In this episode of "Weekend Warriors," Anish and Tom dive into the skill position prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft class. They’re joined by special guest Jonathan Stewart, the all-time leading rusher for the Carolina Panthers, who shares his insights on what it takes to succeed as a running back in the NFL. Tune in as they discuss the top talents in this year’s draft, analyze their potential impact on the Panthers, and hear Jonathan’s expert opinions on the future stars of the league.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The Weekend.
Speaker 3 (00:05):
Close to the episode caught by Phelan Touchdown.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Carolina Weekend Warriors Draft Special.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
The Weekend Warriors Draft Special is brought to you by
bud Light. No easier way to enjoy your Sunday. Bud
Light is the official beer of the NFL and a
proud partner of the Carolina Panthers, alongside the ESPN's Tom Logan,
Bill Anise Shroff, and what we are about to embark
on is bringing Weekend Warriors out of hibernation a lead
(00:40):
up into the Draft. We're gonna go position groups by
position groups. We're gonna have special guests you're gonna hear
in this podcast series from the likes of Louke, Keikley
and Jonathan Stewart. Who you'll hear on this episode Jordan
gross Al Wallace, amongst others. Cand of give you a
snapshot of how the Anthers are approaching each position group
(01:03):
going into the draft, and then who some of these
draft prospects are Day one picks, Day two, Day three,
et cetera. And Tom, your expertise here comes in handy.
You're ESPN's director of National Recruiting, so you've seen most
of these guys, if not all of these guys, Yeah,
since they were in high school.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
Yeah, I have I sit there and I look at
the list, and I look at the mock drafts, and
and I you know, I harken back sometimes and I'm like, man,
I think I first saw that kid when he was
fifteen years old at a camp in New Orleans. You know,
one of those deals, and it's it's amazing to see
the developmental process, guys like Luther Byrd and guys like
(01:40):
Travis Hunter, Shador Sanders, and then you know, you sprinkle
in guys that have emerged a cam Ward, you know,
somebody who was a you know, a one star recruit.
Ones you got wrong, yeah you know, or sometimes in
many cases, the ones you didn't even know about, Yeah
you know, and so and that's what always makes draft
prep fun.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, the Panthers saw that last year, undrafted rookie out
of Holy Cross j Hill and Cocher came on and
really turned into a significant contributor the second half of
the season and now has looked at as a critical
foundational piece for that offense. And we're going to start
on offense. We know this team will likely address its
defense and go heavy on defense in the draft. Offensively,
(02:22):
let's rewind a year ago. They had to invest in
the offensive line.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
They did.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Robert Hunt Damian Lewis fortified that unit. Chewba Hubbard had
his best season as running back number one. Jonathan Brooks,
who was the second round pick out of Texas top
running back chosen a year ago, unfortunately another ACL injury,
so you can't really count on him for twenty twenty five.
(02:48):
But of all the developments offensively, the best one in
twenty twenty four was what Bryce Young was able to
do the second half of the season post benching, gradually
got better and better and better. And I know you're
a big superhero guy, lugs. Yeah, I've equated his journey
to the first film in a Marvel franchise. Yeah, Destiny
(03:10):
chose him, five star recruit, Heisman Trophy winner, number one
overall pick. Circumstances conspire against him, a little bit of
a coaching carousel, play caller changes porous offensive line as
a rookie, confidence gets broken, rock bottom, he gets benched.
(03:31):
That's the adversity, and then he starts working his way
back in the shadows, gradually building himself back up and
then what you saw Week eighteen against the Falcons five touchdowns,
his best game as a pro. That was the superhero
in cape and Cowell in full costume dress. And as
you know, now you've established that he's the guy, that
(03:53):
he's wearing the cape, that he's got the big C
or P in the middle of his jury. See now
the movie starts.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Yeah, I think everything that you just mentioned there is
what makes the draft process and identifying pros and cons,
red flags, checking boxes. But there's always the element of
the unknown. And with Bryce Young, the element of the unknown,
(04:23):
because he had had so much success, was what was
he gonna do when something didn't go his way or
even worse, didn't go his way and then it blows
up publicly and it turns into a national story right
amongst you know, throughout the National Football League. And now
because he hasn't had a lot of adversity, the thing
(04:46):
that you found out you couldn't have possibly known leading
into the draft, right, And that's always the challenges with
the draft, because there are gonna be variables that you
can identify, that you can confirm, there's always gonna be
some things that you don't quite know and then you
hope for the best. Right, you think you've done your homework,
you think you've checked the boxes, but you've got that
(05:08):
position centralized and solidified. And now it's about putting all
of the other different pieces of the puzzle together. And
you know it starts with defense. We talk about that
with the Carolina Panthers, and whether that's upfront, whether that's
at the linebacker level. J C. Horn just resigned on
the perimeter. He's got to prove that he can stay healthy.
(05:29):
The offensive line is back and intact. So you look
from a draft perspective and you start talking about, you know,
the offensive side and the skill and I pose this question.
If you're sitting there at number eight and you make
no moves to trade down, try to get more picks
before that fifty seventh pick in the second round. And
(05:50):
for some reason there is a combination of let's just say,
Jalen Walker, Mason Graham, and Tyler Warren.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
I'll throw Teed McMillan in there.
Speaker 4 (06:03):
To Tet McMillan. They're all there at eight. What do
you do? Like it's easy to sit there and say, okay, well,
you know we got to bolster the defense. And I
get that, and you do. But I've seen Tyler Warren
in person a couple of times. He is an absolute creature.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
I'll pose this question to you, then, who is the
one guy or the one or two guys offensively that
would make you pass on defense with that eighth pick.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Probably, just now we're assuming Travis Hunter's, assuming Travers off
the board, I would say it's probably Tyler Warren would
be the only one. I think there are plenty of
wideouts to go around. I think there are plenty to
be had throughout the course of the draft, whether the
Panthers chose to trade down, give up that eight but
(06:59):
get three or for more three or four other picks,
maybe before they even get to fifty seven, at least
two three. Now you're having a different conversation. But Tyler
Warren is such a Swiss army knife, and what we've
seen the NFL in these offense has become when you've
got a premier player at that position, he would be
(07:21):
the one that would make me hesitate.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
So let's stick with Tyler Warren for a moment. Tight
end out of Penn State had the great postseason as well.
You've got JT. Sanders fourth round pick out of Texas
last year, who before a neck injury against Kansas City,
was having a pretty good rookie season. Wasn't quite the
same After they bring Tommy Tremble back, former third round
(07:44):
pick out of Notre Dame, he was resigned. You add
Warren to that mix. We will talk about this on
later shows as well. NFL's moving toward a lot of
twelve personnel looks absolutely become a.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Run heavy league. Play action off of the run.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
Widen the edges.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
Panthers have a good offensive line to have a tremendous
lead back in Cheba Hubbard now with potentially Warren, Tommy
Tremble or JT.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Sanders.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
This kind of lets a play caller like Dave Kanalis
dip a little deeper into his bag of tricks with
those two tight end sets, especially when you could create
some matchups there too.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
And I think that you get into even more three
tight end sets as well. Look at the ravens correct
and the shifts and the motions and the unbalanced stuff.
What does that do to a defense?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I mean, first of all, it creates more gaps, right,
because you've now widened the edge, You've made it more
difficult for there to be a straight line off the
edge when you're rushing the passer, because you have to
contend with that, and it impacts the personnel you put
on the field, because if you're gonna sit there in
twelve personnel thirteen personnel and you're not equipped on defense
(08:57):
personnel wise, it ain't just gonna be the run a
part of it. You're gonna be in trouble on You're
gonna have a hard time in play action because those
guys will be going in all kinds of different directions.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
I think that and all of a sudden, you got
a linebacker trying to cover a tight end like a
Tyler Warren or okay, you want to bring that safety in.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Now you run the ball.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Well that and then JT just as a pure pass catcher,
yeah is and again early in his career he's got
a little bit of an injury bug. He had a
little bit of that in college. I just think that's
where the evolution of the offense now is going. It's
it's it's not plays. It's players. We know that, but
it's not plays. It's shifts, formations, motions, it's eye candy,
(09:43):
it's personnel groupings. Most teams you're talking about now, they
got a handful of run plays, fifteen to seventeen pass concepts.
They're just doing it out of one hundred different.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Looks every play before the snap. It's a class field
trip to Amsterdam.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
Really a window dress, I Candy, That's exactly what it is.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Man, I like that.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
So Tyler Warren is a guy that you would one
thousand percent consider. Yeah, at number eight. I want to
get to the receiver position. And before we dive into prospects.
I stole this from you on our Weekend Warriors podcast
during the regular season. You brought up that when you
put out your recruiting lists for ESPN, the top three
(10:25):
hundred players are ranked, and that is across all positions,
and you mentioned that you've noticed disproportionately it's been skewed
toward wide receivers in terms of the total percentage of
the top three hundred players across all positions. So I'm
just going to run you through this list going back
six years twenty nineteen, forty two of the top three
(10:46):
hundred wide receivers. You know who was ranked forty and
forty two in that wide receiver group. Remind me it
Drake London and Puka nakuah okay right twenty twenty forty
six out of three hundred, twenty twenty one point fifty
two out of three hundred, twenty twenty two, forty two,
(11:06):
twenty twenty three, thirty five out of three hundred, twenty
twenty four to thirty nine out of three hundred, and
for the twenty twenty five class, forty two out of
three hundred. So essentially ten percent or more of the
top three hundred players in the country are wide receivers.
Makes sense seven on sevens. All the high schools run
(11:27):
three four wide receiver sets out of their base. You
see it in college. So when you're kind of looking
around and saying, Hi, do you want to pay wide
receiver thirty million dollars a year? Or is this position
about to become what the running back position has been,
where there's always going to be supply, and when supply
(11:53):
outweighs demand, prices start to come down and you can
get a guy who may not be justin Jefferson, but
maybe maybe you get you know, two guys for half
as much.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
Right, Well, take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs,
for example, they lose Tyreek Hill. Did the whole thing
come come down?
Speaker 1 (12:09):
No?
Speaker 4 (12:09):
You know why because there are so many wide outs
in sheer numbers, in all shapes and sizes that can
come in and play for And like you said, it
could be a two for one, it could be a
three for one, and you get different production in different ways.
But I think you have to ask yourself near the
top of the draft, you know, there there are the
(12:30):
Julio Joneses, the aj Greens, the Jamar Chase.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
I'm asking if if, if that's still even worth it.
But running backs it turned into at one point, defense
got to a point where it's like we're just not
taking a running back in the first round.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
Right, And I think that and that was the point
that I was getting too with those guys, Like there's
a reason why we don't see five receivers ranked amongst
the best overall players in the NFL Draft, amongst the
top fifteen picks in the first round, because you can
get them anywhere and everywhere. And the difference between this
guy and this guy, you know, like what truly is
(13:06):
the difference between Luther Bird and the third and Emika Muka,
I mean, is it an eyelash is it is it
razor thin. And then all of a sudden, now you
got to consider circumstance. Did one guy go to a
place where they had a quarterback already? Did another guy
go to a place where they don't. There's only but
the discrepancy in talent is different than it is with
(13:27):
O line and D line. When you have a difference
maker as a pass rush, I promise you there is
a cliff between that guy and the sixth guy. At
wide receiver, there's not, and it's very there's a lot
of blending, there's a lot of gray area there. So
I don't think it's worth the value of spending that
type of money. But again, are there generational talents? Of course,
(13:47):
I mean there absolutely are.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:49):
And again I think the point that we're trying to
make is you just might be able to find those
guys a little later in the draft. And again there's
value there. You can spend that capital or early on
at another position. Also, there is a cost there. You're
not paying as much as you would for a first
round pick. And I think we might be close to
(14:11):
a tipping point when it comes to valuation of wide receivers.
You saw what DK metcalf is getting in some of
the top guys. Again, thirty million plus for that top
wide receiver. We live in a sport where there is
a hard salary cap. Yeah, an allocation of resources matters.
And so this is not to say the Panthers won't
(14:33):
go out and spend on a wide receiver or the
Panthers won't draft a wide receiver early.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
I think the point we're trying.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
To make is when you look at how many of
these guys out of high school are going to college,
and then you think about the trickle down into the NFL,
there is more abundance there seemingly than other positions.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
So take it. Just take a look at that the
National Football League right now. I'm in Ross Ain't Brown
was a mid round pick. Okay. Then you go down
to Cooper Cup. Cooper Cup, I mean Stern Washington or
in Washington, Okay, and you keep rolling rolling down t
Higgins second round pick. Higgins Pooka Nakua as you just mentioned,
(15:09):
uh Nico Collins. All right, another one there, Terry McLaurin.
You know at Washington, you know there are there gonna
be first rounders and stuff like that. But Mike, Mike
Evans was in the first rounder. You know he's been
So they're out there, right, and there's a bunch of
them out there that are really, really good players. Michael
(15:31):
Pittman Jr. Indianapolis is another one. I mean, I don't know.
To me, there are plenty of really good you do
your homework. Got T. Higgins is another great one that
you just brought up there.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
There again, enough of those guys where you just say, okay,
you might have the luxury of patients there. So let's
say the Panthers get into day two, day three, and
you want to add another weapon to help out Bryce
Young by that point, a guy like Ted McMillan for Arizona,
(16:05):
he seems to be a short fire first round pick,
probably in the top ten, will be off the board.
A guy who put up big numbers in college at
Ole Miss Trey Harris See.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
I think he's one of the most productive. Forget we
could do all the measurement stuff production. He was productive
at Louisiana Tech. He makes the jump and it was
like it was nothing right, I think, and you know
what large sample size, He's played a lot of football.
There's value in that. To me, I think that is huge.
(16:33):
I also think the guy from Iowa State, Jalen Nole. Yeah,
really really good player. That Again, that's an option out there.
There's just there's so many of them in every single
player pool of every draft that if you do your
homework again, they're available.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Yeah, there is talk that what the Panthers lacked is
that top end speed guy, the vertical threat.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Right, who's that guy this year's draft.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
That's a great quest. Maybe Luther Burden, maybe I see
I see him as a difference maker in the return
game and a healthy version of Deebo Samuel, right, because
(17:24):
he's thick, he's well built. Now Luther's been able to
stay healthy. I think that's the thing that makes him
really really attractive. If you're gonna sit there and say, hey,
let's take the top off the defense. It's Matthew Golden
at Texas, the Houston transfer from a peerce Pierce Spief.
But he's also not six to one. You know, he's
not six' to, Two so you're gonna there's some. Give
(17:46):
there's some give and take there in relationship to what
what are your critical factors at?
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Receiver you, know based on the. Organization, yeah and some
of the receivers in. College some of the best receivers
this past year are not even draft. Eligible Right look
at Alibe, Amma Ryan, Williams Ohio, State Jeremiah.
Speaker 4 (18:03):
Smith he might Be he might be a top five
pick if they allowed him to.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
BE i mean.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Unbelievable Had Travis hunter just been a wide, receiver how
different is his?
Speaker 4 (18:14):
VALUE i think it's. Lower it's. Lower now does that
mean that he's not a great player on. Offense of,
course he's a great player on. Offense but if you're
looking at him as a pure wide receiver and you
look at the the the elite top five to eight
(18:35):
players that have been taken at that, position you, know somewhat,
recently whether It's Aj, green who are those types of?
Guys is he in that? CLASS i don't. KNOW i know.
THIS i think it's, hard no matter how much of
a phenomenal athlete he. IS i think it's hard to
really hone your craft when you're not devoting one hundred
(18:55):
percent of your time at. It you know you're in
you're you're you're shuffling a think about. This you're shuffling
from one meeting room to the next meeting, room from
one offensive drill in practice to over to the defensive
side in. Practice but he won The Bulletinikof award and
absolutely and earned it and earned, it AND i JUST
(19:18):
i think the value the multiple position thing is so
invaluable because it makes you. MORE i don't believe in camp.
MISSUS i don't think there's any such, thing but it
makes you closer.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
From a running back. Standpoint and we'll get into some
of this too With Jonathan.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
Stewart but.
Speaker 3 (19:40):
We're sensing now that position's making a comeback in THE.
Nfl Saquon barkley just got, Paid Aaron jones got a
nice little, Extension Chuba hubbard last year got a four year.
Extension the running back market is starting to come back
because again this is dictated by league. Trends, sure so
(20:05):
that's WHY i think there's talk Of Ashton gent being
a potential top fifteen.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
Pick, YEAH i, think and again he would be if
you're going to make that, pick it would be based
almost entirely on. Production there were going to be faster,
Players they're going to be bigger. PLAYERS i don't think
people realize how short he. Is but isn't there something
to the fact that didn't? Matter who they were. Playing
it didn't well every he did in the. Quarterfinal oh
(20:30):
did in the.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Quarterfinal but look at the game Against oregon for, example
right early in the erect he goes nuts Against. Oregon
everybody knew he's getting the, ball no.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
Question and that was.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
Every game and he held up thirty plus carries seemingly every.
Speaker 4 (20:43):
Game AND i think durability is the best ability when
it comes to that. Position, now a lot of mileage
on the chassis right, there there is there's there's some
wear and tear, there but you're, right he's been able
to stay. Healthy he's a load. CARRIER i think he's
a great player regardless of what level he played. AT
(21:08):
i don't. KNOW i Think Omarion hampton out Of North
carolina is A Joe Mixon Saquon barkley Hybrid, wow unbelievable ball,
skills the body in the frame that you need to
(21:29):
have to survive in that, league long, term uber light
on his, feet he looks like he's running on, clouds
can push the pile in short yarded. Situations he's the total.
PACKAGE i think he's an absolute difference.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
MAKER a couple of NAMES i have for you potential
day two, day three guys one AND i know you
saw him AT. Smu Forshard. Smith Rhet lashley got this
guy to transfer From miami TO. Smu he was a
wide receiver In.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Miami he didn't have a wide receiver.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Scholarship And rhet Lash lee looked at him and, said
You're Isaiah.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
Pacheco.
Speaker 3 (22:06):
Yeah and to, me a guy with those ball, skills
the ability to catch and then again not a lot
of mileage is a running back played well for a
playoff team last. Year to, me there's a role for,
him whether it's as a third down, back as a pass,
catcher as a guy you can even flex out into the,
slot you can use twenty one. Personnel to, me He's
(22:28):
he's a chess piece on, offense absolutely.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Is and he's a, returner so that gives him more
value because you're always gonna knock his. SiGe that's gonna
be the. Thing everybody's gonna look at.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Him BUT i don't looking at him as in every down.
Speaker 4 (22:39):
Back can't look at him as an every down. BACK
i don't think he looks at himself as an airy down. Back,
NOW i will say, this AND i HAD i HAD
smu four times last. Year do not mistake his lack
of physical measurables for a lack of. Toughness he will
stick it up in, there he will lower his, nose
lower his. Shoulder but his ball skills and his short
areas are. Outstanding there's gotta be a role for him
(23:04):
because he's just too good with the ball in his.
Hands he's just too.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Good here's another one down season this past. Year the
previous season one of the best running backs in the
Country Ali gordon At Oklahoma. State And Oklahoma state was
a disaster in twenty twenty, four twenty twenty, three Again Oli.
Gordon and there's a great list of running backs to
come Through, stillwater including one who's playing here And Barry
(23:29):
sanders and Thurmot, thiers amongst. Others Chuba hubbard turned out
pretty good for The. Panthers Ali gordon is a guy
where played with a great offensive. Line, again not a
ton of mileage really outside of the last couple of.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
Seasons and he's, big really. Big what happened to him
is once everybody realized, that oh That Oklahoma state didn't
have a, quarterback it was over right because now you're
got six to block eight and that math doesn't have.
UP i think he's really. INTRIGUING i call him a.
Galloper he literally looks like he's. Galloping he's got such long.
(24:06):
Legs interesting, guy, Man you're, RIGHT i think see, again
those are guys that can emerge and still have a
high ceiling for, development haven't had too much wear and.
Tear he's an intriguing. Guy i'm actually glad you brought
Him Ambersard smith up because those are names of nobody's talking.
About you, know we should be talking about Like Cam
skataboo more than we, are and everybody wants to knock,
(24:30):
him but all you got to do is turn on the.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
TAPE i think he's going to be one of the
most interesting test cases on draft, day no.
Speaker 4 (24:38):
Question he's a locker room Changer's that's the other thing
is he's one of those players that if you bring
him into your organization during, practice he's gonna embarrass somebody
stick of, dynamite, absolutely and he'll outwork people and then
he'll expose other people because of his work. Habits you
can't cut that. Guy you cannot cut.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
THAT i go back to What Dan morgan has said,
REPEATEDLY i want, YEAH i want. DOGS i want guys
who love, football.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
Yet he loves. That Kanns cadwy loves.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
Football The Weekend Warriors Draft special is brought to you
by Bud. Light no easier way to enjoy Your. Sunday
Bud light is the official beer of THE nfl and
a proud partner of The Carolina.
Speaker 1 (25:18):
Panthers make every Day Game day with The Carolina Panthers podcast.
Network immerse yourself in the team's.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
History it was The cardiac.
Speaker 5 (25:26):
Cat you couldnt leave the room because so many different
things can.
Speaker 1 (25:32):
Happen cat's the latest press. Conferences that's a good.
Speaker 6 (25:34):
QUESTION i didn't see that one coming In.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
And here exclusive conversations With panthers legends and A shroff
here With Julius. Peppers tune in now on The iHeartRadio,
App panthers Dot com And team, App apple podcast Or.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
Spotify we've been talking about skill. Players let's bring in
one of the best skilled players In panthers. History he
Is carolina's all time leading, rusher played ten seasons For.
Carolina thirteenth overall pick in the two thousand and eight,
draft the Former Oregon Duck Jonathan. Stewart Jay stu is
you assess The panthers roster heading into the, draft how
(26:12):
would you characterize their need in relation to all the
other needs for another skill player on.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
Offense you, KNOW i would only get a guy unless
he is a guy meaning generational talent in my, opinion
because what we proved last year is that we can
move the, ball we can score. Points what we didn't
do last year was stop people from scoring points and
(26:41):
moving the. Ball and so the priority has to, be you,
know addressing the, defense and once you get certain key elements,
there then you can start looking on the other side
of the. Ball in my, opinion you, KNOW i think
the priority you, know you, see you see how The
(27:03):
Super bowl paved, out, Right so The Coffycat, League, yeah
the proof is in the.
Speaker 6 (27:10):
Pudding it's been.
Speaker 5 (27:11):
There we just haven't we haven't seen teams and we
haven't seen coordinators be on the same page that The
Philadelphia eagles were this. Year AND i think they learned
a lot from last year when they started the season.
Off you, Know Jalen hurts passing game was you, know,
fluid the tush push and all. THAT i think the
(27:32):
toush push was really their running game in my, opinion,
right and then they hit a little stumbling block in the,
road and they started losing a lot of. Games towards
the end of the. Season they were calling for their heads,
right and so they addressed it with an offensive coordinator
that knew how to call the right plays according to
(27:54):
how the team needed to. Flow you have a defensive
line that can get they have to the quarterback and
stop the, run which makes it easier on the on
the secondary because instead of four seconds of covering a,
guy now it's down the three, seconds, Right so those
(28:14):
little things come to, play especially in.
Speaker 6 (28:17):
Playoffs you know the.
Speaker 5 (28:18):
Stretch you, know guys are, tired guys that banged, up
and no one wants to block a defensive line like
The Philadelphia, eagles and we saw that in The Super.
Bowl but then you add the element on the other
side of the, ball the, trenches, right you got to
be able to protect and not just pass, protect.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
But running the.
Speaker 5 (28:39):
Ball running the ball is in my, opinion the best
form of pass. Protection you run the, ball that means
we can move the. Chains when we're moving the, chains
that means absolutely you have to make sure that you
stop the. Run so now you're getting guys coming into
the the to the line of, scrimmage and then that's
(28:59):
when you start connecting over the.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
Top you mentioned a generational. Guy if you're to go
on offense and you're looking At carolina and you're, Saying,
okay who could that possibly? Be and you Referenced. Philadelphia
that player ended up being sake one right and, generational
an elite level. Guy do you see somebody like that
available That, obviously from an early round, perspective it's likely
(29:23):
going to be defensive oriented for The, Panthers but as
you start to move back into the, second, third fourth,
round is there anybody out there that you, Like.
Speaker 5 (29:33):
I'm just gonna be, Honest, NO i. DON'T i don't
see anyone that's like super, wow especially for the needs
of the. Team, YEAH i think A Marion hampton in my,
OPINION i think he's actually probably the best running.
Speaker 4 (29:47):
Back he's REALLY i saw him three times in, Person, like.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Would you would you Go hampton Over ashton gent? Even?
YEAH i?
Speaker 5 (29:58):
Would AND i mean if you look at the Wake forest,
Film Florida state, Film no matter, what there's a bodies
that he's going.
Speaker 6 (30:06):
AGAINST i don't care if they're little.
Speaker 5 (30:09):
Kids you, know watching that, game you watched a guy on,
film look like AN nfl player playing against college.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Kids.
Speaker 5 (30:19):
Right that's HOW i look at film When i'm turning
on the, film especially if it's high school. Film does
this kid look like a college player playing against high?
Speaker 6 (30:27):
Schoolers?
Speaker 5 (30:28):
Right and then you get to the college, level does
this player look like AN nfl guy playing against college?
Kids and you find a generational type of guy when you, see,
oh this guy is AN nfl player playing against high.
Speaker 6 (30:43):
Schoolers, yeah, Right, yeah.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
That's how you see these. Things and, Yeah Ashton gent
is an incredible running. Back don't get me. WRONG i
think they're you, know one and two a, right and
then it kind of falls, off and in my, opinion
falls off a. Lot those two guys have incredible contact.
BALANCE i know that's a word that's being used a lot,
(31:07):
lately but WHEN i say contact, balance it means they
can score while getting, hit AND i mean from the.
DISTANCE a guy that really had, that you, know for
The Carolina panthers D Angela. Williams d' Angela, williams contact
balance was. Incredible and those are guys that can be
(31:30):
difference makers for a team and for our. NEEDS i
don't necessarily see us needing to you, know lay anything
down the. LINE i mean the tight end For Penn
state's pretty. GOOD i think he's a generational type, time.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
And his name keeps moving up Where now There's i'm
not saying it's a sure, thing but there's not a
guarantee that he falls to number.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
One yeah he's a difference.
Speaker 6 (32:01):
Maker, yeah he's a difference he.
Speaker 4 (32:02):
Is you, KNOW i want to go back to the
running back. Position because you play the, position you understand
the wear and. Tear do you subscribe to the notion
that high volume of carries throughout the course of a
college career made to some degree hinder the longevity of
the career at The National Football league, Level like a
guy Like ashton genty a lot of, mileage a lot
(32:24):
of mileage on the, chassis a guy Like lamar And
hampton for his first two, years as good as he's,
been he also had other good backs in the. Backfield
you subscribe to.
Speaker 5 (32:33):
THAT i, Mean Derek henry proved that. Wrong Derrick henry
might be that's a generational. Talent, yeah that might. BE
i don't, know he's, different he's, Different, yeah, Mutant, yeah
and wear and tear is a real. Thing you'd be
(32:54):
a fool to not acknowledge. That you just have to
look at His you got to look at his you,
know injury history in the background and see if there's
been any issues along the way that's deterred him from
actually being able to. Perform you, KNOW i was a
guy that was banged up all the time with my
ankles and my feet and all that kind of. Stuff
(33:14):
but when it came to playing on game day AND
i was able to, PLAY i was able to play through.
Injury and so that's also a different type of specimen
too when it comes to mental aspect of the.
Speaker 6 (33:25):
Game, sure but wearing terror is definitely something that you look.
At but you, know.
Speaker 5 (33:33):
If you get a guy to give you six years
of outstanding, football it doesn't matter what way and tear there,
is as long as he's giving you, that it's. Good
it's a good. Run and you, know not everybody's going
to be A Saquon. Barkley so this is a copycat.
League don't try to find a Sa Quon. Barkley try
(33:55):
to find the formula of why it.
Speaker 3 (33:57):
Worked to your point, though and you keep saying copycat,
league AND i want to play off that because for
years THE nfl had been a pass happy. League it
was you need the, quarterback you need the, receivers you
throw the ball all. Around we're starting to see it.
Shift philly did it with a power running. Attack, baltimore
(34:20):
If andrews holds onto the, ball might have Played philadelphia
in A Super. Bowl now they would have had to
win one. More But baltimore power running. Game Lamar Derreck
henry the running back is making a. COMEBACK i know
that makes you really. Happy but when you look at
how The panthers are, built really strong upfront with an
offensive Line Chuba hubbard coming off a thousand yard, SEASON
(34:43):
i think he's established himself and proven. Himself would you
like some more depth in the. Backfield, Probably but given
where THE nfl is going and where The panthers are,
offensively does that kind of tell you, that, Hey carolina
gets it when they, say, yeah the first thing is
offensive line commitment to the.
Speaker 2 (35:04):
Run, yes we get.
Speaker 5 (35:05):
It it is getting back to the, basics, Right everything
offensively is all about a. Rhythm when you don't have,
rhythm it's terrible for the, quarterback it's terrible for it's
terrible for the offensive, line which affects the running. Game,
right the running, backs like we would love to find
rhythm in a. Game but when you're moving the chains,
again it makes it easier on. Everyone makes it easier
(35:28):
on the defense because the defense can sit on the
sideline for a little bit longer and catch the breath
and be, fresher especially if you have a defensive line
that can get after the get after the. Quarterback right
you take time off the, clock you start still scoring some.
Points it puts pressure on your opponent's offense to. Score
and that's when you get after the quarterback because now
(35:49):
they're feeling that they have to pass the. Ball and
SO i honestly Think Carolina panthers trajectory right, now we're
on the right. Path you have two. Guards we just
Got corbett. BACK i think we did something With so
keeping those two guys intact is huge because again.
Speaker 2 (36:12):
It's all about the.
Speaker 6 (36:13):
Nucleus you got to keep that thing.
Speaker 5 (36:15):
Consistent they've been, around they, understand they know where to,
go they know where to park, here they know who's
cooking them dinner and lunch and. Breakfast all those things,
matter you, know especially when you, have you, know a
room full of guys that get. It they understand how
things are supposed to be done here and they if
(36:36):
you ask any offensive, line they want to run the
ball easier for, them, Right and so last year was
proofing the. Pudding Getting damien here and Getting Robert hunt.
Here those guys made such a difference in the locker,
room not just in the field of, play but the identity,
(36:57):
right finishing, guys putting them on the, back getting out,
front celebrating in the end, zone you, know slapping you,
know you're running back on the, butt saying good. Job
those things are what you, Know Carolina panther fans are
used to. Seeing and it was fun Watching, cuba especially
that last. Game man hearing the fans chanting like you
(37:19):
can hear it outside of the. Stadium Cubea chuba cheube.
Ba that's the train that you want to get.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
On, yeah, RIGHT i like That Cuba trainuba.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Train, Baby i'm gonna steal. That so so.
Speaker 4 (37:34):
FROM i want to ask you a question about traits
and what. Youth whether it's vision you mentioned, contact, balance
that phrases thrown around a ton now, obviously, toughness, forward,
lean top end, speed a lot of real. Agility what
do you think are the most important traits in today's,
Game and you made a great point about the why
(37:55):
of how you're going about things with your, offense staying
ahead of the, chains being in. Rhythm what are the
traits that the run that can bring to the table
that you think are most.
Speaker 5 (38:01):
Important, yeah making things happen when they when there's absolutely nothing,
there because sometimes things are not gonna go as. Planned,
right hit load, power you're gonna get. Hit in the,
backfield what are you gonna. Do are you gonna make
something shake or you're gonna make a play happen. Regardless,
yeah you, know those are the types of guys that you.
Speaker 6 (38:23):
Want in your. Backfield they can create that can create.
Speaker 5 (38:26):
Plays and then also to you, know when it's third and,
one what are you?
Speaker 2 (38:32):
Doing are you.
Speaker 5 (38:33):
Bouncing it getting tackled for a loss or do you
understand and have the awareness of what the job. Is
the job is to get that, yard get the yard
and then Some, yeah, right keep the legs, turning keep
the legs. Turning but also too know when to go
down right because we got to keep you. Healthy it's
one of the things THAT i had to, learn you,
(38:55):
know early in my. CAREER i was a guy that
was like trying to fight for every single yard and
eventually that was wearing tear AND i you, know had
a lot of ankle injuries with. That and so guys
that have a sense of awareness about what the job
is and has the identity, of you, know not giving
up on plays and that's pass, protection that's you, know route,
(39:19):
running you know, understanding you, know you, know especially you
know with the passing, game, right understanding where guys are
supposed to be what the objective of the play is
If i'm running a flats because they want to throw
it to another.
Speaker 6 (39:34):
Guy so let me get up out of.
Speaker 3 (39:35):
Here there's one PLAYER i want your input on BECAUSE
i think he's the most intriguing RUNNING.
Speaker 4 (39:43):
I ALREADY i was gonna actually ask him this.
Speaker 3 (39:46):
Too and you AND i have both watched. HIM i
did two of his, Games absolutely loved. Him Cam Scataboo Arizona.
State so his head, Coach Kenny, dillingham who was At
memphis with all THOSE nfl, running told me best contact
balance he's ever. Seen, now top end speed doesn't have,
that but all the other, boxes, right the, motor the,
(40:11):
passion the, aggression the ability to stay on his, feet
the ability to catch the. Ball he has all those
there are some legitimate, questions right because of the, build
and again there's mileage to your earlier. Point but running
back to running, back how do you evaluate a guy
like Camp scataboo as a.
Speaker 5 (40:29):
Prospect you, KNOW i look at him and, say he's
a guy THAT i can. Trust, yeah that's another part
of the running back. Position you, know what fires have
you had to go? Through because if you haven't gone through,
ANYTHING i can't trust. You, right if everything's just been
rosy and great and you've been able to run through
(40:50):
wide open lanes all your life and haven't had to
make things happen for, YOURSELF i can't trust you because
once you get to, this once you get to the,
league there's gonna be multiple games where things are not gonna. Go,
well what are you gonna? Do are you gonna fall
in the tank or you're gonna rise to the? Occasion his?
Mentality third and, One, Uh i'm taking him every. Time
(41:12):
just give him a little. Seam talk about the contact.
Balance the guy's falling off of. Him he's he's basically
a tree trunk.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
Running down the.
Speaker 3 (41:23):
Field i'll give you this. ONE i did The Peach
bowl on. Radio That texas Team lukes probably has at
minimum a half DOZEN nfl guys on defense.
Speaker 4 (41:32):
In a couple first.
Speaker 3 (41:33):
Rounders, okay thirty carries one hundred and forty three, yards
two rushing, touchdowns eight catches ninety nine, yards AND i
think he threw a pass in that game.
Speaker 2 (41:43):
Too.
Speaker 6 (41:43):
Yeah football, player football.
Speaker 4 (41:45):
Player you. Know the thing to me about him is
he's one of those guys you want in your locker.
Room yeah, right he.
Speaker 5 (41:52):
Changes your lower rally, Around, yes the. ENERGY i look
at What tuba was this. Year people rallied around that. Energy,
RIGHT a guy that can set the, tone you. Know you,
know one of the one of my favorite memories of
playing football is playing The Seattle seahawks and playoffs AND
(42:13):
i was able to come back from injury and first
play of the game we ran fifty five stutter a gap.
Play you can bounce, it hit the a gap whatever
it kind of like works out to be gaps can
play and we hit it downhill AND i take off
running tone. Setter that's, like AND i get up And
(42:34):
i'm going, crazy and your offensive lineman see you do
stuff like, That, LIKE i, MEAN i celebrate over a
two yard run as long as it was a first down,
Right so like you're it's all about the. Energy you
can have all the best players on the, team but
if the energy is not, there you're not really putting
up a.
Speaker 3 (42:54):
Fight got to do a. Lot, yeah, LISTEN i think
he's gonna be an intriguing. Guy where if he's, there
and he was the other thing was he was a.
Gamer Big Twelve championship. Again Arizona state was picked to
finish last in The Big. Twelve, yeah they got to
The College Football playoff nearly Upset texas with their receiver,
out with their top receiver, out and essentially Scattaboosaying i'll
(43:17):
Be hercules if you need, me much like you were
in your.
Speaker 2 (43:20):
Day. Yeah. Man Jonathan stewart panther.
Speaker 3 (43:24):
Great shedding some light on the running backs in this
year's draft close to the episode caught By Feeling Touchdown
Carolina
Speaker 1 (43:34):
Weekend Warriors Draft special
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The Weekend.
Speaker 3 (00:05):
Close to the episode caught by Phelan Touchdown.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Carolina Weekend Warriors Draft Special.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
The Weekend Warriors Draft Special is brought to you by
bud Light. No easier way to enjoy your Sunday. Bud
Light is the official beer of the NFL and a
proud partner of the Carolina Panthers, alongside the ESPN's Tom Logan,
Bill Anise Shroff, and what we are about to embark
on is bringing Weekend Warriors out of hibernation a lead
(00:40):
up into the Draft. We're gonna go position groups by
position groups. We're gonna have special guests you're gonna hear
in this podcast series from the likes of Louke, Keikley
and Jonathan Stewart. Who you'll hear on this episode Jordan
gross Al Wallace, amongst others. Cand of give you a
snapshot of how the Anthers are approaching each position group
(01:03):
going into the draft, and then who some of these
draft prospects are Day one picks, Day two, Day three,
et cetera. And Tom, your expertise here comes in handy.
You're ESPN's director of National Recruiting, so you've seen most
of these guys, if not all of these guys, Yeah,
since they were in high school.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
Yeah, I have I sit there and I look at
the list, and I look at the mock drafts, and
and I you know, I harken back sometimes and I'm like, man,
I think I first saw that kid when he was
fifteen years old at a camp in New Orleans. You know,
one of those deals, and it's it's amazing to see
the developmental process, guys like Luther Byrd and guys like
(01:40):
Travis Hunter, Shador Sanders, and then you know, you sprinkle
in guys that have emerged a cam Ward, you know,
somebody who was a you know, a one star recruit.
Ones you got wrong, yeah you know, or sometimes in
many cases, the ones you didn't even know about, Yeah
you know, and so and that's what always makes draft
prep fun.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, the Panthers saw that last year, undrafted rookie out
of Holy Cross j Hill and Cocher came on and
really turned into a significant contributor the second half of
the season and now has looked at as a critical
foundational piece for that offense. And we're going to start
on offense. We know this team will likely address its
defense and go heavy on defense in the draft. Offensively,
(02:22):
let's rewind a year ago. They had to invest in
the offensive line.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
They did.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Robert Hunt Damian Lewis fortified that unit. Chewba Hubbard had
his best season as running back number one. Jonathan Brooks,
who was the second round pick out of Texas top
running back chosen a year ago, unfortunately another ACL injury,
so you can't really count on him for twenty twenty five.
(02:48):
But of all the developments offensively, the best one in
twenty twenty four was what Bryce Young was able to
do the second half of the season post benching, gradually
got better and better and better. And I know you're
a big superhero guy, lugs. Yeah, I've equated his journey
to the first film in a Marvel franchise. Yeah, Destiny
(03:10):
chose him, five star recruit, Heisman Trophy winner, number one
overall pick. Circumstances conspire against him, a little bit of
a coaching carousel, play caller changes porous offensive line as
a rookie, confidence gets broken, rock bottom, he gets benched.
(03:31):
That's the adversity, and then he starts working his way
back in the shadows, gradually building himself back up and
then what you saw Week eighteen against the Falcons five touchdowns,
his best game as a pro. That was the superhero
in cape and Cowell in full costume dress. And as
you know, now you've established that he's the guy, that
(03:53):
he's wearing the cape, that he's got the big C
or P in the middle of his jury. See now
the movie starts.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Yeah, I think everything that you just mentioned there is
what makes the draft process and identifying pros and cons,
red flags, checking boxes. But there's always the element of
the unknown. And with Bryce Young, the element of the unknown,
(04:23):
because he had had so much success, was what was
he gonna do when something didn't go his way or
even worse, didn't go his way and then it blows
up publicly and it turns into a national story right
amongst you know, throughout the National Football League. And now
because he hasn't had a lot of adversity, the thing
(04:46):
that you found out you couldn't have possibly known leading
into the draft, right, And that's always the challenges with
the draft, because there are gonna be variables that you
can identify, that you can confirm, there's always gonna be
some things that you don't quite know and then you
hope for the best. Right, you think you've done your homework,
you think you've checked the boxes, but you've got that
(05:08):
position centralized and solidified. And now it's about putting all
of the other different pieces of the puzzle together. And
you know it starts with defense. We talk about that
with the Carolina Panthers, and whether that's upfront, whether that's
at the linebacker level. J C. Horn just resigned on
the perimeter. He's got to prove that he can stay healthy.
(05:29):
The offensive line is back and intact. So you look
from a draft perspective and you start talking about, you know,
the offensive side and the skill and I pose this question.
If you're sitting there at number eight and you make
no moves to trade down, try to get more picks
before that fifty seventh pick in the second round. And
(05:50):
for some reason there is a combination of let's just say,
Jalen Walker, Mason Graham, and Tyler Warren.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
I'll throw Teed McMillan in there.
Speaker 4 (06:03):
To Tet McMillan. They're all there at eight. What do
you do? Like it's easy to sit there and say, okay, well,
you know we got to bolster the defense. And I
get that, and you do. But I've seen Tyler Warren
in person a couple of times. He is an absolute creature.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
I'll pose this question to you, then, who is the
one guy or the one or two guys offensively that
would make you pass on defense with that eighth pick.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Probably, just now we're assuming Travis Hunter's, assuming Travers off
the board, I would say it's probably Tyler Warren would
be the only one. I think there are plenty of
wideouts to go around. I think there are plenty to
be had throughout the course of the draft, whether the
Panthers chose to trade down, give up that eight but
(06:59):
get three or for more three or four other picks,
maybe before they even get to fifty seven, at least
two three. Now you're having a different conversation. But Tyler
Warren is such a Swiss army knife, and what we've
seen the NFL in these offense has become when you've
got a premier player at that position, he would be
(07:21):
the one that would make me hesitate.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
So let's stick with Tyler Warren for a moment. Tight
end out of Penn State had the great postseason as well.
You've got JT. Sanders fourth round pick out of Texas
last year, who before a neck injury against Kansas City,
was having a pretty good rookie season. Wasn't quite the
same After they bring Tommy Tremble back, former third round
(07:44):
pick out of Notre Dame, he was resigned. You add
Warren to that mix. We will talk about this on
later shows as well. NFL's moving toward a lot of
twelve personnel looks absolutely become a.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Run heavy league. Play action off of the run.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
Widen the edges.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
Panthers have a good offensive line to have a tremendous
lead back in Cheba Hubbard now with potentially Warren, Tommy
Tremble or JT.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Sanders.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
This kind of lets a play caller like Dave Kanalis
dip a little deeper into his bag of tricks with
those two tight end sets, especially when you could create
some matchups there too.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
And I think that you get into even more three
tight end sets as well. Look at the ravens correct
and the shifts and the motions and the unbalanced stuff.
What does that do to a defense?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I mean, first of all, it creates more gaps, right,
because you've now widened the edge, You've made it more
difficult for there to be a straight line off the
edge when you're rushing the passer, because you have to
contend with that, and it impacts the personnel you put
on the field, because if you're gonna sit there in
twelve personnel thirteen personnel and you're not equipped on defense
(08:57):
personnel wise, it ain't just gonna be the run a
part of it. You're gonna be in trouble on You're
gonna have a hard time in play action because those
guys will be going in all kinds of different directions.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
I think that and all of a sudden, you got
a linebacker trying to cover a tight end like a
Tyler Warren or okay, you want to bring that safety in.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Now you run the ball.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Well that and then JT just as a pure pass catcher,
yeah is and again early in his career he's got
a little bit of an injury bug. He had a
little bit of that in college. I just think that's
where the evolution of the offense now is going. It's
it's it's not plays. It's players. We know that, but
it's not plays. It's shifts, formations, motions, it's eye candy,
(09:43):
it's personnel groupings. Most teams you're talking about now, they
got a handful of run plays, fifteen to seventeen pass concepts.
They're just doing it out of one hundred different.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Looks every play before the snap. It's a class field
trip to Amsterdam.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
Really a window dress, I Candy, That's exactly what it is.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Man, I like that.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
So Tyler Warren is a guy that you would one
thousand percent consider. Yeah, at number eight. I want to
get to the receiver position. And before we dive into prospects.
I stole this from you on our Weekend Warriors podcast
during the regular season. You brought up that when you
put out your recruiting lists for ESPN, the top three
(10:25):
hundred players are ranked, and that is across all positions,
and you mentioned that you've noticed disproportionately it's been skewed
toward wide receivers in terms of the total percentage of
the top three hundred players across all positions. So I'm
just going to run you through this list going back
six years twenty nineteen, forty two of the top three
(10:46):
hundred wide receivers. You know who was ranked forty and
forty two in that wide receiver group. Remind me it
Drake London and Puka nakuah okay right twenty twenty forty
six out of three hundred, twenty twenty one point fifty
two out of three hundred, twenty twenty two, forty two,
(11:06):
twenty twenty three, thirty five out of three hundred, twenty
twenty four to thirty nine out of three hundred, and
for the twenty twenty five class, forty two out of
three hundred. So essentially ten percent or more of the
top three hundred players in the country are wide receivers.
Makes sense seven on sevens. All the high schools run
(11:27):
three four wide receiver sets out of their base. You
see it in college. So when you're kind of looking
around and saying, Hi, do you want to pay wide
receiver thirty million dollars a year? Or is this position
about to become what the running back position has been,
where there's always going to be supply, and when supply
(11:53):
outweighs demand, prices start to come down and you can
get a guy who may not be justin Jefferson, but
maybe maybe you get you know, two guys for half
as much.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
Right, Well, take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs,
for example, they lose Tyreek Hill. Did the whole thing
come come down?
Speaker 1 (12:09):
No?
Speaker 4 (12:09):
You know why because there are so many wide outs
in sheer numbers, in all shapes and sizes that can
come in and play for And like you said, it
could be a two for one, it could be a
three for one, and you get different production in different ways.
But I think you have to ask yourself near the
top of the draft, you know, there there are the
(12:30):
Julio Joneses, the aj Greens, the Jamar Chase.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
I'm asking if if, if that's still even worth it.
But running backs it turned into at one point, defense
got to a point where it's like we're just not
taking a running back in the first round.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
Right, And I think that and that was the point
that I was getting too with those guys, Like there's
a reason why we don't see five receivers ranked amongst
the best overall players in the NFL Draft, amongst the
top fifteen picks in the first round, because you can
get them anywhere and everywhere. And the difference between this
guy and this guy, you know, like what truly is
(13:06):
the difference between Luther Bird and the third and Emika Muka,
I mean, is it an eyelash is it is it
razor thin. And then all of a sudden, now you
got to consider circumstance. Did one guy go to a
place where they had a quarterback already? Did another guy
go to a place where they don't. There's only but
the discrepancy in talent is different than it is with
(13:27):
O line and D line. When you have a difference
maker as a pass rush, I promise you there is
a cliff between that guy and the sixth guy. At
wide receiver, there's not, and it's very there's a lot
of blending, there's a lot of gray area there. So
I don't think it's worth the value of spending that
type of money. But again, are there generational talents? Of course,
(13:47):
I mean there absolutely are.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:49):
And again I think the point that we're trying to
make is you just might be able to find those
guys a little later in the draft. And again there's
value there. You can spend that capital or early on
at another position. Also, there is a cost there. You're
not paying as much as you would for a first
round pick. And I think we might be close to
(14:11):
a tipping point when it comes to valuation of wide receivers.
You saw what DK metcalf is getting in some of
the top guys. Again, thirty million plus for that top
wide receiver. We live in a sport where there is
a hard salary cap. Yeah, an allocation of resources matters.
And so this is not to say the Panthers won't
(14:33):
go out and spend on a wide receiver or the
Panthers won't draft a wide receiver early.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
I think the point we're trying.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
To make is when you look at how many of
these guys out of high school are going to college,
and then you think about the trickle down into the NFL,
there is more abundance there seemingly than other positions.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
So take it. Just take a look at that the
National Football League right now. I'm in Ross Ain't Brown
was a mid round pick. Okay. Then you go down
to Cooper Cup. Cooper Cup, I mean Stern Washington or
in Washington, Okay, and you keep rolling rolling down t
Higgins second round pick. Higgins Pooka Nakua as you just mentioned,
(15:09):
uh Nico Collins. All right, another one there, Terry McLaurin.
You know at Washington, you know there are there gonna
be first rounders and stuff like that. But Mike, Mike
Evans was in the first rounder. You know he's been
So they're out there, right, and there's a bunch of
them out there that are really, really good players. Michael
(15:31):
Pittman Jr. Indianapolis is another one. I mean, I don't know.
To me, there are plenty of really good you do
your homework. Got T. Higgins is another great one that
you just brought up there.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
There again, enough of those guys where you just say, okay,
you might have the luxury of patients there. So let's
say the Panthers get into day two, day three, and
you want to add another weapon to help out Bryce
Young by that point, a guy like Ted McMillan for Arizona,
(16:05):
he seems to be a short fire first round pick,
probably in the top ten, will be off the board.
A guy who put up big numbers in college at
Ole Miss Trey Harris See.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
I think he's one of the most productive. Forget we
could do all the measurement stuff production. He was productive
at Louisiana Tech. He makes the jump and it was
like it was nothing right, I think, and you know
what large sample size, He's played a lot of football.
There's value in that. To me, I think that is huge.
(16:33):
I also think the guy from Iowa State, Jalen Nole. Yeah,
really really good player. That Again, that's an option out there.
There's just there's so many of them in every single
player pool of every draft that if you do your
homework again, they're available.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Yeah, there is talk that what the Panthers lacked is
that top end speed guy, the vertical threat.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Right, who's that guy this year's draft.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
That's a great quest. Maybe Luther Burden, maybe I see
I see him as a difference maker in the return
game and a healthy version of Deebo Samuel, right, because
(17:24):
he's thick, he's well built. Now Luther's been able to
stay healthy. I think that's the thing that makes him
really really attractive. If you're gonna sit there and say, hey,
let's take the top off the defense. It's Matthew Golden
at Texas, the Houston transfer from a peerce Pierce Spief.
But he's also not six to one. You know, he's
not six' to, Two so you're gonna there's some. Give
(17:46):
there's some give and take there in relationship to what
what are your critical factors at?
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Receiver you, know based on the. Organization, yeah and some
of the receivers in. College some of the best receivers
this past year are not even draft. Eligible Right look
at Alibe, Amma Ryan, Williams Ohio, State Jeremiah.
Speaker 4 (18:03):
Smith he might Be he might be a top five
pick if they allowed him to.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
BE i mean.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Unbelievable Had Travis hunter just been a wide, receiver how
different is his?
Speaker 4 (18:14):
VALUE i think it's. Lower it's. Lower now does that
mean that he's not a great player on. Offense of,
course he's a great player on. Offense but if you're
looking at him as a pure wide receiver and you
look at the the the elite top five to eight
(18:35):
players that have been taken at that, position you, know somewhat,
recently whether It's Aj, green who are those types of?
Guys is he in that? CLASS i don't. KNOW i know.
THIS i think it's, hard no matter how much of
a phenomenal athlete he. IS i think it's hard to
really hone your craft when you're not devoting one hundred
(18:55):
percent of your time at. It you know you're in
you're you're you're shuffling a think about. This you're shuffling
from one meeting room to the next meeting, room from
one offensive drill in practice to over to the defensive
side in. Practice but he won The Bulletinikof award and
absolutely and earned it and earned, it AND i JUST
(19:18):
i think the value the multiple position thing is so
invaluable because it makes you. MORE i don't believe in camp.
MISSUS i don't think there's any such, thing but it
makes you closer.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
From a running back. Standpoint and we'll get into some
of this too With Jonathan.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
Stewart but.
Speaker 3 (19:40):
We're sensing now that position's making a comeback in THE.
Nfl Saquon barkley just got, Paid Aaron jones got a
nice little, Extension Chuba hubbard last year got a four year.
Extension the running back market is starting to come back
because again this is dictated by league. Trends, sure so
(20:05):
that's WHY i think there's talk Of Ashton gent being
a potential top fifteen.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
Pick, YEAH i, think and again he would be if
you're going to make that, pick it would be based
almost entirely on. Production there were going to be faster,
Players they're going to be bigger. PLAYERS i don't think
people realize how short he. Is but isn't there something
to the fact that didn't? Matter who they were. Playing
it didn't well every he did in the. Quarterfinal oh
(20:30):
did in the.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Quarterfinal but look at the game Against oregon for, example
right early in the erect he goes nuts Against. Oregon
everybody knew he's getting the, ball no.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
Question and that was.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
Every game and he held up thirty plus carries seemingly every.
Speaker 4 (20:43):
Game AND i think durability is the best ability when
it comes to that. Position, now a lot of mileage
on the chassis right, there there is there's there's some
wear and tear, there but you're, right he's been able
to stay. Healthy he's a load. CARRIER i think he's
a great player regardless of what level he played. AT
(21:08):
i don't. KNOW i Think Omarion hampton out Of North
carolina is A Joe Mixon Saquon barkley Hybrid, wow unbelievable ball,
skills the body in the frame that you need to
(21:29):
have to survive in that, league long, term uber light
on his, feet he looks like he's running on, clouds
can push the pile in short yarded. Situations he's the total.
PACKAGE i think he's an absolute difference.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
MAKER a couple of NAMES i have for you potential
day two, day three guys one AND i know you
saw him AT. Smu Forshard. Smith Rhet lashley got this
guy to transfer From miami TO. Smu he was a
wide receiver In.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Miami he didn't have a wide receiver.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Scholarship And rhet Lash lee looked at him and, said
You're Isaiah.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
Pacheco.
Speaker 3 (22:06):
Yeah and to, me a guy with those ball, skills
the ability to catch and then again not a lot
of mileage is a running back played well for a
playoff team last. Year to, me there's a role for,
him whether it's as a third down, back as a pass,
catcher as a guy you can even flex out into the,
slot you can use twenty one. Personnel to, me He's
(22:28):
he's a chess piece on, offense absolutely.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Is and he's a, returner so that gives him more
value because you're always gonna knock his. SiGe that's gonna
be the. Thing everybody's gonna look at.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Him BUT i don't looking at him as in every down.
Speaker 4 (22:39):
Back can't look at him as an every down. BACK
i don't think he looks at himself as an airy down. Back,
NOW i will say, this AND i HAD i HAD
smu four times last. Year do not mistake his lack
of physical measurables for a lack of. Toughness he will
stick it up in, there he will lower his, nose
lower his. Shoulder but his ball skills and his short
areas are. Outstanding there's gotta be a role for him
(23:04):
because he's just too good with the ball in his.
Hands he's just too.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Good here's another one down season this past. Year the
previous season one of the best running backs in the
Country Ali gordon At Oklahoma. State And Oklahoma state was
a disaster in twenty twenty, four twenty twenty, three Again Oli.
Gordon and there's a great list of running backs to
come Through, stillwater including one who's playing here And Barry
(23:29):
sanders and Thurmot, thiers amongst. Others Chuba hubbard turned out
pretty good for The. Panthers Ali gordon is a guy
where played with a great offensive. Line, again not a
ton of mileage really outside of the last couple of.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
Seasons and he's, big really. Big what happened to him
is once everybody realized, that oh That Oklahoma state didn't
have a, quarterback it was over right because now you're
got six to block eight and that math doesn't have.
UP i think he's really. INTRIGUING i call him a.
Galloper he literally looks like he's. Galloping he's got such long.
(24:06):
Legs interesting, guy, Man you're, RIGHT i think see, again
those are guys that can emerge and still have a
high ceiling for, development haven't had too much wear and.
Tear he's an intriguing. Guy i'm actually glad you brought
Him Ambersard smith up because those are names of nobody's talking.
About you, know we should be talking about Like Cam
skataboo more than we, are and everybody wants to knock,
(24:30):
him but all you got to do is turn on the.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
TAPE i think he's going to be one of the
most interesting test cases on draft, day no.
Speaker 4 (24:38):
Question he's a locker room Changer's that's the other thing
is he's one of those players that if you bring
him into your organization during, practice he's gonna embarrass somebody
stick of, dynamite, absolutely and he'll outwork people and then
he'll expose other people because of his work. Habits you
can't cut that. Guy you cannot cut.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
THAT i go back to What Dan morgan has said,
REPEATEDLY i want, YEAH i want. DOGS i want guys
who love, football.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
Yet he loves. That Kanns cadwy loves.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
Football The Weekend Warriors Draft special is brought to you
by Bud. Light no easier way to enjoy Your. Sunday
Bud light is the official beer of THE nfl and
a proud partner of The Carolina.
Speaker 1 (25:18):
Panthers make every Day Game day with The Carolina Panthers podcast.
Network immerse yourself in the team's.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
History it was The cardiac.
Speaker 5 (25:26):
Cat you couldnt leave the room because so many different
things can.
Speaker 1 (25:32):
Happen cat's the latest press. Conferences that's a good.
Speaker 6 (25:34):
QUESTION i didn't see that one coming In.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
And here exclusive conversations With panthers legends and A shroff
here With Julius. Peppers tune in now on The iHeartRadio,
App panthers Dot com And team, App apple podcast Or.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
Spotify we've been talking about skill. Players let's bring in
one of the best skilled players In panthers. History he
Is carolina's all time leading, rusher played ten seasons For.
Carolina thirteenth overall pick in the two thousand and eight,
draft the Former Oregon Duck Jonathan. Stewart Jay stu is
you assess The panthers roster heading into the, draft how
(26:12):
would you characterize their need in relation to all the
other needs for another skill player on.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
Offense you, KNOW i would only get a guy unless
he is a guy meaning generational talent in my, opinion
because what we proved last year is that we can
move the, ball we can score. Points what we didn't
do last year was stop people from scoring points and
(26:41):
moving the. Ball and so the priority has to, be you,
know addressing the, defense and once you get certain key elements,
there then you can start looking on the other side
of the. Ball in my, opinion you, KNOW i think
the priority you, know you, see you see how The
(27:03):
Super bowl paved, out, Right so The Coffycat, League, yeah
the proof is in the.
Speaker 6 (27:10):
Pudding it's been.
Speaker 5 (27:11):
There we just haven't we haven't seen teams and we
haven't seen coordinators be on the same page that The
Philadelphia eagles were this. Year AND i think they learned
a lot from last year when they started the season.
Off you, Know Jalen hurts passing game was you, know,
fluid the tush push and all. THAT i think the
(27:32):
toush push was really their running game in my, opinion,
right and then they hit a little stumbling block in the,
road and they started losing a lot of. Games towards
the end of the. Season they were calling for their heads,
right and so they addressed it with an offensive coordinator
that knew how to call the right plays according to
(27:54):
how the team needed to. Flow you have a defensive
line that can get they have to the quarterback and
stop the, run which makes it easier on the on
the secondary because instead of four seconds of covering a,
guy now it's down the three, seconds, Right so those
(28:14):
little things come to, play especially in.
Speaker 6 (28:17):
Playoffs you know the.
Speaker 5 (28:18):
Stretch you, know guys are, tired guys that banged, up
and no one wants to block a defensive line like
The Philadelphia, eagles and we saw that in The Super.
Bowl but then you add the element on the other
side of the, ball the, trenches, right you got to
be able to protect and not just pass, protect.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
But running the.
Speaker 5 (28:39):
Ball running the ball is in my, opinion the best
form of pass. Protection you run the, ball that means
we can move the. Chains when we're moving the, chains
that means absolutely you have to make sure that you
stop the. Run so now you're getting guys coming into
the the to the line of, scrimmage and then that's
(28:59):
when you start connecting over the.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
Top you mentioned a generational. Guy if you're to go
on offense and you're looking At carolina and you're, Saying,
okay who could that possibly? Be and you Referenced. Philadelphia
that player ended up being sake one right and, generational
an elite level. Guy do you see somebody like that
available That, obviously from an early round, perspective it's likely
(29:23):
going to be defensive oriented for The, Panthers but as
you start to move back into the, second, third fourth,
round is there anybody out there that you, Like.
Speaker 5 (29:33):
I'm just gonna be, Honest, NO i. DON'T i don't
see anyone that's like super, wow especially for the needs
of the. Team, YEAH i think A Marion hampton in my,
OPINION i think he's actually probably the best running.
Speaker 4 (29:47):
Back he's REALLY i saw him three times in, Person, like.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Would you would you Go hampton Over ashton gent? Even?
YEAH i?
Speaker 5 (29:58):
Would AND i mean if you look at the Wake forest,
Film Florida state, Film no matter, what there's a bodies
that he's going.
Speaker 6 (30:06):
AGAINST i don't care if they're little.
Speaker 5 (30:09):
Kids you, know watching that, game you watched a guy on,
film look like AN nfl player playing against college.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Kids.
Speaker 5 (30:19):
Right that's HOW i look at film When i'm turning
on the, film especially if it's high school. Film does
this kid look like a college player playing against high?
Speaker 6 (30:27):
Schoolers?
Speaker 5 (30:28):
Right and then you get to the college, level does
this player look like AN nfl guy playing against college?
Kids and you find a generational type of guy when you, see,
oh this guy is AN nfl player playing against high.
Speaker 6 (30:43):
Schoolers, yeah, Right, yeah.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
That's how you see these. Things and, Yeah Ashton gent
is an incredible running. Back don't get me. WRONG i
think they're you, know one and two a, right and
then it kind of falls, off and in my, opinion
falls off a. Lot those two guys have incredible contact.
BALANCE i know that's a word that's being used a lot,
(31:07):
lately but WHEN i say contact, balance it means they
can score while getting, hit AND i mean from the.
DISTANCE a guy that really had, that you, know for
The Carolina panthers D Angela. Williams d' Angela, williams contact
balance was. Incredible and those are guys that can be
(31:30):
difference makers for a team and for our. NEEDS i
don't necessarily see us needing to you, know lay anything
down the. LINE i mean the tight end For Penn
state's pretty. GOOD i think he's a generational type, time.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
And his name keeps moving up Where now There's i'm
not saying it's a sure, thing but there's not a
guarantee that he falls to number.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
One yeah he's a difference.
Speaker 6 (32:01):
Maker, yeah he's a difference he.
Speaker 4 (32:02):
Is you, KNOW i want to go back to the
running back. Position because you play the, position you understand
the wear and. Tear do you subscribe to the notion
that high volume of carries throughout the course of a
college career made to some degree hinder the longevity of
the career at The National Football league, Level like a
guy Like ashton genty a lot of, mileage a lot
(32:24):
of mileage on the, chassis a guy Like lamar And
hampton for his first two, years as good as he's,
been he also had other good backs in the. Backfield
you subscribe to.
Speaker 5 (32:33):
THAT i, Mean Derek henry proved that. Wrong Derrick henry
might be that's a generational. Talent, yeah that might. BE
i don't, know he's, different he's, Different, yeah, Mutant, yeah
and wear and tear is a real. Thing you'd be
(32:54):
a fool to not acknowledge. That you just have to
look at His you got to look at his you,
know injury history in the background and see if there's
been any issues along the way that's deterred him from
actually being able to. Perform you, KNOW i was a
guy that was banged up all the time with my
ankles and my feet and all that kind of. Stuff
(33:14):
but when it came to playing on game day AND
i was able to, PLAY i was able to play through.
Injury and so that's also a different type of specimen
too when it comes to mental aspect of the.
Speaker 6 (33:25):
Game, sure but wearing terror is definitely something that you look.
At but you, know.
Speaker 5 (33:33):
If you get a guy to give you six years
of outstanding, football it doesn't matter what way and tear there,
is as long as he's giving you, that it's. Good
it's a good. Run and you, know not everybody's going
to be A Saquon. Barkley so this is a copycat.
League don't try to find a Sa Quon. Barkley try
(33:55):
to find the formula of why it.
Speaker 3 (33:57):
Worked to your point, though and you keep saying copycat,
league AND i want to play off that because for
years THE nfl had been a pass happy. League it
was you need the, quarterback you need the, receivers you
throw the ball all. Around we're starting to see it.
Shift philly did it with a power running. Attack, baltimore
(34:20):
If andrews holds onto the, ball might have Played philadelphia
in A Super. Bowl now they would have had to
win one. More But baltimore power running. Game Lamar Derreck
henry the running back is making a. COMEBACK i know
that makes you really. Happy but when you look at
how The panthers are, built really strong upfront with an
offensive Line Chuba hubbard coming off a thousand yard, SEASON
(34:43):
i think he's established himself and proven. Himself would you
like some more depth in the. Backfield, Probably but given
where THE nfl is going and where The panthers are,
offensively does that kind of tell you, that, Hey carolina
gets it when they, say, yeah the first thing is
offensive line commitment to the.
Speaker 2 (35:04):
Run, yes we get.
Speaker 5 (35:05):
It it is getting back to the, basics, Right everything
offensively is all about a. Rhythm when you don't have,
rhythm it's terrible for the, quarterback it's terrible for it's
terrible for the offensive, line which affects the running. Game,
right the running, backs like we would love to find
rhythm in a. Game but when you're moving the chains,
again it makes it easier on. Everyone makes it easier
(35:28):
on the defense because the defense can sit on the
sideline for a little bit longer and catch the breath
and be, fresher especially if you have a defensive line
that can get after the get after the. Quarterback right
you take time off the, clock you start still scoring some.
Points it puts pressure on your opponent's offense to. Score
and that's when you get after the quarterback because now
(35:49):
they're feeling that they have to pass the. Ball and
SO i honestly Think Carolina panthers trajectory right, now we're
on the right. Path you have two. Guards we just
Got corbett. BACK i think we did something With so
keeping those two guys intact is huge because again.
Speaker 2 (36:12):
It's all about the.
Speaker 6 (36:13):
Nucleus you got to keep that thing.
Speaker 5 (36:15):
Consistent they've been, around they, understand they know where to,
go they know where to park, here they know who's
cooking them dinner and lunch and. Breakfast all those things,
matter you, know especially when you, have you, know a
room full of guys that get. It they understand how
things are supposed to be done here and they if
(36:36):
you ask any offensive, line they want to run the
ball easier for, them, Right and so last year was
proofing the. Pudding Getting damien here and Getting Robert hunt.
Here those guys made such a difference in the locker,
room not just in the field of, play but the identity,
(36:57):
right finishing, guys putting them on the, back getting out,
front celebrating in the end, zone you, know slapping you,
know you're running back on the, butt saying good. Job
those things are what you, Know Carolina panther fans are
used to. Seeing and it was fun Watching, cuba especially
that last. Game man hearing the fans chanting like you
(37:19):
can hear it outside of the. Stadium Cubea chuba cheube.
Ba that's the train that you want to get.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
On, yeah, RIGHT i like That Cuba trainuba.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Train, Baby i'm gonna steal. That so so.
Speaker 4 (37:34):
FROM i want to ask you a question about traits
and what. Youth whether it's vision you mentioned, contact, balance
that phrases thrown around a ton now, obviously, toughness, forward,
lean top end, speed a lot of real. Agility what
do you think are the most important traits in today's,
Game and you made a great point about the why
(37:55):
of how you're going about things with your, offense staying
ahead of the, chains being in. Rhythm what are the
traits that the run that can bring to the table
that you think are most.
Speaker 5 (38:01):
Important, yeah making things happen when they when there's absolutely nothing,
there because sometimes things are not gonna go as. Planned,
right hit load, power you're gonna get. Hit in the,
backfield what are you gonna. Do are you gonna make
something shake or you're gonna make a play happen. Regardless,
yeah you, know those are the types of guys that you.
Speaker 6 (38:23):
Want in your. Backfield they can create that can create.
Speaker 5 (38:26):
Plays and then also to you, know when it's third and,
one what are you?
Speaker 2 (38:32):
Doing are you.
Speaker 5 (38:33):
Bouncing it getting tackled for a loss or do you
understand and have the awareness of what the job. Is
the job is to get that, yard get the yard
and then Some, yeah, right keep the legs, turning keep
the legs. Turning but also too know when to go
down right because we got to keep you. Healthy it's
one of the things THAT i had to, learn you,
(38:55):
know early in my. CAREER i was a guy that
was like trying to fight for every single yard and
eventually that was wearing tear AND i you, know had
a lot of ankle injuries with. That and so guys
that have a sense of awareness about what the job
is and has the identity, of you, know not giving
up on plays and that's pass, protection that's you, know route,
(39:19):
running you know, understanding you, know you, know especially you
know with the passing, game, right understanding where guys are
supposed to be what the objective of the play is
If i'm running a flats because they want to throw
it to another.
Speaker 6 (39:34):
Guy so let me get up out of.
Speaker 3 (39:35):
Here there's one PLAYER i want your input on BECAUSE
i think he's the most intriguing RUNNING.
Speaker 4 (39:43):
I ALREADY i was gonna actually ask him this.
Speaker 3 (39:46):
Too and you AND i have both watched. HIM i
did two of his, Games absolutely loved. Him Cam Scataboo Arizona.
State so his head, Coach Kenny, dillingham who was At
memphis with all THOSE nfl, running told me best contact
balance he's ever. Seen, now top end speed doesn't have,
that but all the other, boxes, right the, motor the,
(40:11):
passion the, aggression the ability to stay on his, feet
the ability to catch the. Ball he has all those
there are some legitimate, questions right because of the, build
and again there's mileage to your earlier. Point but running
back to running, back how do you evaluate a guy
like Camp scataboo as a.
Speaker 5 (40:29):
Prospect you, KNOW i look at him and, say he's
a guy THAT i can. Trust, yeah that's another part
of the running back. Position you, know what fires have
you had to go? Through because if you haven't gone through,
ANYTHING i can't trust. You, right if everything's just been
rosy and great and you've been able to run through
(40:50):
wide open lanes all your life and haven't had to
make things happen for, YOURSELF i can't trust you because
once you get to, this once you get to the,
league there's gonna be multiple games where things are not gonna. Go,
well what are you gonna? Do are you gonna fall
in the tank or you're gonna rise to the? Occasion his?
Mentality third and, One, Uh i'm taking him every. Time
(41:12):
just give him a little. Seam talk about the contact.
Balance the guy's falling off of. Him he's he's basically
a tree trunk.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
Running down the.
Speaker 3 (41:23):
Field i'll give you this. ONE i did The Peach
bowl on. Radio That texas Team lukes probably has at
minimum a half DOZEN nfl guys on defense.
Speaker 4 (41:32):
In a couple first.
Speaker 3 (41:33):
Rounders, okay thirty carries one hundred and forty three, yards
two rushing, touchdowns eight catches ninety nine, yards AND i
think he threw a pass in that game.
Speaker 2 (41:43):
Too.
Speaker 6 (41:43):
Yeah football, player football.
Speaker 4 (41:45):
Player you. Know the thing to me about him is
he's one of those guys you want in your locker.
Room yeah, right he.
Speaker 5 (41:52):
Changes your lower rally, Around, yes the. ENERGY i look
at What tuba was this. Year people rallied around that. Energy,
RIGHT a guy that can set the, tone you. Know you,
know one of the one of my favorite memories of
playing football is playing The Seattle seahawks and playoffs AND
(42:13):
i was able to come back from injury and first
play of the game we ran fifty five stutter a gap.
Play you can bounce, it hit the a gap whatever
it kind of like works out to be gaps can
play and we hit it downhill AND i take off
running tone. Setter that's, like AND i get up And
(42:34):
i'm going, crazy and your offensive lineman see you do
stuff like, That, LIKE i, MEAN i celebrate over a
two yard run as long as it was a first down,
Right so like you're it's all about the. Energy you
can have all the best players on the, team but
if the energy is not, there you're not really putting
up a.
Speaker 3 (42:54):
Fight got to do a. Lot, yeah, LISTEN i think
he's gonna be an intriguing. Guy where if he's, there
and he was the other thing was he was a.
Gamer Big Twelve championship. Again Arizona state was picked to
finish last in The Big. Twelve, yeah they got to
The College Football playoff nearly Upset texas with their receiver,
out with their top receiver, out and essentially Scattaboosaying i'll
(43:17):
Be hercules if you need, me much like you were
in your.
Speaker 2 (43:20):
Day. Yeah. Man Jonathan stewart panther.
Speaker 3 (43:24):
Great shedding some light on the running backs in this
year's draft close to the episode caught By Feeling Touchdown
Carolina
Speaker 1 (43:34):
Weekend Warriors Draft special
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!