Speaker 0: Hey, everyone. Jeff Risen here with your daily DLP. We're getting very, very close to the twenty twenty six NFL draft. And with that in mind, I'm bringing in a guest, former colleague, guy with the wires, does a fantastic job doing all sorts of things. And and in fact, he initially worked for Lion's Wire, mister Andrew Harbaugh. Welcome. How you doing, buddy?

Speaker 1: I'm doing good, Jeff. I it's my favorite time of the year. I I'm not as busy with reports as I usually am with some, quote, unquote, off the field stuff, not legal related. For myself, I'm not blocking any, sidewalks as some people were today or last night with Zachariah Branch, but I I I'm enjoying it. It's a different angle this year, and and there's so many different ways things could go. It's it's always fun compared to when you kinda know how it's gonna roll.

Speaker 0: It is, isn't it? Like, we don't even know who number two's gonna be.

Speaker 1: Right.

Speaker 0: Like, like, are we I think we're all pretty confident that Fernando Mendoza's gonna be one, but two could be could be David Bailey, could be Sonny Styles, could be Arvel Reese, could be traded. Who knows? Just I want I wanna go over pick your in a little bit because you've been you've been a draft guy for a long time. That's how we hooked up initially.

Speaker 1: Yeah.

Speaker 0: That that tends to be the straight the story with a lot of the guests that I get in here. You're just overarching thoughts on this draft class, like strengths, weaknesses. Is it as awful as some people say? Is it, you know, a lot better than some people say? What what what's your general thought on the draft class as a whole?

Speaker 1: It it's funny. I remember in the summer, the first early talk of it being disappointing wasn't even the quarterbacks. It was because at that point, you still thought Arch was gonna just dominate this first year, and you were gonna get him and and a couple other guys. Yeah. But the wide receiver group, they've been obviously home run after home run for several years now. But the talk was that was gonna be a lesser than group, but really it's become the star group. You've got the most stars at the top outside of, say, linebacker, quarterbacks obviously got some others edge.

Speaker 2: I think it's just and an offensive line, I

Speaker 1: think is pretty well this year. I think it's just groups that aren't usually the stars are finally getting their Cinderella moment. And, obviously, quarterback is what everyone who cares about ratings and views is gonna worry about. When you've only got one coming in the first round, even like the Kenny Pickett year, like, that was the last time we really had this kind of poor class. You still thought maybe Malik Willis was gonna be number two in some crazy thing instead of Aiden Hutchinson. So you thought Willis could slip in there. You had Pickett at the time. So even then, there was some more juice even with it turning out not to be. So I think it's just in running back, obviously, you've got Jeremiah Love, but after that, there's a pretty steep drop off. I think it's just there's more top stars than there is depth at the usual positions, and I don't think it makes it for a bad class. I think it makes it for a unique class, and it makes teams have to work a little bit harder, and then you kinda see who's got their stuff together as well.

Speaker 0: Yeah. I'm with you on that. It like, the it's interesting that, you know, we're we talk so much in Detroit about the draft where, you know, the Lions landed, you know, Jabir Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Sam Laporta, non premium positions. And we got fantastic talents at it. And it does feel like this year, that's sort of where the strength is. Like, I I think it's a very good safety class. I think it's a fantastic you know, honestly, tight ends. Like, I

Speaker 1: Yeah.

Speaker 0: Kenyon Sadiq is, like, in a in a story by himself. Like, I think he's a top 10 player in my mind. And on my board, he is. And I I don't expect him to be I don't expect him to last certainly best, wherever the Bucks pick. I'll be talking about that in a minute. But, like, the like, the day two, day three guys at those spots, at interior offensive line, at offensive tackle, like, it feels like that's where the strength is.

Speaker 1: Yeah. And I think linebacker, like I talked about with positions being devalued, obviously, you've got Reese, you've got Styles. CJ Allen's now creeping up. Jacob Rodriguez, in some cases, might even slip in. That position is so devalued that most times teams aren't really taking a risk on that unless you're like, okay. I've got an all pro talent. Like, you got a Fred Warner type. Obviously, the lines have shown in the past so that, hey. You can take a guy around 20. He turns into a Jack Campbell. You get, stuff like that. But, yeah, the safety group, especially, I think really was a welcome sight as well because that's another position obviously that's devalued. Like, you've got a guy like, ironically, both Ravens, Kyle Hamilton and Malachi Stark's last two big ones. And they fall outside top 10, top 15, top 20 in Stark's case. So it's interesting to see where, earlier before, like, Caleb Downs could be now f five to the Giants after the Dexter Lawrence trade. Now that they've got that tenth pick, before the Bengals traded away their pick, Theoneman was projected by some people to be a Bengal starting there. So it's like seeing the safeties and the linebackers taking up top 10 spots. And before where where I just talked about, like, quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers were the ones, offensive line. Those are all now the positions that were projected to fall versus

Speaker 2: before

Speaker 1: it was like, okay. We can get a starting caliber linebacker and safety in the back half.

Speaker 0: Yeah. Let's talk let's talk a bit about about that that Dexter Lawrence trade because I my like, I like the deal. I like what New York did. I also, from a Cincinnati state, I kinda get it.

Speaker 1: Yeah.

Speaker 0: Like, they have never replaced DJ Reader and missed him. And I do think that that Lawrence, the way he is, is sort of a false force multiplier for the the linebackers behind him. They do have some talent there. He's gonna help Trey Hendrickson. He's gonna help if Shemar Stewart can be helped, he will help him. And and so my basic thought is they gave away the tenth pick to get a guy that is better than they think anybody that they could have drafted a 10 will become in his rookie contract. Does that make sense to you? And and would you have done the deal?

Speaker 1: It it's so funny because, like, I wrote for both Bucks and Vikings. I'm like, could it make sense just to explore it? And I didn't even think giving maybe I mean, maybe I was not used to the fact, but I was like, I don't know if you're gonna have to give up 15 or 18. And to get 10 out of that, I love that for the Giants, but also too for the Bengals. I think I've written in mock drafts for the last two, three years. I even go beyond the DJ reader absence. I go all the way back to Gino Atkins. That was when that defense was really fun, and Vontaze Burfic was able to be Vontaze Burfic. And then you had, all the other guys that just kinda flew around because they had Atkins drawing all that attention in the middle. And now they've got that with Lawrence. I think they can kinda tap back into that well. And, obviously, Cincinnati is just looking to be able to score 30 points and think they're gonna win finally versus having to put up 40 or have a shootout. I just, no. I I love it for both angles. I think 10 is rich in mind, but, like, as Daniel Jeremiah posted last night, just a couple hours before, he had said he had been talking to an executive. And he's like, the Bengals are gonna be the one screwed in the top 10 where every which way you mock it to them, there's no one that's really a good value or a fit for them at the tenth pick.

Speaker 2: Yeah.

Speaker 1: And now I would argue, obviously, Dexter Lawrence is better than any defensive lineman that could have got a 10, barring maybe a Ruben Bayne falling to them and getting a rookie value on that. But even then, like, it's the Family Guy meme where you could get the boat or you could have the mystery box.

Speaker 0: Right.

Speaker 1: And the mystery box could be anything, even a boat. So it's one of those things where take your safe pick with Dexter Lawrence and reap the benefits of that.

Speaker 0: Yeah. So Giants have five and ten now.

Speaker 1: Second time, Joe Shane's had two top 10 picks, and he still has his job.

Speaker 0: So this says more about the Giants organization than than Joe Shane, honestly. They have like, they're they're in a position now to control the draft, and they have they have interesting needs. It it sounds like the first one might be Jeremiah Love or Sonny Styles, whichever one is there. And then the second one could be offensive tackle, could be you know, they don't really need an edge, but maybe they maybe they trade Kavon Thibodeaux. Like, any thoughts on, like because I I haven't done a mock draft yet since then, since trade. And I'm like, I'm trying to figure out, like, how that's gonna go. So I will ask you for advice on my final mark. What what do you think the Giants might be looking at?

Speaker 1: It's funny. Last night, I ran through a couple and because I just wanted to kinda see how the board would fall. And the ones I would say, like, at five, I think the safer options are a a trio of Sunny Styles, Caleb Downs, Jordan Tyson. And then if they You

Speaker 0: think you think they'd go Tyson that high?

Speaker 1: I think they could if they're afraid that, say, somebody like Washington or Kansas City wants to grab them.

Speaker 2: Yeah.

Speaker 1: But again, too, they could stay a 10 and get Carnell Tate and McKay Lemann if they really need a receiver if they think that. Joe Shane, it was reported, went to the, I don't know, pro day workout, whatever it was that Tyson had.

Speaker 0: Yeah.

Speaker 1: And then they had a dinner the night before. And, obviously, if you wanna read into that, you can. But I think in a perfect world, I they would love to get Tyson at ten and pair him with any combination of Sunny Styles or Caleb Downs. And I think if you're a Giants fan and it ends up that way, you'd be happier than anything that's happened to you recently outside of maybe when they hired Harbaugh. So

Speaker 0: So, yeah, that's a good haul. Yeah. And I've I've been I've been on Sunny Styles being, like, John Harbaugh has always had that smart, you know, reactive, aggressive, impactful linebacker. He's always had that. And when he hasn't had it, his defenses have suffered. But then again, we just talked. Kyle Hamilton, you know, Kai Starks, like, ridiculous Chuck Clark is now in Detroit, like, ridiculous safety room. And they don't really have that right now, so, like, you know, downs makes a lot of sense too. But I wonder I wonder where the NFL is at on Caleb downs because he's my number one player. I think he has the highest football IQ of any safety I've ever seen, and I've been doing this since 2004. And, athletically, like, he's not elite, but he's good enough. And I wonder, like, if they're learning the lessons from, you know, letting Nick and Brian Branch and Balcast Starks even fall so much that, that they would take him there. But I don't know.

Speaker 1: It it's Where

Speaker 0: where are you at on downs?

Speaker 1: Oh, I was gonna say, I I think he's top three for me. I I I don't have anything finalized yet. But I remember in the summer, I watched two games, and I was like, do I need to watch anymore? Like and and from there, the season just was more of the same.

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Speaker 1: It's one of those things where he just you needed to make a play. He's there, whether it be coverage or run support. I think Harbaugh, if he gets him, could be even be a little bit more aggressive playing with the line scrimmage if he wanted to. He just he doesn't do anything wrong. And it's one of those things where, like, you brought up the Brian branches and the Nicky Minworries. I thought I Minworries was I think he was in my top 15 last year. I had a first round great on him, and I kept mocking him to both the Vikings and the Bucks. And I was like, he need he deserves to be there. Iman Worre with Brian Flores, I think, would be nuclear. And, obviously yeah. Exactly. But, obviously, he falls to round two. Same way Brian Branch fell to round two, and, obviously, you get the insane value out of that. Both are all pro caliber players now. I just it's one of those things, like I said, I think the the class is gonna pair up with the positional, needs of teams, but also where the the stars are that I mean, yeah, a safety is gonna be a top five pick and people are gonna bat an eye at it. It's not gonna be like, oh, wow. They reached on a safety. No. It's you've maybe got the best player in the draft at five or seven if he goes to Washington who also has a huge need, or maybe the Chiefs get crazy now. I'm like, it there he could fit anywhere after two. Like, the Jets could take him, and I would still argue that, yeah, that was the right choice to make.

Speaker 0: I would I would too. Get good football players. Right?

Speaker 1: Crazy philosophy, but, yes, that usually tends to work.

Speaker 0: Alright. So one of the teams that you cover is Tampa Bay. They pick fifteenth just in front of Detroit. Can you give me a brief overview and for all the the folks that are watching along of what the Bucks might be looking at and what their biggest needs are going into

Speaker 1: this. It's so funny. Jason Light, who I think is a really good GM, has really great has really found his draft footing. I think before, obviously, free agencies helped him, and that's where he kept, made himself get to the GM spot, obviously, is the draft, working his way up through the Cardinals. I wanna say it was at the time. And he's on a bit of a role with picks, and he kinda just lets the board fall to him. Obviously, last year, Mecha Ebucca, everyone's like, what are you doing? And obviously, a year later, you lose Mike Evans. Chris Godwin didn't look himself. He's starting to look a little bit older. And you're like, okay. We're playing chess, not checkers again. But that being said, the biggest need for the Bucks remains his Achilles heel is Edge rusher. Like, you struck out on, Noah Spence. He struck out on, Joe Shireen. He struck out on Logan Hall. You just and Todd Bowles' defense is obviously unique in that sense too. And they've gotten some, like, mid round diamonds like Yaya Diaby, I think he's been fantastic. He's gonna get an extension and get paid to be around

Speaker 0: for He's a good player.

Speaker 1: He is. But I will say as much as as much grief as the Hassan Reddick move got last year, when Reddick was on the field, Diaby played much better. He needs that, partner in crime to be opposite of him, and they could take that guy at 15. I would love for them to maybe get a value in round two if someone like a Malachi Lawrence or Zion Young falls to them in round two. I don't know if either one of those guys will that late. But Ed Dresser's huge need. Obviously, Avante David retiring, leaves a giant hole in the middle. Obviously, a name that your listeners and yourself are aware of, Alex Anzalone. He comes in I think books it's so funny from covering the lines and knowing the lines. I like, I loved Anzalone, and I'm a Florida fan. So, obviously, I followed him the whole way through. And that move didn't get hyped very much. And I remember when I saw the money, I was like, this might be the best deal they could have gotten. And he's very much gonna be a leader in the defense, and I think they could probably be happy maybe waiting on the linebacker. Obviously, if something crazy happens and Sonny Styles falls to 15, maybe, they would be okay with that, I guess.

Speaker 0: But That's fine. Yeah.

Speaker 1: Yeah. I think something really bad has to happen. Like, we need to have a, oh my gosh. Larry Tunsil moment. That's what I was trying to think of the player.

Speaker 0: Yeah.

Speaker 1: Which from everything we've ever heard, that's not gonna happen. So mocks for them have had, like, Jacob Rodriguez, maybe CJ Allen falls a little bit in the second round. And then quarterback is still a sneaky need. They lost Yamal Dean in free agency. I'm not a very big Zyon McCollum fan. They paid him a lot of money last year, and then he just didn't play very well. They have Tyke Smith who they moved from corner to safety who played really, really well. Jacob Parrish, who we've talked about, they have him at nickel and he's fantastic, but outside corner still remains a giant question mark. Do they bet on Benjamin Morrison who was hurt all last year coming off the hip injury for his rookie year? It's it's tough. That defense, that secondary especially, is quickly becoming their overall Achilles heel in the division that now has Bryce Young playing better, either Tua or Michael Penick's in Atlanta for all their flaws can still drop a 400 yard game on you when they randomly want to. And obviously, Tyler Shuck is there now. So, defense is really their needs across the board. They've built one hell of an offensive line, deep running back room, deep wide receiver room. I still believe in Baker, but, yeah, defense just needs help across the board.

Speaker 0: Yeah. So it wouldn't be surprising to see them take and and so the Lions are also obviously in the edge market. And they're gonna be looking at the same sorts of players. You know, not necessarily the the our Mason Thomases of the world who are, you know, flyweight. They they want a little bit more substantive. You know, somebody like a Keldrick Falk or like a Reuben Bain if he's falling depending on what's going on with his off field issues. Let me ask you about about corner because they they run they do run they do play some zone, but they also play some man there. Does Jermott McCoy fit there? And would he be a potential because there's a there's been a late run here in Detroit where a lot of people are becoming increasingly convinced that the lions are very strongly considering Jermott McCoy. Would he even be there if would Tampa have significant interest in someone like that?

Speaker 1: I I think so. And it's funny because, like, McCoy, again, in the summer, and you you knew the ACL was torn, It was, like, early enough that you thought maybe we're gonna get a little bit of him in the season, and, obviously, he tested well at the pro day and it worked out. But no. I think McCoy if his medicals are good for whoever and the Bucks have shown clearly, they'll spend draft capital on an injured quarterback like they did last year, albeit a second round pick.

Speaker 0: They did.

Speaker 1: But Forget about that. Yeah. Like, I think McCoy would definitely be the fifth, especially, like I said, losing Jamal Dean, they just and they bet on traits with their corners more so. Like, Zion McCollum, obviously, was a fifth round pick, and you don't have a lot of investment

Speaker 0: there. All over the place.

Speaker 1: He is. And like I said, I'm not even the biggest fan of him. But again, you've been on traits. The athleticism is always there. He makes those flashes that make you think, okay, this is why we paid him all this money. But, no, I think Jermaine McColloy would be a tremendous fit. And it's funny. I an idea that I didn't really even consider, and I can't remember the picks that happened before to have the Domino's fall, but on, Trevor Sykama and Connor Rogers' seven round mock draft, they had Mansoor Delaney fall to 15. And I think if that's the case, that's obviously a dream scenario for the Bucks. And I remember thinking at the time, like, okay, this is Trevor who used to cover the Bucks for Peter Report and obviously he's a guy

Speaker 0: for Exactly.

Speaker 1: I even remember thinking, okay, you sabotage this, but then like they explained, I was like, no. I was like, this this could happen. And, obviously, that's the beauty of the draft. You never know what's gonna happen. Yeah. And now the Giants obviously being in there could throw a monkey wrench into things. But, yeah, it's I I think they gotta come away with a top corner more than anything. I know you hinted at the Saddiq pick.

Speaker 0: Yeah.

Speaker 1: I it's not that I'm not a fan of Saddiq. I just they just paid KDOT, and I think it was $36,000,000. And no offense, that's basically to just block, which drives me nuts. Fewest targets, fewest receptions, fewest receiving yards, and I think fewest red zone targets overall for a tight end last year or at least in the bottom too. And yeah.

Speaker 0: So you don't buy the whole Sadiq talk at 15? Fifteen? Because that seems to be, like, the most common mock draft pick right now.

Speaker 1: I think and and I and this is not my original idea, and this is something, like I said, that I've heard somebody else say and I'm buying into it is, I think someone's probably gonna pitch Sadiq to Jason Light, and all he's gonna think about is OJ Howard and how bad he got burned by OJ Howard. And I think that's going to be enough to be like, no. Let's pivot away. I think, honestly, they go, ironically, Jermaine McCoy, or I think they take big Ione and just really sure up the offensive line.

Speaker 0: Oh my god. Good lord.

Speaker 1: And then you could have an offensive line that goes Wurf, Sione, Barton, Ben Bredesen, and Luca Deci.

Speaker 0: So Yeah.

Speaker 1: You wanna talk about being able to create running lanes for Bucky Irving and giving bacon Baker Mayfield a little bit more time. I don't think you can ask for anything more. So, again, he's shown last year, he'll just take best player available. And if that turns out to be Ione or McCoy, I think that's what happens.

Speaker 0: Interesting that we have those discussions in Detroit too. So we'll I will ask you now to put on your Vikings hat as you also cover the Vikings.

Speaker 1: I'm sorry. Me too sometimes. Yeah.

Speaker 0: Yeah. Two things. Is JJ McCarthy gonna get traded? I'll throw the softball first. And then the other one, it seems like everyone has been connecting Dylan Dineman to the the Vikings at 18 since before the combine. Are you still buying that as well?

Speaker 1: I I'll the McCarthy thing first, I'll say is I don't I have not read or heard anything that makes me think they would, but I can look through the proverbial sand, so to speak. And them signing Carson Wentz was when I was like, okay. Maybe there is something they do here.

Speaker 0: New GM. I mean, the the quest is gone.

Speaker 1: Attached to him.

Speaker 0: New guy didn't draft him. There's no attachment. Yeah.

Speaker 1: And it's one of those things where I think they're gonna try to get as much I I don't even know what his value would be. And, like, I remember back in the day, didn't Josh Rosen go for a second to Miami?

Speaker 0: Yes. Like, one year later. Yeah.

Speaker 1: Yeah. Because they obviously, ironically, got Kyler. That's right. And, ironically, McCarthy was also picked at 10, the same pick that Rosen was.

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Speaker 1: I I don't know if they would get a second, but, like, man, if you told me I could get even a late second, early third for McCarthy, I don't know how you say no to that given the state of things for that team. Because while they are two years removed from 13 wins, they have so many holes. The really spin on old injured guys in free agency. A lot of them are all now gone. Allen Hargrave, Ryan Kelly retired from the concussions. The depth on the offensive line with Darasaw being hurt was really exposed. Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason haven't been great the last year. Obviously, you still got Justin Jefferson. You lose Jalen Naylor in free agency. I think Hawkinson post ACL is just not what he was before it. And you wanna talk about paying blocking tight ends. That's what they did with Josh Oliver. So, yeah, I would trade McCarthy if I were the Vikings, but obviously, I think they're still gonna say, hey. We just invested in this guy. Maybe we just see what happens in camp and, go from there. But let it be the next guy's problem if it's not Brzezinski, in terms of front office. But as far as the Theaneman pick goes, it's so funny. Our good friend, Tyler Fornes hates the idea of the pick. And I He does. He, like, he hates it. I and it's so funny because anytime he says anything bad, I always just will casually remind him that he had, like, Jamar Chase down his wide receiver rankings. And we both love Dwayne Eskridge that year. So, like, I can't hold that against him. And we both like Malik Will. So it's just fun to poke holes in everybody. I

Speaker 0: still like to win Eskridge too.

Speaker 1: Yes. See, exactly. We all we all get burned.

Speaker 2: Yeah.

Speaker 1: And, I I I think Theaneman is just you wanna talk about, Brian Flores' defense have a Nicky man worry. I'm not saying Thieneman could do the same thing, but Thieneman, I think, is a better athlete, way more rangy in terms of, like, closing speed. Whereas, Imeo Warrie is more of that, like, quote, unquote, if you wanna compare him to an offensive guy like a possession receiver. Sienna man's got a lot of flash. I like his instincts. I loved him at Purdue. I think he got better at Oregon. I think Flores would be able to use him the way you'd want. I don't think the team like, there's no decision officially on Harrison Smith, but I I assume they're acting like he's just retired. And if he comes back '33? He was

Speaker 0: what year? And and he he was in the mail zone. Frost. From a lion's standpoint in watching him, he's he's clearly lost at least a step.

Speaker 1: Yeah. And it's funny too because, like, obviously, covering the Bucks and the Vikings, Smith and David in '24, I was like, oh my gosh. These guys are gonna play another two, three years. And then '25 happened for both of them, and I was like, oh, no. And so far, one of those two have already hung it up. And, if they wanna wait a year for Harrison Smith to wanna cover the hall of fame, it's not too bad in a couple years, that'd be nice. But, obviously, if Smith wants to come back, I think even in training camp, they're gonna welcome him with open arms. But, yeah, I just I just think Theaneman's perfect opposite, Joshua Mattellus, Theo Jackson. They've gotten the safety room. Yeah. I and again, I think Flores I talk about Flores with this defense more than I do the actual players most of the time because he's just able to put these guys in a position to succeed. Whether it's Jalen Redmond, Jonathan Grenard obviously is a monster in his own right. Eric Wilson, who was a cast off from the Packers and found new life with the Vikings, obviously. Ivan Pace junior for when he was still in the mix was making plays here and there. So I'm gonna bet on the traits with the Inamin, and then I'm gonna let Brian Flores get in his head in the not too of it, tongue of my little away, in the positive way, and then see what happens if I'm the Vikings.

Speaker 0: Alright. But they still also need offensive line help as well. Yeah.

Speaker 1: And they they they ran the I guess, ironically, again, more Bucks Viking connection with Justin School, which was a fantastic name switch over and could have been so great for marketing purposes, but he was just not it. Darasaw, I think, is gonna be better, obviously, getting a year removed from that knee injury. He's young enough. I think he'll bounce back. But, yeah, interior offensive line, Blake Brandell, they just move around. The poor guy, I think, has to learn a new role every other week. They need a long term answer at safety. Ironically, you wanna talk about positions that are fun and deep, like center or I I said safety. At center, you got Sam Heck, Connor Lou, two guys that you could plug and play as starters in round three or four. You could probably get them.

Speaker 0: Yeah.

Speaker 1: They've got two third round picks. I expect one of those to be a center. I think one of them could be a running back as well. And then round two, I kinda think they give BPA, after going to need on first round. So whether it be Yeah. A corner because they need to help out Byron Murphy out there alone and Isaiah Rogers has made his splash plays, It's either gonna be safety or corner, I think, in round one. And then second round, I think they kinda go BPA.

Speaker 0: Alright. Appreciate that. Is there well, I'll ask you to put on the general draft pick hat now. Any one or two players that you are, like, abnormally high on compared to everybody else?

Speaker 1: I've loved D'Angelo Pawns since the summer, and then he just turned into the Tazewell.

Speaker 0: He's so easy to love. He really is.

Speaker 1: And I don't care how small he is. Like, I I'm gonna put him outside, and I would trust him to cover Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, because he's just so nitty gritty, old school type of corner approach. Like, what was it? Jack Tatum was the reason they made all these defensive pass interference panel like, Pamela thing. Like, D'Angelo Ponds, I think, is carved out of that same cloth. I'm not saying he's Jack Tatum, but I'm just saying, like, he is such a throwback and is so much fun to watch. Where I personally don't usually enjoy too many quarterbacks, like, watching the play. But, like, pawns is just so much fun. And he makes plays on special teams too. So, like, you can use them everywhere. I it's I I've ran in and raving about pawns so much. And then also too, if you wanna talk about another value guy that I don't understand why not people are more excited about is Jacob Rodriguez. Like, I would argue he is the best player in college football last year, even better than Mendoza because I don't think Texas Tech makes it as far as they do without the middle of that defense. Obviously, Bailey and Romello Height coming off the edge is not fun for a lot of tackles in college. But Rodriguez just man, he was a kind of do it all for the Red Raiders. So I I really like Rodriguez a lot. And then, I selfishly wanna see which one of these quarterbacks gets a chance, and I hate to admit it. I really want Drew Aller to just get a chance somewhere to not play, but just I firmly believe James Franklin and that Penn State offense is hell on earth. And I feel bad for Virginia Tech fans that are getting excited for it. Like, I and you wanna talk about me covering the, like, the lions. I covered the Nittany lions before I got to the NFL. So I've had my own little comeuppance, and I covered Aller and Singleton and Allen that their freshman year. And the the talent is there for all those guys. It's just that offense in that system, and I thought I was gonna be better with Andrew Kotzomecki and it just wasn't. Those guys all need to get away from that system. And, like, prime example, Tyler Warren was a caveat, obviously. He did really well, became a top pick, is one of the best tight ends in the NFL now off his rookie year.

Speaker 0: But, man,

Speaker 1: there's just there's so many guys that get sucked in there, that just that that system doesn't benefit anyone. Like, Keandre Lambert Smith, nobody knew at Penn State. He goes to Auburn and becomes, like, a guy who could stretch it down the field, and he's not gonna be like a great NFL prospect. But good lord, he at least helped himself leaving and going to Auburn, which has a way worse offense on paper than Penn State did last year. So, yeah, I just I I think Penn State's not good for quarterbacks. Like, the last mildly successful NFL born was what? Kerry Collins? And there's no anniversary photos

Speaker 0: of Yeah.

Speaker 1: Yeah. So So Yeah.

Speaker 0: I I I wanna ask you about Deny Dennis Sutton. So it's it's a Penn State guy, and he seems to be somebody that the Lions would certainly have some interest in in the second round, especially after his athletic testing. Just give me a quick your thoughts on on watching him over the last few years in in Happy Valley.

Speaker 1: I I really liked him, early on, and I kinda first round talk was in the summer, and, obviously, summer you can say anything and it doesn't count. And,

Speaker 0: I'm gonna remember that.

Speaker 1: That's my philosophy. I rolled with it. It's this time of year is when you've got to really put your ducks in a row. But no. I think he he could be a bit of a part a spark plug. I don't think he's gonna lead an edge group, but you put him in Detroit opposite Hutchinson. Like, Hutchinson's still gonna get all that attention, and I think he's gonna be able to pick up five, six, seven, eight sacks. I think just be being opposite of him and of, enjoying that attention that he would not have. Because that's the thing at Penn State, he was really the offensive line. Him and Zane Durant came into the year with higher expectations. Both have really kind of called out. Dennis Sutton's now on day two. Durant's getting some UDFA talk, which I think is a bit rough. I think he'd be a fantastic value for depth on day three. But no. I think Danny Dennis Sutton, I think he can stop the run well enough. I think he plays super aggressive. The athletic testing for an edge rusher, obviously, you always wanted anybody. As much as I just talked poorly about Penn State, they can test out of the waters at every position. But yeah. No. I think your lions, we we god. I remember since working with you, we've talked about getting Hutchinson some help. And I think Sutton is a really good complimentary piece. At worst, he's a rotational guy with plugging in with a veteran or somebody.

Speaker 0: And then we had a DJ want him, so, you know, that that would fit. Yeah. That checks.

Speaker 1: Yeah. So, I mean, at worst, put him in there just to keep guys fresh. And yeah. I I don't I think that'd be a fantastic fit.

Speaker 0: Cool. Alright. I wanted, you live in the general Pittsburgh area, and the draft is coming to Pittsburgh. So I wanted to call on you. So I was in Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago. We tried to hook up. It didn't work out. Sorry about that. My schedule got crazy. But, tell people who are going and making the drive to Pittsburgh what to expect in the area. I I would just lead off with

Speaker 2: it, and we talked about this a little

Speaker 0: bit off the air. Parking is a freaking nightmare, dude. But beyond that, like, what are some places to go? What what can you expect from like, because it is a wonderful city. It really is. I, as you know, I'm from Cleveland. So me saying nice things about Pittsburgh is like but I like it there, man. Like, I think people are gonna have a good time there. Just give a little bit of the lay of the land of what the draft might be like for them if they're if they're going.

Speaker 1: So it's funny. I will I would say if you're if you're going to the draft, nothing I say is gonna sway you one way or the other. But I would say bring your patience and then bring an extra pack of patience just because you're going into a city that already has exits on the left and right side of the lanes.

Speaker 0: And Oh my god. Yes. Oh.

Speaker 1: I always have people when they come in Signage is terrible, dude.

Speaker 0: Their signage is so bad.

Speaker 1: Yes. So, like, you're gonna deal with that. And then when you overcome that, then you're probably gonna have to park a mile or two away. You might even have to park across the bridge, and you're gonna think, oh my gosh. This is gonna be horrible. It's really not that bad. Everything's walking distance.

Speaker 0: Yes. It's very walkable downtown.

Speaker 1: It is.

Speaker 0: And and to where the the drafts the thing is gonna be. Like, I I was at is it Veterans Park that's, like, sticks out in there?

Speaker 1: Yes.

Speaker 0: Yeah. And, like, I I walked from there and, like, no problem. It

Speaker 1: Yeah. It's everything's pretty walkable. I say this not to get to the political part of it. They have a new mayor. It's his first term that just started at the beginning of the year, Corey O'Connor. And his big thing he ran on was making sure transit was better and specifically for the draft. Like, he said, Pittsburgh's only gonna get these opportunities if we ace this first test. And, obviously, they already host, Frozen four. They host NCAA tournament games for basketball, but the draft obviously is like a new beast. I don't think they picked the best spot for it. I think there's a point park that I think would have been fantastic with the whenever you see the Sunday night football games they show, it's called the Duquesne Incline where it's like the train car going up and down the hills. I think that having in the background would have been more fun, but now they're doing it over at AcroSure. That being said, that area gets very tight. So I wouldn't think you're gonna have a great view of the stage if you're not there stupid early. But there's enough going on at the North Shore that if your view is not great, there's plenty of restaurants, plenty of bars. I would say avoid the South Side. I mean that respectfully to the South Side, especially bar hopping. Don't go to the South Side. But

Speaker 2: He should have told me that

Speaker 0: three weeks ago because we

Speaker 1: did Yeah. It's it's not even like,

Speaker 0: ooze scare.

Speaker 1: Like, it's just the crazy videos that you find. Like, it you can just say, oh, that's,

Speaker 0: that's, like, Pittsburgh and cowboy.

Speaker 1: Like, you could tell the bar it is.

Speaker 0: Yeah. Yeah. Like, if if if Florida man were Pittsburgh, it would be there.

Speaker 1: Yes. That's a very good example. In fact, I'm gonna tell my buddy who just moved from Pittsburgh that exact example, and I'm sure he'll love it. But yeah. No. And even if you're staying, outside of the city, like, I saw a joke the other day and it said, this is Pittsburgh's test to prove that it's a major city and not just a 100 small cities put together into one. But, like, really, that is what it is. You could be at, Oakmont Bakery, which is just up the road from Pittsburgh. Strongly recommend. Oakmont's obviously where the US Open is every once in a while. Cranberry Township has a ton of restaurants, really cheap. You wanna go south, you've got plenty of options. You wanna go get some nostalgia, Beaver Falls, is where Joe Namath is from. They've got plenty of good options. So that's the nice part where Moon Township is over by the airport. There's a lot of where people are gonna come in. Robinson's over there, tons of auctions in Robinson, and it's enough away from the city. It shouldn't be too crazy. So yeah. Ironically, it is like a 100 cities put into one to make one big one. But that's also the beauty of it where it's it's not too bad. There's lots to do. Get it from Manny Brothers sandwich. I I know everyone talks crap on it, but, like, it's just

Speaker 0: You gotta try it.

Speaker 2: It it and it's so crazy too. Like that,

Speaker 1: and then you'll see, like, Pittsburgh salads because I didn't know when I I remember my wife

Speaker 2: explain that to

Speaker 0: you because I don't know what that is.

Speaker 1: So exactly. So my wife and I, we went to Colorado to visit her brother, and, my wife got a salad and said, hey. Can you put French fries on it? And they were like, what the hell are you talking about? And she goes, well, that's like what we do is we put French fries on our salad. And if you go to certain places, they'll say Pittsburgh salad and it says French fries on it. So, yeah, that's what it means by that. Ironically, we put we put French fries on our sandwiches, we put French fries on our salads, and yeah, that's why we look the way we do sometimes, myself included. But at the same time, we know how to eat good is what I always do. There's a restaurant even in the town where I live where I remember the first time I walked in, they said, do you see how big we are? Like, do you all think we're gonna have a good menu? Like, that's just the approach it is no matter where you go in the Pittsburgh area.

Speaker 0: Yeah. And, Iron City lite, you can't go wrong.

Speaker 1: And and I'll I'll stray away from the Pittsburgh stuff here. I think Turner's tea is horrendous. I I think it

Speaker 0: it's It's not bad. So

Speaker 1: It's it's just that you'll see it everywhere, and I just yeah. Nope. No. No. No.

Speaker 0: Alright. Well, I'll get you out of here on this. Thanks for joining us, by the way. Yeah. Yeah. Seventeen, where do you think and and, like because you cover other teams that you see other fan bases. Like, where do you where are where is the opinion that of what they think lions are going to be doing at seventeen?

Speaker 1: I've seen a lot, and it's funny because I see him to the Bucks too. And it seems like if it's not 15, I've seen him at 17. But Akeem Mesador, if you wanna talk about getting Edge help, I think Mesador is a good pick for a team that wants to win now. So I think that's why it makes sense for the Bucks, the Lions. Mhmm. Obviously, he's an older prospect. He's 25. And I don't and I don't hold age against guys anymore because NIL and obviously, there's still some lingering COVID guys. As Trinidad Chambliss has pointed out and made public. And Owen, I don't wanna say Heineke, like he's the beer, but, the Oklahoma linebacker, he just got another year. But, yeah, I being 25 in an edge rusher, like, you can argue Mesidore was the best pass rusher in college football last year. Like, I don't think if you're the Lions, you're settling for anything if you get him. Like, you're gonna get a good football player like we talked about earlier where, you could put him opposite Hutchinson, and you're gonna reap the benefits immediately. I think Mesidore, the way he plays, would be a Dan Campbell type guy. I think he fits with Brad Holmes once. Just super nitty gritty. I think if you don't go that way, maybe you go a corner. I've seen that a lot too. But no. I think Mesador he gets plugged to the bugs a lot. Like I said, I get it because they need a quick immediate stop gap to their edge rush problem. Same way the lions do, obviously, opposite, Aiden. But, yeah, I think it's Mesador, I wouldn't be surprised with at the end of the day.

Speaker 0: Interesting. I appreciate that. And tell people where they can find your work because you, like me, wind up being in a lot of places. That's what we do in this industry.

Speaker 1: Yeah. The beauty of it all. Right? We know that firsthand. Yeah. So you can find me on Twitter at, it's still Twitter to me, at Harbaugh, Andrew. If you can't remember how to spell that, just look up Jim or John. It's spelled the same way. You are

Speaker 0: not kin with them. Correct?

Speaker 1: So not to go off this tangent. My grandmother traced it. My great grandmother, When the Harbaugh brothers the the OG Harbaugh brothers from Germany came over, one settled in Ohio, one settled in Pennsylvania. So I am of the Pennsylvania archetype

Speaker 0: Okay.

Speaker 1: That got the nitty gritty work type, like, they built, helped build Georgetown Bridge in Washington, DC. They built houses, like, they're the workers. And evidently, before the game of football existed, that's what the Harbaugh brother in Ohio was destined to be the, patriarch of. So down the line, we're related, obviously, but I've never seen them at a family reunion.

Speaker 0: So Okay.

Speaker 1: We'll put it that way.

Speaker 0: Alright.

Speaker 1: But, yeah, you can find me on Twitter there. Ironically, Substack, I'm on there too. Same name. I didn't get too much 2026 draft stuff done, but 2027, I've already got scouting reports ready to roll out for next week. We got a mock I'm gonna drop. So, 2027 is gonna be a lot of fun. I like, it's it's not often that you get really hyped for summer scouting, but this this this upcoming class is just gonna be fireworks.

Speaker 0: It's so you know, we every year, it's like, oh, just wait till next year's class. Well, like No.

Speaker 1: This is this is it.

Speaker 0: This this we really mean it this year. Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker 1: And it's

Speaker 0: Alright, man.

Speaker 1: Yeah. It's great.

Speaker 0: Yeah. I I appreciate you joining, and, I'd look forward to talking with you throughout the draft process and afterwards and all that stuff. The teams are always fun, my friend. Thanks for joining us.

Speaker 1: For sure, Jeff.

Speaker 0: Alright. And with that, we're gonna call it a show. Again, thanks to everybody for liking and subscribing. We will have more content draft coming up. We're doing a, a DLP live mock draft on the air. Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday night. We will let you all know on the times for that. But until then, it's Jeff Rizzo signing out. Be good to everybody.