Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 2: Draft Rumors & Can't Take It Tuesday

Release Date: April 22, 2025

In the second hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Sam Morrell delve deep into the latest NFL draft rumors and explore the growing fatigue among fans amidst relentless draft coverage. This episode, titled “Hour 2: Draft Rumors & Can't Take It Tuesday,” provides a comprehensive analysis of team strategies, player preferences, and the overarching impact of the draft season on fan engagement.

1. NHL Playoffs and the Devils' Prospects

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the NHL playoffs, specifically focusing on the New Jersey Devils' performance.

• Don Hahn ([00:48]): "The Devils are going to be the first team ever swept in three in the best of seven format."
• Peter Rosenberg ([01:05]): "I always said that they'll be swept in three and in three and a third."

The hosts express skepticism about the Devils' ability to withstand the playoffs format, predicting an early exit.

2. NFL Draft Rumors and Team Strategies

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around NFL draft rumors, particularly focusing on player preferences and team draft strategies.

Quinn Hughes' Preferences:

• Peter Rosenberg ([01:20]): Discusses rumors that Quinn Hughes, a talented defenseman, prefers to play alongside his brothers and may seek to stay with the New Jersey Devils rather than be traded to Vancouver.

• Don Hahn ([01:39]): "It just feels like he's going to end up in Jim Jersey."

Giants' Draft Strategy:

The conversation shifts to the New York Giants and their draft strategy, analyzing the potential trades and players they might acquire.

• Sam Morrell ([05:47]): "I'll give the draft a little extra credit this year for Jets and Giants fans on account of the fact that you both have high picks and you really don't know where they're going."

• Don Hahn ([06:26]): "If they did, the Giants pick will be sexy. It's going to be one of those two guys. I don't think it's going to be Sanders."

Cleveland Browns' Position:

• Peter Schrager ([06:54]): Quoting Schrager from "Get Up," highlighting that multiple teams are interested in moving up to the 2 or 3 spot in the draft to acquire players like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.

• Don Hahn ([07:46]): "I've got no intention of ever trading Jalen Brunson. That'd be ridiculous. But if somebody's gonna offer me their entire franchise, I want to make sure that I answer the phone when it rings."

Draft Criticism and Fan Fatigue:

The hosts critique the intense focus on draft analysis, expressing frustration over the overshadowing of live sports events.

• Don Hahn ([04:02]): "To take live playoffs of one of your favorite teams and devalue it. To watch the analysis of the draft."

• Sam Morrell ([22:41]): Introduces the segment "Can't Take It Tuesday," where he vents about the overwhelming and relentless draft coverage.

3. "Can't Take It Tuesday" – Fan Burnout

In a candid and humorous segment, Sam Morrell articulates the growing frustration among fans due to the excessive focus on draft analysis, labeling it as exhausting and detracting from the enjoyment of live sports.

• Sam Morrell ([22:05] - [28:48]):

  • Initial Complaint: "I can't take the draft anymore. Can we please get through this weekend and move on with our lives?" ([26:20])

  • Comparison to Other Drafts: "The draft is like the Dungeons and Dragons of sports. I mean, seriously, put your protractor down and come back to me." ([28:39])

  • Humorous Rant: "It's like watching your wife with another man and you're forced to watch it." ([37:14])

  • Conclusion: Emphasizes the desire to focus on live games and personal life rather than endless draft discussions.

4. Technical Woes with DirecTV

Adding to the mix of frustrations, Don Hahn shares his long-standing issues with DirecTV, highlighting the persistence of technical glitches despite technological advancements.

• Don Hahn ([32:03] - [36:01]):

  • DirecTV Frustration: "It's been more than 25 years. I had NFL Sunday ticket and center ice package in '97. That's how long I've had DirecTV." ([36:01])

  • Technical Issues: Describes the repetitive 15-minute reset process that seems unchanged over decades, likening it to a toxic relationship.

  • Humorous Analogies: "It's like watching your wife with another man and you're forced to watch it." ([37:14])

5. Islanders’ Executive Shake-up

The conversation briefly touches upon the New York Islanders announcing the non-renewal of Lou Lamoriello's contract, signaling potential changes in the team's management.

• Peter Rosenberg ([44:29] - [47:05]):

  • Announcement: "Lou Lamoriello will no longer be their president and general manager."

  • Implications: Discusses the challenges ahead for the Islanders in finding a new GM and the historical context of their executive hires.

• Don Hahn ([46:10] - [49:55]):

  • Reflection: "He is one of the great executives in New York sports history. But he has not won a cup in over 20 years." ([45:54])

  • Future Outlook: Considers the possibility of Lamoriello moving to an advisory role and the need for the Islanders to adopt a forward-thinking approach in their management.

6. Light-Hearted Banter and Closing Remarks

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, reflecting the camaraderie and humor that characterizes the show.

• Peter Rosenberg ([35:00] - [43:53]):

  • Mocking DirecTV Ads: Humorous critiques of DirecTV commercials and the repetitive nature of ads.

  • Engagement with Listeners: Discusses polls conducted by Don Hahn regarding which sports events drew the most attention from listeners.

• Sam Morrell ([25:35] - [43:53]):

  • Final Rant: Continues his "Can't Take It Tuesday" theme, blending humor with genuine frustration over draft fatigue.

  • Call to Action: Encourages listeners to find joy outside of draft discussions, emphasizing the importance of balancing passion for sports with personal well-being.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don Hahn ([00:48]): "The Devils are going to be the first team ever swept in three in the best of seven format."

• Peter Schrager ([06:54]): "I think the 2 spot gets very interesting if the Browns are listening to a Godfather deal for them to trade back."

• Sam Morrell ([22:41]): "I can't take the draft anymore. Can we please get through this weekend and move on with our lives?"

• Don Hahn ([36:01]): "It's been more than 25 years. I had NFL Sunday ticket and center ice package in '97. That's how long I've had DirecTV."

• Sam Morrell ([37:14]): "It's like watching your wife with another man and you're forced to watch it."

Conclusion

In "Hour 2: Draft Rumors & Can't Take It Tuesday," Don Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Sam Morrell offer a blend of insightful analysis and relatable frustrations surrounding the NFL draft season. While they dissect team strategies and player preferences with keen analysis, they also highlight the growing sense of burnout among fans overwhelmed by constant draft coverage. The episode balances serious sports discourse with humor and personal anecdotes, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners navigating the complexities of sports fandom.