The Mock Draft Project: Ja'Marr Chase Over JSN 👀 + Kenneth Gainwell A SMASH?! | ESPN Fantasy

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football – “The Mock Draft Project: Ja'Marr Chase Over JSN 👀 + Kenneth Gainwell A SMASH?!”

ESPN Fantasy | June 11, 2026
Hosts: Field Yates, Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the ongoing “Mock Draft Project,” examining key learnings from intensive mock drafting ahead of the 2026 fantasy football season. Liz Loza (guest/host for this episode) and actor/producer Desmond Borges walk through position-by-position insights, player-specific debates (notably Ja'Marr Chase vs. JSN), sleeper picks (Kenneth Gainwell), and answer a mailbag of dynasty and redraft questions. Later, Greg Branos of Coach Speak Index joins to decode Coach Speak and play a rapid-fire “fact or feeling” game, delivering actionable takes for fantasy managers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Mock Draft Project: Main Findings

[03:36–05:07]

• Immediate Takeaway:

  • “The number one takeaway was that running back dries up fast.” – Liz, [03:57]
  • Top 12 RBs go off the board in Rounds 1–2; by Round 3, options like Kenneth Walker/Breece Hall are almost gone.
  • “You are lucky to get Kenneth Walker or Breece Hall in the third.” – Liz, [03:58]

• Strategic Advice:

  • Drafters will want to hammer RB early or get “legitimately comfortable with a...zero RB strategy” (noting that Liz prefers an “anchor” RB but says it’s one of the two options left).
  • Some value targets: David Montgomery (7th round), Jadarian Price (6th).

Quarterback Depth in 2026

[05:07–06:33]

• Super Deep Position:

  • “There’s one man in one tier—his name is Josh Allen. He’s going between rounds three and five...Other than that, you have so much value.” – Liz, [05:35]
  • Example: Justin Herbert regularly available in the 13th round; Liz “very bullish” on the Chargers for 2026.

• Entertainment Factor:

  • Des mentions the appeal of Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel for press conference content.

Kenneth Gainwell: A “Smash” Late-Round Pick

[06:33–08:14]

• Profile:

  • Coming off a career season with the Steelers (RB4 in catches, RB5 in receiving yards: 73 receptions, 486 yards).
  • Stepped up in Week 4 when Jalen Warren was out: 130+ scrimmage yards, 30+ fantasy points.
  • “Obviously, the Buccaneers are bullish on him...2 year deal with $10 million guaranteed.” – Liz, [07:36]
  • Concerns about Bucky Irving’s health and style open opportunity in Tampa, especially PPR.

• Draft Value:

  • “I think Gainwell is an incredibly intriguing value in the 12th round.” – Liz, [08:07]

Wide Receiver Strategy: Ja’Marr Chase over JSN and Puka

[08:36–10:32]

• Liz’s 2026 ranks have Ja’Marr Chase as her WR1.
  • “If I start drafting against my rankings, then it’s probably a signal to tweak those rankings. So I’m staying transparent.” – Liz, [08:59]
  • Cites Chase’s sustained production: “He’s cleared at least 100 grabs and gone over a thousand receiving yards for three consecutive seasons.”
• JSN: “Breakout season in 2025 was a thing of beauty...just didn’t get enough exposure to him in these 10 mocks.” – Liz [09:12]
• Puka Nacua: Liz concerned about off-field issues and Rams’ potential interest in rookie Makai Lemon—“gives me a little bit of pause on Nacua.” [10:20]

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Fantasy Mailbag & Strategy Q&A

Jonathan Taylor in Dynasty

[13:29–15:01]

• Held 300+ carries in back-to-back seasons; “I am expecting a regression...I would sell” – Liz, [13:39]
• Reference: Only Derrick Henry avoided regression post-300 carries (but then broke his foot the next year). “Given the data, it does not look good for a fruitful 2026.”

Trust Level on De’Von Achane

[15:11–16:31]

• “Absolutely not...I love the kid’s talent, but the situation this year is no good.” – Liz, [15:30]
• Loss of Tua (a “checkdown king”), Mike McDaniel, and stacked boxes hurt Achane’s PPR appeal.
• Liz prefers Ashton Genty over Achane for 2026.

This Year’s JSN: Who’s the Emerging WR?

[17:02–18:06]

• Liz picks Ladd McConkey (Chargers) as the best mirror to JSN’s second-year breakout.
  • “He’s managed a hundred or more targets in back-to-back seasons... Mike McDaniel entering as OC.” – Liz, [17:42]

Gibbs Over Bijan at 1.01?

[18:06–19:27]

• Liz approves: “It is perfectly fine. Dan Campbell just said in a press conference he wants the Lions to, quote, hang their hat on Gibbs.” [18:37]
• Cites Campbell’s increased play-calling role, Gibbs’ expanded opportunities, and projected continuity.

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Coach Speak Decoded (with Greg Branos, Coach Speak Index)

[21:16–30:47]

Most Impactful Coach Speak

[21:40–23:29]

• Bears HC Ben Johnson is “buying Luther Burden stock.”
  • “He cannot stop talking about Luther Burden...Let him do what he does best.” – Greg, [22:11]
• Caleb Williams’ top priority is completion percentage; Burden (and Colston Loveland) stand to benefit in YAC.
• “Wheels up for Burden...Luther Burden in the sixth round on ESPN is such a smash pick right now.” – Greg, [23:15]

“Fact or Feeling” Rapid-Fire Highlights

• Matthew Stafford in 8th round ADP: “That’s a feeling...Can get elite QBs with Konami code upside one round earlier.” – Greg, [23:54]
• Brian Schottenheimer = Michael Scott of NFL coaches: “Big time fact. He has no filter whatsoever.” – Greg, [24:46]
• Jadarian Price as RB1 post-Charbonnet return: “That’s a feeling. Mike McDonald absolutely loves Zach Charbonnet…expect a split backfield.” – Greg, [25:30]
• Javonte Williams most underrated bellcow? “I think David Montgomery is a better bellcow pick...Montgomery by far my preferred pick.” – Greg, [26:23]

Notable Fun Moments

• [26:06] “Louisiana tacos are better than New York pizza.” – Declared “absolute fact” by the panel.
• [27:11] Aaron Donald will come out of retirement: “Fact. He’ll come back if the Rams make a Super Bowl run.” – Greg

Hottest (Early) Bold Prediction for 2026

[29:34–30:23]

• “Jonathan Brooks: Very clear RB1 in Carolina by midpoint of the season...He completely takes over that backfield.” – Greg, [29:34]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Running Back Scarcity:
  • “Life comes at you very quickly at that position.” – Liz, [04:21]
• On Wide Receivers:
  • “If you just called Ja’Marr Chase ‘the man’, he is my number one ranked wide receiver.” – Liz, [08:59]
• On Coach Speak:
  • “He has no filter whatsoever...It comes from the right place like Michael Scott, but says some things that maybe you shouldn’t.” – Greg on Brian Schottenheimer, [24:46]
• On Voicemail Jokes:
  • “Dez, you are hired. You did the whole thing for me. I wasn’t asked the voicemail number which I flub every single episode.” – Liz (to Desmond Borges), [11:17]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|---------------| | Mock Draft Project Takeaways | 03:36–05:07 | | QB Landscape 2026 | 05:07–06:33 | | Kenneth Gainwell Deep Dive | 06:33–08:14 | | Wide Receiver Strategy | 08:36–10:32 | | Jonathan Taylor Dynasty Outlook | 13:29–15:01 | | De’Von Achane Trust Discussion | 15:11–16:31 | | “This Year’s JSN” Comp Pick | 17:02–18:06 | | Gibbs over Bijan at 1.01? | 18:06–19:27 | | Coach Speak (Greg Branos Segment) | 21:16–30:47 | | Luther Burden Coach Speak Debate | 21:40–23:29 | | “Fact or Feeling” Hot Takes | 23:47–29:20 | | Bold Prediction (Jonathan Brooks) | 29:34–30:23 |

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Summary Flow

The show begins with a lighthearted intro and jumps right into the actionable meat, rotating through RB, QB, and WR strategy based on ten intensive mock drafts. Liz shares specific player targets, sleeper picks, and why RB is more of a land mine field than usual. The fantasy mailbag dives into key dynasty shakeups (regression warning for Jonathan Taylor), risk assessment (fade De’Von Achane), breakout predictions (Ladd McConkey as 2026’s JSN), and a reassurance for Gibbs as an RB1 cornerstone.
Greg Branos helps decode preseason coach rhetoric, especially for rookie WR Luther Burden (Bears), and the “fact or feeling” round is loaded with sharp, actionable answers and some fun, flavorful banter. The episode maintains a lively, accessible tone with plenty of jokes, inside references, and recurring league drama.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This podcast gives a direct, no-fluff download of actionable fantasy football advice for the 2026 season as seen through the lens of ESPN’s top experts and mock draft data. Key takeaways: Draft RB early or go true Zero-RB, pounce on QB value late, trust Ja’Marr Chase’s elite reliability, and keep an eye on coaches’ public statements for unlocks like Luther Burden. The rapid-fire Q&A is both candid and humorous, providing quick reads on hot players and preseason narratives to follow as draft season heats up.

Transcript

[A]

Getting to a great idea is hard in college. Nonsensical essays, cringe inducing presentations, and seemingly unsolvable problem sets. But then the first thought becomes a final thesis. Jumbled slides transform into a polished keynote. And that midterm assignment gets a lot less mid. Because the road to great ideas is littered with bad ones. You just have to keep going until something clicks. Great ideas start on Mac. Find out more on apple.com college hey, I'm Liz Loza. This is Facts vs. Feelings. And today's fact is that a project leads to purpose. Hey, Desmond Borges, star of stage and screen. What are you doing in that little box? I'm not used to that.

[B]

Well, you know, producer Presley said he needed someone to fill in, so I thought I'd, you know, try out producer dez, as you will. And I gotta say, sitting in this little box, it's nice, it's cozy. I feel at home. And looking at myself, I look fantastic.

[A]

You are dressed in the orange and navy of Chicago. Also a multi hyphenate talent, Desmond Borges joining our little show. I could not be more honored. Fun fact, Des and I are in a pretty big deal auction league together. You want to tell folks really quickly about that so that they know that you play fantasy?

[B]

Yeah, I would say, you know, what are we going on year five already? And there's just a couple of people that, that are in it that people might know, like, you know, Rainn Wilson, Joe McHale, Al Madrigal, myself, Liz Lozan.

[A]

McLovin.

[B]

McLovin. Ooh, yes.

[A]

We're not allowed to call him that,

[B]

but I think Christopher Mintz. Yeah, but you know, the thing is like when you do something so beautifully iconic.

[A]

Iconic.

[B]

He's like Seal. He has one. Even though technically he has three names, you know, but. Oh. So anyway, I wanted to throw this at you before we get any further because I feel like I grew up as a kid in the 80s and anytime there was someone who was like the guest MC for the star on the show, they always had like some like little bit of an intro here. Do you mind if I just throw it out and see? It might stick. You might like it, it might be. It might be yours forever. And I'd gladly gift it to you.

[A]

Dez, please bring your brilliance to the stage.

[B]

All right, let's, let's see, let's see, let's see. So welcome the queen of feelings, where instincts live with stats turning hunches into home runs. And yo, imagine that. Uncovering gems while handling her biz. My sister from Another mister. The incomparable Liz. What?

[A]

I feel like we're just blessed with Lin Manuel Miranda at the same time, but that. Like, a Chicago version. That. That was incredible, Des. I'm, like, truly velempt. Thank you very much. That was fantastic. I might ask you to do it again, like, after cameras are down, just so that I can live in it another time. Thank you very. That was. You know what? You're hired. I don't. I don't run this place, but you're hired.

[B]

It is my pleasure. I am so happy to have to be here with you. Thank you for having me. And, you know, I love chatting football with you and just all things. Awesome. So let's go. Let's have some fun.

[A]

All right, well, should we jump into the mock draft project? Because it has been consuming me for quite a bit of time, and I want to share it with everyone.

[B]

I gotta say, I.

[C]

When.

[B]

When I saw that it was happening, I immediately glued in, like, this is the part of the year where you guys just start pulling me in, you know, sort of column by column. But 10 mock drafts and 10 days. Yo, you had me right there. So I gotta know, what was the biggest thing you pulled out of these mock drafts?

[A]

Well, I think the number one takeaway was that running back dries up fast. I mean, the top 12 running backs are coming off the board over the first two rounds. You are lucky to get Kenneth Walker or Breeze hall in the third. I mean, that is how steep things move. And in the fourth round, Des, I kid you not. There was a. There was a moment in the fourth round that I was like, well, you know, Travis A Shan, like, he could probably make some noise in New Orleans. And then the next thought was like, oh, my gosh, look at this cue. It has been destroyed, I guess. Cam Scatter Boo's ankle injury wasn't that bad. Right, Right. Like, it. Life comes at you very quickly at that position. So I did find some value with David Montgomery going in, like, the seventh, maybe, if you believe in Jadarian Price, he's going in the six. So there are some diamonds in the rough, but most of it is. Is really just rough, if I'm being honest. And so I think drafters will probably want to hammer the position early or become not theoretically, but legitimately comfortable with a for real, for real, zero RB strategy. Again, I'm not recommending that. I say get an anchor, but it's one of those two options.

[B]

Yeah, I've tried 0 RB before, and I gotta tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. It is not for me. I personally like at least one to two when they're this scarce that I can count on and then build from there. So. All right, so RB scarce, right? And we got to pick them up quick. That's what you're laying down. What's happening in the QB room?

[A]

Super, super deep. I mean that has been the mantra for a while, but there were always like this first tier of guys that you might want to target on the earlier side. No more. There's one man in one tier, his name is Josh Allen. He's going between rounds three and five, depending on how much someone wants to reach. Other than that though, you have so much value. So much in fact. To contextualize, I regularly picked up Justin Herbert in the 13th round. I am very bullish on the chargers heading into 2026 for numerous reasons. But. But to get Justin Herbert the round before my kicker in defense, I think illustrates how deep the position is.

[B]

I mean, not to mention you want to ride that wave with Harbaugh. Cause you have no idea what's going to come out of his mouth during his press conferences on a daily basis.

[A]

I mean, Mike McDaniel also in the press conferences and it's not like he is cringe list. So yes, it should be entertaining.

[B]

Yes. All right, so let's kind of we, we went rb, then we went qb. Let's pop back and just get a little bit more specific here. So I see you took Kenneth Gainwell in 50% of your drafts. What are you liking about him these days?

[A]

I mean, first of all, he is coming off of a career season with the Steelers. He was the RB4 in catches and the RB5 in receiving yards, recording 73 grabs for 486 receiving yards. Also, he substituted well for Jalen Warren when Warren was sidelined in Week 4. Now admittedly it was just one game, but over that time, Gainwell racked up over 130 scrimmage yards and over 30 fantasy points for managers. So we know he has some ability to step up when needed and be more than just a pass catching option. I think it was that sort of production, honestly, that allowed him to move into Tampa Bay, replace Rashad White and be signed to a two year deal with, not for nothing, an estimated $10 million in guaranteed money. So obviously the Buccaneers are bullish on him. And then when I look at the rest of this backfield and White's absence and Bucky Irving's sophomore season, I'm a little bit worried. I mean, we've talked about on the show before the fact that Bucky Irving has this ultra physical playing style and he's still dealing with a shoulder injury. I think the coaching staff is probably going to want to keep him off the fence field when necessary. That allows Gainwell to come in and in PPR friendly formats. I think Gainwell is an incredibly intriguing value in the 12th round.

[B]

Yeah, that's wild that, that's wild considering that. Plus they're going to have to make up ground. I know they have, you know, other good receivers there, but with Mike Evans gone, someone has to eat up that target share.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, I think that's part of it. I also think Baker Mayfield healthy will help, you know, move this offense forward. There's a new offensive coordinator as well, so I think we're going to see a lift from 20 into 2026.

[B]

All right, now we're going to jump into everybody's favorite position, wide receiver. Now, I noticed with my keen Puerto Rican eye that you did not draft Puka Nakua. You did not draft a Jackson, Smith and Jigba, but you did select the man, Jamar Chase out of Cincinnati three different times. Was that on purpose?

[A]

I mean, yes and no. If you just called Jamar Chase the man, he is my number one ranked wide rece and I feel like if I start drafting against my rankings, then it's probably a signal to tweak those rankings. So I'm staying transparent. Um, listen, JSN's breakout season in 2025 was a thing of beauty. I would happily roster him. I just didn't get enough exposure to him in these 10 mocks. But I am not staying away from him. The reason I have Chase ranked one spot ahead of JSN is because frankly, Chase has been doing this more. There is more data to prove that he can do it on a consistent basis. He's been a top 12 producer at the position. From a fantasy perspective, since debuting in the league, he's cleared at least 100 grabs and gone over a thousand receiving yards for three consecutive seasons. So Jamar Chase to me offers a higher floor slightly. Now, Puka Nakua, I will admit I'm going to defer. I'm going to defer from the consensus here. I do have him ranked rather high Personally though, between the off field issues and the buzz surrounding Sean McVay, really wanting to draft Makai Lemon before the whole Ty Simpson bomb happened and was dropped gives me a little bit of pause on Naku. And now it's not as though those things can't be cleaned up. But I feel again, if we're using top tier draft capital, I want as solid a floor as possible. And so that is why I would rather have Chase in that situation.

[B]

Yeah, I couldn't agree with you more. Just from the outside looking in and I gotta say, I really think that Jamar Chase and Joe Burrow are going to be super hungry this year and go out and really try and prove themselves. Just my take from a guy who's wearing Right, right. And look, regardless of what color you're wearing, don't forget to like this video and subscribe to the NFL on ESPN YouTube channel to lock in all of your preseason content. Plus, we're back weekly from here on out people. And don't forget, give us a five star review wherever you get your podcasts. And yes, the voicemail line is back. Call in with your hot takes and your questions at 323-391-4855.

[A]

Dez, you are hired. You did the whole thing for me. I wasn't asked. I wasn't asked the voicemail number which I flub every single episode. Thank you so much. Whoever's in charge, can we tell? Can we tell? Whoever's in charge is just give this man the check on the job already.

[C]

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[A]

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[B]

Well, first off, we've got a lovely voicemail from our buddy Chuck in San Diego. Let's roll that beautiful bean footage.

[A]

Hi, Liz, Chuck from San Diego here

[C]

wondering whether you're holding or selling Jonathan

[B]

Taylor in Dynasty leagues. Thank you,

[A]

thank you, Chuck, for calling in and for helping me uncover some research that I had been doing. You guys know that I love tracking touch totals for running backs. It's part of the reason I was so loud about fading Saquon Barkley last year. Well, I went back and Jonathan Taylor has gone over 300 carries in back to back seasons. Or now he will. In 2024, he had 303 carries. In 2025, that number went up to 323 carries. So I am expecting a regression I would sell because he is still because as we talked earlier, one of the few bell cows available, a rather prized commodity. And quick asterisk when I went all the way back to, let's see, 16 years ago. Now, over that time, Derrick Henry was the only running back who did not regress after totaling 300 carries. He did this in 2019, 303 carries. In 2020, 378 carries. And in 20 he broke his foot and was limited to eight games. Now, I am obviously not wishing an injury upon Jonathan Taylor, but given the data, it does not look good for a fruitful 2026.

[B]

All right, next up we've got the spirited beer guy and he wants to.

[A]

I love this guy. He, he often writes in. So it's good to hear from you again. Spirited Beer guy.

[B]

I always wonder what beer is he enjoying so spiritedly when he writes in these lovely quips? Maybe he'll want to send that in next time. As a beer lover, I, I, I, I would like, I always like recommendations. Yeah, but he would like to know the spirited beer Guy. Can we really trust a chain this year?

[A]

Oh, no, absolutely not. Like, listen, I love the kid's talent, but the situation this year is no good. There's got to be a regression. I mean, not only is he going to be facing so many stacked boxes without any field stretching receivers helping him out, but he also loses a run design specialist in Mike McDaniel and the loss of Tua Tungavailoa. Maybe not a giant one, you know, for pass catchers, but a pass catcher like Achan certainly is because Tua has been a check down king. Malik Willis, much more of a rushing quarterback than one who will pepper Achan. So I think it is very difficult to trust him. And spoiler alert, he might be on my list of brand name players I won't be drafting in 2026. Stay tuned for that.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

Okay. Now, is there anyone you would prefer over him particularly.

[A]

Oh, give me Ashton Genty. I mean. Yes, give me Ashton Genty over Achan in my rankings. Yes.

[B]

Well, and if I do remember correctly, and I think I do, but he was your boy last year. I think I remember you ranking him above Saquon, right?

[A]

Yes. And he finished one spot above Saquon at the end of 2025 too.

[B]

Go ahead. If you're feeling like a loza, go and brush your shoulders off. Right, like that. That's what I'm talking about. On to our next one. It's berserks. Underscore, second, underscore life. And this person would like to know who will be this season's jsn.

[A]

Ooh, it's a good question. Well, I think in order to determine that, we have to first lay out the parameters under which JSN broke out. Right. He was a third year player. Um, he was heavily targeted since his rookie season. He had a new play caller coming to town and there was a veteran receiver exiting the equation. Now when I think about those four things, they align very well with lad McConkey's circumstances in Los Angeles. This is a player who is entering his third year. He had has managed a hundred or more targets in back to back seasons. Keenan Allen doesn't look like he'll be joining the squad again in 2026. And we have Mike McDaniel entering the building as the new offensive coordinator. So I think I said earlier that I'm bullish on the chargers. I think lad McConkey could be this year's JSN despite a bit of a slump as a sophomore in 2025.

[B]

I like that. I like that a lot. I like it a lot. Okay, so our next question is from Bashir Khanna and I gotta say, full disclosure, I'm clued in on this question because I am all about one of these gentlemen that are being asked about right here. So I'm going to be listening more intently than I ever have before, Ms. Loza. So the question is this if I have the first pick and I don't take Bichon but I take Gibbs, is that still okay?

[A]

Yes, it is perfectly fine. You mean taking Dan Campbell's quote bell cow. I mean Coach Campbell just said in a press conference that he wants the Lions to, quote, hang their hat on Gibbs. Now that is particularly illuminating because if we remember, Dan Campbell took over the play calling duties in Detroit midway through last season, which was the same time in which David Montgomery's opportunities receded and only increased. There will be a new offensive play caller with the Lions drupetzig this season, but that man is not going to change anything, particularly if his boss told him this is a recipe that works. We're hanging our hat on Gibbs. And so yes, Bashir, you too can hang your hat on Gibbs.

[B]

And I particularly love that because in our little old auction fantasy league, my team name is never gonna gib you up. And so this will be my third year in a row. Third year in a row keeping Mr. Jameer Gibbs. So I cannot wait for this to hopefully play out favorably for me personally.

[A]

I mean I can, because then we're going to have to compete against each other. But here we are. It's still fun nonetheless.

[C]

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[C]

Thank you so much for the invite.

[A]

I am excited for you to be here. I know we have met in person and discussed, but I love what you created with the Coach Speak Index and I want to know via this vehicle, what is the most potentially impactful Coach Speak that you've heard thus far into the preseason that fantasy managers need to pay attention to.

[C]

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is buying Luther Burdenstock.

[A]

You know I'm a Chicago Bears fan hailing from the Windy City and this Romo Dunes a Luther Burden Colston Loveland. But more the Burden versus Odunsay debate and battle that is emerging has got a lot of folks lit up. What are your personal thoughts on it? I mean obviously you're buying into Ben Johnson's adulation of Burden here big time.

[C]

He cannot stop talking about Luther Burden. He is the first pass catcher that he brings up. Whenever he talks about the pass catching room there. He talks about how can we get the ball into Luther Burden's hands. Let him do what he does best. He talks about Luther Burden and Colston Loveland as being a huge part of the offense. And then he's also talking about when it comes to Caleb Williams that his number one priority is completion percentage. How can we get a high completion percentage for Caleb Williams? How can we get the ball out into the hands of guys who have really high run after catch ability and that is Luther Burden and Colston Loveland.

[A]

I think you also just uncovered a little bit more coach speak because if we decode that further. Ben Johnson talking about completion rates and Burden's ability to convert. While we know that Odunze and Williams have struggled to establish chemistry and Odunze has had some drop issues, I feel like that's further maybe via a side door praising Burden.

[C]

Yeah, it's, it's, it's wheels up for Burden. He. He should not be going behind Roman Dunes. I believe he's one spot behind him on espn. Luther Burton in the sixth round on ESPN is such a smash pick right now.

[A]

Well, we heard it from you first. Thank you so much. I'm excited and want to play a game. Are you game to do that?

[C]

I'm game for a game.

[A]

Okay. Well the game is called fact or feeling. I will read a statement. You will tell me whether it is a fact or a feeling. Are you ready?

[C]

Very ready.

[A]

Matthew Stafford in the eighth round is a great ADP value factor. Feeling.

[C]

That's a feeling for me. Just, just around or so earlier you can get elite quarterbacks with Konami code running upside like Jaden Daniels and Drake May. This is just a very expensive price that you're paying based on what Matthew Stafford did last year. You know, right around that same area you can get Justin Herbert who now has Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator could potentially throw for 5,000 yards. Yeah. Last year's MVP price is what you're paying for Stafford right now. Why don't you pay the this year's MVP price for Justin Herbert also?

[A]

Ain't nobody ever used to have a bad back. I agree wholeheartedly. Next question. Brian Schottenheimer is really just Michael Scott. If he were an NFL coach, big time fact.

[C]

He, he is. He has no filter whatsoever. And that is one of the things that makes him a joy to watch these press conferences. I think he does have a good heart. It comes from the right place like Michael Scott, but says some things that maybe you shouldn't. He talks about other teams, quarterbacks like last year saying that, hey, my offensive coordinator told me that Kyler Murray doesn't like to run much. We don't really see head coaches talking about other players like this.

[A]

But what a gift, especially given what you have created with the Coach Speak index. Lots to parse there from shot from shoddy for you. Next question. Jadarian Price will be an RB one even after Zach Charbonnet returns.

[C]

Ooh, that's, that's a feeling. Mike McDonald absolutely loves Zach Charbonnet. So when Charbonnet returns, I, I expect that Charbonnet will still be RB1. It will at least be a split backfield. I mean look at what happened last year with Kenneth Walker, the guy who ends up winning Super Bowl MVP just playing out of his mind and he had to share time with Zach Charbonnet. So Jadarian Price would, would, would have to hit the ground running and just be on way to rookie of the year type season in order for Charbonnet to take a backseat to him.

[A]

Louisiana tacos are better than New York pizza.

[B]

Fact.

[C]

Absolute fact.

[A]

I mean like no disputing this one. We don't even have to go into it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Javante Williams is the most underrated bell cow in the NFL.

[C]

Oh man. I'm going to say feeling, I think there were, there were other bell cows who are more underrated. There are some who you can get a little bit earlier, some who, who you can get actually rounds later. I think David Montgomery is a better bell cow pick then, then Javante Williams. He's going to get just as much if not more of a workload in Houston on a team that has an elite defense on a team that wants to run the ball. So Montgomery by far my preferred pick when we're talking about those types of profiles.

[A]

Also I was on him last year, so I don't want to pay this year's price after having been Wright in 25 and I think you're right about David Montgomery. I want this year's Javante Williams not Javante Williams again in this year. Aaron Donald will come out of retirement.

[C]

Factor feeling fact I think it'll be later in the season. I can't remember when the injury Rams have their have their buy but yeah they they he's he's obviously going to stay in shape. He'll be ready. He'll come back very very high football iq. He'll be fine. And if it's looking like they're poised for a Super bowl run one one more ride into the sunset for Aaron

[A]

donald factor feeling A.J. brown will thrive in New England.

[C]

Fact fact he he gets a QB upgrade in in my opinion. Yeah there are some other good pass catchers there, but there were other good pass catchers in Philly as well. I mean this this is a Patriots team who just went to the Super Bowl. They have a really good offensive coordinator and play caller in Josh McDaniels. And again this this in my opinion is a big QB upgrade. Drake May can throw all over the field. There's no part of the team the

[A]

arm is an upgrade. Not overall skill set but the arm is certainly an upgrade.

[C]

Yes. Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Mike Tomlin is a coach speak hall of Famer Factor feeling oh fact I

[C]

I really miss Mike Tomlin. Press conferences this this guy is truly a poet. Dropping lines that you don't hear in any other type of press conference and really insightful stuff. Some, some beautiful stuff, some funny stuff and also very, very good at not answering questions that he doesn't want to answer.

[A]

It's almost like he's been married a while. All right, last question. The Valley is the best place to live in la.

[C]

Feeling Sorry, that's. That's a feeling there. I the Valley. So that's actually the the first year that I moved to LA. The first year I was living here, 2013 I lived in Sherman Oaks. The, the one gigantic problem for me is in the summertime it's like 110 degrees and I just cannot bear that. It's, it's, it's unbearable. I'm somebody who likes to walk a lot and I can't walk around in, in 100 in 10 degree temperature.

[A]

Well, I appreciate your feelings about the heat, but I'm gonna ask you regardless of those for your hottest bold take and prediction admitting that it's early for 2026.

[C]

Jonathan Brooks Very clear. RV1 in Carolina. By the midpoint of the season, he completely takes over that backfield.

[A]

Greg, it's almost like you read what I wrote, but I know you didn't because it's published in the magazine which hasn't newsstands yet. I totally agree. I've been saving this take from the pod. I am all in on the Jonathan Brooks hype train and there's no way that Chuba Hart is hanging on to the RB1 spot for the entirety of the season.

[C]

No, just much, much better skill set. Jonathan Brooks, much better pass catcher. He's a better runner. He's a better athlete. He had a better prospect profile.

[A]

Draft capital.

[C]

Absolutely. Yes. He is taking over this backfield and there is nothing that Chuba Hubbard can do about it.

[A]

I totally agree. Well, there's nothing that you and I can do about agreeing all the time because we just vibe that way. I really appreciate you coming on Facts versus Feelings. Will you please tell our listeners and viewers where they can find your work?

[C]

Yes, at Coach Speak Index online and in the Coach Speak Index Discord where I have all the notes from every press conference and media interview.

[A]

All right, Greg, thanks so much for joining. I will talk to you soon.

[C]

Thank you so much Liz.

[B]

Last call

[A]

Today we learned that Desmond Borges is indeed a multi hyphenate talent and this show's newest producer. We also learned that Brian Schottenheimer is the Michael Scott of the NFL and that projects lead to purpose. So mock away and remember that practice under pressure prevents panic. Go ahead and leave a message on our voicemail line. The number to call is 323-391-4855. And as always, may your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus be someone else's problem. Foreign,

[B]

You can't reason with the sun. Trust us, we've tried. This summer it's time to put that angry ball of fire on mute. Columbia's Omnishade technology is engineered to protect you from the sun's harsh rays that can burn and damage your skin. The sun is relentless, but so is our gear. Level up your your [e-mail] to spend more time outside and less time slathering on aloe lotion. You're welcome, Columbia. Engineered for whatever.