Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 - NFL Draft Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: NFL Draft
• Release Date: April 24, 2025
• Description: Hosted by ESPN New York and New Jersey veterans, the trio delves into sports topics with a focus on New York teams, providing insights and lively discussions.

1. Giants’ Draft Strategy: Balancing Defense and Quarterback Needs

The discussion opens with a deep dive into the New York Giants' draft strategy. Don La Greca emphasizes the significance of the Giants holding the first overall pick, suggesting they target Abdul Carter, a "generational talent on the defensive line" ([03:01] Don La Greca). He argues that securing Carter would bolster the Giants' defensive prowess, potentially saving the jobs of GM Joe Schoen and Head Coach Dave Dables.

Notable Quote:

• Don La Greca [03:01]: "Abdul Carter is a generational talent on the defensive line. That could really help what I believe is a really good defensive team."

La Greca further explores the possibility of the Giants selecting a quarterback in the second round, highlighting the importance of finding a viable QB option to complement their defense. He posits that even if the quarterback picked isn't a superstar like Patrick Mahomes, developing a solid player could prove invaluable in the long term.

Notable Quote:

• Don La Greca [05:58]: "You could talk all you want about a generational talent at edge rusher, but the only one that shakes a franchise is the quarterback."

Peter Rosenberg concurs, adding that while the quarterback pool this year might not boast top-tier talents, there's always potential for a hidden gem to emerge as a franchise cornerstone.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [04:32]: "It's a real right... a chance to clear the stench and try to get that new start."

2. Jets’ Rebuilding Strategy: A Fresh Start

Shifting focus to the New York Jets, the hosts discuss the team’s current rebuilding phase. Peter Rosenberg and Don La Greca agree that the Jets are not merely trying to salvage their season but are undertaking a comprehensive rebuild with new management and coaching strategies. They highlight that the Jets are looking to build a roster that reflects the visions of their new front office, particularly emphasizing defensive improvements.

Notable Quote:

• Don La Greca [25:07]: "This is a roster that's going to be built in their image the way they want to play."

The conversation touches on the Jets' potential trade strategy, especially regarding running back Breece Hall, whose availability could present pivotal moves for the team. The hosts speculate on whether the Jets might trade Hall to acquire assets that better fit their long-term rebuilding goals.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [26:08]: "They have a surplus at running back. If you could turn Breece Hall into more assets to help you build forward, it could be something they end up doing."

3. Evaluating the Quarterback Class: Prospects and Potential

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to analyzing the quarterback class in the 2025 NFL Draft. The hosts express skepticism about the depth and talent available, comparing it unfavorably to previous drafts. Despite this, they remain hopeful that a solid quarterback can still be found, even if they're not headline-grabbing superstars.

Notable Quote:

• Don La Greca [07:58]: "The later you take that quarterback, the still might have just had a bad hair day... you don't have to feel the pressure to play immediately."

Peter Rosenberg echoes this sentiment, noting that drafting a quarterback in the second round allows teams to develop the player without the immediate pressure to start, providing a buffer to assess their readiness.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [08:10]: "The later you take that quarterback, the he doesn't necessarily have to play in that first year."

4. Impact on Coaching Staff: Shane and Dables’ Job Security

The conversation also delves into how the draft choices might influence the job security of the Giants’ management duo, Joe Schoen and Head Coach Dave Dables. La Greca posits that a successful draft, particularly with the addition of Abdul Carter and a competent quarterback, could secure their positions within the organization.

Notable Quote:

• Don La Greca [12:35]: "A great draft could save Shane's job and give him the weapons to do something this season."

Conversely, if the draft does not meet expectations, it could exacerbate existing pressures on the coaching staff, potentially leading to significant changes.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [30:20]: "If Dable doesn't prove himself, he'll be out of a job."

5. Caller Opinions: Fan Perspectives on the Draft

Throughout the episode, callers share their views on the Giants’ and Jets’ draft strategies. One caller, Dave from Westchester ([18:19]), expresses hope that the Giants secure Abdul Carter and a promising quarterback, emphasizing that the quarterback must show potential for future success.

Notable Quote:

• Caller Dave [19:02]: "There's going to be somebody in this draft... a quarterback who two, three years from there you say, holy Christmas, he’s a Pro Bowl Rose."

Another caller, David from Queens ([19:58]), contends that while Abdul Carter is a definite pick, the Giants should prioritize strengthening their defensive line before committing to another quarterback, suggesting that "defensive tackle has become a premium position."

Notable Quote:

• Caller David [35:48]: "Defensive tackle has also become this premium position."

These perspectives provide a broader view of fan expectations and the varied approaches towards the draft.

6. Final Thoughts: Evaluating the Giants and Jets’ Future

As the draft approaches, the hosts offer their final analysis, emphasizing that the Giants are at a pivotal point where their draft decisions could set the tone for the next few seasons. They reiterate the importance of balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, particularly in strengthening the defense while addressing quarterback uncertainty.

Peter Rosenberg adds that the success of the draft will not only depend on the players selected but also on how effectively the coaching staff integrates these new talents into the team structure.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [46:14]: "I think his problem is he gets too emotional... his biggest problem is his temper."

Don La Greca concludes by expressing cautious optimism, recognizing the potential for positive change while acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in draft outcomes.

Notable Quote:

• Don La Greca [42:53]: "This is going to be the seedlings for when they finally do climb out of it."

Conclusion: In this episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on the strategic moves of the New York Giants and Jets. They explore the balance between bolstering defense and securing a quarterback, assess the overall quarterback talent pool, and discuss the potential ramifications for team management and future performance. Through expert insights and fan interactions, the hosts paint a comprehensive picture of the draft landscape, setting the stage for an exciting and consequential event in the NFL offseason.