December 17, 2025 • 47 mins
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren calls in. Matt and Wes go Around Campus, and take a look at the group of quarterbacks that could be entering the NFL Draft. They discuss if certain names will be going back to school, who might transfer, and who could be top five NFL Draft picks.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Your tune's about drive on your twenty four to seven
home of the Black and Goal Steelers Nation Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Good evening, Steeler Nation. How we do it? Well, that's
good us too. Our number two here and Matt. It's
time to go round campus. And this is gonna be
a little different because no games last week except for
Army Navy, which was awesome delivered as always every year.
I'm like, I gotta get to that game, you know
(00:45):
what I mean? Like it's all drive Baltimore, Philadelphia, all
driveable easy. I know, people got places to stay. I
get I should have done it this year, steel I
wasn't paying attention. That's something that if I would have
noticed before the season started that the Steelers were on
Monday that week, I wouldn't have to like rush home
Sunday or anything. That's the time to do. It just
completely went over my head. It's almost like I got
(01:06):
two young kids and a million things going on. But
it is time to go around campus as we anticipate
Friday night. Actually, so just a little over a little
over forty eight hours.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Okay, we got a great game Thursday, and then Friday
and their Saturday.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
For buddy words, it is one of those time, one
of those stretches where it's a good time to be
a football fan.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Yeah, there's good Saturday NFL stuff.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Great Saturday NFL stuff, good, good Saturday college football action.
Friday night we get on the campus of Oklahoma and
Norman Alabama versus John Mattire. Yeah, and a rematch of
the regular season in the playoffs there at the Palace
on the Prairie they call it Norman. Uh.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Should we start with those two quarterbacks?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Then let's start with those two quarterbacks. And especially because
you mentioned in the first hour how there's a really
good chance it might just be Mendoza and more. Yeah,
and I agree with you. Yeah, I think Simpson's the
real wildcard in there. And now there's also the possibilities
we'll talk about some of these guys that have already
accepted invites to the senior ball and stuff like that,
and as you know, they could always in the next
few months stop somebody will, somebody will.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
I was talking today, I mean even December seventeenth or
whatever it is today, Mayfield went, I mean there's a
ton of guys that went really really high, Trey Lance,
Trey Lance that weren't no brainer mock draft top five
picks yet, I mean it's even uncommon.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Even cam Ward it was a little bit later in
the process, so he was the nailed on number one.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Door award and then it's like time closed.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yes, So let's talk about those two guys, Matier and
ty Simpson because you mentioned and I said, ty Simpson
is the one now who feels like he could.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Be the third the biggest wildcards.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
He's the biggest wildcard in all this because a lot
of these guys now, matt are clearly there's still a
couple up in the air. But most of these guys
now are clearly gonna go to the draft, are gonna
return to school. There's a couple we're gonna have to
wait for. See, We're gonna have to wait and see
on the playoff on some of these guys. Ty Simpson
and my Teer are both two of those guys haven't
(03:09):
committed yet one way or the other. Haven't declared for
the draft and accept that a senior ball invite, haven't
said I'm returning to school.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Wait see, but Tear's years has not gone his way.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
No, it hasn't started strong, it hasn't He's won though
he plays really well on Friday night against Alabama.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Yeah, let's say he wins twas.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
And then in the quarter final, you know, goes to Columbus,
Ohio or wherever they would end up and play. Things
can change very quickly this time of year. Yes, but
my tear to me is one to keep an eye on,
because unless he plays a couple of really good games
here over the next few weeks, I would think he's
coming back to school.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Like if you asked me, I mean, you know, you're
more on top of this stuff than me. But a
month ago we would said he's going.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
To go back school. Yeah, for sure. For sure, Ty
Simpson might be the most intriguing one from a will
he won't he what's going on standpoint.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
And from a Steeler stamp, and from a Steeler.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Standpoint, Yeah yeah for that, that proverbal third quarterback who's
not going to be a top five pick. Matt it
sounds like he's NFL draft bound. Okay, but there's still
some talk that he could obviously return to Alabama for
what would be a fifth of you know, a super
senior type year. There's also, though, like this week, if
you read some of the Alabama like the Crimson Times
(04:20):
and The Tide twenty four to seven, like some of
these reputable outlets.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, there's a lot of smoke around he might transfer that,
he could go somewhere else.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
I thought I heard this. I might be a thousand
percent wrong, But don't they have like a massive five stars? Yes,
they did.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
That's just a weird spot for that to be year
because they've had some of this happen, like Julian saying,
was that guy for Alabama? Yeah, and then he left
to go to Ohio State because he was tired of
waiting of his time and he might be the number
one overall pick in next year's draft Alabama.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
It's it's a weird could go anywhere he once? I'm sure.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
For the most part, Yes, absolutely, And there's also been
some smoke around. Could their head coach Kaylin de boor
leave if the playoff doesn't go well for Alabama?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
If they want to get fired.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
I don't know about get fired, but like, could he
take a Michigan type job because Alabama not the right
cultural fit and maybe the writing's on the wall and
I'm not going to be Nick Saban and that's never
going to be good enough here.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
I mean following Saban's horrible or.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Being ten and two and in the playoff is not
good enough when you're following Nick Sabe. I mean he
went nine and three last year, Matt in ten and
two this year, and his seats hot.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
People don't like but people don't like it.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Yeah, you know, and he's not a Southern guy. He
doesn't sound like Nick Saban when he talks and have
that southern gentleman charm, you know type thing going on.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
I get it.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
So Simpson is the real wild card. Could he go
to the draft, could he stay at Alabama? Could he
end up transferring to another school? I think all of
those things are on the table.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
So I mean to bring this up actually for a
couple of weeks, and I'm stealing it from Nate Tice.
I've reference him before. He's really good. What he does.
He's over at Yahoo is his uh father was Mike Tyson. Yeah. Anyway,
we all know these guys are getting money now at
the college level, Yes they are. However, what Tys figured out,
which seems like we all should have figured this out
(06:07):
long ago. If you're an NFL top fifteen pick, you're
making more than anybody else in college. Yeah, I mean.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Besides from maybe the one the arch Manning who's going
to get ten million, but even still.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
Say, I think you're guaranteed like five if you're in
the top fifteen, which I think is I don't know
the nil stuff well enough, but I think is more
than just about anybody you.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
Know, pretty that'd be a short list.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Yeah, I mean, if you're just talking finances, go in
the NFL still is more lucrative.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Yeah, And it's a longer term contract.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
I mean it's it's a longer term being and you
get to your second contract to year earlier, which is
the huge money if you're good. Sure, I mean you
could be Zach Wilson and not do anything you know
right right, but if.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
You can't ward, you're getting your pay your massive payday
a year but two of God and Caleb Williams you're
getting there. You're getting your massive payday a year early.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Huge signing bone, fifty million guaranteed or whatever.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
He was a great example. Look what he got, right,
and even look at the money that like Gino Smith
got this offseason. And you know that Daniel Jones would
have gotten if he wouldn't have gotten hurt.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
So I think this is mostly acclable to Simpson though,
because Okay, let's say he's a consensus quarterback three but
still a first rounder.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Ten to twenty range.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah, maybe he falls to wherever the Steelers are picking at.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
The as a Jack Dart territory.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Yeah, as his floor or I'm gonna get some heat
to transfer, whether that's true or not. And I know,
and nobody wants to hear this, but next year's class
is better than this year's class. I got to compete
with more guys than just more or Mendoza. And I
don't know when nipping on my heels is number four.
Maybe it's not best for me. Maybe I could use experience,
(07:47):
but I'll take the guaranteed money and be the twelfth
pick in the draft. It's not a bad move.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
It's not a bad move.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
I mean, you could sell me pretty easily if I
was the Simpson.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Family, the Simpsons Today, Thursday night, Friday night, all day Saturday,
some big games, certainly Friday night. Be keeping an eye
on Oklahoma, Alabama, and the quarterbacks, in particular Fernando Mendoza.
He won the Heisman. He's going to the draft. He's
got a first round by they're waiting their next opponent
in the Orange Bowl, which will be Actually, I think
(08:19):
it'll be the winner of this game. I think the
winner of Alabama Oklahoma will be the one that goes
to the Orange Bowl to face Indiana on New Year's Day.
Speaking of which, Young Jacob Erect, host of the Steelers
standard producer of the DV morning show I You grad.
He was showing me he ordered this IU Rose Bowl
bomber jacket. Oh. Oh, it's like it's like a It's
(08:41):
like a it's like that. Oh, it's like that Indiana,
you know, like cream color and it's got the I
you and it's got like a rose through the I
you like. It's it's nice bloody. I said, I would
spend eight hundred dollars on merch if w you ever
made it to a rose Ball. Mendoz is going to
the draft, in all likelihood gonna be the top pick. Yeah,
since Dante Moore the other the other one.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
He's got a lean towards going right.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
I think so. Just because he's gonna be QB two,
he's gonna be a top five pick.
Speaker 3 (09:09):
He guarantee the top five pick, even if you end
up in Vegas or whatever.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
That Phil might that Phil Knight money and staying at
Oregon for another year. And I think that's Morgan. I've
told you this before. Oregon should have the best roster
on paper in college football.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
Next year, next years.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
They're top ten now and they're so young, so they
should have a vast majority of people coming back. You know,
they're going to be able to nab a couple Derek
Harmon types in the portal, you know, to come in,
to come in for a to come in for a
year and be a first round pick, and and add
to it.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
And more aside. I mean, they have a tight end
and they have a defensive tackle. It could be first
round picks. But they're not going to get totally crushed
from the draft.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
No, they're not. They're not. Again, they are for Oregon
for being a top ten fifth overall and in the playoff,
they're actually in better in a better shape for twenty
twenty six, especially if they get Dante More to return,
but that's still up in the air. That's obviously gonna
depend on his playoff performance. They host JMU Saturday night,
they're twenty one point favorites at home. Sure, they should
probably be able to roll James Madison barring some Cinderella
(10:08):
type story, but he's very interesting. And then some of
these guys that are going to the portal, like, for example,
we've talked in the past about Sam Levitt, the Arizona
State quarterback that I really like who was banged up
this year, he's in the portal. Oh is it if
Dante More goes to pros to slide right into Oregon
and they don't skip a beat? And so again, there's
(10:29):
so much moving stuff here. Leonora Sellers sounds like he's
staying at South Carolina all report that makes sense to you. No,
I'm sure he's going to get a massive payday. And
there is a part of me that loves the fact that,
like he's staying loyal to the school that believed in him,
to his head coach Shane Biemer and all that. Like
the college football purist and me kind of loves the
(10:49):
old school. He's not running away. But man, he's another
one who could go to one of these you know
what the Oregon What if he went to Oregon and
you know it was a top five pick, number one
overall pick rext year because he's got traits like unbelievably,
but it sounds.
Speaker 3 (11:05):
Sound rounding lot of favors this past year.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
All in fact the opposite. They were kind of kind
of weigh them down and sunk them to the bottom
of the ocean. There sounds like he's staying at South Carolina,
like he's committed to that coaching staff. All they're doing
is ironing out his contract, which still sounds hilarious to
me when we talked about college football and speaking of that,
Jada Miava, the USC quarterback, he signed his contract to
return as a Trojan in twenty twenty six, so he'll
(11:30):
be back with Lincoln Riley for another year. They'll be
really good, I think so. I don't think that's a
but like USC put out a post. I think it
was on Monday of like it looks like Jada Miava
being Jalen Ramsey and side like he's sitting. He's sitting
in a table at the facility. Jada Miova has signed
his contract with USC in twenty twenty six, and I'm like,
I hate this. I hate this so much. I hate this,
(11:52):
But that's the world that we're living in. Trinidad Chambliss,
old miss quarterback. I mentioned this a little bit to
you yesterday, but he did like his college football playoff
media stuff ahead of their Saturday game against Tulane, and
he was asked about his future and he was very noncommittal.
Uh NFL Draft transfer portal. All my options are on
the table.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
They're in the playoffs, so mean, he can't say, but
it sounds like it's probably.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
It sounds to me like he might be now Lane
Kiffen could be licking his chops to get a Sam
Levitt or one of these other portal guys that maybe
he thinks he likes better. But if if you made
me put my chip down right now, Trinidad Chambliss returns
to college football for one more year and he's in
Baton Rouge with his old head coach Lane Kiffin, which.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah, yeah, I wouldn't blame anybody involved.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Which would even add more morse pizazz to I think
it's week six or week four next year. Lsu travels
to Oxford to play at Old Miss, and what is
already going to be crazy, but even more so if
Trinidad Chamberless is under.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
SAT, I think goes far in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
I think they'll definitely beat Tulane and then after that,
I think they're gonna be in.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
There'll be a dog in the round two. Yes, they're
probably a big favorite.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
And some of that coaching staff that is already committed
to LSU to join Lane Kiffin is staying and I
give them all the credit in the world for that
for staying with it. But they're one foot out that,
like how much are they really? You know? I mean
right like I got to I've got to talk to
these portal kids that try and get them to sign
to LSU while I'm trying to prepare for Texas A
and M or whatever, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Like the terrible timeline, real a real.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Tough place to be arch Manning returning to Texas in
twenty twenty six, I wonder official.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
The way too early mock drafts, will he be one one? Yes,
I would assume so.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Yes, Now there could be some like I think Leonora's
sellers could factor into that car, some of these other guys.
But but yes, in the Dame Brugler or way too
are twenty twenty six mack well, I guess it would
be twenty twenty seven mock. But you get what I'm saying,
he would absolutely be number one.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Even over saying I think so. Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
I think so. You could make a good faith argument
for both, but I think so.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Hayes King, NFL Draft. He'll play in the Pop Tarts
Bowl for Georgia Tech against BYU, and then he's out
of eligibility. He's off to the NFL Draft. Same story
with Carson Beck. He will play in the playoff game
Saturday at noon Miami at Texas A and M. Matt,
that's a really good one. Also, Marcel Reid, who you know,
he needs to put some meat on those bones, but
(14:19):
I like his his athleticism and his traits the Texas
A and M quarterback. He announced that he'll return to
A and M for the twenty twenty season. Again, he's
an exciting prospect. He plighs one hundred and eighty five
pounds like he's six to one, so he's not bryce
young tiny, but he needs another year in that program,
(14:40):
strength and conditioning, feed him up all summer, add some
meat to his bones, and then I think he could
really be a fun prospect. To discuss this, we talked
about mateir nuss Meyer, NFL Draft. Drew Aller, NFL Draft.
I haven't seen anything official for those two on Senior
Bowl stuff yet, But it wouldn't be surprised me if
that was coming soon. Kay, club Nick, the Clemsony quarterback.
(15:03):
That's a good point.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
Yeah, I don't I don't know.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Maybe he's there and like a Zach Fraser capacity. Remember
remember with Zacha broke his leg Thanksgiving weekend and was
still at the Senior Bowl and did some very light stuff,
but that was about it. It could could see something
like that, kid, club Nick, Clemson quarterback. I give him
a ton of credit. He has accepted a Senior Bowl
invite already. This year has not gone the way he
wanted it to. He's dealt with some injury stuff, but
(15:27):
he is going to play in their bowl game in
the Penn Stripe Ball against Penn State. I give him
a lot of credit for that.
Speaker 3 (15:31):
He doesn't need to do that right, No, because.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
I feel like, really, if he goes out there and
has a strong performance, it's okay. Well it's a it's
a throwaway bowl game. It's Penn State who just hired
a new coach, a bunch of quortal guys. I don't
think he has much the game, but he could get hurt.
He could have a bad game that its part in them.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
I mean, if he's MVP of that game and it's
the best player in the field.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Maybe moves the needle a little bit, but it seems
like you have a lot more to lose than you
do to gain. But I give him credit. Year hasn't
gone the way for him or for Clemson. He's been
but I'm going to the Senior Bowl and he will play.
He wants to finish out his Clemson career on a
positive note in that Pinstripe Bowl. And what is like
December twenty seventh. I think it'll be cold at Yankee
(16:12):
Stadium in New York. Good for him, give him a
lot of credit. Sawyer Robinson, very good. Sawyer Robinson another guy,
You know what, Matt after the the Top Guys conversation,
Sawyer Robinson might be my pick for the guy that
will work himself into first round conversation. Yeah, by the
time we're in Indianapolis in late February, he's going to
(16:34):
the Senior Bowl.
Speaker 3 (16:35):
I've told you he's.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
One of my favorites in this class. He's six four,
He's got everything you can't coach. He's got crazy arm, talent,
he's got the ability to make all the throws. His
decision making inconsistency leave much to be desired. He's got
some mechanical upper body stuff there. There's like some Josh
Allen vibes there for him. For me, he's got some
(16:59):
major developing to do. But if he gets in the
right spot, I think he can do that. He's one
of those guys I wouldn't I wouldn't take a top
ten pick on him if I'm one of these teams
that needs somebody to come in right away. But if
I'm the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers comes back, if I'm
the Rams and Matthew Stafford comes back right easy.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Peasy, see that. I don't know enough about these players yet,
but I know an awful lot about how this thing works.
And if he does well at the Senior Bowl, I
promise you he'll start going in mocks to the Rams
at thirty two correct tackle nine, and then like they
they'll just throw this away an interesting project. And then
(17:39):
by draft time you and I are going to be like, well,
the Steelers is gonna have to trade up six picks
to get Roberts, you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
That's how we go fifteenth fourteen yeah, like that totally
how it works. And he's the guy that I think
could be that guy Taylor Green another possibility. I've mentioned
him a lot to you, was in a terrible situation
in Argue League off things about him. Patrino ended up
being the inn room there and just didn't They were
just gas and oil and water for some reason it
didn't work out.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
But I listened to some Senior Bowl stuff saying he's
another one.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
That he's another has everything you must.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
Say he's gonna be a top twenty pick or anything
like we were talking about Robertson.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
He I think could be like a Tyler Shuck, like
top fifty. He's got some even more so, even more
so than Yes, even more so than Robertson. He needs
some real polish. But my goodness, does he have.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
What I'm starting opening day of his year.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
But he's got arm strength, he's got athleticism like crazy,
and he's six six, two thirty.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
Say that's a trade.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
He's he's got the traditional pocket passer build, but with
the athleticism to move and and I he's he had
a really up and down year.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Glad you have him on here because I hadn't thought
of Robertson, but I was thinking of who's going to
be the Risers because so many people going back to school,
and he was the name that's screaming at me, you know, like.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Yeah, totally him and Sawyer Robinson I think will do
very well for themselves in those senior Bowl settings. And
then finally Matt. We've discussed all these guys. I kind
of told you, like Sellers is not like committed to
South Carolina, but still not official. You know, arch Manning's returning,
Jadamov is returning. Two guys on here that are in
the portal still on they will be back in college football,
(19:21):
but still unknown. Sam Levitt, who I mentioned to you, Yeah,
I think he's gonna end up like a L. S
U or an Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Yeah, he's the.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
He's the guy in the portal right now. If I
could have any of them, he would be my pick
and less Sellers were to enter, But it doesn't seem
like that's going to be the case.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
Like hypothetical, if you're like I could somebody in the
portal and sticking on WU, it'd be.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
His call, buddy, absolutely, And actually I think he'd fit
pretty well in rich Rod's offense too, so that would
be that'd be an easy one. But yes, and then
Brendan Sorosby, who's the Cincinnati quarterback who went on a
tear in the middle of the season, fell off a
little bit at the end. I still think he's got
a lot of potential. He's in Portal.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Do you think he ends up in like a top
twenty five program?
Speaker 2 (20:03):
Yes, Okay, he could end up at like say, Trinidad,
Chambliss leaves Old Miss somewhere somewhere like that, not maybe
LSU or Alabama, but but a really good program that's
going to be in the top twenty five and pay
him Miami. Maybe Miami is probably another one who's in
on the Sam Levitt sweepstakes, But it might be your.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
History is pretty strong of grabbing those guys.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
It might be one of those like Sam Levitt. Right now,
his phone is like Miami, Ole, Miss LSU. You know
some really sexy people that are trying to swipe right
on him, but they've all got they've all got stores.
Be kind of online too. Is like that. He's and
it's not a terrible fallback play. He's not a four
point zero valedictorian, but he'll he'll he'll get he'll get
(20:43):
some a's and win you some games. So that's kind
of it for the for the quarterback conversation. Starting to
at least get clear, starting to get a little bit
a little bit clear, Matt, I want to just follow
up a little bit more. Let's take a break here
a little bit more on some playoff stuff and some process.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
I definitely want to do some draft stuff, some.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
Some some draft prospects to keep an eye on. And
we need to, of course on a Wednesday here steal
a Detroit Lion for the Steelers roster. One of our
favorite new Wednesday exercises.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
Oh, forget about that till you spring it up. We'll
do Okay.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
That's that's why I like to spring it on you.
I think we I think it's I think it's good
when we when we do it live here on the fly.
We'll do all of that in the next segment as
we get into this second hour of the program. Was
Shuler Matt Williamson. It's all happening here on the Drive
on Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network, your tunes.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
About Drive on your twenty four to seven home of
the Black and Goal Steelers Nation Radio.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
I'm the home stretch here, two more segments to go
on this Wednesday show. And if you're watching on our
YouTube page, as you always should be, Matt just you know,
to see our handsome faces on all the wonderful camera
work that our guy mister TV Tyler V does. You'll
notice I've switched chairs. I say, I you right here,
man Ago, Matt's the other lay I'm in a different chair.
(22:21):
Producer Nathan got double booked.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
I mean I kind of did too. Following him, he's
he's leading away for me. He's my lead blocker.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
I will say, I love doing this show with you. Now. Yeah,
obviously I miss my buddy Motes, just like you miss
your buddy Dale. We are all miss Dale. Change is
good and change is tough at the same time. Right.
One thing that I do miss is like I used
to be in this building same time, so I'd get
here nine thirty every morning, I'd leave like three three
thirty every afternoon. Now it's every day. It's a different
(22:50):
balancing act. And this show and that show, and Matt's
got seven shows and Nate's gotta leave early because he's
got to produce something down at some clubhouse.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
By six o'clock with Tom tim and doing that right.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
But we're light on our feet, baby. That's that's what
it's all about. Much like juggling, much like the COVID.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Now, Monday night always screws things up to that too.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
That's everything. Five days gets condensed into four days, and
it's it's very much like the COVID year.
Speaker 4 (23:16):
Matt.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
You better be ready to play on a Sunday. Sure,
but you might play on Monday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday in
the afternoon and.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Next week because Christmas.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
Oh lord, yeah, at least we get it. At least
we get some time off in there.
Speaker 3 (23:29):
Yeah, it is Christmas next weekend. Yeah, it's weird juggling too.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
I got you a Christmas present already. I gotta pick one.
I gotta pick one up, I gotta pick one. Don't
get me anything. I got all I need. I got
you guys. Come on, Matt, before we get to our
weekly exercise of steal a player from the Steelers upcoming opponent,
some final kind of around campus NFL draft stuff that
I wanted to discuss with you. You brought this to
(23:53):
my this article to my attention, which I really liked.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
What it's laid out nicely.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
Yeah, and I think it's a good way to kind
of tee up some of these four games this weekend,
one Friday night, one Friday night, three Saturday in college football.
And with that, some non quarterbacks to keep an eye
on from a black, black and Gold Steelers glasses, guys
who might fit the bill for something the Steelers might
(24:18):
be looking for this off season.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
Already watching, you might as well pay attention to a
couple of dudes. It could be in black and.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
Gold, absolutely for old Miss. One of them who really
stands out to me is Xavian Harris. He's a defensive tackle.
He does some nosy things, but he's versatile and I
think will translate well to the next level.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
I think they'll still be in the market for more
D line.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
I think so too. Yeah, I absolutely think so, because.
Speaker 3 (24:41):
It's much round one, possibly as.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Much as it feels like you hit a home run
with Harmon. Yeah, you know, and why a black looks
like a nice piece, Keanu Benton looks like a nice piece.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
I mean, it's not crazy. I think Cam might retire.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
I was just going to say one thing we know
about Cam Heyward is he's not going to play forever
and to use a Jerry Dulac and now he's much
closer to the eighteenth green in the clubhouse than he is.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
He might the twelfth ud right, it might have been
the sixteenth, but he's not on the twelfth.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
Old Missus produced some quality defensive lineman as of late
Walter Nolan last year first round pick.
Speaker 3 (25:14):
Yeah, he's been very impressive a little he's been out
there this year.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
I think Xavian Harris could be a Day two guy
that could be a really nice fin.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Okay, I really don't know that name, so I'm excited.
I'll pay attention to him in particular that game.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
I also really like as a Day two guy, Old
Missus tight end day Kwon Wright. I just don't think
the Steelers are going to be in that market.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
What I can tell you is this is considered to
be an excellent tight end class, which probably doesn't influence
Steelers at all, but hopefully other teams are drafting them high.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
You know, they play two lane three point thirty on Saturday.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Not the best game for prospects, not the best game,
playoff game, right, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (25:49):
I am surprised they didn't make that the noon game,
just to kind of because I think that's the least intriguing.
I guess you could argue Oregon JMU. I mean, it's
a twenty one point spread in a college ball playoff game,
but this is a seventeen and a half point spread.
Speaker 3 (26:02):
How's Motes feeling about it?
Speaker 2 (26:04):
You know what, It's funny.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
I haven't.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
I haven't. I haven't reached out. I've been meaning to
do that, Like I was gonna text him and be like,
so when are you leaving for Eugene? You know, like
you find out Friday. But yeah, I've been It's funny
you say that because the last like four days, I've
been like, I need to text Motes about JMU. I
need text notes about JMU Texas.
Speaker 3 (26:23):
A and m By the way, JAMU doesn't any prospects, No,
not for like they all went.
Speaker 2 (26:29):
They all went to Indiana to follow to follow Kurt Signetti.
I'm gonna go through this in the way that the
teams are ranked, so Old Miss the highest ranked team.
That's that's uh this weekend or no, I guess Oregon
technically is. But when we started with old Myths there,
now we'll go to Oregon. They play Saturday night. That's
a tough one because that's right up against Bears Packers,
(26:50):
right be is it? Is it Bears Packers Saturday night?
Am I correcting? That?
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Is that the Yes, I know that the first game
is not great. It's Raiders.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
Somebody commander, commander, it is Bears Packers. So yeah, sorry
to Oregon in James Madison, they'll be on the small
TV in the basement Oregon. Obviously, Dante Moore and Kenyon
Sadiker first round prospects you mentioned Amouri Washington have.
Speaker 3 (27:13):
Seen him mock the first a lot.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
I think his late first, early second type guy. He's
another one of those defensive lineman I think you would love,
love love to have keep an eye on though Emmanuel
per Gone. I think that's how he pronounces his last name.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
The alignment.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
He's the the interior guy.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
And if saamal lewins, I mean we all know he's
he's at least up after this year. Yes, if saamal
owins up, if they want to go to that well
day two ish, I think he's a guy to keep
on keep an eye on in that ring.
Speaker 3 (27:42):
Is your offensive tackle on there, Isaiah.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
World, Yes, he's an early day two guy. I think
this is going to be a good tackle class.
Speaker 3 (27:48):
Yes. So here's what I know about world was people
had really high hopes for him because he had great traits, Okay,
tackle traits which will still get him drafted high. I
mean he doesn't. I mean, you don't have to be
a good play if you have great tackle trades to
be a pretty high pick. But a lot of people
were disappointed with him this season for what he could
have been to what he is now. But the interior
(28:10):
guy Stock is going the other way. Yes, like he's
been the much better player.
Speaker 2 (28:14):
I think he's gonna be a second round type. It's
I mean, to be a guard and go in the
first round. You gotta be oh, you're fan, you're quitting Nelson.
I mean, you're you're really good.
Speaker 3 (28:26):
The second round guys are expected to.
Speaker 2 (28:29):
Like the Zach Frasier range perfect plug him in, and
I think he could be one of those guys that
will be talking a lot about He will be one
of those guys we're talking a lot about his interior guys.
One more for Oregon to keep an eye on Dylan Thieneman,
who is a safety for the Ducks. Okay, and you
know how I mentioned to you like, Organ's done a
really good job doing the Derek Harmon think identifying a
(28:51):
ready made This guy was at Michigan State for multiple years.
We can plug him in. He's going to be a stud.
He's going to be a first round pick. Derek Harmon
boom them in. Was kind of one of those guys
for them this year. Started his college career at Purdue,
was a really good player in a really bad program.
They brought him in there, plugg him into that defense,
and he has been outstanding. Two interceptions, sixty four tackles,
(29:13):
and we know the Steelers are gonna have something. He
could be like a Day three guy. Draft them there,
plug him in next to Ramsey, have him sit behind
Elliott for a year, and then he's he's ready to go.
Type type guy to keep an eye on.
Speaker 3 (29:26):
I mean, we'll get into this stuff the off season,
but I'm pretty confident Elliott and Ramsey or your starters
next year. I don't know why you wouldn't consider bringing
back Dugger.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
I think that's a very good point.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Yeah, they may not be in the big safety market.
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
You soon killed that's a very good point.
Speaker 3 (29:43):
Yeah, but maybe it's a fifth rounder or something like that.
I don't know, I don't know what.
Speaker 2 (29:46):
Maybe maybe thirds a little too early there.
Speaker 3 (29:48):
Yeah, considering the other needs, you know.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Yeah, a couple guys to keep an eye on here
for Texas A and M two interior offensive linemen. Once again,
that will be day two picks. Trey Zoon and Chase
Bistonis both the two starting guards for A and M.
Both are gonna get drafted both I would say probably
on Day two. Both worth both certainly worth keeping an
eye on Matt. We've also talked a lot about wanting
(30:11):
to add a hammer type running back if Caleb Johnson
ends up not being the answer for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
Not super encouraging this point.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
The guy that I really like is CJ. Donaldson, who
I think will be a Day three pick out of
Ohio State. But they're not playing this weekend, so keep
an eye on Levon Moss. The last time the Steelers
drafted a l'von running back it worked out pretty well.
I think he's an early day three guy, like a
round like a round now A and M guy, yep,
round four type guy. He could fit the bill now game.
Speaker 3 (30:39):
Boll is also a free agent. There's no guarantee he's back,
but if Warren and Gamewell's back, they would only be
in the market for a big guy, I would.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Think, correct, correct. Oklahoma, they produce some pretty good wide receivers.
They've been known to do that. They've got two that
I think are both going to be Day two picks.
They could always end up working the way up into
the first round, but I think they're more second third
round guys than first round guys. Keep an eye on
Isaiah Stegna and Dion Burks on Friday Night. The two
wide receivers for Oklahoma. Man. As it relates to Alabama,
(31:09):
They've obviously got a ton of dudes to keep an
eye on. We've talked about Simpson Caden Procter. I don't
think the Steelers are going to go offensive tackle in
the first round, but he's a very intriguing prospect.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
He's like three seventy and he's one of those huge A.
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Guy who could work his way into the end of
the first round is Alabama wide receiver Jeremy Bernard. He's
got some Debo Samuel type qualities to him. He's one
to keep an eye on, as is their other wide receiver,
Isaiah Horton. Who I think could be a Day two guy.
Speaker 3 (31:40):
Bernard somebody know more about and people look at this
as a negative. It's not. He's projected to be a
really strong number two receiver, which would be great opotion mecalf,
you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (31:51):
Yeah, jam Miller is another one of those I think
early Day three running backs out of Alabama who could Again,
if you want to go to the well in the draft, well,
hope you don't need to, but if you need to,
I think that's the ranger looking for fourth fifth round. Yeah,
and he's one to keep an eye on you hope.
Speaker 3 (32:09):
Maybe you just need to throw a sixth round pick
that and let him in Johnson battle it out. Who knows. Again,
off season.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
Talk, Miami has a couple of studs in the trenches.
Ruben Bain might be the first defensive player drafted. Francis Muaga.
I think it'll be him or Fannu from Utah who's
the first offensive tackle drafted. It'll be one of those two.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
Also some things he might be a guard, but he
probably will be a tackle and less proven otherwise because
that's just how work.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
I really like a key messador from that Miami team
as well as a Day two edge rusher. He's a
guy who started his career at WVU and then got
a huge bag from the from the Hurricanes to move
south to better, better weather. He feels like he could
work his way to the first round, but in more
likelihood an early Day two pick. Mark Fletcher, I like
the running back. There is a potential Day three guy
(32:58):
uh for for the U and then they've got wide
receivers that you know his later round pick's worth keeping
an eye on. CJ. Daniels and Klelan Marion some speed
down there, as you can imagine Uh for TWU Lane. Again,
it's a little fin here as you get to the
end of the list, but Schadre Hurst is a guard
for Tulane and he could be a top one hundred pick.
(33:19):
He's not gonna go in the first or second round,
but he could go in the third round, fourth round range.
He's a legit prospected guard that's worth keeping an eye on.
With all due respect to Arthur Motes, I don't really
know who to say for JMU. There's there's not there's
not many there and that's why they're a twenty one
point underdog against Okacomo on the Road in Eugene. But listen,
(33:42):
I also like, I don't know how I feel about
two G five teams getting into the playoff, Matt. I
like the fact that there's one there. I do.
Speaker 3 (33:50):
I respect that some years they have a better chance
than others.
Speaker 2 (33:54):
Yeah, and we've we've seen in the past. We've seen
the Boise States of the world knock off some Hey,
twenty years ago, WU was that team, you know in
the Big East, and and and you know, teams like
Pitt and Yukon and Louisville, like they would get to
that stage and people would be like, all the Big
East stinks. And then w knocks off Georgia and the
Sugar Bowl, you know, Louisville knocks off somebody, Cincinnati knocks
(34:17):
off somebody. So I like having the quote unquote non
traditional conferences and powers and some capacity. Yeah, I don't
know about two. I don't know about two teams.
Speaker 3 (34:26):
That might be we'll get too deep into it. I'm
sure a lot of people would rather watch anund Dame obviously.
Speaker 2 (34:30):
Or BYU or you know, Vanderbilt. But yeah, certainly, I'm
glad that they get a crack. I'm glad that they
get a crack but it might be too much of
a crack. I wonder if that's I wonder if.
Speaker 3 (34:43):
That's sitting here as a viewer, I'm like, so h so, last.
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Year, with the way that the system was set up,
you had to be you had to win your conference
to get a first round by. So that led to
Arizona State and Boise State both getting first round bys, which,
of course the SEC and the Big Ten looked at
that and said, no way, cousin, that can't happen.
Speaker 3 (35:02):
Will be favored fourteen points over these.
Speaker 2 (35:04):
Guys, right, even though Arizona State took Texas to overtime
and you know, uh, Boise State, Okay, they kind of
got handled by Penn State. But that was the big
change from from the first year of the twelve team
playoff was like anybody can get a buy, it's just
the four highest seeds forget the conference.
Speaker 3 (35:18):
That's probably the best.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
I think the next change is gonna be they're gonna
make it a look last.
Speaker 3 (35:22):
Year, Indiana and Ohio State would not have got to buy.
Speaker 2 (35:24):
Correct, just Indiana and so Ohio State would be hosting
a game on campus.
Speaker 3 (35:29):
Right now, yes, as the five seed.
Speaker 2 (35:31):
As the five seed and so I think the I
think the next change that the uh you know, the big,
the big bad SEC and Big ten are going to
push for is something about the automatic qualifying situation for
the for the for the g fives. Really like they're
gonna look at it.
Speaker 3 (35:47):
Like this is a cute experiment, but nobody cares.
Speaker 2 (35:49):
Vanderbilt Notre Dame byu. Yeah, even nine and three Texas,
who like, I think, if you have three losses, you
should be out of the conversation completely. But who's going
to sell more money? Who's gonna get more eyeballs? You
know that this is all politics, that's all politics.
Speaker 3 (36:03):
Now, Oregon Notre Dame would sell pretty well.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Moregon Texas, right, yeah, yeah, yeah, So I still want
the Cinderella representation. It's a big part of March madness,
and I think this is kind of moving in that direction.
But what I really want more than anything is just
define parameters to make the playoffs. Yeah, you might get
a nine and eight Tampa Bay Buccaneers who gets in,
but at least there's no committee. There's no committee going well, Detroit,
(36:30):
what ten and seven? Why is Tampa Bay getting in
at nine and eight? You know? Yeah, but that's obviously
that toothpaste is out of the tube with the SEC
and the Big Ten picking apart all the conferences, and
they're just never going to agree to something like that.
Now when they could go ahead and get four or
five teams in every single year, it's gonna be fun.
I'm excited for Tomorrow night Seahawks and Rams. Oh yeah,
(36:51):
Friday night.
Speaker 3 (36:52):
Alabama together from Thursday to Monday night. Really good football.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
I cannot wait. Cannot wait, Matt, we got a couple
of minutes left here in this segment. Let's go ahead
and do what's become one of our new favorite exercises.
Take a look at these Steelers upcoming opponent and steal
somebody for their roster. I'm sure most of you know
this drill by now, but there's a couple of rules.
No quarterbacks, although I don't think that that would be
a factor.
Speaker 3 (37:17):
Here, not at his age. Right.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
This is you are taking this player on for the
foreseeable future. This is not just like I'm adding him
for this year type thing. You're taking their contract, their age,
their injuries, all that stuff. You are completely taking this
player and everything attached to them from the upcoming opponent.
And Matt, there's some really, I mean, we could probably
(37:40):
have it. We could probably do a half an hour
on this, because there's there's probably eight or nine or
ten guys that you could make a legitimate argument for
here on Detroit.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
I'll make a couple of bullet points on all of them,
but my answer is very clear in the end. Okay,
Brian Branch is injured and he's a wonderful do it
all modern day nickel, and he's on a rookie deal.
Speaker 2 (38:00):
So for another year or two, Yeah, which is great.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
Hutchinson on defense is the other defensive guy I would consider.
Speaker 2 (38:07):
It's big money, but he's awesome.
Speaker 3 (38:10):
He's awesome in a premium position.
Speaker 2 (38:11):
It's like the Jamar Chase conversation, like, yeah, you're gonna
have to break the bank for this guy, but he's
really stinking good.
Speaker 3 (38:17):
But if the Steelers weren't so good at edge, he'd
probably be my pick. But they're I mean, obviously he'd
be helpful. But now high Smith and Herbert are on
the bench. I mean, like, I just I'm not adding
an edge unless it's you know, the Browns. We took
Garrett of course, because they have anything else.
Speaker 2 (38:35):
They don't have much else.
Speaker 3 (38:36):
Yeah, this roster is a lot better to pick from.
Jamison Williams and Saint Brown are both really attractive, Yes
they are, and the only reason that they're in the
same breath is Williams a cheaper right now, but Saint
Brown's better, and Saint Brown would be a wonderful heinz
wardleg Steeler, I mean slot outside. I mean, he's the
(38:56):
first receiver you'll see in the stats when I send
you fine straight years with ninety plus catches, first time
it's ever been done. I mean, and he's a dog.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
And Jared Goff is good, but he doesn't have Pat
Mahomes throwing him.
Speaker 3 (39:09):
No, right, I mean he's awesome. Jami or Gibbs would
be an incredible addition for.
Speaker 2 (39:14):
Anybody, and he's still on his rookie contract contract.
Speaker 3 (39:17):
Like if you said, Matt, you've got to build a
team around a running back in this league right now,
it'd either be bjenre.
Speaker 2 (39:23):
Gibbs because they're so young.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
Because they're so young and skill sets, yes, cheap, I
mean awesome, But to pick his soul.
Speaker 2 (39:34):
Feeling, that's where you were going, and.
Speaker 3 (39:36):
It reminds me of the Bears conversation. Yeah, I danced
around this with the Bears because I don't you know,
I really love right the right tackle for the Bears.
But I'm like, why I don't want to move Troy.
He's been great. But if you ask me, blank slate,
I'm an expansion team. I get one offensive lineman walking
(39:57):
the planet to build around, it's Penn because he's awesome,
he's young, and Troy, sorry, you got to move the left,
you know, but you'll figure it out and we'll have
that guy. Yeah, you know, and are the best book
ends maybe in a league this one. Don't care that
he's expensive.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
I'm with you, Like Aiden Hutchinson would be great. I
think Branch and Joseph both the safety are worth conversation. Yeah,
you know, Mike Tomlin loves Jack Campbell.
Speaker 3 (40:23):
I mean, he's had a phenomenal year All Pro not
a pro bowler.
Speaker 2 (40:27):
At a position that's hard to find that level of quality.
Speaker 3 (40:31):
And he's ahead of the curve in terms of young
guys usually don't get it as quickly as he did.
Speaker 2 (40:35):
I really would love Jamiir Gibbs or I'm on Ross
Saint Brown to be my answer because the Steelers offense
is crying out for another playmaker of that level.
Speaker 3 (40:43):
Need to need more explosives, need more explosives.
Speaker 2 (40:45):
But pinasals don't grow on trees. And he's like in
his mid twenties. He could play younger than you think.
He could play at a high level for another seven
or eight years. Yeah, and I know he just got
the big contract extension, but you're paying for one of
the best tackles in the world.
Speaker 3 (40:59):
Right, if you get eight ten years of that guy,
I'm with you. I mean, right now, it's Tim and
Lane Johnson, but Lane's not gonna be in his way much.
Speaker 2 (41:06):
But Lane's eight years older, right, yeah, right, I'm with you.
It's not an easy one, but it's a it's a
it's a thin easier than you think. But if you
would say Jamier games arom On Rossaint Brown, I wouldn't
fight you. But it has to be someone from the offense.
Speaker 3 (41:19):
But if there's thirty one teams in this Penny Sewell
is still one of my top seven or eight picks. Yes,
you know, like i'd take Jamar Chase over him just
because of need, you know, but there probably there isn't
another lineman. And maybe you'd take Alt but he's injured
just because he's left. But I mean, this guy is
a bird in the hand, he is a stud he's unbelievable.
Speaker 2 (41:40):
Yeah, and he would fit into the Steelers oh big
offensive scheme. I think very well, that's the answer. But
it is, it's it's there's, man, there's some guys even
like a Ja Jamison Williams, you could make the argument
for I mean, there's there's some some really really good
ones to choose from. But I think we're both landing
on seowol and having no regrets about that. We'll wrap
(42:00):
this thing up when we return on the other side.
West Shouler, Matt Williamson. It is the Drive on Steelers
Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (42:17):
You were tuned about Drive on your twenty four to
seven home of the Black and Goal.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
Steelers Nation Radio back on the drive here and we
have a very special guest joining us now, Steelers running
(42:44):
back Jalen Warren. Jalen, it's a short week, it's a
busy week. Thank you so much for taking the time
here for us today, and just got to start asking
by how you're feeling. We know you were dealing with
some sickness on Monday night against the Dolphins. I think
you mentioned you know, being ready to go home and
and get a bunch of sleep in. I hope you're
hope you're feeling better and doing well here today on
this Wednesday.
Speaker 4 (43:06):
Oh yeah, I feel great, you know, obviously big miss
everybody's you know, I had one. Doesn't feel good, But
I'm doing as good as can be. It's definitly getting better.
Speaker 2 (43:17):
Good good, Uh, that's what I That's what I like
to hear. And we're hopeful for that obviously ahead of
a big one against the Detroit Lions team this weekend.
Gonna need you gonna need all hands on deck for that,
and you know, kind of sticking with that last couple
of weeks. I think a ton of improvement on on
your guys side of the football. You know, this is
the time of year when you want to be hitting
your stride and hitting your peak. Does it feel like
(43:39):
this offense is coming together at the right time?
Speaker 4 (43:42):
Yeah, yes, sir, you know, everybody making plays as we knew,
we knew all year. It's just coming in fruition right now.
And I'm glad it's you know, being displayed.
Speaker 2 (43:53):
Yeah, absolutely, and I think it's it's got a lot
of people excited about, you know, where this, this thing
could continue to go here in the month of December.
You know that road narrows and the playoff push gets
closer and closer, And I gotta think, Jalen, like, just
in general, you guys a ton of confidence in that
running back room right now, yourself, Kenneth Gainwell, Caleb Johnson's
starting to get more and more in the fold here.
(44:15):
I gotta think, you know, along with Eddie Faulkner, you
guys are just in a really good spot right now.
Speaker 4 (44:21):
Yeah, yeah, you know it starts with, you know, our coaching.
The coach, you know, he gets us done, gets as
well prepared for the week. And you know, as professional
as we do our things, we look out for each other,
give each other tid bits, you know, throughout the week,
help each other where whatever we see on film, and
we just go out there and ball on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (44:40):
Gotta love it and hoping for more of that this
Sunday against the Lions. Jalen, last one for you before
we let you go. Just what it's been like here.
You know you're now deep into this thing into December
with Aaron Rodgers. It's getting to be crunch time. It's
getting to be as you mentioned that that time of
year where you want all the tidbits and all the information.
What's it like like having a guy like that, you know,
(45:01):
four time MVP, future Hall of Famer, one of the
best point blank period quarterbacks ever in NFL history. I
gotta think it's a huge benefit having that guy in
your corner, having that guy on your team this time
of year.
Speaker 4 (45:16):
Yeah, it's good, you know, good feeling on. We've got
that guy on our side of the ball, especially when
it comes down to, you know, this time of the year. Obviously,
he's been in a lot of games like this, a
very important win, so he knows what it takes and
whatever he says. That's kind of the spait we move in.
Speaker 2 (45:34):
Steelers running back Jalen Warren. Jalen, glad you're feeling better.
Thank you so much for the time. Merry Christmas, Happy
Holidays to you as well, and and go get those
Lions on Sunday.
Speaker 4 (45:43):
Thank you, yeah, sir, Happy holladays.
Speaker 2 (45:46):
There he goes, Steelers running back Jalen Warren kind enough
to give us some of his time here on a
busy portion of the season. We were hoping to make
that one work for you today here on the Drive.
A lot of moving parts on the on the Drive today,
but thanks to everyone on Steelers PR for getting that there.
I was gonna promote that throughout the show, but we
(46:06):
weren't sure we were going to be able to make
it happen. So a nice little surprise for you all
a few minutes there with Jalen Warren as we kind
of put the end of today's show the finishing touches
on today's program and that will do it for us today.
So big thank you to Chris Hallick and Jalen Warren
for joining us steelers PR and and everybody for setting
(46:29):
that one up for us. A big thank you to
Nathan for producing most of the show until he had
to go and I had to slide in here. Big
thanks to TV. TV's the only one here. We started
with four in the studio. We've cut that number in half.
It's just me and TV. Big thanks to our video
producer Tyler V as always, and from my co host
Matt Williamson. I'm Wesheeler. Take care, everybody. We will talk
(46:51):
to you tomorrow. As always, you know where to find us.
It's on your twenty four to seven Home of the
Black and gold. It's Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers
Audio Network.
Your tune's about drive on your twenty four to seven
home of the Black and Goal Steelers Nation Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Good evening, Steeler Nation. How we do it? Well, that's
good us too. Our number two here and Matt. It's
time to go round campus. And this is gonna be
a little different because no games last week except for
Army Navy, which was awesome delivered as always every year.
I'm like, I gotta get to that game, you know
(00:45):
what I mean? Like it's all drive Baltimore, Philadelphia, all
driveable easy. I know, people got places to stay. I
get I should have done it this year, steel I
wasn't paying attention. That's something that if I would have
noticed before the season started that the Steelers were on
Monday that week, I wouldn't have to like rush home
Sunday or anything. That's the time to do. It just
completely went over my head. It's almost like I got
(01:06):
two young kids and a million things going on. But
it is time to go around campus as we anticipate
Friday night. Actually, so just a little over a little
over forty eight hours.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Okay, we got a great game Thursday, and then Friday
and their Saturday.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
For buddy words, it is one of those time, one
of those stretches where it's a good time to be
a football fan.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Yeah, there's good Saturday NFL stuff.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Great Saturday NFL stuff, good, good Saturday college football action.
Friday night we get on the campus of Oklahoma and
Norman Alabama versus John Mattire. Yeah, and a rematch of
the regular season in the playoffs there at the Palace
on the Prairie they call it Norman. Uh.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Should we start with those two quarterbacks?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Then let's start with those two quarterbacks. And especially because
you mentioned in the first hour how there's a really
good chance it might just be Mendoza and more. Yeah,
and I agree with you. Yeah, I think Simpson's the
real wildcard in there. And now there's also the possibilities
we'll talk about some of these guys that have already
accepted invites to the senior ball and stuff like that,
and as you know, they could always in the next
few months stop somebody will, somebody will.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
I was talking today, I mean even December seventeenth or
whatever it is today, Mayfield went, I mean there's a
ton of guys that went really really high, Trey Lance,
Trey Lance that weren't no brainer mock draft top five
picks yet, I mean it's even uncommon.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Even cam Ward it was a little bit later in
the process, so he was the nailed on number one.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Door award and then it's like time closed.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yes, So let's talk about those two guys, Matier and
ty Simpson because you mentioned and I said, ty Simpson
is the one now who feels like he could.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Be the third the biggest wildcards.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
He's the biggest wildcard in all this because a lot
of these guys now, matt are clearly there's still a
couple up in the air. But most of these guys
now are clearly gonna go to the draft, are gonna
return to school. There's a couple we're gonna have to
wait for. See, We're gonna have to wait and see
on the playoff on some of these guys. Ty Simpson
and my Teer are both two of those guys haven't
(03:09):
committed yet one way or the other. Haven't declared for
the draft and accept that a senior ball invite, haven't
said I'm returning to school.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Wait see, but Tear's years has not gone his way.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
No, it hasn't started strong, it hasn't He's won though
he plays really well on Friday night against Alabama.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Yeah, let's say he wins twas.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
And then in the quarter final, you know, goes to Columbus,
Ohio or wherever they would end up and play. Things
can change very quickly this time of year. Yes, but
my tear to me is one to keep an eye on,
because unless he plays a couple of really good games
here over the next few weeks, I would think he's
coming back to school.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Like if you asked me, I mean, you know, you're
more on top of this stuff than me. But a
month ago we would said he's going.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
To go back school. Yeah, for sure. For sure, Ty
Simpson might be the most intriguing one from a will
he won't he what's going on standpoint.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
And from a Steeler stamp, and from a Steeler.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Standpoint, Yeah yeah for that, that proverbal third quarterback who's
not going to be a top five pick. Matt it
sounds like he's NFL draft bound. Okay, but there's still
some talk that he could obviously return to Alabama for
what would be a fifth of you know, a super
senior type year. There's also, though, like this week, if
you read some of the Alabama like the Crimson Times
(04:20):
and The Tide twenty four to seven, like some of
these reputable outlets.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, there's a lot of smoke around he might transfer that,
he could go somewhere else.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
I thought I heard this. I might be a thousand
percent wrong, But don't they have like a massive five stars? Yes,
they did.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
That's just a weird spot for that to be year
because they've had some of this happen, like Julian saying,
was that guy for Alabama? Yeah, and then he left
to go to Ohio State because he was tired of
waiting of his time and he might be the number
one overall pick in next year's draft Alabama.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
It's it's a weird could go anywhere he once? I'm sure.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
For the most part, Yes, absolutely, And there's also been
some smoke around. Could their head coach Kaylin de boor
leave if the playoff doesn't go well for Alabama?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
If they want to get fired.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
I don't know about get fired, but like, could he
take a Michigan type job because Alabama not the right
cultural fit and maybe the writing's on the wall and
I'm not going to be Nick Saban and that's never
going to be good enough here.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
I mean following Saban's horrible or.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Being ten and two and in the playoff is not
good enough when you're following Nick Sabe. I mean he
went nine and three last year, Matt in ten and
two this year, and his seats hot.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
People don't like but people don't like it.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Yeah, you know, and he's not a Southern guy. He
doesn't sound like Nick Saban when he talks and have
that southern gentleman charm, you know type thing going on.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
I get it.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
So Simpson is the real wild card. Could he go
to the draft, could he stay at Alabama? Could he
end up transferring to another school? I think all of
those things are on the table.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
So I mean to bring this up actually for a
couple of weeks, and I'm stealing it from Nate Tice.
I've reference him before. He's really good. What he does.
He's over at Yahoo is his uh father was Mike Tyson. Yeah. Anyway,
we all know these guys are getting money now at
the college level, Yes they are. However, what Tys figured out,
which seems like we all should have figured this out
(06:07):
long ago. If you're an NFL top fifteen pick, you're
making more than anybody else in college. Yeah, I mean.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Besides from maybe the one the arch Manning who's going
to get ten million, but even still.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
Say, I think you're guaranteed like five if you're in
the top fifteen, which I think is I don't know
the nil stuff well enough, but I think is more
than just about anybody you.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
Know, pretty that'd be a short list.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Yeah, I mean, if you're just talking finances, go in
the NFL still is more lucrative.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Yeah, And it's a longer term contract.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
I mean it's it's a longer term being and you
get to your second contract to year earlier, which is
the huge money if you're good. Sure, I mean you
could be Zach Wilson and not do anything you know
right right, but if.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
You can't ward, you're getting your pay your massive payday
a year but two of God and Caleb Williams you're
getting there. You're getting your massive payday a year early.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Huge signing bone, fifty million guaranteed or whatever.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
He was a great example. Look what he got, right,
and even look at the money that like Gino Smith
got this offseason. And you know that Daniel Jones would
have gotten if he wouldn't have gotten hurt.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
So I think this is mostly acclable to Simpson though,
because Okay, let's say he's a consensus quarterback three but
still a first rounder.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Ten to twenty range.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah, maybe he falls to wherever the Steelers are picking at.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
The as a Jack Dart territory.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Yeah, as his floor or I'm gonna get some heat
to transfer, whether that's true or not. And I know,
and nobody wants to hear this, but next year's class
is better than this year's class. I got to compete
with more guys than just more or Mendoza. And I
don't know when nipping on my heels is number four.
Maybe it's not best for me. Maybe I could use experience,
(07:47):
but I'll take the guaranteed money and be the twelfth
pick in the draft. It's not a bad move.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
It's not a bad move.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
I mean, you could sell me pretty easily if I
was the Simpson.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Family, the Simpsons Today, Thursday night, Friday night, all day Saturday,
some big games, certainly Friday night. Be keeping an eye
on Oklahoma, Alabama, and the quarterbacks, in particular Fernando Mendoza.
He won the Heisman. He's going to the draft. He's
got a first round by they're waiting their next opponent
in the Orange Bowl, which will be Actually, I think
(08:19):
it'll be the winner of this game. I think the
winner of Alabama Oklahoma will be the one that goes
to the Orange Bowl to face Indiana on New Year's Day.
Speaking of which, Young Jacob Erect, host of the Steelers
standard producer of the DV morning show I You grad.
He was showing me he ordered this IU Rose Bowl
bomber jacket. Oh. Oh, it's like it's like a It's
(08:41):
like a it's like that. Oh, it's like that Indiana,
you know, like cream color and it's got the I
you and it's got like a rose through the I
you like. It's it's nice bloody. I said, I would
spend eight hundred dollars on merch if w you ever
made it to a rose Ball. Mendoz is going to
the draft, in all likelihood gonna be the top pick. Yeah,
since Dante Moore the other the other one.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
He's got a lean towards going right.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
I think so. Just because he's gonna be QB two,
he's gonna be a top five pick.
Speaker 3 (09:09):
He guarantee the top five pick, even if you end
up in Vegas or whatever.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
That Phil might that Phil Knight money and staying at
Oregon for another year. And I think that's Morgan. I've
told you this before. Oregon should have the best roster
on paper in college football.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
Next year, next years.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
They're top ten now and they're so young, so they
should have a vast majority of people coming back. You know,
they're going to be able to nab a couple Derek
Harmon types in the portal, you know, to come in,
to come in for a to come in for a
year and be a first round pick, and and add
to it.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
And more aside. I mean, they have a tight end
and they have a defensive tackle. It could be first
round picks. But they're not going to get totally crushed
from the draft.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
No, they're not. They're not. Again, they are for Oregon
for being a top ten fifth overall and in the playoff,
they're actually in better in a better shape for twenty
twenty six, especially if they get Dante More to return,
but that's still up in the air. That's obviously gonna
depend on his playoff performance. They host JMU Saturday night,
they're twenty one point favorites at home. Sure, they should
probably be able to roll James Madison barring some Cinderella
(10:08):
type story, but he's very interesting. And then some of
these guys that are going to the portal, like, for example,
we've talked in the past about Sam Levitt, the Arizona
State quarterback that I really like who was banged up
this year, he's in the portal. Oh is it if
Dante More goes to pros to slide right into Oregon
and they don't skip a beat? And so again, there's
(10:29):
so much moving stuff here. Leonora Sellers sounds like he's
staying at South Carolina all report that makes sense to you. No,
I'm sure he's going to get a massive payday. And
there is a part of me that loves the fact that,
like he's staying loyal to the school that believed in him,
to his head coach Shane Biemer and all that. Like
the college football purist and me kind of loves the
(10:49):
old school. He's not running away. But man, he's another
one who could go to one of these you know
what the Oregon What if he went to Oregon and
you know it was a top five pick, number one
overall pick rext year because he's got traits like unbelievably,
but it sounds.
Speaker 3 (11:05):
Sound rounding lot of favors this past year.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
All in fact the opposite. They were kind of kind
of weigh them down and sunk them to the bottom
of the ocean. There sounds like he's staying at South Carolina,
like he's committed to that coaching staff. All they're doing
is ironing out his contract, which still sounds hilarious to
me when we talked about college football and speaking of that,
Jada Miava, the USC quarterback, he signed his contract to
return as a Trojan in twenty twenty six, so he'll
(11:30):
be back with Lincoln Riley for another year. They'll be
really good, I think so. I don't think that's a
but like USC put out a post. I think it
was on Monday of like it looks like Jada Miava
being Jalen Ramsey and side like he's sitting. He's sitting
in a table at the facility. Jada Miova has signed
his contract with USC in twenty twenty six, and I'm like,
I hate this. I hate this so much. I hate this,
(11:52):
But that's the world that we're living in. Trinidad Chambliss,
old miss quarterback. I mentioned this a little bit to
you yesterday, but he did like his college football playoff
media stuff ahead of their Saturday game against Tulane, and
he was asked about his future and he was very noncommittal.
Uh NFL Draft transfer portal. All my options are on
the table.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
They're in the playoffs, so mean, he can't say, but
it sounds like it's probably.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
It sounds to me like he might be now Lane
Kiffen could be licking his chops to get a Sam
Levitt or one of these other portal guys that maybe
he thinks he likes better. But if if you made
me put my chip down right now, Trinidad Chambliss returns
to college football for one more year and he's in
Baton Rouge with his old head coach Lane Kiffin, which.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah, yeah, I wouldn't blame anybody involved.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Which would even add more morse pizazz to I think
it's week six or week four next year. Lsu travels
to Oxford to play at Old Miss, and what is
already going to be crazy, but even more so if
Trinidad Chamberless is under.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
SAT, I think goes far in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
I think they'll definitely beat Tulane and then after that,
I think they're gonna be in.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
There'll be a dog in the round two. Yes, they're
probably a big favorite.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
And some of that coaching staff that is already committed
to LSU to join Lane Kiffin is staying and I
give them all the credit in the world for that
for staying with it. But they're one foot out that,
like how much are they really? You know? I mean
right like I got to I've got to talk to
these portal kids that try and get them to sign
to LSU while I'm trying to prepare for Texas A
and M or whatever, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Like the terrible timeline, real a real.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Tough place to be arch Manning returning to Texas in
twenty twenty six, I wonder official.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
The way too early mock drafts, will he be one one? Yes,
I would assume so.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Yes, Now there could be some like I think Leonora's
sellers could factor into that car, some of these other guys.
But but yes, in the Dame Brugler or way too
are twenty twenty six mack well, I guess it would
be twenty twenty seven mock. But you get what I'm saying,
he would absolutely be number one.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Even over saying I think so. Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
I think so. You could make a good faith argument
for both, but I think so.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Hayes King, NFL Draft. He'll play in the Pop Tarts
Bowl for Georgia Tech against BYU, and then he's out
of eligibility. He's off to the NFL Draft. Same story
with Carson Beck. He will play in the playoff game
Saturday at noon Miami at Texas A and M. Matt,
that's a really good one. Also, Marcel Reid, who you know,
he needs to put some meat on those bones, but
(14:19):
I like his his athleticism and his traits the Texas
A and M quarterback. He announced that he'll return to
A and M for the twenty twenty season. Again, he's
an exciting prospect. He plighs one hundred and eighty five
pounds like he's six to one, so he's not bryce
young tiny, but he needs another year in that program,
(14:40):
strength and conditioning, feed him up all summer, add some
meat to his bones, and then I think he could
really be a fun prospect. To discuss this, we talked
about mateir nuss Meyer, NFL Draft. Drew Aller, NFL Draft.
I haven't seen anything official for those two on Senior
Bowl stuff yet, But it wouldn't be surprised me if
that was coming soon. Kay, club Nick, the Clemsony quarterback.
(15:03):
That's a good point.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
Yeah, I don't I don't know.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Maybe he's there and like a Zach Fraser capacity. Remember
remember with Zacha broke his leg Thanksgiving weekend and was
still at the Senior Bowl and did some very light stuff,
but that was about it. It could could see something
like that, kid, club Nick, Clemson quarterback. I give him
a ton of credit. He has accepted a Senior Bowl
invite already. This year has not gone the way he
wanted it to. He's dealt with some injury stuff, but
(15:27):
he is going to play in their bowl game in
the Penn Stripe Ball against Penn State. I give him
a lot of credit for that.
Speaker 3 (15:31):
He doesn't need to do that right, No, because.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
I feel like, really, if he goes out there and
has a strong performance, it's okay. Well it's a it's
a throwaway bowl game. It's Penn State who just hired
a new coach, a bunch of quortal guys. I don't
think he has much the game, but he could get hurt.
He could have a bad game that its part in them.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
I mean, if he's MVP of that game and it's
the best player in the field.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Maybe moves the needle a little bit, but it seems
like you have a lot more to lose than you
do to gain. But I give him credit. Year hasn't
gone the way for him or for Clemson. He's been
but I'm going to the Senior Bowl and he will play.
He wants to finish out his Clemson career on a
positive note in that Pinstripe Bowl. And what is like
December twenty seventh. I think it'll be cold at Yankee
(16:12):
Stadium in New York. Good for him, give him a
lot of credit. Sawyer Robinson, very good. Sawyer Robinson another guy,
You know what, Matt after the the Top Guys conversation,
Sawyer Robinson might be my pick for the guy that
will work himself into first round conversation. Yeah, by the
time we're in Indianapolis in late February, he's going to
(16:34):
the Senior Bowl.
Speaker 3 (16:35):
I've told you he's.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
One of my favorites in this class. He's six four,
He's got everything you can't coach. He's got crazy arm, talent,
he's got the ability to make all the throws. His
decision making inconsistency leave much to be desired. He's got
some mechanical upper body stuff there. There's like some Josh
Allen vibes there for him. For me, he's got some
(16:59):
major developing to do. But if he gets in the
right spot, I think he can do that. He's one
of those guys I wouldn't I wouldn't take a top
ten pick on him if I'm one of these teams
that needs somebody to come in right away. But if
I'm the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers comes back, if I'm
the Rams and Matthew Stafford comes back right easy.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Peasy, see that. I don't know enough about these players yet,
but I know an awful lot about how this thing works.
And if he does well at the Senior Bowl, I
promise you he'll start going in mocks to the Rams
at thirty two correct tackle nine, and then like they
they'll just throw this away an interesting project. And then
(17:39):
by draft time you and I are going to be like, well,
the Steelers is gonna have to trade up six picks
to get Roberts, you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
That's how we go fifteenth fourteen yeah, like that totally
how it works. And he's the guy that I think
could be that guy Taylor Green another possibility. I've mentioned
him a lot to you, was in a terrible situation
in Argue League off things about him. Patrino ended up
being the inn room there and just didn't They were
just gas and oil and water for some reason it
didn't work out.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
But I listened to some Senior Bowl stuff saying he's
another one.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
That he's another has everything you must.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
Say he's gonna be a top twenty pick or anything
like we were talking about Robertson.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
He I think could be like a Tyler Shuck, like
top fifty. He's got some even more so, even more
so than Yes, even more so than Robertson. He needs
some real polish. But my goodness, does he have.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
What I'm starting opening day of his year.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
But he's got arm strength, he's got athleticism like crazy,
and he's six six, two thirty.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
Say that's a trade.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
He's he's got the traditional pocket passer build, but with
the athleticism to move and and I he's he had
a really up and down year.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Glad you have him on here because I hadn't thought
of Robertson, but I was thinking of who's going to
be the Risers because so many people going back to school,
and he was the name that's screaming at me, you know, like.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Yeah, totally him and Sawyer Robinson I think will do
very well for themselves in those senior Bowl settings. And
then finally Matt. We've discussed all these guys. I kind
of told you, like Sellers is not like committed to
South Carolina, but still not official. You know, arch Manning's returning,
Jadamov is returning. Two guys on here that are in
the portal still on they will be back in college football,
(19:21):
but still unknown. Sam Levitt, who I mentioned to you, Yeah,
I think he's gonna end up like a L. S
U or an Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Yeah, he's the.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
He's the guy in the portal right now. If I
could have any of them, he would be my pick
and less Sellers were to enter, But it doesn't seem
like that's going to be the case.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
Like hypothetical, if you're like I could somebody in the
portal and sticking on WU, it'd be.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
His call, buddy, absolutely, And actually I think he'd fit
pretty well in rich Rod's offense too, so that would
be that'd be an easy one. But yes, and then
Brendan Sorosby, who's the Cincinnati quarterback who went on a
tear in the middle of the season, fell off a
little bit at the end. I still think he's got
a lot of potential. He's in Portal.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Do you think he ends up in like a top
twenty five program?
Speaker 2 (20:03):
Yes, Okay, he could end up at like say, Trinidad,
Chambliss leaves Old Miss somewhere somewhere like that, not maybe
LSU or Alabama, but but a really good program that's
going to be in the top twenty five and pay
him Miami. Maybe Miami is probably another one who's in
on the Sam Levitt sweepstakes, But it might be your.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
History is pretty strong of grabbing those guys.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
It might be one of those like Sam Levitt. Right now,
his phone is like Miami, Ole, Miss LSU. You know
some really sexy people that are trying to swipe right
on him, but they've all got they've all got stores.
Be kind of online too. Is like that. He's and
it's not a terrible fallback play. He's not a four
point zero valedictorian, but he'll he'll he'll get he'll get
(20:43):
some a's and win you some games. So that's kind
of it for the for the quarterback conversation. Starting to
at least get clear, starting to get a little bit
a little bit clear, Matt, I want to just follow
up a little bit more. Let's take a break here
a little bit more on some playoff stuff and some process.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
I definitely want to do some draft stuff, some.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
Some some draft prospects to keep an eye on. And
we need to, of course on a Wednesday here steal
a Detroit Lion for the Steelers roster. One of our
favorite new Wednesday exercises.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
Oh, forget about that till you spring it up. We'll
do Okay.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
That's that's why I like to spring it on you.
I think we I think it's I think it's good
when we when we do it live here on the fly.
We'll do all of that in the next segment as
we get into this second hour of the program. Was
Shuler Matt Williamson. It's all happening here on the Drive
on Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network, your tunes.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
About Drive on your twenty four to seven home of
the Black and Goal Steelers Nation Radio.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
I'm the home stretch here, two more segments to go
on this Wednesday show. And if you're watching on our
YouTube page, as you always should be, Matt just you know,
to see our handsome faces on all the wonderful camera
work that our guy mister TV Tyler V does. You'll
notice I've switched chairs. I say, I you right here,
man Ago, Matt's the other lay I'm in a different chair.
(22:21):
Producer Nathan got double booked.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
I mean I kind of did too. Following him, he's
he's leading away for me. He's my lead blocker.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
I will say, I love doing this show with you. Now. Yeah,
obviously I miss my buddy Motes, just like you miss
your buddy Dale. We are all miss Dale. Change is
good and change is tough at the same time. Right.
One thing that I do miss is like I used
to be in this building same time, so I'd get
here nine thirty every morning, I'd leave like three three
thirty every afternoon. Now it's every day. It's a different
(22:50):
balancing act. And this show and that show, and Matt's
got seven shows and Nate's gotta leave early because he's
got to produce something down at some clubhouse.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
By six o'clock with Tom tim and doing that right.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
But we're light on our feet, baby. That's that's what
it's all about. Much like juggling, much like the COVID.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Now, Monday night always screws things up to that too.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
That's everything. Five days gets condensed into four days, and
it's it's very much like the COVID year.
Speaker 4 (23:16):
Matt.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
You better be ready to play on a Sunday. Sure,
but you might play on Monday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday in
the afternoon and.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Next week because Christmas.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
Oh lord, yeah, at least we get it. At least
we get some time off in there.
Speaker 3 (23:29):
Yeah, it is Christmas next weekend. Yeah, it's weird juggling too.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
I got you a Christmas present already. I gotta pick one.
I gotta pick one up, I gotta pick one. Don't
get me anything. I got all I need. I got
you guys. Come on, Matt, before we get to our
weekly exercise of steal a player from the Steelers upcoming opponent,
some final kind of around campus NFL draft stuff that
I wanted to discuss with you. You brought this to
(23:53):
my this article to my attention, which I really liked.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
What it's laid out nicely.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
Yeah, and I think it's a good way to kind
of tee up some of these four games this weekend,
one Friday night, one Friday night, three Saturday in college football.
And with that, some non quarterbacks to keep an eye
on from a black, black and Gold Steelers glasses, guys
who might fit the bill for something the Steelers might
(24:18):
be looking for this off season.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
Already watching, you might as well pay attention to a
couple of dudes. It could be in black and.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
Gold, absolutely for old Miss. One of them who really
stands out to me is Xavian Harris. He's a defensive tackle.
He does some nosy things, but he's versatile and I
think will translate well to the next level.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
I think they'll still be in the market for more
D line.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
I think so too. Yeah, I absolutely think so, because.
Speaker 3 (24:41):
It's much round one, possibly as.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Much as it feels like you hit a home run
with Harmon. Yeah, you know, and why a black looks
like a nice piece, Keanu Benton looks like a nice piece.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
I mean, it's not crazy. I think Cam might retire.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
I was just going to say one thing we know
about Cam Heyward is he's not going to play forever
and to use a Jerry Dulac and now he's much
closer to the eighteenth green in the clubhouse than he is.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
He might the twelfth ud right, it might have been
the sixteenth, but he's not on the twelfth.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
Old Missus produced some quality defensive lineman as of late
Walter Nolan last year first round pick.
Speaker 3 (25:14):
Yeah, he's been very impressive a little he's been out
there this year.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
I think Xavian Harris could be a Day two guy
that could be a really nice fin.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Okay, I really don't know that name, so I'm excited.
I'll pay attention to him in particular that game.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
I also really like as a Day two guy, Old
Missus tight end day Kwon Wright. I just don't think
the Steelers are going to be in that market.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
What I can tell you is this is considered to
be an excellent tight end class, which probably doesn't influence
Steelers at all, but hopefully other teams are drafting them high.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
You know, they play two lane three point thirty on Saturday.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Not the best game for prospects, not the best game,
playoff game, right, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (25:49):
I am surprised they didn't make that the noon game,
just to kind of because I think that's the least intriguing.
I guess you could argue Oregon JMU. I mean, it's
a twenty one point spread in a college ball playoff game,
but this is a seventeen and a half point spread.
Speaker 3 (26:02):
How's Motes feeling about it?
Speaker 2 (26:04):
You know what, It's funny.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
I haven't.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
I haven't. I haven't reached out. I've been meaning to
do that, Like I was gonna text him and be like,
so when are you leaving for Eugene? You know, like
you find out Friday. But yeah, I've been It's funny
you say that because the last like four days, I've
been like, I need to text Motes about JMU. I
need text notes about JMU Texas.
Speaker 3 (26:23):
A and m By the way, JAMU doesn't any prospects, No,
not for like they all went.
Speaker 2 (26:29):
They all went to Indiana to follow to follow Kurt Signetti.
I'm gonna go through this in the way that the
teams are ranked, so Old Miss the highest ranked team.
That's that's uh this weekend or no, I guess Oregon
technically is. But when we started with old Myths there,
now we'll go to Oregon. They play Saturday night. That's
a tough one because that's right up against Bears Packers,
(26:50):
right be is it? Is it Bears Packers Saturday night?
Am I correcting? That?
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Is that the Yes, I know that the first game
is not great. It's Raiders.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
Somebody commander, commander, it is Bears Packers. So yeah, sorry
to Oregon in James Madison, they'll be on the small
TV in the basement Oregon. Obviously, Dante Moore and Kenyon
Sadiker first round prospects you mentioned Amouri Washington have.
Speaker 3 (27:13):
Seen him mock the first a lot.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
I think his late first, early second type guy. He's
another one of those defensive lineman I think you would love,
love love to have keep an eye on though Emmanuel
per Gone. I think that's how he pronounces his last name.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
The alignment.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
He's the the interior guy.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
And if saamal lewins, I mean we all know he's
he's at least up after this year. Yes, if saamal
owins up, if they want to go to that well
day two ish, I think he's a guy to keep
on keep an eye on in that ring.
Speaker 3 (27:42):
Is your offensive tackle on there, Isaiah.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
World, Yes, he's an early day two guy. I think
this is going to be a good tackle class.
Speaker 3 (27:48):
Yes. So here's what I know about world was people
had really high hopes for him because he had great traits, Okay,
tackle traits which will still get him drafted high. I
mean he doesn't. I mean, you don't have to be
a good play if you have great tackle trades to
be a pretty high pick. But a lot of people
were disappointed with him this season for what he could
have been to what he is now. But the interior
(28:10):
guy Stock is going the other way. Yes, like he's
been the much better player.
Speaker 2 (28:14):
I think he's gonna be a second round type. It's
I mean, to be a guard and go in the
first round. You gotta be oh, you're fan, you're quitting Nelson.
I mean, you're you're really good.
Speaker 3 (28:26):
The second round guys are expected to.
Speaker 2 (28:29):
Like the Zach Frasier range perfect plug him in, and
I think he could be one of those guys that
will be talking a lot about He will be one
of those guys we're talking a lot about his interior guys.
One more for Oregon to keep an eye on Dylan Thieneman,
who is a safety for the Ducks. Okay, and you
know how I mentioned to you like, Organ's done a
really good job doing the Derek Harmon think identifying a
(28:51):
ready made This guy was at Michigan State for multiple years.
We can plug him in. He's going to be a stud.
He's going to be a first round pick. Derek Harmon
boom them in. Was kind of one of those guys
for them this year. Started his college career at Purdue,
was a really good player in a really bad program.
They brought him in there, plugg him into that defense,
and he has been outstanding. Two interceptions, sixty four tackles,
(29:13):
and we know the Steelers are gonna have something. He
could be like a Day three guy. Draft them there,
plug him in next to Ramsey, have him sit behind
Elliott for a year, and then he's he's ready to go.
Type type guy to keep an eye on.
Speaker 3 (29:26):
I mean, we'll get into this stuff the off season,
but I'm pretty confident Elliott and Ramsey or your starters
next year. I don't know why you wouldn't consider bringing
back Dugger.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
I think that's a very good point.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Yeah, they may not be in the big safety market.
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
You soon killed that's a very good point.
Speaker 3 (29:43):
Yeah, but maybe it's a fifth rounder or something like that.
I don't know, I don't know what.
Speaker 2 (29:46):
Maybe maybe thirds a little too early there.
Speaker 3 (29:48):
Yeah, considering the other needs, you know.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Yeah, a couple guys to keep an eye on here
for Texas A and M two interior offensive linemen. Once again,
that will be day two picks. Trey Zoon and Chase
Bistonis both the two starting guards for A and M.
Both are gonna get drafted both I would say probably
on Day two. Both worth both certainly worth keeping an
eye on Matt. We've also talked a lot about wanting
(30:11):
to add a hammer type running back if Caleb Johnson
ends up not being the answer for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
Not super encouraging this point.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
The guy that I really like is CJ. Donaldson, who
I think will be a Day three pick out of
Ohio State. But they're not playing this weekend, so keep
an eye on Levon Moss. The last time the Steelers
drafted a l'von running back it worked out pretty well.
I think he's an early day three guy, like a
round like a round now A and M guy, yep,
round four type guy. He could fit the bill now game.
Speaker 3 (30:39):
Boll is also a free agent. There's no guarantee he's back,
but if Warren and Gamewell's back, they would only be
in the market for a big guy, I would.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Think, correct, correct. Oklahoma, they produce some pretty good wide receivers.
They've been known to do that. They've got two that
I think are both going to be Day two picks.
They could always end up working the way up into
the first round, but I think they're more second third
round guys than first round guys. Keep an eye on
Isaiah Stegna and Dion Burks on Friday Night. The two
wide receivers for Oklahoma. Man. As it relates to Alabama,
(31:09):
They've obviously got a ton of dudes to keep an
eye on. We've talked about Simpson Caden Procter. I don't
think the Steelers are going to go offensive tackle in
the first round, but he's a very intriguing prospect.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
He's like three seventy and he's one of those huge A.
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Guy who could work his way into the end of
the first round is Alabama wide receiver Jeremy Bernard. He's
got some Debo Samuel type qualities to him. He's one
to keep an eye on, as is their other wide receiver,
Isaiah Horton. Who I think could be a Day two guy.
Speaker 3 (31:40):
Bernard somebody know more about and people look at this
as a negative. It's not. He's projected to be a
really strong number two receiver, which would be great opotion mecalf,
you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (31:51):
Yeah, jam Miller is another one of those I think
early Day three running backs out of Alabama who could Again,
if you want to go to the well in the draft, well,
hope you don't need to, but if you need to,
I think that's the ranger looking for fourth fifth round. Yeah,
and he's one to keep an eye on you hope.
Speaker 3 (32:09):
Maybe you just need to throw a sixth round pick
that and let him in Johnson battle it out. Who knows. Again,
off season.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
Talk, Miami has a couple of studs in the trenches.
Ruben Bain might be the first defensive player drafted. Francis Muaga.
I think it'll be him or Fannu from Utah who's
the first offensive tackle drafted. It'll be one of those two.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
Also some things he might be a guard, but he
probably will be a tackle and less proven otherwise because
that's just how work.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
I really like a key messador from that Miami team
as well as a Day two edge rusher. He's a
guy who started his career at WVU and then got
a huge bag from the from the Hurricanes to move
south to better, better weather. He feels like he could
work his way to the first round, but in more
likelihood an early Day two pick. Mark Fletcher, I like
the running back. There is a potential Day three guy
(32:58):
uh for for the U and then they've got wide
receivers that you know his later round pick's worth keeping
an eye on. CJ. Daniels and Klelan Marion some speed
down there, as you can imagine Uh for TWU Lane. Again,
it's a little fin here as you get to the
end of the list, but Schadre Hurst is a guard
for Tulane and he could be a top one hundred pick.
(33:19):
He's not gonna go in the first or second round,
but he could go in the third round, fourth round range.
He's a legit prospected guard that's worth keeping an eye on.
With all due respect to Arthur Motes, I don't really
know who to say for JMU. There's there's not there's
not many there and that's why they're a twenty one
point underdog against Okacomo on the Road in Eugene. But listen,
(33:42):
I also like, I don't know how I feel about
two G five teams getting into the playoff, Matt. I
like the fact that there's one there. I do.
Speaker 3 (33:50):
I respect that some years they have a better chance
than others.
Speaker 2 (33:54):
Yeah, and we've we've seen in the past. We've seen
the Boise States of the world knock off some Hey,
twenty years ago, WU was that team, you know in
the Big East, and and and you know, teams like
Pitt and Yukon and Louisville, like they would get to
that stage and people would be like, all the Big
East stinks. And then w knocks off Georgia and the
Sugar Bowl, you know, Louisville knocks off somebody, Cincinnati knocks
(34:17):
off somebody. So I like having the quote unquote non
traditional conferences and powers and some capacity. Yeah, I don't
know about two. I don't know about two teams.
Speaker 3 (34:26):
That might be we'll get too deep into it. I'm
sure a lot of people would rather watch anund Dame obviously.
Speaker 2 (34:30):
Or BYU or you know, Vanderbilt. But yeah, certainly, I'm
glad that they get a crack. I'm glad that they
get a crack but it might be too much of
a crack. I wonder if that's I wonder if.
Speaker 3 (34:43):
That's sitting here as a viewer, I'm like, so h so, last.
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Year, with the way that the system was set up,
you had to be you had to win your conference
to get a first round by. So that led to
Arizona State and Boise State both getting first round bys, which,
of course the SEC and the Big Ten looked at
that and said, no way, cousin, that can't happen.
Speaker 3 (35:02):
Will be favored fourteen points over these.
Speaker 2 (35:04):
Guys, right, even though Arizona State took Texas to overtime
and you know, uh, Boise State, Okay, they kind of
got handled by Penn State. But that was the big
change from from the first year of the twelve team
playoff was like anybody can get a buy, it's just
the four highest seeds forget the conference.
Speaker 3 (35:18):
That's probably the best.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
I think the next change is gonna be they're gonna
make it a look last.
Speaker 3 (35:22):
Year, Indiana and Ohio State would not have got to buy.
Speaker 2 (35:24):
Correct, just Indiana and so Ohio State would be hosting
a game on campus.
Speaker 3 (35:29):
Right now, yes, as the five seed.
Speaker 2 (35:31):
As the five seed and so I think the I
think the next change that the uh you know, the big,
the big bad SEC and Big ten are going to
push for is something about the automatic qualifying situation for
the for the for the g fives. Really like they're
gonna look at it.
Speaker 3 (35:47):
Like this is a cute experiment, but nobody cares.
Speaker 2 (35:49):
Vanderbilt Notre Dame byu. Yeah, even nine and three Texas,
who like, I think, if you have three losses, you
should be out of the conversation completely. But who's going
to sell more money? Who's gonna get more eyeballs? You
know that this is all politics, that's all politics.
Speaker 3 (36:03):
Now, Oregon Notre Dame would sell pretty well.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Moregon Texas, right, yeah, yeah, yeah, So I still want
the Cinderella representation. It's a big part of March madness,
and I think this is kind of moving in that direction.
But what I really want more than anything is just
define parameters to make the playoffs. Yeah, you might get
a nine and eight Tampa Bay Buccaneers who gets in,
but at least there's no committee. There's no committee going well, Detroit,
(36:30):
what ten and seven? Why is Tampa Bay getting in
at nine and eight? You know? Yeah, but that's obviously
that toothpaste is out of the tube with the SEC
and the Big Ten picking apart all the conferences, and
they're just never going to agree to something like that.
Now when they could go ahead and get four or
five teams in every single year, it's gonna be fun.
I'm excited for Tomorrow night Seahawks and Rams. Oh yeah,
(36:51):
Friday night.
Speaker 3 (36:52):
Alabama together from Thursday to Monday night. Really good football.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
I cannot wait. Cannot wait, Matt, we got a couple
of minutes left here in this segment. Let's go ahead
and do what's become one of our new favorite exercises.
Take a look at these Steelers upcoming opponent and steal
somebody for their roster. I'm sure most of you know
this drill by now, but there's a couple of rules.
No quarterbacks, although I don't think that that would be
a factor.
Speaker 3 (37:17):
Here, not at his age. Right.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
This is you are taking this player on for the
foreseeable future. This is not just like I'm adding him
for this year type thing. You're taking their contract, their age,
their injuries, all that stuff. You are completely taking this
player and everything attached to them from the upcoming opponent.
And Matt, there's some really, I mean, we could probably
(37:40):
have it. We could probably do a half an hour
on this, because there's there's probably eight or nine or
ten guys that you could make a legitimate argument for
here on Detroit.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
I'll make a couple of bullet points on all of them,
but my answer is very clear in the end. Okay,
Brian Branch is injured and he's a wonderful do it
all modern day nickel, and he's on a rookie deal.
Speaker 2 (38:00):
So for another year or two, Yeah, which is great.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
Hutchinson on defense is the other defensive guy I would consider.
Speaker 2 (38:07):
It's big money, but he's awesome.
Speaker 3 (38:10):
He's awesome in a premium position.
Speaker 2 (38:11):
It's like the Jamar Chase conversation, like, yeah, you're gonna
have to break the bank for this guy, but he's
really stinking good.
Speaker 3 (38:17):
But if the Steelers weren't so good at edge, he'd
probably be my pick. But they're I mean, obviously he'd
be helpful. But now high Smith and Herbert are on
the bench. I mean, like, I just I'm not adding
an edge unless it's you know, the Browns. We took
Garrett of course, because they have anything else.
Speaker 2 (38:35):
They don't have much else.
Speaker 3 (38:36):
Yeah, this roster is a lot better to pick from.
Jamison Williams and Saint Brown are both really attractive, Yes
they are, and the only reason that they're in the
same breath is Williams a cheaper right now, but Saint
Brown's better, and Saint Brown would be a wonderful heinz
wardleg Steeler, I mean slot outside. I mean, he's the
(38:56):
first receiver you'll see in the stats when I send
you fine straight years with ninety plus catches, first time
it's ever been done. I mean, and he's a dog.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
And Jared Goff is good, but he doesn't have Pat
Mahomes throwing him.
Speaker 3 (39:09):
No, right, I mean he's awesome. Jami or Gibbs would
be an incredible addition for.
Speaker 2 (39:14):
Anybody, and he's still on his rookie contract contract.
Speaker 3 (39:17):
Like if you said, Matt, you've got to build a
team around a running back in this league right now,
it'd either be bjenre.
Speaker 2 (39:23):
Gibbs because they're so young.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
Because they're so young and skill sets, yes, cheap, I
mean awesome, But to pick his soul.
Speaker 2 (39:34):
Feeling, that's where you were going, and.
Speaker 3 (39:36):
It reminds me of the Bears conversation. Yeah, I danced
around this with the Bears because I don't you know,
I really love right the right tackle for the Bears.
But I'm like, why I don't want to move Troy.
He's been great. But if you ask me, blank slate,
I'm an expansion team. I get one offensive lineman walking
(39:57):
the planet to build around, it's Penn because he's awesome,
he's young, and Troy, sorry, you got to move the left,
you know, but you'll figure it out and we'll have
that guy. Yeah, you know, and are the best book
ends maybe in a league this one. Don't care that
he's expensive.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
I'm with you, Like Aiden Hutchinson would be great. I
think Branch and Joseph both the safety are worth conversation. Yeah,
you know, Mike Tomlin loves Jack Campbell.
Speaker 3 (40:23):
I mean, he's had a phenomenal year All Pro not
a pro bowler.
Speaker 2 (40:27):
At a position that's hard to find that level of quality.
Speaker 3 (40:31):
And he's ahead of the curve in terms of young
guys usually don't get it as quickly as he did.
Speaker 2 (40:35):
I really would love Jamiir Gibbs or I'm on Ross
Saint Brown to be my answer because the Steelers offense
is crying out for another playmaker of that level.
Speaker 3 (40:43):
Need to need more explosives, need more explosives.
Speaker 2 (40:45):
But pinasals don't grow on trees. And he's like in
his mid twenties. He could play younger than you think.
He could play at a high level for another seven
or eight years. Yeah, and I know he just got
the big contract extension, but you're paying for one of
the best tackles in the world.
Speaker 3 (40:59):
Right, if you get eight ten years of that guy,
I'm with you. I mean, right now, it's Tim and
Lane Johnson, but Lane's not gonna be in his way much.
Speaker 2 (41:06):
But Lane's eight years older, right, yeah, right, I'm with you.
It's not an easy one, but it's a it's a
it's a thin easier than you think. But if you
would say Jamier games arom On Rossaint Brown, I wouldn't
fight you. But it has to be someone from the offense.
Speaker 3 (41:19):
But if there's thirty one teams in this Penny Sewell
is still one of my top seven or eight picks. Yes,
you know, like i'd take Jamar Chase over him just
because of need, you know, but there probably there isn't
another lineman. And maybe you'd take Alt but he's injured
just because he's left. But I mean, this guy is
a bird in the hand, he is a stud he's unbelievable.
Speaker 2 (41:40):
Yeah, and he would fit into the Steelers oh big
offensive scheme. I think very well, that's the answer. But
it is, it's it's there's, man, there's some guys even
like a Ja Jamison Williams, you could make the argument
for I mean, there's there's some some really really good
ones to choose from. But I think we're both landing
on seowol and having no regrets about that. We'll wrap
(42:00):
this thing up when we return on the other side.
West Shouler, Matt Williamson. It is the Drive on Steelers
Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (42:17):
You were tuned about Drive on your twenty four to
seven home of the Black and Goal.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
Steelers Nation Radio back on the drive here and we
have a very special guest joining us now, Steelers running
(42:44):
back Jalen Warren. Jalen, it's a short week, it's a
busy week. Thank you so much for taking the time
here for us today, and just got to start asking
by how you're feeling. We know you were dealing with
some sickness on Monday night against the Dolphins. I think
you mentioned you know, being ready to go home and
and get a bunch of sleep in. I hope you're
hope you're feeling better and doing well here today on
this Wednesday.
Speaker 4 (43:06):
Oh yeah, I feel great, you know, obviously big miss
everybody's you know, I had one. Doesn't feel good, But
I'm doing as good as can be. It's definitly getting better.
Speaker 2 (43:17):
Good good, Uh, that's what I That's what I like
to hear. And we're hopeful for that obviously ahead of
a big one against the Detroit Lions team this weekend.
Gonna need you gonna need all hands on deck for that,
and you know, kind of sticking with that last couple
of weeks. I think a ton of improvement on on
your guys side of the football. You know, this is
the time of year when you want to be hitting
your stride and hitting your peak. Does it feel like
(43:39):
this offense is coming together at the right time?
Speaker 4 (43:42):
Yeah, yes, sir, you know, everybody making plays as we knew,
we knew all year. It's just coming in fruition right now.
And I'm glad it's you know, being displayed.
Speaker 2 (43:53):
Yeah, absolutely, and I think it's it's got a lot
of people excited about, you know, where this, this thing
could continue to go here in the month of December.
You know that road narrows and the playoff push gets
closer and closer, And I gotta think, Jalen, like, just
in general, you guys a ton of confidence in that
running back room right now, yourself, Kenneth Gainwell, Caleb Johnson's
starting to get more and more in the fold here.
(44:15):
I gotta think, you know, along with Eddie Faulkner, you
guys are just in a really good spot right now.
Speaker 4 (44:21):
Yeah, yeah, you know it starts with, you know, our coaching.
The coach, you know, he gets us done, gets as
well prepared for the week. And you know, as professional
as we do our things, we look out for each other,
give each other tid bits, you know, throughout the week,
help each other where whatever we see on film, and
we just go out there and ball on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (44:40):
Gotta love it and hoping for more of that this
Sunday against the Lions. Jalen, last one for you before
we let you go. Just what it's been like here.
You know you're now deep into this thing into December
with Aaron Rodgers. It's getting to be crunch time. It's
getting to be as you mentioned that that time of
year where you want all the tidbits and all the information.
What's it like like having a guy like that, you know,
(45:01):
four time MVP, future Hall of Famer, one of the
best point blank period quarterbacks ever in NFL history. I
gotta think it's a huge benefit having that guy in
your corner, having that guy on your team this time
of year.
Speaker 4 (45:16):
Yeah, it's good, you know, good feeling on. We've got
that guy on our side of the ball, especially when
it comes down to, you know, this time of the year. Obviously,
he's been in a lot of games like this, a
very important win, so he knows what it takes and
whatever he says. That's kind of the spait we move in.
Speaker 2 (45:34):
Steelers running back Jalen Warren. Jalen, glad you're feeling better.
Thank you so much for the time. Merry Christmas, Happy
Holidays to you as well, and and go get those
Lions on Sunday.
Speaker 4 (45:43):
Thank you, yeah, sir, Happy holladays.
Speaker 2 (45:46):
There he goes, Steelers running back Jalen Warren kind enough
to give us some of his time here on a
busy portion of the season. We were hoping to make
that one work for you today here on the Drive.
A lot of moving parts on the on the Drive today,
but thanks to everyone on Steelers PR for getting that there.
I was gonna promote that throughout the show, but we
(46:06):
weren't sure we were going to be able to make
it happen. So a nice little surprise for you all
a few minutes there with Jalen Warren as we kind
of put the end of today's show the finishing touches
on today's program and that will do it for us today.
So big thank you to Chris Hallick and Jalen Warren
for joining us steelers PR and and everybody for setting
(46:29):
that one up for us. A big thank you to
Nathan for producing most of the show until he had
to go and I had to slide in here. Big
thanks to TV. TV's the only one here. We started
with four in the studio. We've cut that number in half.
It's just me and TV. Big thanks to our video
producer Tyler V as always, and from my co host
Matt Williamson. I'm Wesheeler. Take care, everybody. We will talk
(46:51):
to you tomorrow. As always, you know where to find us.
It's on your twenty four to seven Home of the
Black and gold. It's Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers
Audio Network.
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