May 4, 2023 • 32 mins
Host Ethan Greenberg and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrap up the final episode of the season reviewing the 2023 Jets draft class. They start with the way the board fell picks 1-14 (3:59) before analyzing the scheme fit of Will McDonald, the Jets first-round pick (8:37). They move on to Round 2 discussing the selection of Wisconsin C Joe Tippman, which Dane predicted in his mock draft (10:48). Then they broke down the Day 3 picks – Pitt T Carter Warren (15:57), Pitt RB Israel Abnikanda (19:37), Western Michigan LB Zaire Barnes (24:56), LSU DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (26:34) and Old Dominion TE Zack Kuntz (28:52).
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to another edition of NFL Draft Preview. But of course,
the final episode in every season of NFL Draft Preview
is really NFL Draft Review. Ethan Greenberg Dane Brugler. The
twenty twenty three draft is officially behind us, which means
we're looking at twenty twenty four. I'm just kidding. The
Jets have a seven player class. We're gonna go over
(00:24):
at pick by pick, but before we dive into who
the Jets selected, what you like about these players? What
are expectations, Dane? I have to know coming back from
Kansas City, how does Kansas City barbecue stack up in
the Brugler Power rankings.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
We're not going over twenty four month today?
Speaker 1 (00:43):
That yeah, we could do that too. Yeah, we could
maybe a little flair at the end, you know, cliffhanger
for next year.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Spoiler. Caleb Williams, So like the barbecue was awesome. I've
been to Kansas City once before and I remember only
for the barbecue, and it was especially the burn ends.
The burn ends were outstanding. Kansas City knows how to
do their burn ends. The brisket was really good, the
(01:12):
sausage was good. I had some ribs. Those were good
as well, sides were okay. The different places I went,
sides were okay, but the meat did not disappoint.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And what is the go to place?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Now?
Speaker 1 (01:26):
If you're listening to this podcast, you're like, maybe I'm
from Kansas City, maybe I'm passing through, maybe I want
to make a stop because I'm an avid fan of
food and barbecue. Where should they go?
Speaker 2 (01:37):
I mean, there are definitely a few played. Joe's was
a good place Q thirty nine. That place has really
taken off. It feels like is always busy. When I
was in there. There's a lot, a lot of different
ways you could go, and I did not. I went
there multiple times, and both times I was with a
(02:00):
smile on my face because it was it was a
good time.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
A lot of different ways you could go. Also known
as the NFL Draft, which we will dissect very shortly after.
I ask you how many meals did you have that
were not barbecue? How many total meals did you eat
in Kansas City? And how many meals? And this is
excluding like if you had like a like a protein
bar or something or anything like that. No snacks. I mean,
like you're going you have a menu on your phone
(02:25):
or in your hand and you're ordering. How many total
meals were you in Kansas City for and how many
of them were not barbecue.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
I was there Wednesday through Monday morning, so a good
couple of days. Two meals I didn't have barbecue. That
is well, because I mean, like the way I do
it is, I'm all about the leftovers. And you go
to a lunch for a barbecue place, and you've got
(02:52):
your snack later on because you're good, I'm loading up.
It's like, okay, give me the brisket plate. But I
had a sausage and some ribs to that too, Okay,
yeah no, and then later on you got a little
leftover mac and cheese, You got your brisket. It's all.
It's that's as good of a snack as you can
possibly have later on.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Barbecue leftovers one of the many gifts that keep on given.
That's what I hear from you. It is as absolutely okay. Well,
the NFL draft another gift that keeps on given every year.
Of course, next year's in Detroit. We're not talking about
next year. So let's go over this. For the New
York Jets, they were supposed to have six picks. They
end up with seven, or they were supposed to have six,
(03:32):
then they trade, then they have five once they acquire
Aaron Rodgers, they end up with seven after a couple
of draft day trades from Joe Douglass, starting let's say
with the fifteenth overall selection Will McDonald. Now, when you
are watching the draft and you see the Steelers trade up,
your initial reaction is also Broderick Jones of the Steelers,
(03:54):
is it not?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
That's what I felt that the Steelers needed that tackle.
We saw the run start with Paris Johnson, then Darnell Wright,
then Peter Skarnsky, and it just felt like if the
Steelers didn't make a move for their tackle, they weren't
gonna get one.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
So all the mock drafts had the Jets taking an
offensive tackle at thirteen before the trade, even at fifteen,
like the final mock drafts, a lot of them had
Peter Skoronski at fifteen, who ends up going a couple
of picks before the Jets, and then the Jets go
not a surprising pick in terms of position, pass rusher
Will McDonald fourth out of Iowa State. But I would
(04:32):
say that not a single mock draft had Will McDonald
to the new York Jets at thirteen or fifteen. But
there were some tweets like Jim Naggy tweeted out there
that he was McDonald's was one of the players that
was picking up steam late in the process. Same with
Daniel Jeremiah. Now, why do you think Will McDonald is
a good selection schematically for the New York Jets six
(04:55):
four two forty?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Really really flexible. I mean this guy, he his joint
flexibility is special. It's really something to watch speed off
the edge. Bottom line, if you can get to the quarterback,
if you have that type of athleticism as a pass rusher,
you are going to go high. You have value to
the NFL teams. And you know I did not. I
(05:19):
had a second round great on one McDonald myself. But
when you factor in that jet step chart and what
he's going to be asked to do, we're gonna see
plenty of flashes from Will McDonald this year of him
winning off the ball and forcing the quarterback to move
his feet. Because again, when you have those athletic traits, uh,
that's exactly what you're looking for. To you. You just
(05:42):
want someone that's gonna put pressure on the pocket and
Will McDonald can do that, So you know, we can
talk about value, we can talk about uh, you know,
whether or not this is a need for this team. Uh.
Bottom line, you just you're you're you're adding another bullet
to the gun. I mean, you're adding another guy that
you can put into the rotation and is going to
make an impact for you. And so at the end
(06:04):
of the day, it's all about getting better, and the
Jets defense is better with Will McGoff.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
The Jets defense also doesn't really have someone with the
body type or type of pass rush that Will McDonald provides.
Like Carl Lawston is an undersized pass rusher, but he's
jacked up. Jermaine Johnson's pretty like rock solid Will McDonald.
Based on reading like what you wrote in The Beast,
different scouting reports, seeing highlights, he seems like a very athletic,
(06:33):
wiry type of player. I've seen comparisons like stylistically, Granted,
I know you're not a huge player comp guy, but
are there shades of like Randy Gregory to his game
or Brian Burns because That's what I've been reading.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, I think Randy Gregory that makes sense, really stretched
out frame, doesn't have a ton of bulk on his
body and doesn't really have the body type to add
all all that. So it's not like you're gonna once
he gets into our program, you know, he'll be two sixty.
I mean, he's always gonna be a leaner player, and
that's okay. I do think that it shows up at
(07:09):
times in the run game. But you are drafting Will
McDonald to get after the quarterback and use that length,
use that the flexibility that we talked about bend the edge.
His ability to bend the edge that's, you know, really
really impressive. So he has the lateral agility where he
can make or he can avoid blockers and doesn't get
(07:31):
locked up. So even though he's not in terms of
power and strength, he's not that type of rusher, but
he does a nice job unwinding from blocks, keeping himself free,
and then going and chasing getting after the quarterback. So
that closing burst that he offers is pretty impressive. And
again it's just you're adding another guy to the rotation
(07:52):
that is going to keep everybody fresh and keep putting
that pressure on the quarterback. And there's definitely value in
having a guy like that.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
McDonald said that he wants to be around two hundred
and fifty pounds. That's his goal for this season. You
kind of mentioned it in your answer there, But is
the next step for Will McDonald just to get stronger
and probably be a better three down player, Because like
for the Jets, if Will McDonald plays on third down
(08:21):
and he's part of the third down package, it makes
a lot of sense go after the quarterback, you know,
line up, pin your ears back and go what if
he's asked to play on first or second down when
his run or pass? Is that where he needs to
take the next step and shore up his game at
the pro level.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, I mean play strength, but then just becoming a
more well rounded player, both as a pass rusher and
as a run defender. So as a pass rusher, you
see the athletic traits, there's no doubt about that. But
adding more deception to his rush, you know, blockers know
that he wants to win with his length and in
his quickness, but adding more moves to his arsenal so
(09:00):
he can mix it up a little bit, sell blockers
break down that rhythm. Just being a more well rounded player.
So I want to see him become more of the
some of his parts. You know, you love all these
different traits that he offers, but using all those traits
in unison to be the most complete player. He's just
(09:20):
not there yet, and you know it's not guaranteed that
it'll ever get there, but you know, I think that
you are encouraged by the promise that he shows and
just the fact that there's not many athletes in this
draft that are six four two forty five and can
move like he does.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Will McDonald interesting juxtaposition because he's somewhat new to football,
transitioning from basketball to football his junior year of high school,
but an older draft prospect turning twenty four soon. So
all right, there's Will McDonald. And if you if you
know nothing about Will McDonald, let me just say this one.
He's a freak athlete. There are videos of him jumping
(09:57):
over cars, including SUVs, like one of the videos that
he one of the videos he posted, he jumped over
my exact car. I'm not gonna say the brand because
sponsorship could be listening, but look, he jumped over a
crossover suv and it was very impressive. And it's not
a small suv either. It's like a pretty solid crossover SUV.
(10:18):
Two footballise thirty four career sacks at Iowa State. That's
tied for most in Big Twelve history. Dan Brugler, thank
you for the information. There one more than von Miller's
and that's a pretty good guy to beat out in
the Big Twelve. But we'll see what happens when Will
McDonald takes the field as a New York Jet. Round two, Dane,
you hit this one out of the park, right on
(10:40):
the head Joe Titman, the newest center for the New
York Jets. This should not have been a surprise to anybody.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
No, I mean, how much should we talk about Joe
Tipman being an option there in the second round for
this team. You know, he's a little bit bigger, taller
than your normal center, but I think he has guard
center versatility. Even know he was a center only for
the Badgers, I think he does give you that center
guard versatility. So he's adding immediate depth from day one
(11:08):
for the Jets on the interior of the offensive line,
and he's going to be a starter for a long time.
You know, you love the athleticism he wait, love the
way he moves the body, control the balance. There are
times where he does spend a little too much time
on the ground, sacrificing that technique where you know he
needs to be more and more consistent. But this is
(11:29):
a guy that is a fluid, rangey big man, and
so I think he had He's a great fit for
the scheme they want to run. You think about the zone,
the footwork, the play side, backside, he can do all
of that. He's a really strong player once he gets
his hands on you. He's really smart. So a lot
of you know, just kind of keep checking the box,
(11:51):
check the box for what you want in a center
or a guard at the next level. So big fan
of Joe Tipman. He was my top center in the
draft and a guy that I think the Jets can
feel really good about giving them that interior offensive line
versatility that they want.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Now to mention, he has an elite mullet. It's just incredible.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Yes, yes, I mean it's a fun thing with him too,
is he's you know, you think about the background, and
you know, thinking about a guy that learned under Jason Fabini,
you know, a longtime NFL player and a New York Jet,
very familiar with the New York Jets, so you know,
he he that's that's where he was coached up and
(12:32):
that's where you know he's very so he's very familiar
with the organization. And you know he comes from football.
He's it's in his blood. It's where you know, his dad,
his grandparents. One scout told me that at his high school,
Bishop Dwanger in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at one point there
was he said, eighteen Tipmans on the varsity roster at
(12:57):
that high school at one point at one time. Or
not not just Tipman's, but from that family tree, Like
it's just it's a family of football players. So this
is a guy that this is football is what he's
known since he was you know, at a young age,
and it's it's it's what he's what he lives for.
So football passion wise, you don't have to worry about that.
(13:17):
He brings it and he's got the body, the strength,
the intelligence to do it. This was a home run
pick there in the second round.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Joe Tipman is, in my opinion, the epitome of a
Joe Douglas Scott. So take that for what it's worth. Also,
what do you think a family like a Thanksgiving like
a Turkey Bowl looks like for the Tipman family, it's
got to be out of this world.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
I would have to imagine there's some black and blue,
you know, body parts after that one. Maybe some bloody,
bloody shirts. I mean, but you know, you grow up
with that, right, you know, that's all you know, and
then you go to Wisconsin where it's just that type
of program. Him. You know, he was sold right away
on Wisconsin. You know, he had Notre Dame was going
(14:06):
after him, Iowa was going after him. A lot of
you know, really good schools with offensive line pedigree. But
once Wisconsin was part of the mix, that was like, okay,
this is where I'm going. And I mean he was
a tackle in high school. At Wisconsin, they'd love to
cross train these guys. So he was playing, he's playing
center and guard, and it just so happened to get
the best five on the field. They kept him at center.
(14:28):
But in reality, this guy probably probably not at tackle,
but a guard definitely has a skill set to do it.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
I feel like again with the Turkey Ball one, they
fielded a twenty two man roster of tipmans alone, and
two there was somebody like there was somebody either too
young or too old to play or injured, and they
were filming, and they went over the all twenty two,
like over the turkey legs, over some mass potatoes and stuffing.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
So yeah, yeah, got some bragging going on.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Oh yeah, huge, Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
I wouldn't be surprised if there's a trophy in.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
I wouldn't be surprised if like the winner of the
Turkey Bowl had home field advantage for next year, Like
like that's whose family hosted the following year, Like was
it the brother, was it the sister? Depends who wins
the Turkey.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Bowl, And it's a type of thing that just it
sticks with you the whole year. Round fourth of July,
they're still bragging about it. So no doubt I would
not be surprised at all if that was the case.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
Yeah, fourth of July, they're probably like in training camp
practicing for it.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Probably I wouldn't be surprised. Yeah, that's the type of
family he grew up.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
In back to back picks, the Jets take an offensive lineman,
selecting Carter Warren in round four out of Pittsburgh. Now
Joe Douglas says that he feels like Carter Warren could
be one of the steals of Day three, considering the
measurables that he offers. Why do you think he said that? Like,
what is it about Carter Warren that gives Joe Douglas
that kind of hope for Warren's future NFL career.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
Six five and a half, three hundred and ten pounds
over thirty five in charms. If not for his knee
injury this year, he only played the four games he
I mean, he was expected to be a top one
hundred pick. He was supposed to be a future NFL starter.
So to get him on day three as long as
the medicals are okay, I mean, you trust your doctor,
you trust your training staff as long as they give
(16:19):
you the thumbs up like hey, you know, hey, he'll
be fine for training camp, no long term worries, as
long as you feel good about that. I mean, this
is a player that, yes, he helped your depth, but
also there is legitimate hope he can be a starter
down the road. You know, he moves well out in space,
He controls his movements well, he plays with leverage, he
(16:41):
uses that length to his advantage. He's got a really
his hands are usually on time, and once he gets
his hands on you, he can create create movement at
both in the run game and in the passing game,
so he was a captain. I mean, there's a lot
to like about Carter Warn't and what he brings to
(17:02):
the Jets roster and so, like I said, I a
guy that right away is going to give you that depth.
But down the road he is a legitimate contender to
compete for a starting joe.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
In your opinion, if Carter Warren were asked to play
tackle this season in a pinch, how do you think
he would fare?
Speaker 2 (17:23):
As long as he's healthy, Yeah, because that's what we
haven't seen him healthy since last September, you know, so
as long as he is fully healthy and ready to go.
I mean, how much rust is there kind of to
knock off before he's you know, because he hasn't played
live football and so long. That would be my only concern.
I think ability wise, he's ready for the NFL. You know,
(17:44):
he is. He has the traits to do it. He
I think he has enough experience. I mean, he played
forty games. He had thirty nine starts at pitt so
he's played a lot of football. Knocking off the rust
that'll be the question mark once he you know, the
he gets on the field, and you know it's playing
live football, the speed of the NFL. I think there'll
(18:05):
be a little bit of an adjustment period, So if
you want him to step in, there'll probably be a
few lumps and a few roadbumps along the way. But
I think he's a guy that if you stick with
him and be patient, he can get there.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
But what rookie doesn't have lumps and bumps along the way.
I think it's a good time to remind whoever's listening
to this that Max Mitchell was a fourth round pick
this time last year, and the Jets were like essentially
saying like this guy could develop into a swing tackle
and be like a very solid tackle or be thrown
(18:39):
into playing action and that would be where he like
his best NFL future. And what happens. He starts Week
one for the New York Jets at right tackle, and
he was thrown right into the fire full training camp,
took the most reps out of any New York Jet
in the preseason, and then, because of injury, has to
play and fare better than a lot of people thought,
(19:00):
particularly like Robert Salas said, He's a lot further along
than we thought he would be at this point last year.
That was last training camp, So just take that for
what it's worth. With Carter Warren, who has a huge
wingspan and is just a mammoth human being. Also, he's
twenty four years old, and another good time to remind fans.
Last year the Jets selected an older player, Michael Clemens,
(19:21):
who contributed immediately for the Jets. And maybe that's the
way the Jets wanted to go for some of these
Day three picks. And I'm about to debunk that with
the next pick. Another pick. Guy is he a Bana Kanda?
From everything you read, this guy just seems like he
has the juice.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Oh yeah, no doubt about it. That's what he's given you.
That's what he's bringing to the field. Get the ball
in his hands and let him hit the Jets. He's
got that quick scan vision, so he's gonna quickly look
and then he's gonna go. He's not gonna waste any time.
His vision is above average. One step first, so he
can cut and go. Is a is a really fast player?
(20:01):
Ran four four four in the forty yard dash. You
know he he was a guy consistently on film picking
up these chunk yards. He averaged over six yards per carry.
My biggest issue with is he is just the contact balance.
He's a guy. You know, it's once he's and this
is why he was available, you know in the fifth round.
(20:22):
Is once he you know it makes contact. You know
he he's going down. You know, he's not breaking a
ton of tackles after contact. But I think that you
have to catch him first, right, and so his ability
to scoot through gaps really stress, pursuit angles and then
take it the distance. It's it's really impressive. I mean,
(20:42):
he you could argue he has the most juice of
any of these running backs this year. So you you
factor in, you know, as a pass catcher needs to
get better. He's wasn't asked to do it a ton.
You know, he was a he was a screen target.
But you know he needs to get better in that area.
And then just you know, being more consistent in some
of the you know running back specific you know, ball security,
(21:06):
making sure you're catching the football, things like that. Once
he gets better in those areas. Because he's a young player,
like you mentioned, he's just twenty years old, one of
the youngest players in this draft. So again I go
back to the contact balance. That really bothered me. But
he's an instinctive runner. I love the vision, I love
the one step burst and then that runaway gear that
he offers. That's something that and he's not gonna be
(21:29):
asked to obviously be the bell cow in this Jets offense.
You add him to the mix, you add to the rotation.
That's a fun little changeup that you can add to
the offense. Once you you know Breese Hal's back, You've
got a running back, Michael Carter's still there. You've got
a running back room that you can you know, the
different ways you to deploy these guys, spread out the workload.
(21:51):
It should be a fun way to utilize the run game.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
It feels like a couple of things. One, the fact
that he's going to be twenty when the regular season
starts is incredible. He's turning twenty one in early October.
To what you just said is the point here. The
Jets have a very good running back room and this
is the Abana Kanda is not going to be the
bell cow for the New York Jets. So also, I'm
(22:17):
at I'm a little mad you didn't put me onto
this before because this is one of my favorite write
ups in the beast. One of my favorite sayings runs
with a fully charged GPS system. That's incredible. First of all,
the fact that you thought of that is amazing. What
exactly does that mean? Because I drive the fully charged
GPS system, it just gets me a to B right,
(22:39):
and I.
Speaker 2 (22:40):
Think that's what I'm That's what I mean when I
say is instinctive, like he his ability to you know,
you think about once he has the ball in his hands,
his vision to see the entire field and see all
the different roadmaps, all the different access points where he
could go and understand in a split second the Okay,
this is my best bet. This is where I'm going
to gain the most artage, where I'm gonna meet the
(23:01):
least resistance. And that's that's a quality that is pretty
special because you want guys that aren't overthinking. They don't
have to spend you know, one Mississippi, two Mississippi to
see the field and understand, okay, this is where you
need to go. He's very quick, very instinctive, so that
GPS system, it's ready to go. As soon as he
(23:21):
gets the ball in his hands. He's got the GPS
system in his mind telling him turn left, and you know, boom,
he's gone. And so that's that's that's where that the
instincts come from.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
So izy Abana Konda is basically artificial intelligence.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Uh, with the way that the quick thinking movements, that
quick scan vision.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
Yeah, he's got that, okay. And also just fun fact,
I asked him his favorite place, his favorite pizza place
in Brooklyn because he's a Brooklyn guy and being in a
New York iy, I was just kind of curious. He said,
his favorite spot. I think you'd appreciate this is like
a local dollar slice place. You know that. To me,
that is a true local that's.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
It, hole in the wall, mom and pop place, and
that's where the best food is. So no, he he knows.
You know it. Now, if you would have said like sparrows, right,
you know, it was just some like chain that might
have had to be in the weaknesses session of his report.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
Okay, well I'm glad that instead it's a strength. That's
what we're agreeing on. Okay, it could have gone either way. Also,
I really liked that you wrote excellent spatial awareness to
slalom around blocks. A good word choice there. So after
Iziabana Kanda joins the New York Jets. The Jets go
back to the defense in sixth In the sixth round,
(24:37):
Western Michigan linebackers Zayir Barnes. It seems like he fits
the size, speed profile of what the Jets want in
their linebackers. So given that, what is if he were
clay like, why do the Jets want to mold him
into the player that they think fits his system.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Yeah, and coming into the year, he wasn't really on
the radar much, but this past year he was outstanding.
Led the team in tackles. He had almost one hundred tackles.
He made plays and coverage. You see the speed, you
see the athletic ability, and you know he was an
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl guy, got more notice there and he's
(25:20):
had a nice little journey because he was a high
school safety, goes to Western Michigan, makes the transitional linebacker,
so you know he has that cover experience and that
that really shows on the field. So you know, this
is a guy that is always around the football. The
way he tested at two hundred and thirty three pounds,
ran a four or five to four all across the board.
(25:43):
He tested off the charts, So his ability to key
read and then go make plays. At the very least,
you feel good about what he's gonna give you on
special teams. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if
he makes a strong play to be a key backup
at linebacker this season. He has that type of ability.
Speaker 1 (26:00):
He seems pretty soft spoken, but obviously when you see
what happens on the field, something changes. Similar to the
next Jets selection in the sixth round, again, the Jets
go address the secondary Jarick Bernard Converse excellent name because
of the Converse in there, but with someone like him
(26:20):
who has cornerback safety flexibility and versatility, how much of
a value is that for someone being selected in the
sixth round compared to somebody who is just a corner
or just a safety.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
That's a key part of this is the versatility in
the back end. You know, we talked about it with
Joe Tipman being able to play multiple spots up front,
and it's the same thing here with Bernard Converse being
able to you know, you have that cornerback experience. They
moved him from safety to corner, played some nickel, They
just played all over the place, both at Oklahoma State
(26:56):
and then when he transferred to LSU and he's played
a lot of football. I mean, this is a guy
that took advantage of that extra year, that COVID year
in college, so really a five year starter. So the
production outstanding, has special teams experience, and then being able
to play multiple positions across the secondary. That is a
(27:17):
key part of the value of Bernard Converse and what
he brings to the field and what he brings to
your depth chart. So I had him grated a little
bit further down. But when you talk about the versatility,
you talk about the speed. He ran a four to
three nine forty yard dash at the LSU Pro Day,
jumped like forty two inches six nine four to three
(27:39):
cone under seven seconds. I mean he tested off the charts.
That helped as well. So athleticism, versatility, that's the type
of traits that you're looking for in once you get
to day three and six seventh rounds.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
The athletic traits is something that's a common theme here
on Day three for the New York Jets and even
think about to pass drafts. Eles had a freaky proda
at Kentucky. He obviously has turned into one of the
a starting gunner for the Jets. But he started as
a rookie for the Jets and he was a late
Day three pick, So potentially Bernard Converse could follow that
(28:16):
mold in the New York Jets. We'll see what happens.
Robert Salad did say that the Jets really like his
smarts and his instincts. When you take a look at
the Day three selections though, between Carter Warren, between Bernard
Converse and this next guy, the guy that wrapped up
the twenty twenty three Jets draft class, the athletic testing
(28:37):
is off the charts, potentially no more than the old
dominion tight end Zach Koontz. Now there have been flashes
of what he could be. How good could Coons be
if he hits his full potential.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
All the talent is there. This isn't a question of
does he have a talent or not. It's just a
matter of consistency, staying on the field. And even last
year when he was healthy, had seventy three catches. So
this guy, this is a guy that you know, Penn
State transfer, former top recruit. He turned some heads at
the combine and it wasn't just I mean, yes, he
led all tight ends with his forty inch vert with
(29:15):
a ten eight broad six eight seven three cone He
had a four five five forty. I mean the numbers
were outstanding, the testing numbers, but not just that. His
workout catching the football, the way he was moving, the
way he was tracking the ball, the workout at the
combine was arguably more impressive than the testing data, and
I think that says a lot about his ability. So
(29:38):
to surprise, he lasted until the seventh round. I thought
someone would, you know, take a bet on those athletic
testing numbers earlier, but pretty good value for the Jets
to get him as late as they.
Speaker 1 (29:48):
Did, six seven, two hundred fifty five pounds. I mean,
this guy seems like a physical freak. I mean that
just seems like the best way to put it. Is
it not no doubt?
Speaker 2 (30:00):
I mean his wingspan. You think about your fifty one
offensive lineman at the combine, His wingspan was larger than
forty three of them offensive lineman. So this guy is
a huge human being. And I mean he's not just
six seventy six seven and a half and just there's
a lot to work with here. Size, speed, ability. Again,
(30:21):
this is the type of you know, throwing darts in
the seventh round, throw darts at traits like this. This
is the type of guy you want to target because
you might have something here.
Speaker 1 (30:30):
But as a player, what is he like? Because obviously
there's the potential, there's the injury questions there. I understand
all of that as a tight end when healthy, and
I don't. I guess you're referring back to twenty twenty
one when he started ten games. What is his profile
as a tight end?
Speaker 2 (30:50):
I mean, as you would expect for a guy that size,
of that speed you want him. He was at his
best on crossers and these runway routes where he could
stretch out his stride. Get There are too many times
where I thought he was relying on his body to
finish catches and so just being more consistent away from
his frame, I think it would be really important for him.
(31:10):
But this is a guy that you know has has
these abilities, and you know that length that he offers,
I think you have more room to put on some muscle,
get stronger. But the way he can stretch out a stride,
he can get over top coverage. You can see him
run the scene. You know he's uh, it'll work. The
middle of the field and then as a blocker, definitely
(31:33):
needs to get stronger, but he'll steal down blocks, He'll
you know, get He'll get busy in the run game,
no doubt.
Speaker 1 (31:39):
And that is the perfect way to put a bow
on the final episode of twenty twenty three NFL Draft Preview.
Even though this episode was a review, it's the only
way to close it out, Dane. As always, we appreciate
you coming on every year. We'll see what happens in
twenty twenty four. But I think a big reason why
of the Jets success is obviously the NFL Draft, and
(32:01):
you've been a big part of contributing and informing our
fans of why the Jets are gonna be good and
why the arrow is pointing up. So we appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (32:11):
No, it was so much fun. I really enjoy is
fun high point in my week each week. So yeah,
I look forward to it and can't wait to do
it again. So thank you, Ethan.
Speaker 1 (32:21):
Except for the barbecue. I can't even take that. The
barbecue's gotta be one A. I'm okay being one B.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
I mean, yes, let's have priorities here.
Speaker 1 (32:29):
Come on, Dane, appreciate it. Make sure you get some
much deserved time off and do whatever comes your way.
Speaker 2 (32:38):
Thanks man, I appreciate it.
Welcome to another edition of NFL Draft Preview. But of course,
the final episode in every season of NFL Draft Preview
is really NFL Draft Review. Ethan Greenberg Dane Brugler. The
twenty twenty three draft is officially behind us, which means
we're looking at twenty twenty four. I'm just kidding. The
Jets have a seven player class. We're gonna go over
(00:24):
at pick by pick, but before we dive into who
the Jets selected, what you like about these players? What
are expectations, Dane? I have to know coming back from
Kansas City, how does Kansas City barbecue stack up in
the Brugler Power rankings.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
We're not going over twenty four month today?
Speaker 1 (00:43):
That yeah, we could do that too. Yeah, we could
maybe a little flair at the end, you know, cliffhanger
for next year.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Spoiler. Caleb Williams, So like the barbecue was awesome. I've
been to Kansas City once before and I remember only
for the barbecue, and it was especially the burn ends.
The burn ends were outstanding. Kansas City knows how to
do their burn ends. The brisket was really good, the
(01:12):
sausage was good. I had some ribs. Those were good
as well, sides were okay. The different places I went,
sides were okay, but the meat did not disappoint.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And what is the go to place?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Now?
Speaker 1 (01:26):
If you're listening to this podcast, you're like, maybe I'm
from Kansas City, maybe I'm passing through, maybe I want
to make a stop because I'm an avid fan of
food and barbecue. Where should they go?
Speaker 2 (01:37):
I mean, there are definitely a few played. Joe's was
a good place Q thirty nine. That place has really
taken off. It feels like is always busy. When I
was in there. There's a lot, a lot of different
ways you could go, and I did not. I went
there multiple times, and both times I was with a
(02:00):
smile on my face because it was it was a
good time.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
A lot of different ways you could go. Also known
as the NFL Draft, which we will dissect very shortly after.
I ask you how many meals did you have that
were not barbecue? How many total meals did you eat
in Kansas City? And how many meals? And this is
excluding like if you had like a like a protein
bar or something or anything like that. No snacks. I mean,
like you're going you have a menu on your phone
(02:25):
or in your hand and you're ordering. How many total
meals were you in Kansas City for and how many
of them were not barbecue.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
I was there Wednesday through Monday morning, so a good
couple of days. Two meals I didn't have barbecue. That
is well, because I mean, like the way I do
it is, I'm all about the leftovers. And you go
to a lunch for a barbecue place, and you've got
(02:52):
your snack later on because you're good, I'm loading up.
It's like, okay, give me the brisket plate. But I
had a sausage and some ribs to that too, Okay,
yeah no, and then later on you got a little
leftover mac and cheese, You got your brisket. It's all.
It's that's as good of a snack as you can
possibly have later on.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Barbecue leftovers one of the many gifts that keep on given.
That's what I hear from you. It is as absolutely okay. Well,
the NFL draft another gift that keeps on given every year.
Of course, next year's in Detroit. We're not talking about
next year. So let's go over this. For the New
York Jets, they were supposed to have six picks. They
end up with seven, or they were supposed to have six,
(03:32):
then they trade, then they have five once they acquire
Aaron Rodgers, they end up with seven after a couple
of draft day trades from Joe Douglass, starting let's say
with the fifteenth overall selection Will McDonald. Now, when you
are watching the draft and you see the Steelers trade up,
your initial reaction is also Broderick Jones of the Steelers,
(03:54):
is it not?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
That's what I felt that the Steelers needed that tackle.
We saw the run start with Paris Johnson, then Darnell Wright,
then Peter Skarnsky, and it just felt like if the
Steelers didn't make a move for their tackle, they weren't
gonna get one.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
So all the mock drafts had the Jets taking an
offensive tackle at thirteen before the trade, even at fifteen,
like the final mock drafts, a lot of them had
Peter Skoronski at fifteen, who ends up going a couple
of picks before the Jets, and then the Jets go
not a surprising pick in terms of position, pass rusher
Will McDonald fourth out of Iowa State. But I would
(04:32):
say that not a single mock draft had Will McDonald
to the new York Jets at thirteen or fifteen. But
there were some tweets like Jim Naggy tweeted out there
that he was McDonald's was one of the players that
was picking up steam late in the process. Same with
Daniel Jeremiah. Now, why do you think Will McDonald is
a good selection schematically for the New York Jets six
(04:55):
four two forty?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Really really flexible. I mean this guy, he his joint
flexibility is special. It's really something to watch speed off
the edge. Bottom line, if you can get to the quarterback,
if you have that type of athleticism as a pass rusher,
you are going to go high. You have value to
the NFL teams. And you know I did not. I
(05:19):
had a second round great on one McDonald myself. But
when you factor in that jet step chart and what
he's going to be asked to do, we're gonna see
plenty of flashes from Will McDonald this year of him
winning off the ball and forcing the quarterback to move
his feet. Because again, when you have those athletic traits, uh,
that's exactly what you're looking for. To you. You just
(05:42):
want someone that's gonna put pressure on the pocket and
Will McDonald can do that, So you know, we can
talk about value, we can talk about uh, you know,
whether or not this is a need for this team. Uh.
Bottom line, you just you're you're you're adding another bullet
to the gun. I mean, you're adding another guy that
you can put into the rotation and is going to
make an impact for you. And so at the end
(06:04):
of the day, it's all about getting better, and the
Jets defense is better with Will McGoff.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
The Jets defense also doesn't really have someone with the
body type or type of pass rush that Will McDonald provides.
Like Carl Lawston is an undersized pass rusher, but he's
jacked up. Jermaine Johnson's pretty like rock solid Will McDonald.
Based on reading like what you wrote in The Beast,
different scouting reports, seeing highlights, he seems like a very athletic,
(06:33):
wiry type of player. I've seen comparisons like stylistically, Granted,
I know you're not a huge player comp guy, but
are there shades of like Randy Gregory to his game
or Brian Burns because That's what I've been reading.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, I think Randy Gregory that makes sense, really stretched
out frame, doesn't have a ton of bulk on his
body and doesn't really have the body type to add
all all that. So it's not like you're gonna once
he gets into our program, you know, he'll be two sixty.
I mean, he's always gonna be a leaner player, and
that's okay. I do think that it shows up at
(07:09):
times in the run game. But you are drafting Will
McDonald to get after the quarterback and use that length,
use that the flexibility that we talked about bend the edge.
His ability to bend the edge that's, you know, really
really impressive. So he has the lateral agility where he
can make or he can avoid blockers and doesn't get
(07:31):
locked up. So even though he's not in terms of
power and strength, he's not that type of rusher, but
he does a nice job unwinding from blocks, keeping himself free,
and then going and chasing getting after the quarterback. So
that closing burst that he offers is pretty impressive. And
again it's just you're adding another guy to the rotation
(07:52):
that is going to keep everybody fresh and keep putting
that pressure on the quarterback. And there's definitely value in
having a guy like that.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
McDonald said that he wants to be around two hundred
and fifty pounds. That's his goal for this season. You
kind of mentioned it in your answer there, But is
the next step for Will McDonald just to get stronger
and probably be a better three down player, Because like
for the Jets, if Will McDonald plays on third down
(08:21):
and he's part of the third down package, it makes
a lot of sense go after the quarterback, you know,
line up, pin your ears back and go what if
he's asked to play on first or second down when
his run or pass? Is that where he needs to
take the next step and shore up his game at
the pro level.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, I mean play strength, but then just becoming a
more well rounded player, both as a pass rusher and
as a run defender. So as a pass rusher, you
see the athletic traits, there's no doubt about that. But
adding more deception to his rush, you know, blockers know
that he wants to win with his length and in
his quickness, but adding more moves to his arsenal so
(09:00):
he can mix it up a little bit, sell blockers
break down that rhythm. Just being a more well rounded player.
So I want to see him become more of the
some of his parts. You know, you love all these
different traits that he offers, but using all those traits
in unison to be the most complete player. He's just
(09:20):
not there yet, and you know it's not guaranteed that
it'll ever get there, but you know, I think that
you are encouraged by the promise that he shows and
just the fact that there's not many athletes in this
draft that are six four two forty five and can
move like he does.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Will McDonald interesting juxtaposition because he's somewhat new to football,
transitioning from basketball to football his junior year of high school,
but an older draft prospect turning twenty four soon. So
all right, there's Will McDonald. And if you if you
know nothing about Will McDonald, let me just say this one.
He's a freak athlete. There are videos of him jumping
(09:57):
over cars, including SUVs, like one of the videos that
he one of the videos he posted, he jumped over
my exact car. I'm not gonna say the brand because
sponsorship could be listening, but look, he jumped over a
crossover suv and it was very impressive. And it's not
a small suv either. It's like a pretty solid crossover SUV.
(10:18):
Two footballise thirty four career sacks at Iowa State. That's
tied for most in Big Twelve history. Dan Brugler, thank
you for the information. There one more than von Miller's
and that's a pretty good guy to beat out in
the Big Twelve. But we'll see what happens when Will
McDonald takes the field as a New York Jet. Round two, Dane,
you hit this one out of the park, right on
(10:40):
the head Joe Titman, the newest center for the New
York Jets. This should not have been a surprise to anybody.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
No, I mean, how much should we talk about Joe
Tipman being an option there in the second round for
this team. You know, he's a little bit bigger, taller
than your normal center, but I think he has guard
center versatility. Even know he was a center only for
the Badgers, I think he does give you that center
guard versatility. So he's adding immediate depth from day one
(11:08):
for the Jets on the interior of the offensive line,
and he's going to be a starter for a long time.
You know, you love the athleticism he wait, love the
way he moves the body, control the balance. There are
times where he does spend a little too much time
on the ground, sacrificing that technique where you know he
needs to be more and more consistent. But this is
(11:29):
a guy that is a fluid, rangey big man, and
so I think he had He's a great fit for
the scheme they want to run. You think about the zone,
the footwork, the play side, backside, he can do all
of that. He's a really strong player once he gets
his hands on you. He's really smart. So a lot
of you know, just kind of keep checking the box,
(11:51):
check the box for what you want in a center
or a guard at the next level. So big fan
of Joe Tipman. He was my top center in the
draft and a guy that I think the Jets can
feel really good about giving them that interior offensive line
versatility that they want.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Now to mention, he has an elite mullet. It's just incredible.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Yes, yes, I mean it's a fun thing with him too,
is he's you know, you think about the background, and
you know, thinking about a guy that learned under Jason Fabini,
you know, a longtime NFL player and a New York Jet,
very familiar with the New York Jets, so you know,
he he that's that's where he was coached up and
(12:32):
that's where you know he's very so he's very familiar
with the organization. And you know he comes from football.
He's it's in his blood. It's where you know, his dad,
his grandparents. One scout told me that at his high school,
Bishop Dwanger in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at one point there
was he said, eighteen Tipmans on the varsity roster at
(12:57):
that high school at one point at one time. Or
not not just Tipman's, but from that family tree, Like
it's just it's a family of football players. So this
is a guy that this is football is what he's
known since he was you know, at a young age,
and it's it's it's what he's what he lives for.
So football passion wise, you don't have to worry about that.
(13:17):
He brings it and he's got the body, the strength,
the intelligence to do it. This was a home run
pick there in the second round.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Joe Tipman is, in my opinion, the epitome of a
Joe Douglas Scott. So take that for what it's worth. Also,
what do you think a family like a Thanksgiving like
a Turkey Bowl looks like for the Tipman family, it's
got to be out of this world.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
I would have to imagine there's some black and blue,
you know, body parts after that one. Maybe some bloody,
bloody shirts. I mean, but you know, you grow up
with that, right, you know, that's all you know, and
then you go to Wisconsin where it's just that type
of program. Him. You know, he was sold right away
on Wisconsin. You know, he had Notre Dame was going
(14:06):
after him, Iowa was going after him. A lot of
you know, really good schools with offensive line pedigree. But
once Wisconsin was part of the mix, that was like, okay,
this is where I'm going. And I mean he was
a tackle in high school. At Wisconsin, they'd love to
cross train these guys. So he was playing, he's playing
center and guard, and it just so happened to get
the best five on the field. They kept him at center.
(14:28):
But in reality, this guy probably probably not at tackle,
but a guard definitely has a skill set to do it.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
I feel like again with the Turkey Ball one, they
fielded a twenty two man roster of tipmans alone, and
two there was somebody like there was somebody either too
young or too old to play or injured, and they
were filming, and they went over the all twenty two,
like over the turkey legs, over some mass potatoes and stuffing.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
So yeah, yeah, got some bragging going on.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Oh yeah, huge, Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
I wouldn't be surprised if there's a trophy in.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
I wouldn't be surprised if like the winner of the
Turkey Bowl had home field advantage for next year, Like
like that's whose family hosted the following year, Like was
it the brother, was it the sister? Depends who wins
the Turkey.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Bowl, And it's a type of thing that just it
sticks with you the whole year. Round fourth of July,
they're still bragging about it. So no doubt I would
not be surprised at all if that was the case.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
Yeah, fourth of July, they're probably like in training camp
practicing for it.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Probably I wouldn't be surprised. Yeah, that's the type of
family he grew up.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
In back to back picks, the Jets take an offensive lineman,
selecting Carter Warren in round four out of Pittsburgh. Now
Joe Douglas says that he feels like Carter Warren could
be one of the steals of Day three, considering the
measurables that he offers. Why do you think he said that? Like,
what is it about Carter Warren that gives Joe Douglas
that kind of hope for Warren's future NFL career.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
Six five and a half, three hundred and ten pounds
over thirty five in charms. If not for his knee
injury this year, he only played the four games he
I mean, he was expected to be a top one
hundred pick. He was supposed to be a future NFL starter.
So to get him on day three as long as
the medicals are okay, I mean, you trust your doctor,
you trust your training staff as long as they give
(16:19):
you the thumbs up like hey, you know, hey, he'll
be fine for training camp, no long term worries, as
long as you feel good about that. I mean, this
is a player that, yes, he helped your depth, but
also there is legitimate hope he can be a starter
down the road. You know, he moves well out in space,
He controls his movements well, he plays with leverage, he
(16:41):
uses that length to his advantage. He's got a really
his hands are usually on time, and once he gets
his hands on you, he can create create movement at
both in the run game and in the passing game,
so he was a captain. I mean, there's a lot
to like about Carter Warn't and what he brings to
(17:02):
the Jets roster and so, like I said, I a
guy that right away is going to give you that depth.
But down the road he is a legitimate contender to
compete for a starting joe.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
In your opinion, if Carter Warren were asked to play
tackle this season in a pinch, how do you think
he would fare?
Speaker 2 (17:23):
As long as he's healthy, Yeah, because that's what we
haven't seen him healthy since last September, you know, so
as long as he is fully healthy and ready to go.
I mean, how much rust is there kind of to
knock off before he's you know, because he hasn't played
live football and so long. That would be my only concern.
I think ability wise, he's ready for the NFL. You know,
(17:44):
he is. He has the traits to do it. He
I think he has enough experience. I mean, he played
forty games. He had thirty nine starts at pitt so
he's played a lot of football. Knocking off the rust
that'll be the question mark once he you know, the
he gets on the field, and you know it's playing
live football, the speed of the NFL. I think there'll
(18:05):
be a little bit of an adjustment period, So if
you want him to step in, there'll probably be a
few lumps and a few roadbumps along the way. But
I think he's a guy that if you stick with
him and be patient, he can get there.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
But what rookie doesn't have lumps and bumps along the way.
I think it's a good time to remind whoever's listening
to this that Max Mitchell was a fourth round pick
this time last year, and the Jets were like essentially
saying like this guy could develop into a swing tackle
and be like a very solid tackle or be thrown
(18:39):
into playing action and that would be where he like
his best NFL future. And what happens. He starts Week
one for the New York Jets at right tackle, and
he was thrown right into the fire full training camp,
took the most reps out of any New York Jet
in the preseason, and then, because of injury, has to
play and fare better than a lot of people thought,
(19:00):
particularly like Robert Salas said, He's a lot further along
than we thought he would be at this point last year.
That was last training camp, So just take that for
what it's worth. With Carter Warren, who has a huge
wingspan and is just a mammoth human being. Also, he's
twenty four years old, and another good time to remind fans.
Last year the Jets selected an older player, Michael Clemens,
(19:21):
who contributed immediately for the Jets. And maybe that's the
way the Jets wanted to go for some of these
Day three picks. And I'm about to debunk that with
the next pick. Another pick. Guy is he a Bana Kanda?
From everything you read, this guy just seems like he
has the juice.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Oh yeah, no doubt about it. That's what he's given you.
That's what he's bringing to the field. Get the ball
in his hands and let him hit the Jets. He's
got that quick scan vision, so he's gonna quickly look
and then he's gonna go. He's not gonna waste any time.
His vision is above average. One step first, so he
can cut and go. Is a is a really fast player?
(20:01):
Ran four four four in the forty yard dash. You
know he he was a guy consistently on film picking
up these chunk yards. He averaged over six yards per carry.
My biggest issue with is he is just the contact balance.
He's a guy. You know, it's once he's and this
is why he was available, you know in the fifth round.
(20:22):
Is once he you know it makes contact. You know
he he's going down. You know, he's not breaking a
ton of tackles after contact. But I think that you
have to catch him first, right, and so his ability
to scoot through gaps really stress, pursuit angles and then
take it the distance. It's it's really impressive. I mean,
(20:42):
he you could argue he has the most juice of
any of these running backs this year. So you you
factor in, you know, as a pass catcher needs to
get better. He's wasn't asked to do it a ton.
You know, he was a he was a screen target.
But you know he needs to get better in that area.
And then just you know, being more consistent in some
of the you know running back specific you know, ball security,
(21:06):
making sure you're catching the football, things like that. Once
he gets better in those areas. Because he's a young player,
like you mentioned, he's just twenty years old, one of
the youngest players in this draft. So again I go
back to the contact balance. That really bothered me. But
he's an instinctive runner. I love the vision, I love
the one step burst and then that runaway gear that
he offers. That's something that and he's not gonna be
(21:29):
asked to obviously be the bell cow in this Jets offense.
You add him to the mix, you add to the rotation.
That's a fun little changeup that you can add to
the offense. Once you you know Breese Hal's back, You've
got a running back, Michael Carter's still there. You've got
a running back room that you can you know, the
different ways you to deploy these guys, spread out the workload.
(21:51):
It should be a fun way to utilize the run game.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
It feels like a couple of things. One, the fact
that he's going to be twenty when the regular season
starts is incredible. He's turning twenty one in early October.
To what you just said is the point here. The
Jets have a very good running back room and this
is the Abana Kanda is not going to be the
bell cow for the New York Jets. So also, I'm
(22:17):
at I'm a little mad you didn't put me onto
this before because this is one of my favorite write
ups in the beast. One of my favorite sayings runs
with a fully charged GPS system. That's incredible. First of all,
the fact that you thought of that is amazing. What
exactly does that mean? Because I drive the fully charged
GPS system, it just gets me a to B right,
(22:39):
and I.
Speaker 2 (22:40):
Think that's what I'm That's what I mean when I
say is instinctive, like he his ability to you know,
you think about once he has the ball in his hands,
his vision to see the entire field and see all
the different roadmaps, all the different access points where he
could go and understand in a split second the Okay,
this is my best bet. This is where I'm going
to gain the most artage, where I'm gonna meet the
(23:01):
least resistance. And that's that's a quality that is pretty
special because you want guys that aren't overthinking. They don't
have to spend you know, one Mississippi, two Mississippi to
see the field and understand, okay, this is where you
need to go. He's very quick, very instinctive, so that
GPS system, it's ready to go. As soon as he
(23:21):
gets the ball in his hands. He's got the GPS
system in his mind telling him turn left, and you know, boom,
he's gone. And so that's that's that's where that the
instincts come from.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
So izy Abana Konda is basically artificial intelligence.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Uh, with the way that the quick thinking movements, that
quick scan vision.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
Yeah, he's got that, okay. And also just fun fact,
I asked him his favorite place, his favorite pizza place
in Brooklyn because he's a Brooklyn guy and being in a
New York iy, I was just kind of curious. He said,
his favorite spot. I think you'd appreciate this is like
a local dollar slice place. You know that. To me,
that is a true local that's.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
It, hole in the wall, mom and pop place, and
that's where the best food is. So no, he he knows.
You know it. Now, if you would have said like sparrows, right,
you know, it was just some like chain that might
have had to be in the weaknesses session of his report.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
Okay, well I'm glad that instead it's a strength. That's
what we're agreeing on. Okay, it could have gone either way. Also,
I really liked that you wrote excellent spatial awareness to
slalom around blocks. A good word choice there. So after
Iziabana Kanda joins the New York Jets. The Jets go
back to the defense in sixth In the sixth round,
(24:37):
Western Michigan linebackers Zayir Barnes. It seems like he fits
the size, speed profile of what the Jets want in
their linebackers. So given that, what is if he were
clay like, why do the Jets want to mold him
into the player that they think fits his system.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Yeah, and coming into the year, he wasn't really on
the radar much, but this past year he was outstanding.
Led the team in tackles. He had almost one hundred tackles.
He made plays and coverage. You see the speed, you
see the athletic ability, and you know he was an
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl guy, got more notice there and he's
(25:20):
had a nice little journey because he was a high
school safety, goes to Western Michigan, makes the transitional linebacker,
so you know he has that cover experience and that
that really shows on the field. So you know, this
is a guy that is always around the football. The
way he tested at two hundred and thirty three pounds,
ran a four or five to four all across the board.
(25:43):
He tested off the charts, So his ability to key
read and then go make plays. At the very least,
you feel good about what he's gonna give you on
special teams. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if
he makes a strong play to be a key backup
at linebacker this season. He has that type of ability.
Speaker 1 (26:00):
He seems pretty soft spoken, but obviously when you see
what happens on the field, something changes. Similar to the
next Jets selection in the sixth round, again, the Jets
go address the secondary Jarick Bernard Converse excellent name because
of the Converse in there, but with someone like him
(26:20):
who has cornerback safety flexibility and versatility, how much of
a value is that for someone being selected in the
sixth round compared to somebody who is just a corner
or just a safety.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
That's a key part of this is the versatility in
the back end. You know, we talked about it with
Joe Tipman being able to play multiple spots up front,
and it's the same thing here with Bernard Converse being
able to you know, you have that cornerback experience. They
moved him from safety to corner, played some nickel, They
just played all over the place, both at Oklahoma State
(26:56):
and then when he transferred to LSU and he's played
a lot of football. I mean, this is a guy
that took advantage of that extra year, that COVID year
in college, so really a five year starter. So the
production outstanding, has special teams experience, and then being able
to play multiple positions across the secondary. That is a
(27:17):
key part of the value of Bernard Converse and what
he brings to the field and what he brings to
your depth chart. So I had him grated a little
bit further down. But when you talk about the versatility,
you talk about the speed. He ran a four to
three nine forty yard dash at the LSU Pro Day,
jumped like forty two inches six nine four to three
(27:39):
cone under seven seconds. I mean he tested off the charts.
That helped as well. So athleticism, versatility, that's the type
of traits that you're looking for in once you get
to day three and six seventh rounds.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
The athletic traits is something that's a common theme here
on Day three for the New York Jets and even
think about to pass drafts. Eles had a freaky proda
at Kentucky. He obviously has turned into one of the
a starting gunner for the Jets. But he started as
a rookie for the Jets and he was a late
Day three pick, So potentially Bernard Converse could follow that
(28:16):
mold in the New York Jets. We'll see what happens.
Robert Salad did say that the Jets really like his
smarts and his instincts. When you take a look at
the Day three selections though, between Carter Warren, between Bernard
Converse and this next guy, the guy that wrapped up
the twenty twenty three Jets draft class, the athletic testing
(28:37):
is off the charts, potentially no more than the old
dominion tight end Zach Koontz. Now there have been flashes
of what he could be. How good could Coons be
if he hits his full potential.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
All the talent is there. This isn't a question of
does he have a talent or not. It's just a
matter of consistency, staying on the field. And even last
year when he was healthy, had seventy three catches. So
this guy, this is a guy that you know, Penn
State transfer, former top recruit. He turned some heads at
the combine and it wasn't just I mean, yes, he
led all tight ends with his forty inch vert with
(29:15):
a ten eight broad six eight seven three cone He
had a four five five forty. I mean the numbers
were outstanding, the testing numbers, but not just that. His
workout catching the football, the way he was moving, the
way he was tracking the ball, the workout at the
combine was arguably more impressive than the testing data, and
I think that says a lot about his ability. So
(29:38):
to surprise, he lasted until the seventh round. I thought
someone would, you know, take a bet on those athletic
testing numbers earlier, but pretty good value for the Jets
to get him as late as they.
Speaker 1 (29:48):
Did, six seven, two hundred fifty five pounds. I mean,
this guy seems like a physical freak. I mean that
just seems like the best way to put it. Is
it not no doubt?
Speaker 2 (30:00):
I mean his wingspan. You think about your fifty one
offensive lineman at the combine, His wingspan was larger than
forty three of them offensive lineman. So this guy is
a huge human being. And I mean he's not just
six seventy six seven and a half and just there's
a lot to work with here. Size, speed, ability. Again,
(30:21):
this is the type of you know, throwing darts in
the seventh round, throw darts at traits like this. This
is the type of guy you want to target because
you might have something here.
Speaker 1 (30:30):
But as a player, what is he like? Because obviously
there's the potential, there's the injury questions there. I understand
all of that as a tight end when healthy, and
I don't. I guess you're referring back to twenty twenty
one when he started ten games. What is his profile
as a tight end?
Speaker 2 (30:50):
I mean, as you would expect for a guy that size,
of that speed you want him. He was at his
best on crossers and these runway routes where he could
stretch out his stride. Get There are too many times
where I thought he was relying on his body to
finish catches and so just being more consistent away from
his frame, I think it would be really important for him.
(31:10):
But this is a guy that you know has has
these abilities, and you know that length that he offers,
I think you have more room to put on some muscle,
get stronger. But the way he can stretch out a stride,
he can get over top coverage. You can see him
run the scene. You know he's uh, it'll work. The
middle of the field and then as a blocker, definitely
(31:33):
needs to get stronger, but he'll steal down blocks, He'll
you know, get He'll get busy in the run game,
no doubt.
Speaker 1 (31:39):
And that is the perfect way to put a bow
on the final episode of twenty twenty three NFL Draft Preview.
Even though this episode was a review, it's the only
way to close it out, Dane. As always, we appreciate
you coming on every year. We'll see what happens in
twenty twenty four. But I think a big reason why
of the Jets success is obviously the NFL Draft, and
(32:01):
you've been a big part of contributing and informing our
fans of why the Jets are gonna be good and
why the arrow is pointing up. So we appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (32:11):
No, it was so much fun. I really enjoy is
fun high point in my week each week. So yeah,
I look forward to it and can't wait to do
it again. So thank you, Ethan.
Speaker 1 (32:21):
Except for the barbecue. I can't even take that. The
barbecue's gotta be one A. I'm okay being one B.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
I mean, yes, let's have priorities here.
Speaker 1 (32:29):
Come on, Dane, appreciate it. Make sure you get some
much deserved time off and do whatever comes your way.
Speaker 2 (32:38):
Thanks man, I appreciate it.
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