of the direction that they're heading
in is the Bears. You obviously bringing Ben Johnson as
a coach there, but this is a team that, you know,
I won't say reminds me of the Eagles quite yet,
just because they haven't had the success of the Eagles
have obviously had over the past few seasons. But when
you look at the team, it's a young team, and
(09:25):
it's like, if these guys all pop, these are going
to be it's gonna be a squad for a while.
Because you know that you look at last year. They
bring in Rome with dunsa obviously, Caleb Williams at quarterback,
dun at receiver Dj Moore, he feels like he's been
in the league forever. He's only twenty eight years old.
And then you go in and bring in a stud
tight end in Colson Lovelin, and then a receiver I'm
very high on, but I think a guy like Ben
(09:46):
Johnson's going to certainly be able to get the most
out of him and Luther Burden. They address the offensive
line pretty much all throughout. Free agency is a team
that I think, on paper is set up to win,
and I think they have the potential to, you know,
build something pretty special going forward. So what are your
thoughts on the Loveland and Burdon pick and this Bears
team I guess going forward after the draft.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Yeah, I'm with you there. They're a team that could really,
you know, open some eyes this season. They have addressed
all of their needs in the offseason. They're a team
that at this point you can tell that they are
going I don't know if all end is the word,
but they're they're making a move. They're making a move
for the top. They are in a tough division. And
I am surprised that they went Leveling over Tyler Warren,
but I wasn't personally someone that had a too big
(10:28):
of a gap between them, So I did have Warren
over leveland but I don't think there's too much of
a gap. I think they're both going to be elite
tight ends at this level. And Luther Burdon, as you
touched on DJ Moore, I think Luther Burton coming in
on an offense with DJ Moore in it is very
intriguing because I think they remind me a lot or
Luther Burton reminds me a lot of Dj Moore and
how you just get him in some plays. He does
(10:50):
take some reverse sweeps, just get on the ball and
he'll make things happen. So he's got I think he's
gonna thrive an offense like that. And they even went
out and got the big man Boston College Ozzie Tripilo.
He is gigantic, mammoth of a man, and their their
tackles can can teach them up. They've addressed the tackle
so I think this is a draft where they really
(11:11):
win it what they need to get in order to
get better. So I think they did. I wouldn't they
won the draft, but I think they were. They're winning
the off season.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Yeah. I'm very interested to see what they did because
we were hyping them up a lot last year going
into the season two and obviously kind of fell flat there.
Caleb had up and downs, but he showed you some
special flashes as well. With us more secure offensive line,
this year will be interesting to monitor and see how
they do. A team that I've seen been getting a
lot of praise, a team that also made some bold
(11:43):
moves on draft, the New York Giants. They get Abdill
Carter sit there and pick up three arguably get the
best player in the draft, and then they trade back
into the first round get Jackson Dart, they get Cam
Skatabu as well. A team that was all over kind
of a draft day, and you know, looking at grades,
obviously it remains to be seen, but a lot of
these grades articles out there have the Giants as one
(12:06):
of the top two or three drafts. So thoughts on
what New York did and are they in you know,
contention to maybe make it to the playoffs this year,
And say Brian Dabole and joshians Job you think, yeah,
I mean.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
I think this is another team like the Bears. They
went out there and did address the needs that they
had to fix the edge, rustling position. I know, Thibodeau
and they got burns. But just adding a player like
Abdual Carter is only going to elevate them, you know
what I mean. He's sat, he's fell there of three
in your lap. I have him as my best player
in the draft. I think he's gonna win a Defensive
Player of the Year war at one point. He's just
(12:41):
that that talented. I think he was the generational talent
of this class, so you know he's gonna be tough
to I know he's gonna be going up against my
lot in Lane Johnson, but he's gonna be, you know,
a tough watch as an Eagles fan, but I wasn't.
I think Jackson Dart is a good player. I don't
think he'll really be a great star at the next level.
I know they went out and signed two guys already,
(13:04):
and Russell Wilson and Jamis Winston, so they'll I don't
think Jackson Dart is gonna come in here and start
right away. So I think that benefits him a lot.
He doesn't have to get thrown into the fire. He
can learn behind two veteran quarterbacks. So I don't mind
that he did trade up in the first round to
get him. So they clearly saw or they clearly liked
something in his game getting Cam Scattabo. He's just a
(13:28):
bull dozer. Reminds me like a David Montgomer. He just
doesn't get tackled. We obviously saw that in the college
football playoffs. I obviously saw it going against Iowa State.
He absolutely murdered them, and it was you know, I
just wanted to cry watching it happen, couldn't tackle him
for anything. And Marcus Mcbaumbile Mabau I really wanted the
Eagles to get him late round fell out, the fifth
(13:50):
guard out of Purdue, big dude, big moller. I really
wanted him. I think he can develop into a starting
guard in the league at one point. So I think
they did address other needs. And I think they did
guys that really will develop the in the some towns
that even Darius Alexander to Toledo, big defensive lineman. He's
a little older prospect, but I think he can develop
into something nice too. I don't think they're quite you know,
(14:12):
we're not We're as an Eagles fan, We're not really
worried about the Giants just yet. But I think they
they get they got better.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
I think, yeah, the a lot a lot of the
NFC Scott praise, you know, the Eagles obviously we talked
about the Commanders got some praise. What are you what
are your thoughts on the Cowboys draft? Tyler Booker was
a bit of a questionable one. But they get Ezerique right,
and then they got Revel and then they also pick
up Jaden Blue.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Jayden Blue is one.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Of my favorite favorite backs. I just remember in that
Clemson game in the College Football Playoff, he turned the
corner and it was like he had a rocket, you know, infuser,
there's like a pressed bonus button or something, and he
was in the end zone. It was pretty crazy.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Yeah, he had a great game of that game. But
I like their draft. I think Booker. I had Booker
going more late first round, but I think he the
way you know, Alice kind of is you don't really
this isn't really a surprise to me. Book are someone
that will go out there and want to go out
there and headhunt. His interviews were amazing to watch. He
(15:10):
says he his favorite thing about being a football player
is watching his defender or offender coming at him just
lose the love of football when he plays against him.
So just having that mindset, I think that's great. As
an offensive lineman, he goes out there and he wants
to kill. And as a rootue from Boston College, he
is one of the I think one of my favorite
(15:31):
edges in this class. He is insanely quick, insanely fast
around the edge, great at setting the edge, great at
getting in the backfield. I'm very high on him. He's
going to be tough to go against, as you know
as an Eagles fan and revel drop mainly because of
those injuries. I think he does have the talent. I
think obviously in the pre draft process he was a
Round one talent, but with the injury, you never know.
(15:54):
I think he can also develop into a very good
cornerback and needs to touch on Jayden Blue. I think
he's a great late round value speed just he has
way more He's way faster in game than he is
out of you know what I mean. In that combine,
I think he runs a lot faster in game, a
lot more speed, and I think he can he can
develop into something good too is they don't really have
(16:15):
any running backs in their system, with Miles Sanders and
Javonte Williams getting signed a one year deals. So I
like it. I like what they did. I don't think
it is amazing. I think it's kind of middle of
the pack, but I like what they did in the
in the second third round getting good value.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
There another team that I'm interested about their strategy. They
were heavily linked to quarterbacks with Shador Sanders potentially Jackson Dart.
That's the Pittsburgh Steelers obviously pass on the opportunity to
draft both those guys in the first round. Giants trade
back in and get Dart Shudre obviously slides all the
way to a Round five. Steelers pass over him multiple times.
(16:52):
Aaron Rodgers still not signed yet. Mason Rudolph I think
would be the starting quarterback if they had a game tomorrow.
But they go out and draft Well Howard in the
sixth round and Will Howard in a quarterback you know
week quarterback class. That's a guy that's played a lot
of football. He just won a national championship. I don't
think he's going to be scared at the moment, and
especially if Rogers doesn't sign, doesn't come to Pittsburgh. I
(17:15):
think that's an open competition there between him and Mason Rudolph.
And you know, kind of what do you have to
lose with going with a guy like him. He's an athlete,
he can move. Mason Rudolph, we've seen him in the
league a bunch and nothing really that special. Maybe they
just want a veteran in there, but I think Will Howard,
outside of cam Ward, might have the best chance to
(17:36):
be a starting quarterback in Week one out of any
of those rookies.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Completely agree with you. It's kind of crazy that we're
saying that. But if Mason Rudolph is your QB one
as of now, I think anyone that you sign is
going to be able to compete with him if they
don't sign Rogers. Like you said, Will Howard has a
lot of experience and he just won a national championship,
so he is going to come in here and compete.
Who knows if he wins that or wins the job
(18:01):
day one, but you know he has great wide receivers,
a tw tw TK Metcalf, George Pickens, He's got guys
to throw to. He's got a good offensive line if
he does go in there and start, so I think,
you know he's as a sixth round pick, I think
that's great value for the Steelers. I love what they
did with Derek harmon two. I love that they didn't
force a pick with Jackson Dart in round one. I
love that they went at a guy like him because
(18:23):
he kind of reminds me of what the Pittsbord Steelers
defense is. Just a big body, nose up front and
just creates topic on the on the offensive and defensive line.
So I think they did did well. I'm not too
high on Jack Sawyer as many people are, but he
just reminds he is a Steeler, like he being opposite
of TJ. Watt, that motor that he just doesn't stop.
(18:45):
He's he is, you know, born to be a Steeler.
So I think that pick is a great pick for them.
I wasn't too high on him, but I think he's
a great fit in Pittsburgh. But yeah, Will Howard could
be a day one, you know, starter, which is crazy
to set right now?
Speaker 1 (19:00):
All right, we hit on a handful of teams there
and got a few minutes left. Any other teams that
stood out to you for for bad reason, for good reason,
or a player that specifically specifically went to a certain
team that you're pretty high on then and that you
want to touch on before we head out.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Yeah, I'm a Houston Texan fan now, I guess with
Iowa State receivers going there, Higgins and no second round
and third round and even Ariante Ersa, I was very
high on him. But my guys at Iowa State both
going to Houston is I can't wait to watch them
with Stroud. I'm so excited to see that I think
(19:36):
Higgins can be a problem in the red zone. I
think he can rack up touchdowns, especially with Diggs leaving tanked.
Dell doesn't have a leg right now, who knows if
he plays. And they had if Zevier Hutchets last year,
another Iowa State boy. So they loved the receivers of
Iowa State down there in Houston. Can't wait to see
what they do a team, a guy that I talked
(19:57):
up all this offseason or after the comm and Devin
Neil going to the Saints. I don't really like what
the Saints did overall in the draft, but I like
the Devin Neil pick, coming in behind Alvin Kamara. He's
a great guy to learn from. He's a little on
the older side. You don't know how much you got
from him, So I think maybe by the end of
the season, depending on how that Saints team, you could
see Devin Neil get a lot more snaps. So those
(20:17):
are two guys that I like. Even the Cardinals, I
like what they did with Walter Nolan in the first round.
I think he's gonna be a problem, and then they
took the risk at Will Johnson. Will Johnson fell all
the way that way. There is a reason his knees
probably not you know what teams want it wanted to
be at right now. But you take a chance on
him second round. He can develop into an elite cornerback.
(20:39):
I think he was one of the best talents when
healthy at the cornerback position. So I think they that
need and Jordan Birch in the third round. I think
he's gonna be a good, good player. I know they
just signed Josh Sweat and Calis Campbell, so with Walter
Nolan and Jordan Birch coming in learning from them guys,
I think they're setting themselves up for success.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
There one more que and a guy that waited a
long time to hear his name called was that. We
talked about this the other day, but he was the
number one overall player in the twenty four seven Sports
System history. Quin yours, you know, goes on to Texas,
has a really nice career there depth or durability questions, potentially,
(21:19):
you know, not an overly elite athlete, and he falls
all the way to the seventh round. But he goes
to Miami Dolphins, where a spot where you know Tua
is probably one more concussion away from having to retire
from football. Do you think that's a spot, especially in
that offense with those playmakers that you know, if pressing
the action next year, do you think quin Ewers could
be I'm not saying brock Purty because brock Purty might
(21:41):
be the most highest paid quarterback ever, you know, by
by the time the season starts. But you know, looking
at a potential seventh round pick, like, do you think
that's a spot where Quinn Yours has a chance to
make a name for himself or do you think he's
just going to be a career back up.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
I think this is a great spot for him to
make something happy. And I know we lay as you
touched on it to a can't stay on the field.
You never, like you said that one concussion. If he
gets one more concussion, there's no way he can play
football gap with all of his history. And they signed
Zach Wilson. Is Zach Wilson that much you know, different
than Quinn Yours or productivity wise? I don't see it.
(22:18):
I think they're both very similar. So if you want
to go the younger guy, seventh round pick, great value.
I think he can come in learn in this you know,
in that young system. You got weapons the throat to win,
waddle and hill. Johnny Smith even had a great season.
You can get safety blanket in him. I think this
is a great spot for gwinn overs. It's crazy that,
like you said, he was a number one overall recruit
(22:39):
committed to Ohio State and he were talking about him
as a seventh brown pick. I think if he stayed
in college, you would have been getting paid over two
mil three mil right now and booking at the decision
he made. He's a seventh round pick. Who knows if
it works out for him, But either way, I think
this is a good spot for him. Not you know,
too hopeful that he can really make that much happen,
but I think it's he he can he can benefit
(23:01):
in the system.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
All right, Well, that'll wrap it up here for bending
the edge of our little draft coverage show over these
past few weeks. Obviously did the entire lead up. I
can go check those out at Foxphlgambler dot com as
well if you want to hear some more about a
potential player that your team selected. But you know, before
you know it, make mini camps are going to be happening,
and then be right there the dog days this summer.
(23:26):
I saw the Hall of Fame game got announced the
other day, like middle like July thirtieth or something, twenty
fifth somewhere kind of in that ballpark. So football is
going to be here before we know it. As always,
we will have you covered. Thank you everyone for tuning
in as always, like please like subscribe and we'll be
talking to you next time here on Fox PHL Gambler
We spent some weeks, even a couple of months discussing
the NFL Draft, everything in between, player breakdowns, big news, sleepers,
everything in between, and just like that, the weekend of Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
full blown NFL Draft coverage has coming gone, and here
we are recording this on Monday night, Bending the Edge
with Ryan Coyle and Nick McLay here at Fox Sports
(00:23):
The Gambler, ready to kind of recap, kind of just
have a like we did last time, Nick, a little
informal kind of conversation back and forth and just recap
some of the big picture items of the NFL Draft.
But just to start it off, Nick, I guess big
picture wise, you know, overall thoughts on the draft. We
talked a lot about potential craziness, and there certainly was
some throughout the draft. I think it made for some
(00:45):
good television. But just big picture thoughts on this twenty
five draft now that's coming gone officially.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Yeah, I mean it did come and go pretty quick,
big picture wise for the Birds. I really love the
draft that we came up with. Loved how he's a
pro going right at Johd Campbell, a clear need in
the Eagles defense. We need, you know, some consistency at
the linebacker position. We signed Zach Bawn, but really other
(01:11):
than that, we don't know. With Da Kobe Dean, we
don't know how he's gonna play. Trotter still has some,
you know, things to improve on. So I love going
getting your guy Jahah Campbell at thirty one, only had
to jump one spot, really didn't give up too much,
just was kind of playing it safe, not letting anyone
jump ahead the Chiefs. But really happy that we went
(01:32):
Andrew mccouba in the second round. I know Xavier Watts
was still there, so that was maybe a little, I
don't know, a jump, but a big fan of mccouba,
very instinctual, physical guy, experience to a four year starter,
top five in picks this last season with five picks,
and I saw another stack played four one hundred covered snaps,
(01:53):
only seventy six yards allowed, no touchdowns allowed, So you
know production was there this last season. Then I think
he's gonna come out here and he's gonna compete. He's
gonna give Sydney Brown, he's gonna give Red Blankenship, you know,
a run for their money from playing time. I know,
you just kind of mix them in. Mccoobi is a
guy you just throw in the field. He'll go out
there and make play. So top two picks, I'm pretty
(02:13):
happy about it, and even down the board, I like
some depth pieces we got to. We really addressed the
offensive line, and you know we need depth there. And yeah,
saying our offensive line, we are all obviously signed a
lot of them to contracts, but you always need depth there.
So I'm happy that they went at that too.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Big picture wise, kind of just total draft. I think
the team that stole the show or it was in
the headlines of most and they're in the headlines a lot,
and usually not for the right reason. But the Cleveland
Browns certainly some interesting moves, some interesting decisions. But you know,
the fireworks start up after the draft with with obviously
Cam Moore going one to the Titans, and then we
(02:53):
kind of get blown up after that. The Jags trade
up from five to two, take Travis Hunter, the Browns
moved back, they get Mason Graham there, acquire another first
round pick next year's draft, the second rounder in this
in this past draft in twenty twenty five, and then
you know, Day three comes along, or Day two comes along,
they select Dlan Gabriel quarterback out of Oregon, and then
day three they select should Or Sanders and stop his
(03:15):
slide there. So you know, the Browns in the news
again for questionable moves, questionable decisions. Just give me your
overall thoughts on what they did, their moves and kind
of are they ever going to get out of being
the Cleveland Browns and potentially just be a you know, normal,
consistent franchise.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
It doesn't ever seem like they're ever gonna stop being
the Cleveland Browns. Like the headlines that we have been
seeing so our entire lifetime, it's two quarterbacks late one
in the late third, one in the fifth that was
supposed to be a first round pick and slid all
the way to the fifth round. I mean, I don't
know what they're gonna do. They have all these quarterbacks,
(03:52):
but the saying is, you have all those quarterbacks in
your room, you don't even have one. So I don't
know what their their plan is this point. Just third
flacout out there and run with it is what I
would got with. But just to see Flaco out there
one more time. But Mason Graham, I think he's one
of the safer picks of this class. He's I don't
he's a y like weird top five pick because he's
(04:15):
not like he's not going to produce that much, but
he's always going to be that one stopper. He'll probably
have a very long career. But I love the Carson
swushianser pick. Didn't think he was going to go that
early first pick in the second round. Love him as
a guy that to just kind of fly around. He's
real athletic, not the biggest guy, but he's he just
knows he's out there high IQ knows what's going to happen.
(04:39):
And Harol Fannon behind Nijoke, who could be interesting. You
never know with how he can develop behind a player
like Nijoku, because Nijoku has been having a pretty solid
career with the Browns. So I like that, But you
never know. With the Browns, they're always going to be
some type of dumpster fire and it's just going to
be the same old thing every year.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
How about the Jazz Actually another team that's been you know,
in that dumpster fire kind of area for you know,
most of our lifetime. At least, they've had a couple
of good years here and there, but for them to
not saw the farm, but you know, give up some
pretty significant draft capital to go up and get Travis Hunter.
Were your thoughts on that move because he sounded like
throughout the day it was gaining steam that somebody was
(05:20):
trying to move up for him.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Yeah, I mean, I wasn't expecting it to be the Jags,
but they went out there. Knew, you know, front office,
they went out there and got their guy. They got
to give credit to him. I know they gave up
a lot, but you know, you see a player like
Travis Hunter, he's he is one of a kind, so
you never know what he could be an amazing two
way player. But I mean they took the chance and
(05:44):
they went for it. And I like even what they
did down the board too. Is Wyatt Mom, I'm a
big fan of him. He talked about him a lot.
I really wanted him in an Eagle uniform. He is
just a mauller out there. He goes out there and
head hunts. He's gonna be I think, starting sooner rather
than later in that Jags offensive line and then right
after that basial tooting. He's one of the home run
(06:06):
hitter guys that if he can just clean up those fumbles,
those you know, mistakes. I think he could be a
very valuable back. He could even be the starting running
back by the end of the season with Etn not producing,
and he only has one year left Tank Biggs, but
you never know with him, He's either go off one
game or to absolutely do nothing. So I'm a big
(06:26):
fan what they did. They did give up a lot,
but I think they went out there and they're really
willing to take the game, but willing to take the
risk for a player like Travis Hunter, who's one of a.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Cun Yeah, new head coach, new GM as you're kind
of touching on, let's make a move, let's make a
big statement. I think kind of was their their goal.
The GM and his monologue talking about Travis Hunter said
that too. It's like, you know, this wasn't just a
pick for like a football player. This was a statement
about kind of the organization that were goad to be
going forward. It's gonna be interested to see how how
(06:57):
they handle that. You know, this unique player with the
youngest GM in the league, young head coach as well,
certainly gonna be something just to cover and follow throughout
the season. I'm a team that kind of like the Browns,
some puzzling decisions, but like, if it works out, these
picks are they have a couple boomer Bus players. I
(07:17):
put it like that. The Atlanta Falcons, I mean in
terms of what they did one of the more head
scratching moves where they draft Jalen Walker out of Georgia
with their pick and then they trade back into the
first round and then they take James Pearce out of Tennessee.
But they have to give up their first round or
next year, so they get their two potential you know,
Pro Bowl edge rushers for moving forward, but it also
(07:39):
comes with a risk and James Pearce he can tell
for some reasons, so give me your thoughts on them.
And then also they were able to go out there
and get Xaber Watts as well. Zaber Watts falls away
in ninety six. Very surprised to see him drop that far.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Yeah, I mean, I'm not surprised that they really addressed
the addresser position, as they haven't been in the backfield
in like five seasons. They've been one of the worst
secducing teams of the last five seasons, so I wasn't
was pretty much expecting or penciling in them to be
drafting that position. And I was a big fan of Walker.
I really thought he was going to go eight to
(08:12):
the Panthers, back to his hometown. But he slid the
fifteen for him and they just and then, like you said,
they did have to give up a price for James Pears.
There is a reason why he slid, But the talent
is there with him. He's one of the big best
athletes at that position. But even him and Walker, you
cant Walker's versatile. You can play him in the middle too.
I think he's more of an edge, but you can
(08:32):
move him around around the ball and he'll make plays.
And Xavier Watts too, they they went up and got him.
He's a pretty you know, ballhawk out there. So I
think they really addressed their needs. They did give up
a lot, But at the same time, you were, well,
you should be willing to do that well in the
game of that for team needs. If you know you're
a young team with the quarterback. You know, I don't
(08:53):
know controversy because I think they're going Penix, but a
young quarterback who's not really proven yet. So you go
out there short up to defense and hopefully you know,
improve that for the future.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Another team that caught my eye that I really like
their offseason and kind of the direction that they're heading
in is the Bears. You obviously bringing Ben Johnson as
a coach there, but this is a team that, you know,
I won't say reminds me of the Eagles quite yet,
just because they haven't had the success of the Eagles
have obviously had over the past few seasons. But when
you look at the team, it's a young team, and
(09:25):
it's like, if these guys all pop, these are going
to be it's gonna be a squad for a while.
Because you know that you look at last year. They
bring in Rome with dunsa obviously, Caleb Williams at quarterback,
dun at receiver Dj Moore, he feels like he's been
in the league forever. He's only twenty eight years old.
And then you go in and bring in a stud
tight end in Colson Lovelin, and then a receiver I'm
very high on, but I think a guy like Ben
(09:46):
Johnson's going to certainly be able to get the most
out of him and Luther Burden. They address the offensive
line pretty much all throughout. Free agency is a team
that I think, on paper is set up to win,
and I think they have the potential to, you know,
build something pretty special going forward. So what are your
thoughts on the Loveland and Burdon pick and this Bears
team I guess going forward after the draft.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Yeah, I'm with you there. They're a team that could really,
you know, open some eyes this season. They have addressed
all of their needs in the offseason. They're a team
that at this point you can tell that they are
going I don't know if all end is the word,
but they're they're making a move. They're making a move
for the top. They are in a tough division. And
I am surprised that they went Leveling over Tyler Warren,
but I wasn't personally someone that had a too big
(10:28):
of a gap between them, So I did have Warren
over leveland but I don't think there's too much of
a gap. I think they're both going to be elite
tight ends at this level. And Luther Burdon, as you
touched on DJ Moore, I think Luther Burton coming in
on an offense with DJ Moore in it is very
intriguing because I think they remind me a lot or
Luther Burton reminds me a lot of Dj Moore and
how you just get him in some plays. He does
(10:50):
take some reverse sweeps, just get on the ball and
he'll make things happen. So he's got I think he's
gonna thrive an offense like that. And they even went
out and got the big man Boston College Ozzie Tripilo.
He is gigantic, mammoth of a man, and their their
tackles can can teach them up. They've addressed the tackle
so I think this is a draft where they really
(11:11):
win it what they need to get in order to
get better. So I think they did. I wouldn't they
won the draft, but I think they were. They're winning
the off season.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Yeah. I'm very interested to see what they did because
we were hyping them up a lot last year going
into the season two and obviously kind of fell flat there.
Caleb had up and downs, but he showed you some
special flashes as well. With us more secure offensive line,
this year will be interesting to monitor and see how
they do. A team that I've seen been getting a
lot of praise, a team that also made some bold
(11:43):
moves on draft, the New York Giants. They get Abdill
Carter sit there and pick up three arguably get the
best player in the draft, and then they trade back
into the first round get Jackson Dart, they get Cam
Skatabu as well. A team that was all over kind
of a draft day, and you know, looking at grades,
obviously it remains to be seen, but a lot of
these grades articles out there have the Giants as one
(12:06):
of the top two or three drafts. So thoughts on
what New York did and are they in you know,
contention to maybe make it to the playoffs this year,
And say Brian Dabole and joshians Job you think, yeah,
I mean.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
I think this is another team like the Bears. They
went out there and did address the needs that they
had to fix the edge, rustling position. I know, Thibodeau
and they got burns. But just adding a player like
Abdual Carter is only going to elevate them, you know
what I mean. He's sat, he's fell there of three
in your lap. I have him as my best player
in the draft. I think he's gonna win a Defensive
Player of the Year war at one point. He's just
(12:41):
that that talented. I think he was the generational talent
of this class, so you know he's gonna be tough
to I know he's gonna be going up against my
lot in Lane Johnson, but he's gonna be, you know,
a tough watch as an Eagles fan, but I wasn't.
I think Jackson Dart is a good player. I don't
think he'll really be a great star at the next level.
I know they went out and signed two guys already,
(13:04):
and Russell Wilson and Jamis Winston, so they'll I don't
think Jackson Dart is gonna come in here and start
right away. So I think that benefits him a lot.
He doesn't have to get thrown into the fire. He
can learn behind two veteran quarterbacks. So I don't mind
that he did trade up in the first round to
get him. So they clearly saw or they clearly liked
something in his game getting Cam Scattabo. He's just a
(13:28):
bull dozer. Reminds me like a David Montgomer. He just
doesn't get tackled. We obviously saw that in the college
football playoffs. I obviously saw it going against Iowa State.
He absolutely murdered them, and it was you know, I
just wanted to cry watching it happen, couldn't tackle him
for anything. And Marcus Mcbaumbile Mabau I really wanted the
Eagles to get him late round fell out, the fifth
(13:50):
guard out of Purdue, big dude, big moller. I really
wanted him. I think he can develop into a starting
guard in the league at one point. So I think
they did address other needs. And I think they did
guys that really will develop the in the some towns
that even Darius Alexander to Toledo, big defensive lineman. He's
a little older prospect, but I think he can develop
into something nice too. I don't think they're quite you know,
(14:12):
we're not We're as an Eagles fan, We're not really
worried about the Giants just yet. But I think they
they get they got better.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
I think, yeah, the a lot a lot of the
NFC Scott praise, you know, the Eagles obviously we talked
about the Commanders got some praise. What are you what
are your thoughts on the Cowboys draft? Tyler Booker was
a bit of a questionable one. But they get Ezerique right,
and then they got Revel and then they also pick
up Jaden Blue.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Jayden Blue is one.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Of my favorite favorite backs. I just remember in that
Clemson game in the College Football Playoff, he turned the
corner and it was like he had a rocket, you know, infuser,
there's like a pressed bonus button or something, and he
was in the end zone. It was pretty crazy.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Yeah, he had a great game of that game. But
I like their draft. I think Booker. I had Booker
going more late first round, but I think he the
way you know, Alice kind of is you don't really
this isn't really a surprise to me. Book are someone
that will go out there and want to go out
there and headhunt. His interviews were amazing to watch. He
(15:10):
says he his favorite thing about being a football player
is watching his defender or offender coming at him just
lose the love of football when he plays against him.
So just having that mindset, I think that's great. As
an offensive lineman, he goes out there and he wants
to kill. And as a rootue from Boston College, he
is one of the I think one of my favorite
(15:31):
edges in this class. He is insanely quick, insanely fast
around the edge, great at setting the edge, great at
getting in the backfield. I'm very high on him. He's
going to be tough to go against, as you know
as an Eagles fan and revel drop mainly because of
those injuries. I think he does have the talent. I
think obviously in the pre draft process he was a
Round one talent, but with the injury, you never know.
(15:54):
I think he can also develop into a very good
cornerback and needs to touch on Jayden Blue. I think
he's a great late round value speed just he has
way more He's way faster in game than he is
out of you know what I mean. In that combine,
I think he runs a lot faster in game, a
lot more speed, and I think he can he can
develop into something good too is they don't really have
(16:15):
any running backs in their system, with Miles Sanders and
Javonte Williams getting signed a one year deals. So I
like it. I like what they did. I don't think
it is amazing. I think it's kind of middle of
the pack, but I like what they did in the
in the second third round getting good value.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
There another team that I'm interested about their strategy. They
were heavily linked to quarterbacks with Shador Sanders potentially Jackson Dart.
That's the Pittsburgh Steelers obviously pass on the opportunity to
draft both those guys in the first round. Giants trade
back in and get Dart Shudre obviously slides all the
way to a Round five. Steelers pass over him multiple times.
(16:52):
Aaron Rodgers still not signed yet. Mason Rudolph I think
would be the starting quarterback if they had a game tomorrow.
But they go out and draft Well Howard in the
sixth round and Will Howard in a quarterback you know
week quarterback class. That's a guy that's played a lot
of football. He just won a national championship. I don't
think he's going to be scared at the moment, and
especially if Rogers doesn't sign, doesn't come to Pittsburgh. I
(17:15):
think that's an open competition there between him and Mason Rudolph.
And you know, kind of what do you have to
lose with going with a guy like him. He's an athlete,
he can move. Mason Rudolph, we've seen him in the
league a bunch and nothing really that special. Maybe they
just want a veteran in there, but I think Will Howard,
outside of cam Ward, might have the best chance to
(17:36):
be a starting quarterback in Week one out of any
of those rookies.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Completely agree with you. It's kind of crazy that we're
saying that. But if Mason Rudolph is your QB one
as of now, I think anyone that you sign is
going to be able to compete with him if they
don't sign Rogers. Like you said, Will Howard has a
lot of experience and he just won a national championship,
so he is going to come in here and compete.
Who knows if he wins that or wins the job
(18:01):
day one, but you know he has great wide receivers,
a tw tw TK Metcalf, George Pickens, He's got guys
to throw to. He's got a good offensive line if
he does go in there and start, so I think,
you know he's as a sixth round pick, I think
that's great value for the Steelers. I love what they
did with Derek harmon two. I love that they didn't
force a pick with Jackson Dart in round one. I
love that they went at a guy like him because
(18:23):
he kind of reminds me of what the Pittsbord Steelers
defense is. Just a big body, nose up front and
just creates topic on the on the offensive and defensive line.
So I think they did did well. I'm not too
high on Jack Sawyer as many people are, but he
just reminds he is a Steeler, like he being opposite
of TJ. Watt, that motor that he just doesn't stop.
(18:45):
He's he is, you know, born to be a Steeler.
So I think that pick is a great pick for them.
I wasn't too high on him, but I think he's
a great fit in Pittsburgh. But yeah, Will Howard could
be a day one, you know, starter, which is crazy
to set right now?
Speaker 1 (19:00):
All right, we hit on a handful of teams there
and got a few minutes left. Any other teams that
stood out to you for for bad reason, for good reason,
or a player that specifically specifically went to a certain
team that you're pretty high on then and that you
want to touch on before we head out.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Yeah, I'm a Houston Texan fan now, I guess with
Iowa State receivers going there, Higgins and no second round
and third round and even Ariante Ersa, I was very
high on him. But my guys at Iowa State both
going to Houston is I can't wait to watch them
with Stroud. I'm so excited to see that I think
(19:36):
Higgins can be a problem in the red zone. I
think he can rack up touchdowns, especially with Diggs leaving tanked.
Dell doesn't have a leg right now, who knows if
he plays. And they had if Zevier Hutchets last year,
another Iowa State boy. So they loved the receivers of
Iowa State down there in Houston. Can't wait to see
what they do a team, a guy that I talked
(19:57):
up all this offseason or after the comm and Devin
Neil going to the Saints. I don't really like what
the Saints did overall in the draft, but I like
the Devin Neil pick, coming in behind Alvin Kamara. He's
a great guy to learn from. He's a little on
the older side. You don't know how much you got
from him, So I think maybe by the end of
the season, depending on how that Saints team, you could
see Devin Neil get a lot more snaps. So those
(20:17):
are two guys that I like. Even the Cardinals, I
like what they did with Walter Nolan in the first round.
I think he's gonna be a problem, and then they
took the risk at Will Johnson. Will Johnson fell all
the way that way. There is a reason his knees
probably not you know what teams want it wanted to
be at right now. But you take a chance on
him second round. He can develop into an elite cornerback.
(20:39):
I think he was one of the best talents when
healthy at the cornerback position. So I think they that
need and Jordan Birch in the third round. I think
he's gonna be a good, good player. I know they
just signed Josh Sweat and Calis Campbell, so with Walter
Nolan and Jordan Birch coming in learning from them guys,
I think they're setting themselves up for success.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
There one more que and a guy that waited a
long time to hear his name called was that. We
talked about this the other day, but he was the
number one overall player in the twenty four seven Sports
System history. Quin yours, you know, goes on to Texas,
has a really nice career there depth or durability questions, potentially,
(21:19):
you know, not an overly elite athlete, and he falls
all the way to the seventh round. But he goes
to Miami Dolphins, where a spot where you know Tua
is probably one more concussion away from having to retire
from football. Do you think that's a spot, especially in
that offense with those playmakers that you know, if pressing
the action next year, do you think quin Ewers could
be I'm not saying brock Purty because brock Purty might
(21:41):
be the most highest paid quarterback ever, you know, by
by the time the season starts. But you know, looking
at a potential seventh round pick, like, do you think
that's a spot where Quinn Yours has a chance to
make a name for himself or do you think he's
just going to be a career back up.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
I think this is a great spot for him to
make something happy. And I know we lay as you
touched on it to a can't stay on the field.
You never, like you said that one concussion. If he
gets one more concussion, there's no way he can play
football gap with all of his history. And they signed
Zach Wilson. Is Zach Wilson that much you know, different
than Quinn Yours or productivity wise? I don't see it.
(22:18):
I think they're both very similar. So if you want
to go the younger guy, seventh round pick, great value.
I think he can come in learn in this you know,
in that young system. You got weapons the throat to win,
waddle and hill. Johnny Smith even had a great season.
You can get safety blanket in him. I think this
is a great spot for gwinn overs. It's crazy that,
like you said, he was a number one overall recruit
(22:39):
committed to Ohio State and he were talking about him
as a seventh brown pick. I think if he stayed
in college, you would have been getting paid over two
mil three mil right now and booking at the decision
he made. He's a seventh round pick. Who knows if
it works out for him, But either way, I think
this is a good spot for him. Not you know,
too hopeful that he can really make that much happen,
but I think it's he he can he can benefit
(23:01):
in the system.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
All right, Well, that'll wrap it up here for bending
the edge of our little draft coverage show over these
past few weeks. Obviously did the entire lead up. I
can go check those out at Foxphlgambler dot com as
well if you want to hear some more about a
potential player that your team selected. But you know, before
you know it, make mini camps are going to be happening,
and then be right there the dog days this summer.
(23:26):
I saw the Hall of Fame game got announced the
other day, like middle like July thirtieth or something, twenty
fifth somewhere kind of in that ballpark. So football is
going to be here before we know it. As always,
we will have you covered. Thank you everyone for tuning
in as always, like please like subscribe and we'll be
talking to you next time here on Fox PHL Gambler
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.