Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode "Hour 2: Peter Schrager & The List"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Host/Author: ESPN New York, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and guest Peter Schrager
- Episode: Hour 2: Peter Schrager & The List
- Release Date: April 16, 2025
- Description: Featuring Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, this episode delves into New York sports and beyond with insights from sportswriter Peter Schrager.
1. Introduction and Guest Welcome
The episode begins with a brief advertisement before the hosts reintroduce the show. Alan Hahn welcomes listeners to the "Don Hahn and Rosenberg" podcast, followed by a lively exchange with Peter Rosenberg expressing excitement for the episode.
Notable Quote:
- Alan Hahn [00:23]: "This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."
- Peter Rosenberg [00:27]: "That sounds like heaven to me."
2. NFL Draft Analysis with Peter Schrager
Peter Schrager joins the hosts to discuss the NFL draft, focusing on the New York Giants' potential picks and strategies. The conversation centers on whether the Giants should select Abdul Carter with their third overall pick, considering the team's existing defensive strength.
Key Points:
- Giants' Defensive Depth: The Giants already boast strong defensive players like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, raising questions about drafting another defensive lineman.
- Alternative Picks: Schrager suggests that Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter are premier prospects worth the third pick, arguing that Carter’s versatility justifies his selection despite potential redundancy.
- Mock Draft Insights: Schrager highlights the challenges and misinformation in mock drafts, emphasizing that Abdul Carter is a valuable addition who can enhance the Giants' defensive schemes.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Schrager [02:10]: "...Abdul Carter is now... he could add versatility that fits well with our existing defense."
- Peter Rosenberg [04:30]: "But you don't pass on Lawrence Taylor."
3. Giants' Quarterback Situation
The discussion shifts to the Giants' quarterback options, including Shador Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Schuck. Schrager examines the implications of the Giants potentially targeting a quarterback later in the first round or the second round, given their current defensive focus.
Key Points:
- Quarterback Rankings: Shador Sanders is considered a strong contender but remains uncertain in the draft order.
- Contract Considerations: Schrager explains the strategic moves teams make regarding draft positions and contract lengths, referencing past trades like the Ravens' acquisition of Lamar Jackson.
- Family Influence: The episode touches on how family ties, such as Shador Sanders being Dion’s son, might influence his draft performance and marketability.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Schrager [05:29]: "If Shador Sanders is taken late in the first round, it could change the dynamics for other teams."
- Peter Schrager [07:35]: "I think it's possible, guys."
4. Draft Predictions and Mel Kiper’s Rankings
Schrager and Rosenberg discuss Mel Kiper’s draft rankings, particularly contrasting Shador Sanders with other quarterbacks. They debate the accuracy and influence of Kiper’s opinions on Sanders' draft prospects.
Key Points:
- Mel Kiper’s Preference: Kiper ranks Shador Sanders ahead of Cam Ward, emphasizing Sanders’ intangible qualities over physical attributes.
- Draft Rituals: The hosts speculate on how candidates and their families manage media presence and draft announcements, highlighting Sanders’ reluctance to be in the limelight.
Notable Quotes:
- Mel Kiper [16:32]: "I think there's a significant gap for me personally between Shador and Dart."
- Peter Schrager [17:18]: "It's never ordinary. At bet365.”
5. Transition to Knicks and Playoffs Discussion
The conversation transitions to the New York Knicks' performance in the playoffs. Jacob Anthony expresses his nervousness about the upcoming series against the Detroit Pistons, citing concerns over team depth and key player performances.
Key Points:
- Knicks’ Playoff Readiness: Anthony voices worries about the team’s readiness, particularly in the absence of Brunson and reliance on players like Delon Wright and Tyler Kolek.
- Pistons’ Threat: The Pistons are highlighted as a formidable opponent with young, aggressive players like Isaiah Stewart posing significant challenges.
- Bench Depth: Concerns are raised about the Knicks' bench being thin and the heavy reliance on specific players to perform under playoff pressure.
Notable Quotes:
- Jacob Anthony [10:42]: "I'm nervous about game one Saturday. The Pistons scare me."
- Peter Schrager [13:05]: "This is why you made these trades. It's time for the stars to be stars."
6. WrestleMania Top Five List
The episode features a segment where Dave Rothenberg shares his top five WrestleMania events, blending nostalgia with contemporary analysis. He ranks WrestleMania 38 as his fifth choice, highlighting key matches and memorable moments, and culminates with WrestleMania 3 as his all-time favorite.
Key Points:
- WrestleMania 38: Celebrated for Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar, Mr. McMahon's final appearance, and Logan Paul's debut match.
- WrestleMania 14 and 18: Praised for iconic moments such as Shawn Michaels vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin with Mike Tyson as referee, and Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock.
- WrestleMania 19 and 3: Recognized for its impact on wrestling culture and significant matches, with WrestleMania 3 being lauded for the legendary Hogan vs. Andre the Giant showdown.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Rothenberg [23:07]: "WrestleMania 3 is still the greatest event of all time for me."
- Peter Schrager [32:22]: "It changed everything. Without that event, Vince McMahon really bet a lot of the business."
7. Social Media and Event Promotions
The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about upcoming events and personal appearances related to WrestleMania, including Rothenberg’s excitement about hosting the red carpet and interviewing major wrestling personalities like Cody Rhodes.
Key Points:
- Event Coverage: Rothenberg discusses his role in covering WrestleMania weekend, including live interviews and hosting duties.
- Audience Engagement: The hosts encourage listeners to follow their social media for live updates and exclusive content during the WrestleMania events.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Rothenberg [25:09]: "I'll be on First Take interviewing Cody Rhodes with Stephen A."
- Peter Schrager [26:34]: "Everything airs live on YouTube so it's easy to watch and grab all of it now."
8. Closing Remarks and Future Topics
The episode wraps up with discussions about upcoming sports events, including MLB games and the Stanley Cup playoffs. The hosts tease future episodes and encourage listeners to subscribe and engage with their content.
Key Points:
- Upcoming Games: Brief mentions of the Yankees closing their series with the Royals and the Devils hosting the Red Wings.
- Listener Interaction: The hosts acknowledge and respond to listener comments and questions, fostering a community feel.
- Final Advertisements: Brief promotions for sponsors like Tullamore Do Irish Whiskey and BetterHelp, followed by humorous attempts by Rothenberg to make major announcements without success.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Rosenberg [40:42]: "Disgusted."
- Dave Rothenberg [41:52]: "I have a major announcement at 5:00."
Conclusion
In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts and guest Peter Schrager deliver an engaging and in-depth discussion on the NFL draft, focusing on the New York Giants' strategies and potential quarterback picks. The conversation seamlessly transitions to the Knicks' playoff prospects and culminates with a nostalgic yet analytical look at WrestleMania's greatest events. The hosts maintain a lively and personable atmosphere, blending serious sports analysis with humor and personal anecdotes, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.
Additional Notable Timestamps:
- [02:10] – Discussion on Giants' draft strategy
- [05:29] – Giants' quarterback considerations
- [10:42] – Knicks' playoff anxieties
- [23:07] – Introduction to WrestleMania Top Five
- [32:05] – Personal anecdotes about WrestleMania 3
- [41:06] – Final thoughts on sports events
Listeners interested in comprehensive sports analysis, particularly around New York teams and major sporting events, will find this episode rich with insights and lively banter.