The Big Suey: Greg Cuts Off Dianna Russini

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Greg Cuts Off Dianna Russini

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
• Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
• Guest: Diana Rossini, Greg Cody
• Episode Title: The Big Suey: Greg Cuts Off Dianna Russini
• Release Date: April 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts Dan LeBatard and Stugotz engage in a spirited discussion with guest Diana Rossini and co-host Greg Cody. The primary focus centers around the NFL Draft, specifically analyzing quarterback prospects, mock drafts, and the influence of various sports analysts. The episode blends insightful analysis with the show's characteristic humor and banter.

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NFL Draft Quarterback Analysis

The conversation delves deep into the quarterback class of the NFL Draft, highlighting key prospects and their potential trajectories.

Cam Ward: The Top Pick

Diana Rossini emphasizes Cam Ward's strong position as the likely first overall pick, noting his impressive college career at Miami. She states:

“[04:57] Diana Rossini: Yeah, I think there's an 80% chance that that happens... Cam Ward has been graded as the number one quarterback for a lot of different teams outside of Tennessee as well.”

Stugotz supports this view, adding a touch of humor:

“[06:44] Stugotz: ...But Mike Ryan's going to get emotional tonight...”

Shador Sanders: Contested Prospect

Shador Sanders is another focal point, with discussions about his draft prospects and potential fall to the second round. Greg Cody questions his likelihood of being a first-round pick, to which Diana responds:

“[13:29] Diana Rossini: Yeah, I think it's a bold statement. But, I would not be surprised if he falls to the second round...”

Rossini also touches on the influence of mock drafts, explaining why she refrains from creating her own:

“[17:09] Diana Rossini: Because I feel like if I say that this is what I believe a team is doing... I made the decision to just step out of the mock game...”

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The Role and Impact of Mock Drafts

The episode critically examines the significance of mock drafts in shaping perceptions and expectations for the NFL Draft.

Credibility of Mock Drafters

Rossini discusses the credibility of various mock drafters, highlighting Daniel Jeremiah and Todd McShay as top performers. She remarks:

“[16:26] Diana Rossini: Yeah, outside Greg probably Daniel Jeremiah. I think he's considered to be one of the best ones. Todd McShay does a really good job, too.”

Greg Cody and Stugotz engage in a playful debate about their own mock drafting accuracy, with Rossini providing professional insights.

Influence on Teams and Players

Rossini elaborates on how mock drafts influence team strategies and player reputations. She shares her experiences with sources and the challenges of accurate reporting in a high-stakes environment.

“[17:09] Diana Rossini: Because... agents lie, players lie, teams lie. Reporters are just trying to get the information...”

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Additional Player Insights

Beyond quarterbacks, the hosts and guest discuss other promising players, such as running back Ashton Genty. They debate his potential destinations and impact in the league.

“[34:57] Diana Rossini: ...he's going to wind up with the Jags... I think he's the best running back we've seen since Saquon Barkley.”

Greg Cody adds his perspective on Genty's prospects with teams like the Raiders and Dallas.

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Humor and Banter

True to the show's style, Dan LeBatard, Stugotz, and Greg Cody engage in humorous exchanges, especially towards the episode's conclusion. This includes playful insults and lighthearted teasing, exemplified by the back-and-forth towards the end of the transcript:

“[23:26] Mike Ryan: Don Libertard, you owe me everything.”

“[23:37] Diana Rossini: You have added 10 years to my career.”

“[23:40] Dan LeBatard: You're an idiot.”

“[24:05] Unknown: ...this was one of the big surprises...”

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the NFL Draft's unpredictability and the entertainment value it brings to fans and analysts alike. Diana Rossini emphasizes the importance of reliable information amidst the chaos of draft night.

“[26:46] Diana Rossini: ...it's very difficult to nail down every single pick because teams do a really good job of setting out those smokescreens.”

The hosts bid farewell with their signature camaraderie, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained.

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Notable Quotes

• Diana Rossini on Cam Ward's Draft Prospects:

  “[07:11] Mike Ryan: Two crystal ball guys.

  “[07:13] Diana Rossini: This was the same head coach who told me last year that Jaden Daniels was better than Caleb Williams...”

• Greg Cody on Mock Draft Influence:

  “[16:59] Greg Cody: I'm curious, Diana, why you don't do a mock draft?...”

• Humorous Exchange Among Hosts:

  “[23:44] Greg Cody: This man has. You haven't.”

  “[23:37] Diana Rossini: You're an idiot.”

---

Final Thoughts

The Big Suey: Greg Cuts Off Dianna Russini provides a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of the NFL Draft's quarterback landscape. Through expert insights from Diana Rossini and engaging discussions with the hosts, the episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the draft dynamics, all while maintaining the light-hearted and humorous atmosphere that The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz is known for.

Transcript

[Mike Ryan]

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[Stugatz]

No chef escapes the clock.

[Dan LeBatard]

Season premiere 24 and 24 Last Chef Standing Sunday, April 27th at 8. See you first on Food Network stream next day on Max. Welcome to the Big Sui presented by DraftKings.

[Stugatz]

Why are you listening to this show?

[Dan LeBatard]

The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan LeBatard podcast?

[Stugatz]

I'm sorry.

[Diana Rossini]

I'm not gonna apologize for that.

[Dan LeBatard]

In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging.

[Stugatz]

I have been tempted in restaurants just walking past tables to grab somebody's fries if they're just there. That hasn't happened to you guys? I've done it.

[Dan LeBatard]

And now here's the marching man to nowhere fat face and the habitual liar.

[Unknown]

This episode is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.

[Stugatz]

Diana Rossini is going to join us here in moments to talk draft. I think, and I don't. I don't want to sound too terrible about this because I don't think this is a very popular opinion, but I think we have to end bring your kids to work day, at least in part because I don't want to walk into our studio anymore and hear from the son of Carl Meadowlark's head of audio. Hey, are you paying my dad minimum wage? I just had what I believe an 11 year old or a 12 year old? 9, 10, somebody just. Yes, just. The answer is. The answer's.

[Mike Ryan]

But are you.

[Stugatz]

No, no, no.

[Dan LeBatard]

More or less.

[Stugatz]

Because we're paying. Well, it can't be less. Well, yeah, I mean, he could.

[Unknown]

He gets paid.

[Stugatz]

It can't be less, Jeremy.

[Greg Cody]

Wow.

[Stugatz]

It can be. No, no, it can't be.

[Greg Cody]

So if you ban kids from coming to work, does that mean Christopher can no longer work here?

[Stugatz]

I'm considering a whole lot of sweeping changes.

[Unknown]

I do like having the kitties here. Chris's daughter walked in with a makeup brush to, you know, help touch everyone up. And I said, you should hit Mike Ryan really hard in the face with that. And she actually did it.

[Stugatz]

Yeah, that's one of the many reasons kids shouldn't be around here. I mean work, not earth.

[Greg Cody]

Okay, well, thank you for that clarification.

[Mike Ryan]

You got buy in from Jess.

[Unknown]

I agree on something libertarian.

[Stugatz]

I think Diana might agree with me too, as somebody whose job would be made a lot of money easier if she didn't have a couple of kids throwing her cell phone in the microwave. Diana, thank you for joining us. I was made angry on behalf of Shador Sanders that the anonymous quotes have begun like they do every year on these quarterbacks. If I give you the shocking prediction of Jackson Dart goes ahead of Shador Sanders, what are the percentages of chance you think that is?

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, I think they're high. I think. I think there's an 80% chance that that happens. And comments went out there and it's part of the draft process. It happens every year. There's always a few players there that gets snagged. And, you know, I'm sure you guys have had conversations about whether or not it's fair. There's anonymous stuff flying around and, and look, I do it as well. I put out a column yesterday, basically all the intel I could possibly collect over the last three weeks as we're, you know, as of yesterday, you know, it was draft eve and most of that info still stands today. But look, sometimes you just need to sort of get through the fat of the conversation and get to what people really believe and feel about these quarterbacks. Specifically just knowing it is a weak class. Unfortunately, I believe some of this is really unfair and I think it makes it really hard for Shador here, who at one point, I can tell you, he was the number one quarterback for the New York Giants. They had him graded number one. And that changed over the last few months. Not because of the anonymous quotes, because of their own research, their own Conversations that they had internally about whether or not he's a good fit. But yeah, it is that time of year where things are flying around. The quote that I had that was my favorite was essentially about all of this as a whole, which is for fans specifically. Just when you think that your team is smart that you think that your team knows exactly what they need. You can never rule out that there are dumbass teams out there, whether you believe it or not. They're just there. And owners have a big say on tonight's decision making.

[Stugatz]

Put it on the poll. Juju. Are there dumb ass teams out there at lebaton show? I would say that we have some dumb ass around here. We are at the draft sort of tonight in Tennessee, which isn't at the draft. I've seen these crazy people in Green Bay outdoors doing shows about transactions on espn. I've seen Mike Greenberg try to order an almond milk milk latte in Green Bay and have everyone laugh at him. The thing that we're doing tonight is going to be Billy Gill and Walter Hawkins tonight at the draft in Tennessee where it'll be Cam Ward. Right. You're reporting that two through four, they've all received offers. Browns, Giants, Patriots, two through four teams are interested in moving up to a specific player. But number one's decided, correct?

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, they're not taking calls anymore. They made a decision as an organization pretty much weeks ago. But officially we'll just say this past week that they're going to go quarterback here. So Cam Ward has been graded as the number one quarterback for a lot of different teams outside of Tennessee as well. Although I will tell you, I did speak to one head coach who has Tyler Shuck out of Louisville ranked as the number one quarterback above Cam Ward. Wow.

[Mike Ryan]

Two crystal ball guys.

[Diana Rossini]

This was the same head coach who told me last year that Jaden Daniels was better than Caleb Williams, that they had him graded above. Look, I remember him telling me that last year and, and understanding why he was saying that. But if you remember the push for Caleb being number one overall, you know, it was absurd how many people were were in on that and not saying anything else, not not pointing to any other quarterback. So look to this coach's defense. He was right on that for now. But y think that's interesting that that most teams do have Cam Ward. But. But Dan, to me the story isn't one who cares. We kind of know it. It's who's to write because it's been all over the place as we're trying to figure out what the New York Giants are going to be doing. We know they're in at quarterback. What are they going to do with three? At this point, I'm sensing that they're just going best player available, which I assume it to be Abdul Carter when they're on the clock.

[Unknown]

Oh, I'm Mike Greenberg and I'm in Wisconsin around all these hillbillies. They've never heard of alternative milks before.

[Diana Rossini]

Ooh.

[Unknown]

It is known for their dairy disrespecting the local culture.

[Stugatz]

I do think that you offend Green Bay if you go cheese, that's not dairy. Put it on the pol at LeBatard show. Do you offend Green Bay if you go cheese, that's not dairy.

[Greg Cody]

So, Diana, the Giants, Cleveland Saints and Steelers are the four teams that could draft a quarterback. Is there a mystery fifth team that you think could draft a quarterback in the first round?

[Diana Rossini]

No. No, I don't. I don't believe so. And even if there was a team that, let's just say, wanted to do it, I don't think this is the class for it just because it is a weak quarterback class as a whole. And that's pretty much known.

[Greg Cody]

So where did Dart and Sanders land?

[Diana Rossini]

I think Jackson Dart, if the New York Giants are able to either move up to go get him or maybe perhaps they can just sit there in the second round and get him. I think there's enough smoke now in terms of who the Giants want as Jackson Dart being the guy. I do think Tyler Schuck is going to go in the top 40 here. I just. I'm not sure which team is going to go with him. I just have heard enough from different coaches about how NFL ready he is. Yes, he's older, so I know he's 26. Yes, I know. I can't believe we're the same age. It's wild to think that that's the situation there. That doesn't. That's not bad because I've had this convo too with a lot of different teams of, well, what is the big deal that he's 26 years old if he can play? You don't need to worry about that right now, especially if you're a team that's looking to win now. And there's coaches out there that like older quarterbacks, as we've seen over the years. So I just want to see which team it is. That's good. That's going to be in on him. The Shador Sanders, he's his prime.

[Stugatz]

As soon as his rookie contract is Over.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, possibly. But, you know, Bo Nix is pretty old and he had a good season. I think. I think we could all agree Denver probably nailed that. And, and he's gonna continue. Look, he's not 26, but look, he'll. It is funny to think like he could be the oldest quarterback in the quarterback room if he's taken and he's the rookie, depending on where he goes. But look, the overarching story over the quarterbacks, forget the rookies. It's Kirk Cousins. I'm watching that. I want to see if this happens, if they're going to trade them. Because, look, I've heard a couple different versions of, of what Atlanta wants to do here. They don't want to take on his salary, but they're willing to give a little because they know they probably got to move them. Kirk has to remember he has no trade clause. So if he, if a team is interested in trading with Atlanta, Kirk is going to want to get involved here. So I do think if something happens, it's going to be later in the weekend, but that's definitely in play here. You've got the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers and perhaps the Minnesota Vikings poking around on that. So that's something I'm going to be watching over the next few days.

[Unknown]

Diana, is. Is Aaron Rodgers going to pull the move where he steals all the headlines today?

[Diana Rossini]

It's a good question. I haven't thought about it. You're probably right. Yeah. So I can just tell you the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't heard from him, so they don't really know what he's doing. They're just hoping that Aaron take the time he needs because it's obvious that he's got some personal stuff he's got to deal with. He shared that in his interview with Pat McAfee. So I think the Steelers are willing to give him that space. So I mean, unless that personal stuff, whatever he's going through was addressed and fixed and he feels ready. But yeah, I don't see it happening. It's just, it's Aaron Rodgers and he does have a way of, of making news.

[Greg Cody]

I think the story the night could end up being Shador Sanders if he tumbles and keeps tumbling, partly because the fireworks from Deion Sanders are guaranteed. Where do you see Sanders going, Shador?

[Diana Rossini]

I don't know. I. This. I really don't know at this point because I don't see a team, I haven't spoken to a team who has Shador Sanders as their top quarterback right now headed into tonight.

[Greg Cody]

You rule them out for 15 though for Pittsburgh, if he's still there.

[Diana Rossini]

I think Pittsburgh is trying to move out, but let's say that they can't. I don't know if he's their guy. I don't, I don't feel comfortable right now saying that he's their number one quarterback on their board and that they're going to grab him at that spot. They could do it. But I think there may be other quarterbacks that Pittsburgh's interested in.

[Greg Cody]

Chances he is not a first round.

[Stugatz]

Greg, you're just mining for your own mock draft here, trying to collect information to form your own.

[Diana Rossini]

Greg does a mock draft.

[Stugatz]

He's got nine exactos year. Who's your number two pick today? Like, what do you have? One, two, three. Because it's clear that you're just totally delving into your own narcissism with your questions.

[Greg Cody]

Like, like many mock drafts. My 1, 2, 3 award hunter and Abdul Carter. My mock draft was published three days ago and I don't change it. So I am not doing this related to my mock draft. I'm doing this out of curiosity and because I respect Diana's opinion. I'm wondering what the chances you think are that Shador Sanders is going to not be a first round pick tonight.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, I think it's a bold statement. But, but I also, I would not be surprised if he falls to the second round. That. That would not surprise me.

[Stugatz]

Nate Tice said Shador is more of a day two guy. Around two at best guy.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, that's. That's fair. Look, this is one of these drafts where I feel like you say we can say two things of this and be like, yeah, that would make sense. I could see a team possibly grabbing him at the bottom of the first. I don't see him going in the top 10. No. But I could also see him fall in there. It's somewhere at the top of the second round. You know, for a team looking to add.

[Stugatz]

For sure, Ted McMillan, according to Mina Kimes. She says the Cowboys should take him if he's there at 12. But he says he doesn't watch football and doesn't like to study film.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah.

[Stugatz]

What do you do with that?

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, I mean, he's least being very honest. I don't have the Cowboys taking him there. I do believe from just having conversations that they are going to go offense, that that is the position of need for them too. Obviously, when, when you take a look at their roster. Look, I think the one part of this process that I enjoy is how Hard these teams work to uncover as much intel as possible on these guys. And I love that he's just putting it out there. Like, yeah, I don't really love football that much. Yeah, that's a red flag. That's probably not going to help your. Your stock. I don't think that that's a type of turn that certain types of coaches are going to embrace. You can go around the league and we can rip through some if you want of teams that are in on wide receiver and that's probably not going to match up very well. What do you make of it?

[Stugatz]

I'm looking up as you talk that Greg Cody has Shador Sanders going nine to the Saints and that doesn't feel like an exacto to me.

[Greg Cody]

Like, yeah, that pick is not aging well. Like I say, I once I make my mock draft and I don't do nine mock drafts like Kuiper and some of these guys throwing darts at the board for months so that you can say you were right even though in your latest mock draft it did.

[Unknown]

He has dart at 21, by the way.

[Diana Rossini]

Dart at 21. I don't. I like that. I think that that's fair. I think your Saints predictions bad.

[Greg Cody]

Ye.

[Diana Rossini]

Um, I. The Saints aren't going quarterback.

[Greg Cody]

I'm not defending it.

[Stugatz]

Why don't you.

[Diana Rossini]

Oh, yeah, yeah. No, I didn't mean. I actually break your. I appreciate that you mocked. So, Greg, just so you know, coaches and GMs, even owners, they read all the mocks. I haven't asked them if it was like when I. When they tell me they read the mocks. I always just assumed it's the McShay is. It's the Kuipers is the Field Yates, Daniel Jeremiah. But I'm realizing that they may not know of your. So I'm just going to probably circle back with a few of them.

[Stugatz]

Who's the most respected mock though? Like if by consensus, if you had to vote, who's the king of the mockoffs?

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, outside Greg probably Daniel Jeremiah. I think he's considered to be one of the. The. The best ones. Todd McShay does a really good job, too. I did speak to a team who tracks the accuracy of the mockers.

[Stugatz]

Greg got nine exactos last year. He beat Mel Kuyper nine right pick.

[Greg Cody]

To right to right.

[Diana Rossini]

So you guys track too?

[Greg Cody]

Yeah, well, he does. Well, I do. For me, he does.

[Stugatz]

Just for him. Yeah, he is pretty consistently maximum me.

[Greg Cody]

I'm curious, Diana, why you don't do a mock draft? Because everybody and his brother and sister do. And you know more than 99% of people out there. Why don't you do a mock draft?

[Diana Rossini]

Because I feel like if I say that this is what I believe a team is doing, the lunatics out there that don't understand that I'm just collecting information and making that prediction. They can't separate prediction with when I'm reporting truth. And I don't want to deal with that hassle because I deal with it every day. There is an audience out there of sports consumers who don't understand that agents lie, players lie, teams lie. Reporters are just trying to get the information, and they're trying to be accurate about it. And I. It's just. It's such a hard place to navigate. So I made the decision to just step out of the mock game and just try to provide as much intel and allow you guys, and you, specifically Greg, to take that information and form your own thoughts and opinions and guesses on what these teams should do.

[Unknown]

Diana, I'm wondering if you could gather intel for us and reach out to some of your sources in the NFL and see how many of them have read Greg's mock draft and see what his influence really is. Like, it seems like information that you'd probably be able.

[Stugatz]

Peter Schrager had more exactos than anyone last year. He had 12 exactos. He was the winner.

[Greg Cody]

Wow.

[Diana Rossini]

Oh, that's great. Good for Peter.

[Greg Cody]

Field Yates is really good, too.

[Diana Rossini]

I think Peter will tell you how good his was, because he'll tell you so he spoke to, too.

[Greg Cody]

No, I will.

[Diana Rossini]

Peter will celebrate like Greg.

[Greg Cody]

I will celebrate if I have a good mock drag. If I have a terrible mock draft, it'll be a little quiet.

[Stugatz]

Quietly slink off with no mention of it.

[Diana Rossini]

Look, I think that's kind of what's fun about this time of year, because first of all, all the head coaches and general managers right now are so thirsty for information. So this is like the one time of year where they call me more than I have to call them. And then you have to weigh. And you guys will appreciate this. Like, you'll be on the phone with a coach. Let's just say that's picky at the bottom of the first round. And a GM from the top five will give you a call, and you're trying to wrap that and be respectful to the fact that this person is taking time to talk to you about what their team is doing. But I don't really care what you're doing at 26. I need to know what you're doing at 3, you know, so you have to do this, like, polite of like, hey, I gotta go. Someone important and picking higher than you is calling that. This is the time where everyone is just. They love to talk. And especially today on actual draft night, they're all really bored right now. So the phones and the texts are all flying around because everyone's just got the nervous energy headed into tonight, but they've all made their decisions on what they're doing. They know the boards are set. So this is kind of the time of year I probably like the best. And also I think there is a little bit of understanding that it's very, very difficult to nail down every single pick because teams do do a really good job of setting out those smokescreens.

[Mike Ryan]

Hey, you in the audience, it's Mike. You've been a fan of this show, hopefully for a long time, and you know how much Miller Lite means to me. This partnership, it's real. It's documented. For almost 20 years, Miller Lite has been a partner of the Dan Lebatard show with Stugatz. And now Miller Lite is celebrating its 50th anniversary. I've had so many great moments with Miller Lite, so many great activations, so many great events presented by Miller Lite. A great partner. Cheers to them. Cheers to 50 incredible years. And for you at home, you know that Miller Time always means a good time. From game night to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Light, the great tasting light beer. For people who Love beer since 1975, now's a perfect time to celebrate legendary stories with friends, family, and a great tasting light beer. It's Miller Time. Miller Lite. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you, or you can pick up some Miller Light pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Unknown]

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[Dan LeBatard]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text hopeny467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. 21 and over. Agent eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in on only bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co Audio.

[Mike Ryan]

Don Libertard, you owe me everything.

[Stugatz]

You owe me everything.

[Greg Cody]

You have added 10 years to my career.

[Diana Rossini]

Yes, I have.

[Greg Cody]

This man has. You haven't.

[Diana Rossini]

That man.

[Stugatz]

Who the hell are you Stugats?

[Diana Rossini]

I am.

[Stugatz]

Who the hell should be hanking you?

[Greg Cody]

Bullshit. You're a rude young man.

[Stugatz]

You're a fool.

[Diana Rossini]

You're a fool.

[Greg Cody]

I already called you a fool.

[Diana Rossini]

Right?

[Greg Cody]

You can't call me.

[Dan LeBatard]

You're an idiot.

[Stugatz]

Again, it's a fool. You're an idiot.

[Mike Ryan]

For Dismissing how much I've helped you.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[Unknown]

Last year, one of the big surprises was Michael Penix. I think that was like, sort of the story that resonated past the first round. I'm like, wow, what are the Falcons doing that was so unexpected? Do you have any, like, like, unexpected things that you think could happen or predictions of something that could be a little crazy tonight?

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, no, it's a good question because it's, it is weird. This, this feels like a weird draft. And I, and I say that because you're right. Like, there's not that, that one coach said there's no Robert De Niro's. He told me. He's like, there's no Robert De Niro's in this.

[Unknown]

There's no Chalamet. I think could probably.

[Stugatz]

Such an old coach, such an old coach that gave you that.

[Diana Rossini]

I'm so glad you said this because I, I, I was on with Maggie Gray this morning, and she was like, hey, I don't want to do the source off thing, but I'm just, just, I'm so interested in who's told you that her guest was Nick Sirianni because, and I loved her, her mind set on it. She's like, I can see him and Big Dom and they're talking Goodfellas and like, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's definitely a, a Robert De Niro MIA class.

[Greg Cody]

Wow. I'm going older coach. It's got to be like, Sean Payton or, you know, Pete Carroll, somebody who, like. Because Robert De Niro hadn't been the thing in Hollywood for 30 years.

[Diana Rossini]

It's a, it's a great observation by you because I thought the same thing when I wrote it down. And when the coach was saying it over the phone, I'm like, Robert, I almost was like, wait, what do you mean? Like, you know, like, are we talking politics here? You know, like, what do you, where are we going with this? So, yeah, we need to probably get a little bit of an update to some of these coaches and GMs on maybe the latest Oscar winners. That's what they should be doing so they can make these comparisons better. So, yeah, I'm not expecting some wild thing in comparison to what Michael Penix to me is it'll go down for me as one of my more memorable drafts. I think it was that big of a story. I am interested in the Jaguars. They are a team I just keep hearing are going to be electric is what someone there told me. So I Don't know. I can't define electric to you right now.

[Stugatz]

Put it on the poll. Have the Jags ever been electric at LeBatard show?

[Unknown]

Diana, are there any Adrian Brodies in this draft? And by that I mean guy who's just gonna get up there and piss us off.

[Diana Rossini]

Maybe. Maybe I could see that happening just to keep it interesting. Look, this is one of these nights where as much homework as we're doing, as much and as prepared as teams can be, there's always something bizarre. Remember the COVID draft? Remember how weird that was?

[Mike Ryan]

It was great.

[Greg Cody]

Yeah.

[Diana Rossini]

Trey Wingo, you like that?

[Mike Ryan]

Trey Wingo did one of the best hosting jobs I've ever seen. It was actually refreshing how good a piece of content that was during that time that was hard to pull off.

[Unknown]

It was like, very depressing. That's all I remember.

That was Goodell in his basement in that chair, right?

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And then they brought the chair to the draft the next day.

[Mike Ryan]

I thought it was a nice little depression departure from that. Like, it wasn't trying to remind you too much. Even though the. The situation. I thought it was like, masterful television.

[Diana Rossini]

Diana going through test runs on it. Like, they were nervous. Like, they did rehearsals. Like, can't. Can we nail Zoom? Remember that was like, such a concern. Like, can we get the fans on.

[Stugatz]

Zoom was the thing I remember as terribly sad.

[Mike Ryan]

Taking a screens of.

[Stugatz]

Yes.

[Unknown]

Vrabel, Belichick's dog.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, Belichick song. That was a very memorable one.

[Greg Cody]

What a time.

[Unknown]

Diana, you mentioned on Scoop City last week about owners kind of making a mess of things on draft night, kind of taking control and meddling. Do you have, like, a great example of that?

[Diana Rossini]

I mean, I've been curious about that Atlanta situation last year. That seemed pretty bizarre, don't you think? They pay Kirk Cousins all this money and then they make this random decision to just pick a quarterback. I. That. That felt weird to me. That doesn't seem like a Raheem Morris type of move.

[Stugatz]

Who's the. Who's the owner most. I mean, Jerry Jones most would suspect, but who's the owner most likely to interfer tonight and just topple all of.

[Diana Rossini]

His people going through. Gosh, I miss Dan Snider for this. That was. That was it. That's a layup answer. You know, just going through this with the head coach recently because I had a broader conversation of how many owners you think are involved in the pit. Directly involved. And this coach said 13 of 14. We actually went through every team in football and that. That was the number he came to because I would just name the team. He'd say, yep, yep, Nope, nope. So, third, so if I say 13 of 14 owners are involved in, tonight's your reaction to that? Is what?

[Unknown]

It's a lot.

[Stugatz]

What about the one that's sitting it out? What's his problem? His or her problem?

[Unknown]

Deadbeat owner.

[Greg Cody]

Seriously, if I own a team, I want my hands on it.

[Stugatz]

I would think that all of them treat it as a toy. And all of them love the idea of, of, you know, overseeing a war room, of, of generals and soldiers.

[Diana Rossini]

Well, you. You have the. It's, it's. There's like layers of it or like levels of ownership prying, right? You've got the owner that will just sit there and you can read his body language. You know, you. You know what your boss wants, right? You can tell just based on how they're reacting to things. You have those types, then you have the, you know, this is what I think we need to do. This is what I suggest or I'm hearing all of you. I appreciate all the information you've collected, recommendations. I think we need to do this to me. I want to know if there could be a camera filming all of it tonight. I would love to see. I hate to put it back on them because they just exposed themselves last year. I would love the New York Giant, Giants. I want to see. With John Maris going, are you guys making a decision to throw a Hail Mary to save yourselves, or are you actually doing what's good for the future of the New York Giants?

[Stugatz]

My vote would have been Woody Johnson's kids would have been my vote.

[Greg Cody]

So, Diana, I want to start at the top of this draft because we all know Cam Ward's going first, but we don't know beyond that. And what I mean is, great college career, set records in one year in Miami, but luckiest man on earth tonight because one year ago, he might have been the fourth or fifth best quarterback, so he's going to reap the reward.

[Stugatz]

But Mike Ryan's going to get emotional tonight. Mike Ryan. Mike Ryan. Do you even remember seeing a University of Miami player with the number one pick?

[Mike Ryan]

No. Russell. Maryland went in my lifetime, but I don't have any memory yet. I think I'm going to get a little emotional. I got to do the montage. I'm going to remember the moments. And it's. It's not often that you see something that you've never seen before. And I've never seen a Miami guy, which is a pretty prestigious Program go number one, especially not a quarterback. It's going to be pretty cool.

[Greg Cody]

It's a big deal. But my question for Dallas, Diana, is how good is Cam Ward really? What do you see? The ceiling and floor on his career.

[Stugatz]

She's very busy multitasking. She's very busy gathering information and giving information.

[Mike Ryan]

Are you fighting with George Kittle?

[Greg Cody]

The Giants just traded out of the first round.

[Mike Ryan]

I got you there, Diana. I used to be a George Kittle guy until I saw him go at you. And now I'm very confused.

[Diana Rossini]

Thank you. Mike Ryan. Yes. I reported yesterday that George Kittle wants to be the highest paid tight end in football, which I think that's fair. I think I get it. I think we all get that, right?

[Greg Cody]

I understand Diana. How good is that?

[Stugatz]

She's talking. You were being talked to privately there, Greg. She was. And Mike Ryan wasn't talking on air.

[Mike Ryan]

All that happened was you cut her off.

[Stugatz]

That's all that happened. In the middle of the answer, you're confused by the show that we're doing.

[Diana Rossini]

Wait, so Mike, would you like.

[Mike Ryan]

I would love to hear your answer. I'm sorry, Greg.

[Stugatz]

We all would, actually. Except for Greg.

[Diana Rossini]

Okay, so, you know, Arizona paid Trey McBride recently. We'll just say roughly 19 million a year just a couple weeks ago. So. So you're George Kittle, your contracts up, you know, you want a new deal, you're going, hey, I should probably be paid more than Trey McBride. So OTA started and it's important to note that George usually doesn't attend OTAs, but from the teens perspective, from what I can gather, they. They didn't know what he was going to do. And when he didn't show up, they realized that that has to do with the negotiations, that has to do with the contract. So. So when Kittle respond, which, by the way, I love George Kittle, we get along great. I've covered him for years. Where we get, you know, we have a good reporter player relationship. When he tweeted at me that my sources were wrong, I'm like, oh, boy, here we go. Because I think sometimes what happens in these negotiations, once you publicly say you want to be the highest paid, or at least it's reported that, that that's what you're looking for. And that was. That conversation was already had with the team. And then you don't get. It's kind of hard to recover from that. So I think. I think players, they don't like to have that out there because then if they cave, they don't want to cave publicly. They kind of want to just cave privately. I remember a few years ago when I reported Aaron Rodgers wanted to make 50 million a year. And he went on Pat McAfee and he's like, this girl doesn't know what she's talking about. That is not true. This is all lies. Journalists are terrible. She's dumb, Whatever he said, guess who signed for $50 million two weeks later, right? So some of it, it's just not a good locker room.

[Stugatz]

Look, how often do you get shaky on that stuff, Diana? Because I've seen your confidence grow over the years. I would imagine credibility stuff is wildly important to you. When did you get confident enough that a firm loud, angry denial in public didn't shake you on your information?

[Diana Rossini]

Cuz it doesn't matter if it's someone loud or someone quiet, you know, saying I'm wrong to me, I've consistently proven that, that my information is right. And it always goes back to where you're getting your information from. The firmer you can be. I have. Fine. I have found over the years the stronger the sources. Right. Like if I was getting it from an agent who's have, you know, they're known to lie or you know, a friend like, you know, those that I'm not going hard with that. As you build your network of people over the years and you know, the reliable ones you can hammer hard. And that's why I'm able to go and say, hey, Aaron, no, no, that's what you want. And that's what he got. Because that's the truth. Right. George Kittle wants to be the highest paid tight end. I'm not saying it. And going against him even after he tweeted me if I didn't have this. Very, very, you know, very well informed people, but it does stink because I do think fans, I think fans want to believe the players all the time and it's, I get it. So it's okay. Like I'm not trying to cause the drama. It's just the truth is.

[Stugatz]

The truth is Ashton Genty the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. And where do you and Greg Cody have him going?

[Diana Rossini]

Ooh, for right now, I, I think he's going to wind up with the Jags and I, I do think he's the best running back we've seen since Saquon Barkley. I don't think he is Saquon Barkley. I don't think he's better than Saquon Barkley. I think he's the best Running back in this class for sure. I did have a talent evaluator. Share with me that you just have to always keep in mind the weaknesses of these classes. Right. So sometimes these players are going higher than they would in any other class. As we've been talking, I feel like pretty much this whole conversation of this just is not sure. Strong, talented, class. So I think Genty is a team to keep an eye on. I think the Raiders are a team to keep an eye on for him.

[Stugatz]

That's what Cody has. Cody has him going number six to the Raiders.

[Greg Cody]

Yeah. I also think if he falls to 12, I think Dallas would love him.

[Diana Rossini]

I like the Raiders prediction there. If the Raiders don't go running back, I could see them going offensive line. I know they've had some pretty serious conversations there about what they want to do, and there's been a lot of back and forth on if they're going to go running back or o line. So I think if Genti's there, the chances of them probably going with him are probably pretty good. I did. I did have a team text me this morning, and I thought it was a joke at first, but they asked me, have you heard if the Giants were taking Genti at three?

[Greg Cody]

Wow.

[Diana Rossini]

I just. That's not happening. That I just. Just the fact that someone even questioned, like, asked about it, I thought was. Was bizarre.

[Unknown]

Why would the Panthers text you that?

[Stugatz]

I've got a couple of questions here before we get you out. Did you see the Movie Draft Day 2014? Kevin Costner was truly terrible. Mike Ryan loved it. Did you see the movie Draft Day?

[Diana Rossini]

I have not.

[Stugatz]

Okay. So I will now quiz Zaslow and Mike Ryan, who have seen the movie Draft Day, to see how good their memory is from 10 years ago. Yes or no, gentlemen? Mel Kuyper was in that movie. Yes or no? Yes. Bill Belichick, yes or no? No.

[Mike Ryan]

No.

[Stugatz]

Mike Florio, yes or no? No.

[Dan LeBatard]

No.

[Stugatz]

He is in the movie.

[Unknown]

Taking that ass, by the way.

[Stugatz]

Jerry Jones, yes or no?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Stugatz]

He is not in the movie. Jon Gruden, yes or no?

[Mike Ryan]

No.

[Stugatz]

He is in the movie. Roger Goodell, yes or no?

[Mike Ryan]

Yes.

[Stugatz]

Deion Sanders, yes or no?

[Mike Ryan]

No.

[Unknown]

Yeah, I know.

[Stugatz]

He is in the movie.

[Unknown]

I wasn't sure.

[Greg Cody]

Did you guys watch the movie?

[Unknown]

I wasn't sure.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Stugatz]

Did he?

[Mike Ryan]

Fifteen years ago?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Stugatz]

Was Diddy in the movie?

[Mike Ryan]

No.

[Stugatz]

Did he?

[Greg Cody]

Did he or didn't he?

[Mike Ryan]

He was not.

[Stugatz]

Did he?

[Unknown]

He's the agent of the quarterback.

[Dan LeBatard]

He did.

[Stugatz]

He was in the movie.

[Mike Ryan]

That's regrettable.

[Stugatz]

I have not seen Diana, your mother's character, in a while around here. I. Your mother was hassling you a lot when you would impersonate her about being single and dating. Has she stopped all of that now that you are a happily married mother with children? I. I have not. I have not seen your. Or heard from your mother in a while or the impersonation of your mother.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, I. I actually did it recently because they. They. They took a trip to Florida. My parents don't like to leave their house ever, unless it's to help me out with the kids and my siblings with their kids. They just. They're just homebodies, but yet they wonder why they're depressed and are cold all the time because it's freezing in New Jersey and the winter's been long. But they finally were able to get to Florida, and I thought it would be nice to upgrade my mom and dad as, like, just like a gift. They've never flown first class. They're 70 years old. And just the text my mom was sending from when she got on the plane just, I. You just can't make this up. I mean, she's like, you know, going through it all because, again, the experience is very different if you've never done it. It is. Is. It's. It's a wonderful experience if you don't know. So she's like, diana, they're giving me champagne. I think they think I'm the queen. They gave me a blanket. Your father gave me his, too. It's cold. But this is really wonderful, just the whole thing. And by the way, she got to Florida and all they did was complain about Florida the whole time anyway, so she's the same. So the latest, biggest issue she has with me, Dan, is I'm not doing a good enough job mothering because of the draft. So she's been at the house a lot, and she sees me on the phone. And so, you know, just. The Italian Catholic guilt is on full throttle right now that I'm messing Mikey and Joey up. Because when I'm on this, when I'm pushing the swing, I have the phone in my left hand. I'm usually on speakerphone or I'm texting. And she thinks that that's going to affect them later in life because they're always going to remember I only had one hand on the swing instead of two, like all the other mothers I went to school with.

[Unknown]

Diana, is your mother.

[Stugatz]

Marisa Tomei sounds a lot like her. Can you give us the impersonation of hearing her while you're doing your job. Can we hear what your soundtrack is? You're swinging the swing set. You're clearly talking to Doug Peterson, and you are not mothering the way you should.

[Diana Rossini]

I hope I'm not talking to. I would love to talk to Doug Peterson, but Doug's not going to help me right now.

[Stugatz]

All right, you're talking to Ken Wise. Hut.

[Diana Rossini]

So this is. She's queen of this. She unders. There's, like, a very universal language in my house that the phone's on my ear. It's probably business. Like, I'm not just on the phone with. With Cassidy Hubbard. Right? Like, we're busy. So she'll go, diana, the boys are hungry. Does Joey want a hot dog? Oh, yeah. You're on the phone. Who are you on the phone with? Who you talk. Are you done? Do you want me to do the hot dog? Mom, Just give me. Breaking news. Breaking news. What happened? What happened? Should I tell your father? Are you on the fan? Are you on the fan right now? Did Mike Greenberg call you yet? Are you ever gonna go back to espn? People think it's so weird you're a writer now. All those years on tv. All those years, and now you write. Who reads that? Why did he take a job at the Atlantic? Mom, I work at the Athletic. What? You're on YouTube. Daddy. Daddy says you're doing a live show on the draft. Rick. Is it Channel 7?

[Greg Cody]

You know those.

[Diana Rossini]

Those girls on Eyewitness News? They look good. They're mothers. They look good, though.

[Stugatz]

It's nice seeing you, Diana. It's a crazy day for you. Is this the craziest day? Like in number one, Diana Rossini. Crazy day in football is blank.

[Diana Rossini]

Free agency. This is fun. This is great. You can't do anything here. We're just collecting information, talking about it, gossiping all day. Free agency is way harder and crazier.

[Stugatz]

Nice to see you, as always. Enjoy the day.

[Unknown]

I like your shirt.

[Greg Cody]

Thanks.

[Diana Rossini]

I love you guys. I missed you. Bye.

[Stugatz]

You're talking to me, right? Jess?

[Diana Rossini]

Yes.

[Mike Ryan]

Hey, you in the audience, it's Mike. You've been a fan of this show, hopefully for a long time. And you know how much Miller Lite means to me. This partnership, it's real. It's documented. For almost 20 years, Miller Lite has been a partner of the Dan LeBatard show with Stugatz. And now Miller Lite is celebrating its 50th anniversary. I've had so many great moments with Miller Lite. So many great activations, so many great events presented by Miller Lite, a great partner. Cheers to them. Cheers to 50 incredible years. And for you at home, you know that Miller Time always means a good time. From game night to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Light, the great tasting light beer. For people who Love beer since 1975, now's a perfect time to celebrate legendary stories with friends, family and a great tasting light beer. It's Miller Time. Miller Light great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near us. You or you can pick up some Miller Light pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Unknown]

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