Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 1: Giants Draft Plans Release Date: March 18, 2025
Overview
In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Giants' draft strategies, focusing on quarterback selections and the implications for the team's future. Alongside, they touch upon the New York Knicks' performance, listener interactions, and broader sports topics, providing a comprehensive analysis for fans and followers.
New York Knicks: Current Performance and Team Dynamics
The conversation begins with a discussion about the New York Knicks' recent performance. Don and Peter analyze the team's standing, noting their position as the third seed in their conference and the challenges they face moving forward.
- Don Hahn [02:00]: “They’re locked in, right? They’re not going anywhere. They’re the three seed. They’re not going to fall to the four. They’re not going to catch Boston for the two.”
Peter emphasizes the consistency of the Knicks, suggesting that despite recent wins, there isn't much to change the current sentiment among fans.
- Peter Rosenberg [03:21]: “No, I think you could feel good if you get Brunson back in remotely short order and you finally get a real look at this team in a complete way and they look good.”
The hosts also touch upon internal team dynamics, including player performances and recent game incidents, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the team's trajectory.
Giants Draft Plans: Quarterback Selection Dilemma
The core of the episode revolves around the New York Giants' draft plans, particularly their quarterback selection. The discussion centers on the potential picks of Shador Sanders, Cam Ward, and the implications of selecting a quarterback of color.
- Peter Rosenberg [20:04]: “Everyone's like building this negative narrative around him saying he's a bad quarterback. But this is what I do want to say.”
Don and Peter debate the merits and drawbacks of selecting Shador Sanders, especially considering his lineage as the son of Deion Sanders. They weigh the potential benefits against concerns about ego and team dynamics.
- Don Hahn [22:02]: “Judge him as a football player. All right. If you like your Coach, if you like the structure of your team, you don't worry about Deion Sanders. You don't not draft somebody because of their dad. You draft somebody because of their abilities on the field.”
The conversation further explores the Giants' historical context, noting the absence of a black quarterback in their starting lineup and the pressures that may influence their draft decisions.
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Don Hahn [43:48]: “One would think, yes.”
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Rich [43:45]: “And, Don, to your point, if Cam Ward is there at 3, they're taking Cam Ward.”
Don articulates his confusion and skepticism regarding the Giants' drafting strategies, especially in light of recent moves and public statements.
- Don Hahn [27:15]: “But I don't know what I think is a joke, honestly, is the idea. Oh, you don't want to draft him because he's got an ego. Oh, you don't want to draft him because of the Deion element. If that's the case, then you're a weak franchise that can't handle garbage.”
Peter adds to the debate by highlighting the importance of building a team around a capable quarterback, irrespective of external narratives.
- Peter Rosenberg [22:45]: “Yeah. That cannot be the reason. If you believe in this kid's talent, you have to go out and get it.”
Listener Call-Ins: Perspectives on the Draft
Several listeners contribute their views on the Giants' draft decisions, offering diverse perspectives that enrich the discussion.
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Column in the Bronx [15:22]: Suggests starting Mitchell Robinson and balancing the lineup to optimize performance.
- Column [15:50]: “I would put Hart on the bench if the situation was with Mitchell starting because Hart's already done it off.”
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David [20:04]: Advocates for drafting Shador Sanders despite criticisms, emphasizing his potential and the importance of evaluating players based on ability rather than external factors.
- David [20:22]: “Clown show.”
These interactions highlight the community's engagement with the Giants' strategies and the multifaceted considerations involved in draft planning.
Broader Sports Commentary
Beyond the Giants' draft, the hosts and listeners touch upon various other sports topics, including the Knicks' game strategies, the growth of women's sports, and reflections on historical sports moments.
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Griftster [34:19]: Discusses the surge in women's sports viewership and the potential impact of star players like Juju and Paige.
- Griftster [35:19]: “I think this is bigger than it's ever been before.”
Don and Peter analyze the sustainability of this growth, contemplating whether the momentum will continue post the departure of key figures like Caitlin Clark.
- Don Hahn [36:00]: “There are still some stars there. Nothing to the level of Caitlin Clark, but that's what you do. You bring in an audience that falls in love with the product.”
Additionally, reflections on the Yankees' performance and the integration of new baseball players provide a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on team dynamics and legacy.
- Don Hahn [30:01]: “They lost that amount of ammunition that got you to a World Series. I don't see how you replace it.”
Humorous and Light-Hearted Moments
While the episode is rich in analysis, moments of levity and humor are interspersed, particularly during interactions with recurring characters like Spike and Antonio. These segments provide a balance to the intense sports discussions.
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Spike [10:27]: “He got drafted at Michigan State. He fit into the system. He’s always undersized, he’s underrated, he’s not a scorer, but he puts the team on his back often.”
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Antonio [13:21]: “I just think he always gives 20 to 30 pounds because he's guarding off of a switch.”
Such interactions offer listeners a glimpse into the hosts' camaraderie and unfiltered reactions to ongoing sports narratives.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode winds down, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg recap their insights on the Giants' draft plans, expressing a mix of skepticism and hope for the team's future. They reiterate the importance of strategic drafting and the potential long-term impacts of their decisions.
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Don Hahn [27:59]: “If they don't draft him and he goes on to become, you know, the quarterback version of his dad. Yeah. We’ll do more than call the Giants a clown show.”
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Peter Rosenberg [38:38]: “He didn't do anything yet though.”
The hosts emphasize the evolving nature of sports franchises and the need for adaptability and informed decision-making to navigate the competitive landscape.
Notable Quotes
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Don Hahn [02:00]: “They’re locked in, right? They’re not going anywhere. They’re the three seed. They’re not going to fall to the four. They’re not going to catch Boston for the two.”
-
Peter Rosenberg [03:21]: “No, I think you could feel good if you get Brunson back in remotely short order and you finally get a real look at this team in a complete way and they look good.”
-
Don Hahn [22:02]: “Judge him as a football player. All right. If you like your Coach, if you like the structure of your team, you don't worry about Deion Sanders. You don't not draft somebody because of their dad. You draft somebody because of their abilities on the field.”
-
Don Hahn [27:15]: “But I don't know what I think is a joke, honestly, is the idea. Oh, you don't want to draft him because he's got an ego. Oh, you don't want to draft him because of the Deion element. If that's the case, then you're a weak franchise that can't handle garbage.”
-
Peter Rosenberg [22:45]: “Yeah. That cannot be the reason. If you believe in this kid's talent, you have to go out and get it.”
Conclusion
This episode provides a thorough examination of the New York Giants' draft strategies, enriched by listener insights and broader sports discussions. Don Hahn, Alan, and Peter Rosenberg offer a blend of analytical depth and engaging dialogue, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricacies of team-building and draft planning.