← FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
Loading summary
Transcript269 lines
- [00:00]
Podcast Host
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
- [00:05]
Redfin Advertiser
There's a difference between liking a house and actually getting it. Redfin is built to make up that difference and close the gap between finding and owning the home for you. Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents, so when you find a home you love, you're not a step behind when it comes to making an offer. That means less watching great homes disappear and more focus on the one you'll call home. Redfin helps turn saved listings into real addresses. The get started@redfin.com own the Dream park
- [00:36]
Joe P. Zapia
it right here, everybody. It's time for the Tailgate. It's me, Joey P. Joe P. Zapia with me today, Dbro Derek Brown, the King of Bros and Mr. Big Pot Energy, Andrew Erickson. We are here talking NFC needs because while some people on the Internet are looks maxing, we're roster maxing. That's what we're doing. We're trying our best to get the most out of the rosters in the NFL before the NFL draft. What are the priorities? Let's get them straight. And in case you missed it, we just did the AFC version of this show. It's out on our channel. Subscribe to our channel. Drop your comments below to our channel and our podcast feed. And guess what? When you subscribe and drop your comments, you might win yourself a Saquon Barkley autograph jersey from pristineauction.com that's right, we're giving this away for free to one of you lovely human beings or robots either way, who are downloading the show, watching the show, commenting on the show, but subscribe. So how do you win? Subscribe to the channel, drop your comments, and of course, ring the bell till it goes ding for notifications. So you never miss a piece of content here on the Tailgate, our new NFL channel. And we can let you know if you're the big winner of the Saquon Barkley jersey. We're going to give this away soon, so get on it, everybody. All right, so again, AFC in the books. Let's start with the nfc. Let's start with the east boys. And how about them Cowboys? How about them Cowboys getting some help on defense, Dbro? That's where I want to start, with the Cowboys. Lots of help on defense, lots of points last year. It's fun for fantasy, but this ain't a fantasy show. This is an NFL show. And Cowboys got to figure out what the hell's going on the defensive side of the football.
- [02:01]
Dbro Derek Brown
Agreed. I mean, that's why my top Four needs for them is linebacker, edge, defensive tackle and cornerback. Did Siobhan Rebel show you enough as a rookie coming off an injury for to be a long term answer. Tron Bland has been in and out of the lineup. You still need an answer. I know they signed Kobe Durant but still they need help in the cornerback room, the linebacker room. The Marine over showing is really their only standout linebacker like outside of him. Like I know they brought in Rashawn Gary. They still have Ezraku and stuff but more like edges in terms of what they're going to provide to the defense. And also I brought this up on previous shows man like D tackle they look like they're pretty short up on paper but Kenny Clark is going to be incredibly expensive next year. Has a $22 million cap hitting so getting ahead of that in this draft class and I'll either at the end of it not just going the defensive side, I'm going to throw in wide receiver here. Jerry doing Jerry things and now seeing the JSN contract come down the pike. Is he going to really pay George Pickens that money or do they draft a wide receiver or keep Pickens for this year and he's gone after this year? I can't rule that out.
- [03:11]
Joe P. Zapia
I think that's a distinct possibility. Andrew Erickson, the Cowboys. Where would you start first on the defensive side? I think that's probably the the better way to put this one.
- [03:20]
Andrew Erickson
It's weird that it's in 2026 we're talking about. This team needs to draft an off ball linebacker but that's how it really feels. The linebacker for Dallas were so bad last year is Kenneth Murray. It was terrible. Logan Wilson, they traded for him from an equally as bad Bengals defense and he was equally as terrible on the Dallas Cowboys. So so look this is a great class to have a linebacker problem though. You look at a player like C.J. allen spent Georgia linebacker. You know who the linebacker coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Guys. Any guesses? Oh, spent the last three years at Georgia. So C.J. allen, you might be Dallas Cowboy. So yeah linebacker for me, cornerback. They need another outside cornerback. I think maybe they can kick Duron Bland inside, put Siobhan Varelo, have him play on the outside. That's where he was mostly did at college in this past year and then edge defensive tackles adding more depth at those places in the defensive trenches because that's where Dallas has spent a lot of their draft capital. Actually this was per NFL Draft IQ. Dallas has spent a league high 10 or excuse me a league high 10 one through three picks for the first three rounds on trenches since 2021.
- [04:31]
Joe P. Zapia
Next up, new York Giants. Good news for them is they have a quarterback so that's great. They also have eventually a big alpha dog wide receiver coming back and Malik Neighbors. We'll see how long that takes. But Andrew Erickson, where would you start here with the priorities for them this off season in the NFL draft when it comes to the New York Football Giants with their new head coach John Harbaugh.
- [04:50]
Andrew Erickson
So it's for me it's defensive tackle and wide receiver and it's just kind of depending on which way you want to go. I don't think that they would draft defensive tackle with the fifth overall pick just because the value versus the need isn't there. I think that you would better be off spending that type of pick on a wide receiver because I think it's equally as big need. But this was the second worst run defense in the NFL last year. Like they have to find a way to get someone to pair with Dexter Lawrence to stop the run in some capacity because they just couldn't do it at all last year. So I think maybe that's something they address in the later rounds but just more beef up front and then losing Wandell Robinson. Malik Neighbors coming off the ACL meniscus tear, he's probably going to open the season on the pup. And all the guys that they've added have been on one year deals, right? Like Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, Isaiah Hodgins. So it's like okay, like maybe we can kind of like piecemeal together a receiver core while we wait for Malik Neighbors to come back or we just draft someone to pair with Malik Neighbors and our young quarterback for the future that we feel really, really good about. I think the offensive line to one more guard spot. I think to kind of solidify things long term. They brought back Aaron Stinney but it's only on a one year deal. I do feel really good about the tackles though after they resign Illumina or to a three year deal.
- [06:02]
Joe P. Zapia
D Ro where do you want to start here with the J the Giants here.
- [06:06]
Dbro Derek Brown
I think the the two biggest pressing needs for me are guard and honestly safety Javon Holland and Tyler Newman have not been good. So Caleb Downs come on down. Like if, if he's at the top of their board I wouldn't be surprised there guard is a spot where they can address this later. But again losing Greg Van Roten is huge. Going back to the conversation of surrounding your quarterback, building through the trenches making sure he has clean pockets. I'll echo also what what Erickson brought up as far as wide receiver. You don't have any other difference maker pass catchers in the wide receiver room. Sure you can kind of pseudo count Isaiah likely in there, but Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, we know who they are at this point in their careers. And going further down the trough here, running back Cam Scatter boot like this, that type of play style, what does that look like as far as his career? He's coming off a very substantial injury, has had his off field goofy moments this off season and looking at a player that this play style, he couldn't even sustain it for his rookie season. What does the rest of his career look like? So again for a team that I think they're probably the floor in the first round for Jeremiah Love, so easily a spot where I know I listed running back Erickson and I both listed running back fifth here, that easily could be at the top of the board for the Giants though.
- [07:36]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, let's talk about the Eagles here. Tackle, edge and safety, both of you have. So give me your order of priority for the Eagles in the draft.
- [07:45]
Dbro Derek Brown
D bro, edge is the top for me. Losing Jalen Phillips is huge as well as Aziz Ojalari, Josh Uche, like for me it's, it's edge and then honestly it's safety after that like losing replankenship is massive. So while we could talk about getting ahead of other needs on the offensive line with guys aging and injuries and do they come back? Do they retire? I look at edge and safety as the top two needs for this team and yes, then after that it's tackle and guard and you know we can go down the conversation with skill players and what do they do after this year with A.J. brown and Dallas Goddard and what have you.
- [08:25]
Joe P. Zapia
Erickson, what's your order of need here for the Eagles? Because I know you guys have the same one, so how would you rank it?
- [08:31]
Andrew Erickson
So for me it's tackle. I've just, we've seen this picture play out with Lane Johnson. He misses time in the Eagles offense craters. He's 36 years old, coming off another season where he was injured and missed time. He didn't come back right. I'm not like misremembering like he was like he's going to come back for this playoff game because I remember being really high on the Eagles in like the first round of the playoffs and then I got the notification on Saturday that Lane Johnson wasn't going to play. And I immediately regretted everything I said about on the betting shows about backing the Eagles. And that's exactly what happened. It was a disaster. So Fred Johnson, who was one of their depth pieces last year, he started nine games at right tackle. He's still a free agent, so maybe they bring him back as a backup signing to Lane Johnson, but he's still available. So I think tackle just trying to find the heir apparent at right tackle to Lane Johnson. They feel pretty good where they have Malata at left tackle, but I think that the offensive line makes too much sense, especially if, hey, we have another new offense. Like, we need to put Jalen Hurts in a position to succeed. How do you do that with protection up front? Anytime this Eagles offense has been dominant, it's been for one main reason. It's because the offensive line just kicked everyone else's asses. Like, that's why. So continue to invest in that. I mean, that's a Howie Roseman staple, right? Oh, we just draft trench players in the first round. Like, that's what we do. And that's how we build out a successful program and offensive infrastructure for our quarterback edge as well. Losing Jalen Phillips, Brandon Graham, 38 years old, maybe they can call him up and be like, hey, you want to come back for another playoff run? That's always like in the cards. But again, more edge pass structures. Your defensive tackles you feel pretty good about. I know that Debo didn't mention this as well, but we did get a trade last week. They traded away Sidney Brown, so that was another safety that they had that they no longer have an option anymore. Losing Sidney Brown and Reed Blankenship, I think that they're potentially going to move Michael Carter to safety. So that could be a potential option. But still, I think adding another dynamic free safety, strong safety, would make a lot of sense given the strengths in this class.
- [10:29]
Joe P. Zapia
What do you guys think of Jalen Hurts throwing picks in that flag football game last weekend, by the way? Well, if you caught any of that, it's kind of fun.
- [10:37]
Dbro Derek Brown
I, I can honestly say I didn't waste any of my time watching that flag football game. I don't care.
- [10:41]
Joe P. Zapia
Oh, I saw the highlights. I was coaching all Saturday myself out there in the flag football streets. But yeah, it's. It's kind of fun to watch the NFL guys play the flag game because
- [10:53]
Andrew Erickson
it's a different game and get wrecked
- [10:54]
Joe P. Zapia
and get wrecked because it's a different.
- [10:56]
Andrew Erickson
And you're bearing the lead here, Joe. They got absolutely smoked.
- [10:59]
Joe P. Zapia
They pretty much did which honestly, I didn't think it was going to be that kind of a smoking, but it was really.
- [11:04]
Andrew Erickson
So you. Yeah, I. I felt like that. Again, it's a different sport.
- [11:07]
Dbro Derek Brown
It is.
- [11:08]
Joe P. Zapia
It's a different game and the setup of it. I'm sure if you. I'm sure if you gave the NFL guys, like, training and like, you know, they were doing it all year round, it might be a little different. But what they're just getting by is just on their guile and the athleticism.
- [11:19]
Andrew Erickson
I'm sure the, the NFL gms would love that Their, their players are focused on flag football and not the actual football. And that's what I was using money for.
- [11:26]
Joe P. Zapia
I'm just shocked that they were out there playing it all like, geez, man, did Joe Burrow. Especially if I'm the Bengals. I mean, come on, man. What are you doing, Joe? No good can come.
- [11:35]
Andrew Erickson
You're gonna. You're gonna see all these updated clauses in these contracts about, hey, no Olympics, so and so can't.
- [11:40]
Joe P. Zapia
I know that's gonna be hard to get those guys away from that stuff.
- [11:43]
Andrew Erickson
Yeah.
- [11:43]
Joe P. Zapia
Washington Commanders, I think we like their off season so far. So how do they continue on here? What are the remaining needs after free agency now that we're looking at the draft for the Commanders? Andrew?
- [11:53]
Andrew Erickson
Wide receiver.
- [11:55]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yeah, dude.
- [11:56]
Andrew Erickson
For this Commander's team. Terry McLaurin. I think we view him as a much younger player than he actually is. Like, he's not a young spring chicken. Like he's over the age of 30 years old. So Luke McCaffrey, Jalen Lane, these are the unproven pieces as your wide receiver 2 and wide receiver 3. The Brandon Aiyuk thing is, maybe he ends up going there, but we don't know. Deebo Samuel, he's not back on this team. Noah Brown, he's not back on this team. So look behind McLaren, it's Chicka Conquo that looks like the potential number two target on this passing offense. I love that for Fanny's football purposes. But in terms of, hey, we want our quarterback to succeed. You feel good about the offensive line, you re up to Laramie Tunsil. So he's going to be there protecting Jane Daniels blindside for the foreseeable future. But who's catching passes from? Jaden Daniels is a big need. So I think that that's number one for me on the offense. And then on the defensive side, you have cornerback, you have edge. Look, Vaughn Miller, at 37 years old, led this team in sacks last year. Like you. You got to find a younger option. Doris Armstrong was good before he got hurt last year but again he got hurt. They did sign away but before OA had this like burst of production with the Chargers he had basically done nothing. And the commanders were like oh we're convinced four years, $100 million. There you go. And the same thing with Chase on right? Another really big again a one year deal. But I think that these are more maybe not such long term options. Again Chase on was only a one year deal so I think edge and then cornerback in safety. Yeah cornerbacks have been really bad for the commanders for most part. They already cut Marshawn Lattimore. That was a disastrous trade. They lost Jonathan Jones. They did sign a Meek Robertson but again just how bad they were second to lasting yards per attempt phase through the air I think that they could draft a cornerback or safety.
- [13:41]
Joe P. Zapia
Well hopefully Chase on helps get after the quarterback a little bit too in some of those spots. So what are your thoughts here D ro about the Washington commanders What they need here as we look ahead to
- [13:50]
Dbro Derek Brown
the draft they have a good bit of needs and they don't have a ton of high picks to do it. They only have two picks and tie inside the top 80. They're the first round pick, a third round pick. They have a fifth, two six and a seventh. Dude Adam Peters is quickly on the quasi train. Like he I just every off season I'm just like what in the everlov and heck are you doing dude? Like last year it's like hey every geriatric two or three years ago was good player. Let's go add all of them and just make the retirement home around Jaden Daniels. And this year it's I mean Erickson let it off perfectly. Wide receiver. What in the everlovin hell are we doing here? Like Luke McCaffrey we didn't even talk about we buried the lead. Traylon Burks. If Chiga Conqua walks into any NFL team as the number two pass catcher for your offense that should tell you all you need to know. You are in trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble. And with Brandon Iuk like even if he does sign there at this point, what is an NFL team getting out of him? It is.
- [14:55]
Joe P. Zapia
Who knows.
- [14:56]
Dbro Derek Brown
It's it's an absolute mystery. So it, it begins with wide receiver and also why, why why why did this team cut Tower Biotish? Do you have an in house replacement at center that could be even league average? No, you don't. So I would say wide receiver center is the number two need cornerback as well like Like Erickson talked about, can we stop playing Mike Sanders still who is a nickel on the outside and asking him to man up and oh wait, they signed another undersized cornerback and Amik Robinson. Maybe he will play nickel. I don't know, man. Like I, it's ridiculous. So this, this roster has a lot of high priced players and away and I, I just don't know what they're doing outside of the roster. We could even throw running back in here. Bill Rashad White. Like what are we doing here, man?
- [15:52]
Andrew Erickson
Like they brought, they brought back a bunch. They brought back McNichols. McWeon. Yeah, he's back, baby.
- [15:57]
Dbro Derek Brown
15.
- [15:59]
Andrew Erickson
Sign a bunch of one year contract to these running backs being like, maybe Jeremiah Love will be there for us. Fingers crossed.
- [16:05]
Joe P. Zapia
We'll see. All right, let's get on here and move on to a new division here within the nfc. Let's talk about the Chicago Bears dbro. You think they need wide receiver? I, I disagree. I don't, I don't think wide receivers where you start with the Bears. I think the secondary is where you start with the Bears. That's my take, but I want to
- [16:23]
Dbro Derek Brown
hear yours because outside of the hope and hype, we've seen enough substantiated out of Roma Dunes and Luther Burden to feel great about them.
- [16:31]
Joe P. Zapia
Wait a minute, wait a minute. Luther Burton was a rookie last year. I think at the end of the year you felt pretty good about him. And Roman Dun was hurt most of last year and then was still DJ Moore in that mix. So you want to, you want to spend a whole segment defending Will Campbell. But I, we're going to just throw away Roma Dun already.
- [16:47]
Dbro Derek Brown
I'm not saying you throw either one of those guys away, but also losing DJ Moore, you also need another starter.
- [16:52]
Andrew Erickson
So you got Clee framing.
- [16:56]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yeah, sure. Let's just talk about Jade Walker too.
- [16:58]
Joe P. Zapia
You're not helping, Andrew. You're not helping.
- [17:01]
Andrew Erickson
Hey, Khalif Raymond for the Chicago Bears team.
- [17:05]
Joe P. Zapia
I mean, how can you. Look, I know, I know the Bears made a lot of plays last year, but one thing, Bayard's gone now too. So they lose all those turnovers. Like to me it's safety, it's corner. Like those are the places you're looking for the Bears out of the gate.
- [17:17]
Dbro Derek Brown
Also center Drew Dahlman, center. I mean Garrett Bradbury, what is he? Hopefully league average. Center maybe. Probably not. There are a good bit of needs here. You could also toss an edge. I know that's where Erickson's going to start the conversation for The Bears, but I, I'm not as worried about their edge group as most I guessed.
- [17:37]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, Erickson, your thoughts on the Bears needs here.
- [17:41]
Andrew Erickson
Tedge, that's number one E31 and pass rush win rate last year. Like they have to generate more pressure. Like that's it Again, Dayo Adigbo is returning from a torn Achilles injury. So look, you look at some of the betting sports books, they're -155 the draft defensive lineman slash edge player. They've been very vocal up front in press conferences. Ben Johnson swag pass rush as our team's biggest need. He can work his magic on the offensive side. He has the pieces in place with Loveland, with Luther Burton, with Odun, with Caleb Williams. Again they added those holes in free agency. I love what they did. Addressing some of the shockers in terms of Tropillo, he's dealing with an injury at left tackle. So what do they do? They signed a bunch of tackles to oneyear deals. So, okay, we can kind of piecemeal together a starting tackle through multiple guys until our starter comes back and is healthy. Drew Dahlman retires. They trade for Garrett Bradbury. So I like what they've done on the offensive line. So I don't think it's as big of the need versus the defense, which this was the team that was bad on defense and they made things good because of all the turnovers they were going to generate. Now, if they try to bank on that year over year, that's where you run into some issues. So I think it was smart for them. And to your point, Joe, about the secondary, they lost four safeties in free agency from Bayard, Jaquan Brisker, Chauncey Gardner, Johnson and Jonathan Owens. So that's just a lot of snaps. They did sign Kobe Bryant, but I looked at the total amount of snaps that those safeties played last year. It's over 3,000 combined snaps on defense now. So that's something that just you have to replace. So Kobe Bryant, bringing him in makes a lot of sense, but I think that another safety addition would make sense here. Think corner. Not as much just because some of those guys were injured last year. Between Jaylen Johnson and Kyler Gordon, I believe, are the other two corners. So unless they feel like the health is an issue with them long term, I think that they're probably more likely to go with safety than corner.
- [19:39]
Dbro Derek Brown
See, I was going to actually inject corner in here because you can bring up health, you can also bring up Tyre Stevenson's not good. So A.
- [19:48]
Andrew Erickson
So also a free agent next year.
- [19:49]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yeah. So, I mean, like, I, I think corner could be a higher, higher need on their list than a lot of people would look at. At first pass. In the depth chart, it's like Jalen Johnson, you got the money, but he's been up and down. He's been hurt. Kyler Gordon's been hurt. He got the money. Tyreek Stevenson's not. I mean, you can make a case he's never been that good.
- [20:06]
Andrew Erickson
So, yeah, yeah, cornerback is actually on my list now that I'm looking at. It's actually ahead of wide receiver, which I have last, but still.
- [20:14]
Joe P. Zapia
Erickson, where would you go with the Lions here in terms of their priorities? How would you list that out?
- [20:19]
Andrew Erickson
My top two for the Lions are offensive tackle because of Taylor Decker being released. They just need someone else to man that position long term at left tackle and then edge. Just get Aiden Hutchinson a wingmate to rush the passer. Like that is like the biggest thing for them. And although every mock draft I've done, it's always Lions, who's the best available tackle? Locked and loaded. Let's go. I really feel like we can look up on draft day and they just take one of these edge rushers in that next tier. Assuming that one of the top three is probably gone by the time they pick, I would assume that none of them are going to fall that far. Or maybe the lines are aggressive and they move up to draft one of these edge rushers if one of them falls to the 1011 spot in the NFL draft. So look, they lost the Mohamed. He had 12 sacks last year playing opposite of Aiden Hutchinson. So just getting somebody opposite of him I think makes the most sense between offensive tackle and edge.
- [21:11]
Joe P. Zapia
Dbro for you, what are your thoughts on the Lions offseason needs? As we're looking now ahead to the
- [21:16]
Dbro Derek Brown
draft, Erickson and I are hand holding. Our top four needs are exactly in this, the exact same order. It's left tackle, it's edge, it's linebacker. Losing Anzalone and D tackle, like
- [21:30]
Andrew Erickson
for
- [21:30]
Dbro Derek Brown
everything that's holy and sacred in this world. Brad Holmes, please do not resign Marcus Davenport again. Can we just not do that? So like for everything Erickson laid out here, also losing Anzalone is big DJ reader. Losing him as well as guys. Has any has history not shown us with the Detroit Lions that they need health? So if you can't bank on health and regression of that over their entire defense gets hurt yearly. So, okay, you need to increase the depth on this roster. If Guys can't stay healthy. Maybe that happens this year. Crossing everything we got, fingers, toes and everything. If that can't happen, you need to add depth. And so I'll bring up D tackle here too.
- [22:13]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, so D tackle for you here with the other need for the Detroit Lions, looking ahead to the Green Bay packers, where do you want to start with them? Dbro. This is another team too that I think is kind of in a weird limbo where I don't know if they've did enough this off season to really kind of move the needle for me. So can they move it in the
- [22:32]
Dbro Derek Brown
draft if you're a Packers fan? Hi, Fitzy. I hope so, because losing Rasheed Walker, they have tackle issues. That's my number one spot for them. I'm worried about. Like this feels like a draft class and I buried this down the list. But I also threw in wide receiver here. The two things that you see the packers take stabs at every single year regardless is offensive line help and the wide receiver room. And quietly again, bringing up a need for a team that might not look like a need on the surface in 2027. Christian Watson, Jaden Reed and Don Tavian Wicks are all free agents. They just lost Romeo Dobbs. So basically they're outside of Matthew Gold and after this season, they're losing almost their entire wide receiver room. So could this be a team where, if you're looking at betting markets and stuff to to get them to maybe go wide receiver with their first pick? I don't think it's crazy, although I do think that tackle is a need, edge is a need, and also losing Jenkins and free agency center is a need.
- [23:36]
Joe P. Zapia
What are the needs, in your opinion for the Green Bay Packers, Andrew?
- [23:41]
Andrew Erickson
I think that they can improve at the cornerback position. That's what we talked about on a lot of the shows where how do you attack this packers defense? And this was before the Micah Parsons injury was you throw on them because these corners are overrated. Keyshawn Nixon, Carrington Valentine, they're both entering contract years. They lost Nate Hobbs, he got hurt last year, but he signed with the San Francisco 49ers. They did add Saint Juice to a two year deal, but I think that they're not going to be afraid to address this secondary and that's something they've also done, historically speaking, is they invest a lot in the secondary. So it would not surprise me at all if in the second round or third round that they draft a cornerback and they don't have a first round pick. Because of the trade they made last year to get Micah Parsons in. Deebo hit on this a little bit, but I was probably more optimistic about their offensive line just thinking, okay, well, all they have to do is get all these guys healthy again. But the injuries that they're coming off of, Tom's returning from an injury, the offensive line depth is a little bit thinner after the pieces that they lost. You're looking at Rashid Walker, he's going to the Carolina Panthers, Jenkins to the Browns. So that does concern me. And thinking back about this packers offensive line and I almost hit up fits about like, how do you feel about the offensive line? Because I'm like thinking about it and I'm like, when it was healthy, I thought it was okay. But then things kind of unraveled when they lost pieces. So Green Bay's always want to invest in offensive line pieces. I think that they're going to do that. And I, I guess for me, I put Edge on here as well just because I am always concerned about guys coming off injuries. How effective will Parsons be? But Green Bay may not be in a position where they can take a luxury edge rusher because of the other needs on their roster between cornerback, defensive tackle, offensive line, where they just kind of have to hope that we, we invested a lot in Parsons. We did not want him to tear his acl, but he did. And we're just going to hope that he comes back and is effective. Yeah, because we don't know if we have the assets or enough, especially without a first round pick to further bolster. Oh, well, we need to draft edge depth. Well, you can't because you have all these other issues that you need to address instead.
- [25:43]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, let's talk about the Minnesota Vikings. They needed a quarterback. They got a quarterback, at least in theory here with Kyler Murray. I would be going for safety right away for them or maybe Edge. Erickson, where would you be going and starting out your draft here if you were the Minnesota Vikings?
- [25:58]
Andrew Erickson
It's going to be edge for me. That's what the reporting has been when it comes to Brian Flores. He wants an edge rusher to be part of his defense. I think defensive line automatically becomes a need as well, just because of the guys that they released. They released Jonathan Allen, they released Javon Hargrave. I do think it's kind of curious though, that they cut those players. So maybe they feel good about some of their younger players in the defensive interior that they felt comfortable or it's just, hey, we need cap space, so we got to Move off these guys who are, who are maybe just a little bit overrated and we'll have to just deal with our lumps as we continue to the 2026 season. So defensive tackle Edge and running back Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, they're going to be free agents at the end of the season. So as we try to point together and piece okay, which running back is going to go to which team and who's going to end up being the fantasy RB2 in this class because it's going to be all landing pot landing spot dependent behind Jeremiah Love. Well, the Vikings are probably one of those teams that will draft a rookie running back because another their two starters are not going to be under contract in 2027.
- [27:01]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, Vikings for you. D row. Where should they start out?
- [27:05]
Dbro Derek Brown
This roster is quietly terrible. Outside of a lot of stars like wow, dud terrible. They've got terrible.
- [27:13]
Joe P. Zapia
Pretty good defensive performance. They got a great head coach. I got Justin Jefferson all worldwide receiver. Terrible.
- [27:20]
Andrew Erickson
Terrible.
- [27:20]
Joe P. Zapia
Okay, let's hear this. So I think this roster could win the the division if Kyler Murray plays well.
- [27:26]
Andrew Erickson
I mean, I'm, I'm. Color me intrigued. I'm ready.
- [27:28]
Joe P. Zapia
Yeah, I want to hear this.
- [27:29]
Dbro Derek Brown
So they've got whole. They got a hole at safety, they got a hole at center. They have big needs of defensive tackle John. Jonathan Garnard still might not be on this roster when we come to week one. He might. He's still live to get traded. So you have edge needs. Erickson just talked about. Even if they keep Garnard, they have edge needs. Running back is an issue as well as right tackle. Brian o' Neal is not going to be there after this year. Their offensive line was banged up and hurt last year. Do you get a fully healthy season out of Daras? Saw Jordan Addison could be gone after this year. He's got a club option. But I, I don't look at. I don't feel great about this roster, man. Like, I feel like a lot of the coordinating covers up a lot of the problems for this roster overall where Brian Flores cures a lot of what ails them. But again, even if they wanted to draft a corner, guys like are you that impressed with Isaiah Rogers? Are you that impressed with Theo Jackson, Byron Murphy? Are those otherworldly, like just shut down corners?
- [28:27]
Joe P. Zapia
No, but I think they're good enough. You think they're good enough?
- [28:31]
Dbro Derek Brown
Also I just brought up.
- [28:32]
Joe P. Zapia
I think they're good enough. I think they're good enough for the system that Flores runs.
- [28:36]
Dbro Derek Brown
They're good enough. If you blitz and you can get home with the pressure to where you're not leaving them on islands. But losing Javon Hargrave, if Garnard is gone, losing Jonathan Allen, those are big problems. Andrew Van Ginkel had the neck issue. Can he stay healthy? This roster is not nearly as sound as I think a lot of people believe it.
- [28:57]
Public Advertiser
Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available@public.comDisclosures have you heard about Klarna?
- [29:59]
Podcast Host
Klarna is an app designed to make everyday spending simpler and more transparent. It gives you you flexibility to decide how you want to pay, whether that's paying right away, paying later, or spreading payments over time, depending on what works best for you. Everything is managed in the Klarna app so you can keep track of purchases and stay organized. You can also discover deals and even earn cash back when you shop through the Klarna app with participating brands. It's all about flexing, flexibility and staying in control of how and when you pay. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more. Terms Apply California Resident Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance law license NMLS number 1353190 Klarna balance account required to be eligible for cashback points Limitations, terms and conditions apply.
- [30:58]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, so a difference of opinion there from the Vikings perspective. We'll get to the next division in just a moment as we head south. Before we do, quick reminder the show is brought to you by Hard Rock Bet Florida Sportsbook. And if your brackets busted, don't worry, you're not alone. Everyone's is. But you can turn your picks into paydays. Over at Hard Rock Bet, they got the daily dancing boost, they've got the parlay profit boost, they got a lot of boost going on there and they're giving out a 25 bonus bet throughout the tournament if a team you bet to win or cover hits a buzzer beater. So now is the time if you haven't to check in on the game and new signups can double their winnings with their first 10 bets, max of $50. That means if you want to win 100 bucks now, make it 200 at Hard Rock Bed. Download the app today and start placing your bets for March Madness and even NFL stuff for the future at Hard Rock Bet payable and bonus bets Not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida Offered by the Seminole Hard Rock Digital LLC and other states must be 21 in physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia. Play terms and conditions apply. Concern about gambling in Florida call 1833 play wise in Indiana. If you or someone you know has a gambling Problem wants help, call 1-809 with it Gambling problem call 1-800- Gambler in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia let's talk about the next division here and let us go to the NFC south and start with the Atlanta Falcons. Not so much a first round pick for the Falcons this year, but they still got needs regardless. Dbro. So what do you want to do? Where do you want to start when it comes to the Falcons?
- [32:23]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yeah. No first round pick this year? Their first round pick. One of them from last year. What do we and that's honestly where it goes to one of their biggest needs. I have it listed second here. Edge. Considering all the Edge editions.
- [32:36]
Joe P. Zapia
What a shame.
- [32:38]
Dbro Derek Brown
I mean dude, if James Pierce like he's still in limbo, we don't even know if he's ever going to play another NFL snap. So with Walker last year teaming with him, like was he an answer? Do you feel really good about their pass rush? I don't. The cornerback room also really needs a lot of help. AJ Terrell even discussing him in the most rosy of cases and the glass half full approach and saying he has still had a very up and down career outside of him. Billy Bowman Jr. Mike Hughes, C.J. henderson any of those corners really scare you? They shouldn't as well, as the game
- [33:15]
Joe P. Zapia
you like to play, do any corner scare you with Derrick Brown? This is the game.
- [33:17]
Andrew Erickson
No, I think Billy Bowman's okay.
- [33:19]
Dbro Derek Brown
Billy Bowman's okay. But again, like not changing the math for offensive coordinators, but I'll even throw in wide receiver here. Johan Dotson and Alama Day Zakias,
- [33:30]
Andrew Erickson
they're gonna run. They're gonna get so much cardio.
- [33:32]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yes.
- [33:34]
Joe P. Zapia
By the way, James Pierce two weeks ago, charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor for good measure.
- [33:41]
Dbro Derek Brown
Don't watch any of the videos. They're even worse.
- [33:42]
Joe P. Zapia
No, no. All right, Ericson, what are your thoughts on the Falcons needs?
- [33:48]
Andrew Erickson
Death, taxes and pass rush? We're back. We're back. It's like we never left
- [33:54]
Dbro Derek Brown
and with
- [33:54]
Joe P. Zapia
less picks to do it. That's the problem. That's the problem.
- [33:57]
Andrew Erickson
Because the thing is after like last year, they actually had a pass rush for the first time since the Jonathan Abraham era of Atlanta Falcons football. And now it's in limbo again because of the Pierce situation. So they lost Leonard Floyd, David on Yemena. He was also again they signed Aziza Laurie, but it's a one year deal. They just need more depth on the defensive line. And Matt Ryan has talked about a lot this off season about, hey, we need to stop the run. So edge defensive tackle. Just the defensive trenches. And then I would also add wide receiver too. Just they need more than what they have if Drake London were to go down, I guess, I guess because they have Kyle Pitts too as that pseudo wide receiver too. Maybe it's not as big of a knee, but just something that Zakia Stotson, do you really want those guys in full time roles? I'm not so sure. But maybe it's just, hey, we just concentrate all the targets and touches between our top three, our big three guys, which would just be awesome for fantasy football.
- [34:53]
Dbro Derek Brown
And Arnold Abba, catty left too. So just adding to the edge conversation. So woof.
- [34:58]
Joe P. Zapia
We know Andrew Erickson is a Patriots fan by trade, but his heart is with the Carolina Panthers. Let's talk about the Panthers. Andrew Erickson, what are their needs here heading into the 2026 season?
- [35:10]
Andrew Erickson
I still think they need another defensive tackle to pair with Derrick Brown. Not this Derek Brown, the other Derrick Brown. Because they just the good Derek Brown. They still can't stop the run. It just every year the Carolina Panthers struggle to stop the run even though they have one really good defensive tackle in Brown. But I still think they need to generate more pass rush as well. Second worst pressure rate in 2025. Now adding Jalen Phillips to that should help address that problem. But I still just want more defensive oomph on that defensive line. I think tight end Jatavian Sanders, I think he's probably not the guy. I feel like I'm not going out on a limb after two years and saying hey this guy's probably not a tight end difference maker. So in a deeper class, I like Carolina adding a more dynamic pass catching tight end, someone that create more yards after the catch. Another weapon for Bryce Young. I really tip my cap to the Panthers in terms of what they did during free agency. I mean addressing all of their biggest needs at linebacker at edge. Adding in Walker from the Green Bay Packers I thought was a really sharp move because ikennonu is also dealing with an injury. So having a stopgap option at that tackle spot while your starter returns from injury I thought was really sharp. And I'm really fascinated to see what they do. I know we talked about on the mock draft show we did but I could see them going in a lot of different directions. Whether it's just another edge rusher or they draft the best wide receiver available or they draft a linebacker or a safety, someone that can be dynamic in their defense, they can go in a lot of different directions.
- [36:42]
Joe P. Zapia
Which direction should they go in in your opinion? Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers what are their
- [36:46]
Dbro Derek Brown
biggest needs man So I listed wide receiver and tight end to begin the conversation. I think at this point we can all say that Xavier Leguette was a big swing and miss. Jalen Coker they didn't really like they they didn't really extend him with a multi year deal. So what do they feel like? They're like has he proven himself enough Jatavian Sanders, Tommy Trimble, Mitchell Evans, Felipe Franks or any of these guys answers. So for me this comes to okay, not Cambrice Young be a long term answer. This is you just have to give him more pass catchers man whether he's the quarterback or not after this season. So wide receiver and tight end of the first two things for me good class to address both. And Erickson kind of talked about this previously. Iki Aquanu if you want to go look at the historical rates of tap like offensive linemen or players in general coming back from his particular injury it is a coffin nail. It is horrible. I don't know if we see him come back to anywhere close to pre injury version of himself. So offensive tackle like I know they got Walker, he's a one year stop gap. So I, I think offensive tackle, quietly, they could, like Erickson talked about, they could go a number of different directions. And I'll even throw in cornerback here. Mike Jackson played well last year. Charlie Smith, Wade was really good in the nickel. But both of those guys, like, I think you do need more depth at that position as well.
- [38:15]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, you guys seem to agree on the needs or at least the biggest priority here for the New Orleans Saints. The next thing we're going to talk about, you both have wide receiver. So paint that picture for me. Dbro, what does that picture look like in the NFL draft? Who is that wide receiver and why?
- [38:28]
Dbro Derek Brown
Carnell Tate. Come on now, please. Okay. Any guy in the first round. I, I think this is one of those situations where maybe Mickey Loomis does some Mickey Loomis things and he tries to grab a guy in the middle, middle rounds because he's had hits in his history at wide receiver. So maybe not something they address in the first round of the NFL draft, but definitely if you're looking at this depth chart, dude, Devon Valley is not going to get it done. Mason Tippman or Tipton is not going to get it done. They need another wide receiver opposite Chris Olave, especially if Chris Olave walks out the door and they don't secure a long term contract with him. The other position that I'll bring up here is cornerback. Losing Alante Taylor is big guys like. And can you say that Kool Aid McKinstry is definitively like, he had some moments and flashes. Quincy Riley played good. But this is also a team that if we look to previous draft classes for the Saints, they get ahead of cornerback needs. So drafting a guy like Kool Aid, drafting a guy like Alante Taylor, when it didn't look like the first pass of the depth chart that they really needed cornerback. This is also a spot where I think they could address and I'll, I'll bring up D tackle and edge to round out the conversation. Brian Brisset has not been an answer. Devon Gacho is not. I mean, he's not been played well, honestly. So D tackle, they just need an upgrade. Carl Grandison, you know what you're getting out of him? Cam Jordan, I don't even know if they bring him back in the building. So Edge is also a position need for them.
- [39:55]
Joe P. Zapia
How about you, Andrew Erickson? I know you said wide receiver for the Saints. What does that look like?
- [40:01]
Andrew Erickson
I mean, Dee Rob summed it up basically how I would have. We have the exact same team needs and this was. We just Put our team needs in basically same order. I think I flip flop Edge and defensive tackle. But that's being kind of nitpicky because when I first did the Saints team needs, it was really more wide receiver and cornerback and I think that maybe trying to replace the presence of Cam Jordan, I think that matters. Again, just a veteran pass rusher. I think that when push comes to shove, they feel like they're in a win now mode and it feels like they can go luxury pick here with wide receiver or cornerback because you feel good about this roster. And if Tyler Shuck, they just remind me so much of the Denver Broncos from last year where you're taking this experienced quarterback, you feel good about the pieces around him. The offensive line you feel is being underrated and you're playing again. It's different because the Broncos played a much tougher division. But I think that we've been pretty positive about the Saints. I think that big NFL is pretty positive about the Saints. Hey, this is a team that could take a step if Shuck can continue to develop in Kellen Moore's offense with now the full season under his belt as the starter. I think adding another key wide receiver or cornerback could really put this team maybe not over the top, but to the top of the NSC south, which again, you just got to get in the tournament and then anything can happen. So yeah, I agree with everything DBRO had to say. I don't have much else to add.
- [41:19]
Joe P. Zapia
I already did the Hard Rock read, so I'm not going to do it again. Let's talk about this tournament. All right, let's get to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here. Andrew Erickson, you guys are on the same wavelength again. You both want to start out with edge, but what are these some of the other needs. Walk me through the Tampa Bay Bucks needs for the 2026 draft.
- [41:35]
Andrew Erickson
Edge rusher. Redick got three sacks last year and he may not return. Yeah, yeah, Diaby, he was the best pass rusher on the team in 2025, but he's also in the final year of his contract. They had the 8th lowest pressure rate despite the 4th highest blitz rate. So Todd Bowles is dialing up those blitzes and they are not hitting home. So it's just like not working. And meanwhile his secondaries continue to get shredded and they just lost their best cornerback. Another need for my for the Buccaneers, Jamel Dean, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. So I never think that defensive tackle or hey, Todd Bowles has to get this player to stop the run. Todd bowl is going to stop the run no matter what. He'll find a way. He'll find someone that weighs 350 pounds.
- [42:16]
Dbro Derek Brown
His name's Vita Bay. Yeah, that's who stops the run. Who?
- [42:20]
Andrew Erickson
Also, to your point, Vita Via is also in a contract year.
- [42:22]
Dbro Derek Brown
Good call.
- [42:23]
Andrew Erickson
So do they draft the air apparent to Vita Ve? I know Todd Balls would love that in some capacity, but I think they got to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback. Jason Light has talked about that a lot of his in a lot of his press conferences at the NFL combine and. Yeah. So edge and cornerback are really kind of the two big needs for me.
- [42:40]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, dbro take away the bucks. What do you mean?
- [42:43]
Dbro Derek Brown
I think so. I'll leave this off. I think they feel better about their cornerback room than we probably do because they've been addressing this. I feel like they got ahead of the Jamal Dean stuff and their other and Carlton Davis in previous classes with Zion McCollum, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Harris. So I don't think they're going to look for corner now. Could they. Could they still need depth? Sure. I think it's been the same exact conversation that we've been having for. I mean, just copy and paste this every freaking year, guys. Edge D tackle linebacker Levante David probably retiring as we're recording this right now, having his press conference today. So he's not going to be an answer for you this year. Todd Bowles. To me, the biggest two needs are edge and linebacker. They have to rush the pastor. They have to get somebody that is competent in the linebacker room.
- [43:31]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, let's talk about the NFC west here. Close things out. Let's start with the Arizona Cardinals. They need a quarterback. They need some tackle help. They got plenty of running backs. Plenty of running backs. So we're good there. Deborah, walk me through your thoughts on the Cardinals here. Talk to me about what they might want to address here in the draft.
- [43:47]
Dbro Derek Brown
First top need for me would be quarterback. I don't know if they're going to go that direction because Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissette, I, I, I. It's a need. Do they address it this year or do they kick the can down the road one more year? If it's not quarterback, it's right tackle, Jonah Williams gone. Like they need to draft a tackle. They probably do that in the first round. I think that's their biggest need. I'll throw in safety, edge and cornerback to kind of round this out. Losing Jalen Thompson and free agency. Their pre. Their edge, their edge room has not been good over the last few seasons. And cornerback, man, like, you've got to get something outside of Will Johnson on this team. Like are we really feeling like we're good to go to war with Denzel Burke and Garrett Williams and oh, dear Lord. Sean Murphy Bunting still kicking around an NFL roster.
- [44:35]
Andrew Erickson
No.
- [44:36]
Joe P. Zapia
Yes, he is. Yes, he is. One of the great NFL names. Sean Murphy Bunting. Love him. All right, Andrew Erickson, Arizona Cardinals for you. How do they address these needs too? Because it does feel like there's still a multitude.
- [44:50]
Andrew Erickson
Well, Sean Murphy Bunting second to only the other great Cardinals name. Dominic Rogers Cromartie.
- [44:55]
Joe P. Zapia
Yes.
- [44:56]
Andrew Erickson
Just like fusing together three names.
- [45:00]
Joe P. Zapia
Yes.
- [45:00]
Dbro Derek Brown
Drc.
- [45:01]
Joe P. Zapia
Let's go.
- [45:01]
Andrew Erickson
Drc. Oh, drc. Remember when he was on the Eagles with what was it? Namni Asimois? Drc.
- [45:08]
Dbro Derek Brown
Dream team, baby.
- [45:09]
Andrew Erickson
And there was a dream team. There was another stud. Who was the other stud corner on that team?
- [45:13]
Dbro Derek Brown
Oh, good Lord, you're gonna make me go. Look back.
- [45:15]
Andrew Erickson
It was drc. Awesome Wa. And then who was the other guy? I can't. I can't remember his name.
- [45:21]
Joe P. Zapia
I can't either right now. I can't.
- [45:22]
Andrew Erickson
It was stud. It was just like. Yeah, it was the Mike Big Dream Team. That was not good.
- [45:27]
Joe P. Zapia
I could feel deeper. I was googling great three name players the NFL. So I was. Haha.
- [45:34]
Dbro Derek Brown
Clinton Dix. Yes.
- [45:35]
Andrew Erickson
Oh geez.
- [45:36]
Joe P. Zapia
That's one Erical.
- [45:38]
Andrew Erickson
He was a Packer, right?
- [45:39]
Joe P. Zapia
He was a Packer.
- [45:40]
Andrew Erickson
He was Green day.
- [45:41]
Joe P. Zapia
One of the great names of all time. Let's.
- [45:42]
Andrew Erickson
Was he alone? Is he Alabama? Is that where he went to college?
- [45:46]
Joe P. Zapia
I believe he did.
- [45:47]
Dbro Derek Brown
I believe it was Alabama.
- [45:48]
Joe P. Zapia
I believe so. I'll double check there for you. Go ahead. I'll research Clinton dicks you talk to
- [45:52]
Dbro Derek Brown
me about Mike Mayer is tingling somewhere in the ether. He probably already knows.
- [45:56]
Andrew Erickson
I need to know this. Third Eagles cornerback of the trio.
- [45:59]
Dbro Derek Brown
Oh dear.
- [46:01]
Andrew Erickson
All right. Just look up the 2011 Eagles. I think that was the better.
- [46:08]
Joe P. Zapia
I can't do both of these things at once. Yes, he was at Alabama.
- [46:11]
Andrew Erickson
Ha.
- [46:11]
Joe P. Zapia
Clinton Dixie.
- [46:12]
Andrew Erickson
So okay, all right.
- [46:13]
Joe P. Zapia
And then I will talk about the Arizona.
- [46:15]
Dbro Derek Brown
Whereas we're sitting here googling away here.
- [46:18]
Andrew Erickson
Deborah did a great job of summarizing it. I think I'm maybe a little bit higher on the secondary. I think that they just had a. Part of the reason the Cardinals were so bad last year was everyone got injured. They were one of the most injured teams last year, specifically on the defensive side of the football. So not gonna.
- [46:33]
Joe P. Zapia
Samuel Namdi Asimois And Dominique Rogers, Cromartie Samuel.
- [46:41]
Andrew Erickson
I guess. Yeah, I guess that makes it.
- [46:43]
Joe P. Zapia
That's the one you're looking for. 2011. That's it.
- [46:46]
Andrew Erickson
Okay, so there you go. Is that the Dream Team?
- [46:47]
Dbro Derek Brown
He doesn't, he doesn't sound very happy with that answer, Joe.
- [46:50]
Andrew Erickson
I thought it was somebody different.
- [46:51]
Joe P. Zapia
Well, it's not like Samuel was pretty good. He was. No, he was. And yes, King, actually. If you ask, if you ask, it'll tell you the Dream Team struggled to live up to their hype and moniker. That's actually what it says next to.
- [47:08]
Andrew Erickson
Well, the thing is, when your backup quarterback calls you the Dream Team, it's not good.
- [47:13]
Dbro Derek Brown
It's not good.
- [47:14]
Andrew Erickson
It's not. It's never a good look. Cardinals back to them edge 30th and PFF. Pass rush grade last year, 29th in pressure rate generated. They really cannot go wrong with one of the top defensive players from Ohio State if they decide to stick and pick at the number three. Although I do think that there's a chance that they do what they did when they drafted Paris Johnson Jr. Where they have a high pick, they trade back, collect assets, then trade back up and kind of finagle their way to get a top tackle in the class. Because everyone agrees that they need a right tackle. We all. It's on every single team needs for the Arizona Cardinals. But everyone also agrees that they don't love the value of that necessarily at number three overall when you have all these top tier defensive players. So do they end up trading back internally grabbing like a Spencer Fano, someone along those lines to trade back into the teens if they can get someone to come up to trade up for one of these Ohio State. Oh, defensive players.
- [48:07]
Dbro Derek Brown
It's not even that, Erickson. What if somebody hops the Titans and the Giants for Jeremiah Love at three for Jeremiah.
- [48:13]
Andrew Erickson
I mean the Cardinals, that would be awesome. We all love Jeremiah Love. We're going to take him this high. Everyone else has to jump up ahead of them to get them. So that can make a lot of sense. I would not be surprised if the Cardinals try to trade down here. But yeah, I think, I think this year is just going to be Jacoby Brissette, quarterback. They're just gonna roll with it unless they can get Ty Simpson at the top around too.
- [48:34]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, let's move on for the Cardinals. Finally. It took forever to get to the Cardinals. I know we did.
- [48:39]
Andrew Erickson
We got the dream teams about drc.
- [48:41]
Dbro Derek Brown
Andrew's sending us down Eagles rabbit holes here like.
- [48:44]
Joe P. Zapia
Yeah, yeah, seriously. All Right. So the Rams, obviously they need a new back for Matthew Stafford, but that's not available. And I mean running back, just an actual back for Matthew Stafford in a bacchiotomy that's not available in the draft. You can't draft that. So best thing you do is protect that back with offensive tackle. Yes. Andrew Erickson. That's the best thing you can do.
- [49:01]
Andrew Erickson
Yes. I do think that although I am still waiting for this Warren McClendon extension to be dropped, they were throwing out rumors about, hey, we really like this guy as our right tackle. Maybe not we'll see if they extend him, but I could see the betting odds shift dramatically because that's what always happens is basically, oh, this player just signed to this team. Okay, we have the shift everything and all of our expectations about this team. I do think they like McClendon. I think that wide receiver is a massive need for this team. Pukinakua and Devonte Adams are both entering contract years. Puka Nukua is so excited about that JSN deal because he knows that, hey, I'm going to make a lot of freaking money as a wide receiver for the Rams as my number one. But the way he plays, he does get banged up, he does miss time every once in a while. So that's something the Rams need to be conscious of when they decide to also add more pieces to this offense. Devonte Adams contract year for him, he's 33 years old, so he's not a long term option. And then behind them, who else is. Are excited about that? They have a lot of tight ends, but I think that wide receiver makes a ton of sense for them.
- [50:02]
Joe P. Zapia
They have a ton of tight ends. No more tight ends, please.
- [50:04]
Dbro Derek Brown
No more tight ends, please.
- [50:05]
Andrew Erickson
Rams and then they draft Sadiq and it's going to be great. Can't wait.
- [50:10]
Joe P. Zapia
Well, if they do that, they need to then let everybody, they need to start trading off pieces.
- [50:13]
Andrew Erickson
No, they're going to be like, he's offensive weapon. He's not tight and he's offensive weapon.
- [50:17]
Joe P. Zapia
No.
- [50:18]
Dbro Derek Brown
Sean McVeigh and the 14 personnel, baby. Let's go.
- [50:22]
Joe P. Zapia
14 persons. Can we get there one time? All right. Debro Rams for you. What are their needs? How do you rank them?
- [50:29]
Dbro Derek Brown
Offensive tackle, if they don't extend, McLendon is number one wide receiver, two. I'll throw a cornerback into number three here and. And people could be surprised by that. Like, I know they brought in Trent McDuffie. They signed him. I know they brought in Jalen Watson after those two guys. Emmanuel Forbes We've learned that DBro hates every cornerback room.
- [50:51]
Joe P. Zapia
That's what we've learned in today's.
- [50:52]
Andrew Erickson
Which cornerbacks are you afraid of? I want to know.
- [50:55]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yeah, yeah.
- [50:59]
Joe P. Zapia
At night.
- [51:00]
Dbro Derek Brown
The dream team.
- [51:03]
Andrew Erickson
Christian Gonzalez, obviously.
- [51:05]
Dbro Derek Brown
But seriously though, like, this room needs depth to it. If, if either one of those guys go down and get hurt, you're looking at a backup. You're shoving Emmanuel Forbes on a Super bowl contender back into the starting lineup. We've seen what this looks like, guys.
- [51:21]
Joe P. Zapia
All right.
- [51:21]
Andrew Erickson
Manual Forbes are going to haunt you in your dreams.
- [51:24]
Dbro Derek Brown
Well, you know, all.
- [51:25]
Andrew Erickson
All 165 pounds of them.
- [51:27]
Joe P. Zapia
San Francisco 49ers. Debro. Where do you want to start? With their needs going into the season besides younger players.
- [51:34]
Dbro Derek Brown
Tackle, guard, what you need to eventually at some point. Trent Williams cannot play until he's 50. They need to get a long term heir apparent to Trent Williams. So I'm putting tackle number one, guard number two. I don't feel good about their other starting gods guard spot. I know they just signed a guy, but like I'm. I just still don't feel really great about whoever they're going to start. Opposite Dominic Puni, linebacker. They still need help there. Yes, they. They brought back Dre Greenlaw. They also have a lot of guys that cannot stay healthy, man, like Fred Warner, Drake or Dre Greenlaw. Like, it's not like they're the picture of health. And I'll throw in. Do you really want to walk in after all of the volume last year, do we really want to walk into week one with Jordan James? Is the RB2 on this roster? I can't see it, man.
- [52:27]
Joe P. Zapia
All right, let's go to you, Andrew Erickson here and let's get your take on this western team, the San Francisco 49ers. How would you rank their needs? What's the priority?
- [52:39]
Andrew Erickson
Edge, offensive tackle, offensive guard, trench players, which is pretty normal for the San Francisco 49ers. That's what they invest in the most. During the NFL draft last year. 30th in pressure rate, 32nd in sacks. Bryce Huff retired. I think that getting some of these guys back healthy will be a major boost to the defense. But not just expecting, oh, we'll get the same type of production. With all these guys coming off season ending injuries, I think that's probably malpractice by the 49ers. They think that, oh, we'll just get the same production. So I would do that. And then offensive tackle Trent Williams, replacement for him, wide receiver as well. Kendrick Bourne gone. Brain Yuke's not coming back.
- [53:15]
Joe P. Zapia
You know, else doesn't come back when your deal. Brian Robinson Jr. Is not coming back either because the Falcons just signed him, it looks like.
- [53:21]
Andrew Erickson
Oh my God. So they really did it. They did the B Rob backfield.
- [53:25]
Dbro Derek Brown
Oh, they did.
- [53:27]
Andrew Erickson
Dude, there are going to be some crushed fantasy managers that take Brian Robinson Jr.
- [53:33]
Joe P. Zapia
They're just gonna see Robinson touchdown, going to go yay.
- [53:36]
Dbro Derek Brown
Oh, I. I can't.
- [53:38]
Andrew Erickson
Dude, the Falcon, the Falcons are doing this as a bit because they're like, oh, we're going to. We're going to monopolize the B. Robinson running back market. We're going to have both B. Robinson's and it's just going to be. We thought another HM was bad. Oh, buddy.
- [53:53]
Joe P. Zapia
Here's a fun. Here's a fun tweet. Somebody put B. Robinson 101. B. Robinson 1001.
- [54:00]
Dbro Derek Brown
It's a good tweet.
- [54:02]
Joe P. Zapia
Good tweet. It was a good response. But yeah, so I just, I just saw it. So, you know, waiting for other people to confirm it. But it seems like it's meet the Robinsons for the Falcons backfield this year. Good times. Let's go to the Seattle Seahawks. The champs. We saved the best for last maybe question mark. I don't know. They are the champs, so they're the best right now. Andrew Erickson. What's their biggest need and why is it running back?
- [54:29]
Andrew Erickson
Running back. Definitely a need. They lost Ken Walker. Zach Charbonnetres, ACL, January 19th. He had a surgery on February 20th. Probably not going to be ready for the start of this.
- [54:38]
Joe P. Zapia
No, no, he's not. Wilson, he's not gonna be ready, period. He might not play this season because everyone just wrapped their mind he's gonna
- [54:43]
Andrew Erickson
play, he's gonna play at some point. But I mean, it's an ACL in what, November. Guys have come back from ACLS in nine months, so clearly they're getting.
- [54:53]
Joe P. Zapia
That's November. That's mid November. But that's.
- [54:55]
Dbro Derek Brown
Yeah, that's still exactly what I said.
- [54:58]
Joe P. Zapia
You said started.
- [54:59]
Andrew Erickson
He's not coming back at all.
- [55:01]
Joe P. Zapia
But I mean, okay, I'll see you at Thanksgiving with the rest of my.
- [55:04]
Andrew Erickson
You didn't say that.
- [55:05]
Joe P. Zapia
I'm not being punked. Right, I did say that. But like September, October, November, like, you might not see him until like, well past the halfway point of this. I'm just saying.
- [55:15]
Andrew Erickson
I said that he wasn't gonna be back for the start of the year. We agreed at some point.
- [55:19]
Joe P. Zapia
You're right.
- [55:19]
Andrew Erickson
I need a running back.
- [55:20]
Dbro Derek Brown
They need to Run.
- [55:20]
Andrew Erickson
Emmanuel Wilson is not the answer long term. Just a one year deal. Very low amount of money that they're paying him. I also think that guard Anthony Bradford is A Free Agent 2027. Their starting center missed some time last year. So right guard, interior, offensive line I think is another addition and then another edge rusher after losing boy Mafe. I think adding more depth, that's part of the reason why their defensive line was so good last year because they had a lot of depth pieces. So another edge rusher makes a lot of sense. Typically, what you see from teams that are picking at the end of the first round, they add those premium pieces like edge rushers.
- [55:53]
Joe P. Zapia
I'm sorry to interrupt you.
- [55:54]
Dbro Derek Brown
Go ahead, Joe. You're cracking yourself up, so. I know.
- [55:57]
Joe P. Zapia
No, I just want breaking news. We're in the NFC and all these things are happening in the NFC South. So we talked about the needs for the Buccaneers needing linebackers. They're definitely getting another one because Levante David just announced his retirement. So that was not shocking. But. But still, you know, great player.
- [56:13]
Andrew Erickson
That's why they got Anzalone. He's good.
- [56:15]
Dbro Derek Brown
They did.
- [56:15]
Joe P. Zapia
But just last time I checked, you
- [56:17]
Dbro Derek Brown
still need two more at least.
- [56:19]
Joe P. Zapia
Yeah, I mean, he should go in the ring of fame immediately down there. He had a great career with the Bucks. But. But you know what? You also lose a real leader there on the Buccaneers too, which is.
- [56:29]
Andrew Erickson
And I lost Mike Evans.
- [56:30]
Joe P. Zapia
I was gonna say you just lost your leader on the offensive side and the defensive side of the football in the same off season. That is rough goings here for the. I might have to really think long and hard about that division in the south of which way I want to go wagering.
- [56:42]
Dbro Derek Brown
Just bet the Saints you'll be happy.
- [56:43]
Andrew Erickson
2.
- [56:45]
Joe P. Zapia
Not crazy.
- [56:46]
Andrew Erickson
It's a contract year for Baker Mayfield.
- [56:48]
Joe P. Zapia
It is a contract year for Baker Mayfield.
- [56:49]
Andrew Erickson
So it's interesting.
- [56:50]
Joe P. Zapia
All the Robinsons things are in land.
- [56:52]
Andrew Erickson
Things go off the rails. I got 12,000 Robinson in 2027. Does he go to the Rams? Does he take over for Stafford next year? Oh, oh, I doubt it.
- [57:03]
Joe P. Zapia
I don't know.
- [57:04]
Dbro Derek Brown
I don't know.
- [57:04]
Andrew Erickson
What. I don't play for the Rams before, I think.
- [57:06]
Dbro Derek Brown
I don't know what that succession plan is going to be if that happened.
- [57:09]
Joe P. Zapia
I'm. I apologize. Did you have anything else to add about the Seahawks there? I'm sorry. I was just so.
- [57:13]
Andrew Erickson
Just I thought. I'm sorry.
- [57:17]
Dbro Derek Brown
Very good.
- [57:17]
Joe P. Zapia
No, no, I just didn't want. I want to make sure that you got it all out. I want to make sure.
- [57:20]
Andrew Erickson
Are there any more B Rob signings? Well, he's not going to sign in Seattle. I. I know I had put that into the ether. That's no longer happening, so. Disappointed by that.
- [57:27]
Joe P. Zapia
Yeah, that is. There you go. So even more for the running back position. All right, D Bro, Seahawks, what do they need here going into the draft?
- [57:36]
Dbro Derek Brown
I. I agree with Andrew about running back and right guard. I'll also throw in a defensive tackle and cornerback here. Devon Witherspoon is a free agent in 2027. Does he. Do they. I mean, they just gave the bag to Jackson Smith at Jigba. Are they going to pay Devon Witherspoon as well? We all talked about this off season. They had so much cap space, but a lot of it was fraudulent. Cap space, like all this money was already spoken for for players already on the roster. So if they don't retain Witherspoon as well as in 2027. Leonard Williams is a free agent and so is Derek Hall. So getting ahead of cheaper options by drafting guys. And the other thing we got to talk about here, guys, they don't have a lot of picks. Like they have their first, second and third round pick and that's it. Outside of a pick at 188 in the sixth round. So this is a team that's live to trade back from the first round, maybe trade back multiple times and get a lot more picks. Because I'm not saying this roster needs help. I'm not saying that at all. But they do have some. Some needs along this roster. Especially when you look at for 20, 27.
- [58:37]
Joe P. Zapia
Yeah, I like. And you also lost your offensive coordinator. There's a lot. It's a lot. You know, winning a Super bowl is tough to repeat because you always end up losing coordinators. Typically you lose players, you know, year over year, too. And then there's other players who want to get paid more. So you have holdouts. So the fact that they signed JSN and got that all kind of tied up, right. I was like, we got that done. Okay, cool. You know, that's at least one thing off the plate there. But, you know, you did lose Ken Walker, you lost a couple other players. It's going to be interesting to see how the Seattle Seahawks respond, especially because this division is so tough. I mean, it's a very talented division. I don't know anybody who picked the Seattle Seahawks to win that division last year. I want anybody. And I'm gonna be fascinated to see how many people pick them to win this year. Well, I mean, I picked them to go over their win total, which was eight and a half because I thought it was too low. That was the one thing that I. And we even said it on some of those BP shows we did together. Andrew. I was like, I think this defense is way better than an eight and a half win team. Like, I think they're over. I think they're double digit wins. How they get there? Tbd, but I think they're gonna get there. But going into this season, do you think you're gonna see a lot of people, guys picking the Seahawks to win that division and they're the reigning champs? Erickson, do you think so?
- [59:44]
Andrew Erickson
Probably not, no.
- [59:45]
Dbro Derek Brown
Right.
- [59:45]
Andrew Erickson
I think with the.
- [59:46]
Joe P. Zapia
You see a lot of Rams.
- [59:47]
Andrew Erickson
The offensive coordinator.
- [59:48]
Dbro Derek Brown
That's because of the Rams though.
- [59:50]
Joe P. Zapia
Yeah. And 49ers too. People love the 49ers.
- [59:54]
Dbro Derek Brown
That's fair. I mean, it's gonna be tough for them though.
- [59:56]
Joe P. Zapia
It's gonna be a tough sled. It's gonna be a tougher schedule this year.
- [60:00]
Dbro Derek Brown
Tougher schedule. So you're gonna see it. Does that come down to earth? But I think, I think the betting markets will probably equate some of that. I think it's really. You're gonna. They're gonna be fighting with the Rams, but I think, I don't think they're gonna be like, like just mind's eye. Like I can't see Seattle's odds going for the division above, like plus 200. I mean, do y' all think it's out there?
- [60:20]
Joe P. Zapia
No, I think it'll be tight. Yeah, I think it'll be tight, but at the same time, it'll be fascinating to see. Drop your comments, everybody. I'm curious, who is your pick for the NFC west right now? Who do you think is gonna win that division? Is it the reigning champs? Is it the Rams? Is it the 49ers? It's probably not the Cardinals just putting that out there, but we love to hear from all of you. Remember, when you drop your comments, you could want to say Quan Barkley jersey. We're giving that away soon. And subscribe to the channel, tell your friends, share everywhere and find us on social media as well. Tailgate is here for you for NFL season and way beyond. That'll do it for us. But the story of the game goes on for Andrew Ericson and Debro. We're getting kicked out of the parking lot. We gotta go, everybody. We'll see you next time on the tailgate.
- [61:05]
Podcast Host
If you're looking for more flexibility in how you pay for everyday purchases Meet Klarna Klarna lets you decide whether to pay now, pay later, or spread payments over time. All managed right in the Klarna app. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more. Terms Apply California Resident Loan made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Law License NMLS Number 1353190 Klarna Balance Account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.
- [61:35]
Bethany Frankel
This is Bethany Frankel from Just Be with Bethany Frankel. Let me be blunt. Most dog food is junk. It just is. And I'm not feeding junk to Biggie and Smalls. That is why they eat just food for dogs. It's real 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize, not mystery pellets pretending to be healthy. And once I switched, the difference was obvious. But better digestion, better skin, more energy. Dogs who actually feel good instead of just surviving dinner. Here's the thing. You care about quality. You make an intentional choice to be healthy. So why are you gambling with your dog's health? So let's think about our furry babies. Go to justfood4dogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code. Just try it. Because once you see the difference, you're not going back.
- [62:21]
Bobcat Advertiser
This episode is brought to you by Bobcat. They started the compact equipment industry through grit, determination and a whole lot of think we can't do that.
- [62:30]
Dbro Derek Brown
Watch us.
- [62:31]
Bobcat Advertiser
They set standards, broke records, empowered people to build bigger and higher, to dig deeper, to make the impossible possible. We've all been there with doubters telling us what we can't do. Who cares what they think? We don't need their permission or forgiveness. We just get things done. So go ahead and doubt me. Judge me. Challenge me. But when the time comes, watch me.
- [62:56]
Inner Balance Advertiser
Bobcat if you're feeling off fatigue, mood changes, skin shifts, yet your labs say everything's normal. You're not alone. Meet Oestra from Inner Balance, the first all in one prescription Strength Bioidentical hormone cream that's natural and effective and only takes one drop, 10 seconds a day. Oester replaces five to six products women typically use to treat symptoms and is third party tested to ensure the highest quality. Visit innerbalance.com today to start feeling like yourself again. That's innerbalance.com this is an I Heart podcast.
- [63:32]
Podcast Host
Guaranteed human.