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Dan LeBatard
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Stugotz
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Greg Cody
Why are you listening to this show?
Billy Corben
The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan LeBatard podcast?
Greg Cody
I'm sorry, I'm not going to apologize for that.
Stugotz
In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging.
Greg Cody
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.
Stugotz
And now here's the marching man to.
Billy Corben
Nowhere, Fat Face and the Habitual Liar.
Stugotz
This episode of the Dan Lebatard show is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.
Greg Cody
I've got some Inter Miami questions for you guys. I have been fascinated by Messi's bodyguard who runs up and down the sidelines and no longer is allowed to run up and down the sidelines. And he says it's crazier. In all his years in the Premier League, there were like six people who ran on the field, and now there have been 20 in a few months here because of the general incentive insanity around Messi. Just out of curiosity, we can say flatly, right, that Luis Suarez is the second most famous athlete in Miami. Correct.
David Samson
Internationally, yeah, Globally.
Mike Ryan
Globally. It's not even close. It's not even remotely close. When you put together social media numbers, roar, reach marketing dollars, even money earned. Luis Suarez is the second most famous athlete.
Dan LeBatard
Jonah Bride.
Mike Ryan
I don't even know who that is. It's a Marlin player.
Stugotz
He's batting like.088.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. And I would even lump. I would lump LeBron and Dwyane Wade in this mix.
Greg Cody
It's early.
Mike Ryan
I think you make an argument that Luis Suarez is the second most globally famous athlete to play in South Florida, period, behind Messi. I think globally, Luis Suarez might be more famous than LeBron James.
Billy Corben
I assume you were asking about in Miami, though.
Greg Cody
I'm saying that he works and plays in Miami and is the most South Second most famous athlete on Earth to be playing in Miami, right?
Billy Corben
Not in Miami.
David Samson
No, not in Miami for sure. He's. For one thing, he's absolutely swallowed. Everybody is swallowed by the shadow of Messi. All right, if you're playing for Inter Miami, I don't care who you are. And now they're talking about getting the Belgian midfielder from Man United.
Mike Ryan
Man City. Kevin LeBron or Man City LeBron is the second most famous. I just did a.
Dane Brugler
All time.
Mike Ryan
All time. Yeah. But right now, actively, it's not even remotely close.
Dan LeBatard
It's a confusing question because I know what David is saying and I know what you guys are saying. You guys are saying the most famous player playing in Miami and you're talking worldwide, where he's making a distinction of. He might be the second most famous worldwide, but he's not the second most famous in Miami at this time.
Greg Cody
Not even certain he's in the top five.
Billy Corben
I mean, Manu, unrecognizable in the park.
Greg Cody
Okay? But when I ask people who want fame, which fame would you rather have? Fame that's just in Miami or international fame? I'm talking about global fame. I'm talking about somebody who is. I guess he's 39 years old. I thought he was spent the first year I saw watched him. He looked like a square block that was moving very slowly. And yet him and Messi are so much better than everyone that they're playing against. That inter Miami is the thing that it is because these two human beings are on this team even at an advanced age. I understand that Ovechkin is now doing. I understand that aging has now changed in sports and science has changed in sports, but I thought not unlike Russell Westbrook, I thought the best of Luis Suarez was well behind us. I didn't think that he would be giving us good soccer approaching 40.
Mike Ryan
Well, you're right. The best of him is well behind us. However, form his temporary class is permanent and he can do things even though he certainly can't run the way that he used to. I don't even know if he has cartilage in his knees, his knee situation. He could have medically retired years ago, but there is a certain class that he brings to the game, a vision, a chemistry that he has, particularly with Messi from all their years playing together. And just instinctually, he knows how to be in the right places. You don't need to be fleet of foot to have your positioning be all world. He's just. He was arguably the greatest striker of his generation. And there are certain aspects that you don't need to rely on your physical traits to still be that good at. And he's been an incredible signing. This was a signing that was not without some controversy. Why are we bringing a wash Luis Suarez here? Don't you want to put someone younger near Messi? Why are you just doing this to appease Messi? Well, it's worked out with Luis Suarez.
Greg Cody
No doubt second most famous biter in the history of sports.
Mike Ryan
I mean, he's got multiple offenses behind Tyson, who spat off a chunk of an ear. I would put Luis Suarez there because he's got multiple incidents.
Dan LeBatard
Did Marv Albert bite someone?
Mike Ryan
He did, but not in a World Cup.
Billy Corben
I was in a hotel room.
Dan LeBatard
Well, I mean, sports. You didn't say on the field of play.
Greg Cody
Jessica, did you make a face because you know the story or don't know the story of Marv Albert?
Stugotz
I'm vaguely aware of the story.
Roy Bellamy
Do you want to tell the story?
Greg Cody
I don't think you Want to know the story? I think no.
Stugotz
Billy, do you know the story?
Dane Brugler
I got to be honest with you.
Dan LeBatard
I don't know the story. I just know he bit someone.
Greg Cody
There is a. Yeah. There is a sexual assault allegation that involves him and scandal. And before you could, you know, you could lose everything for this kind of scandal, allegedly. And also involved, you know, sex shaming. Beyond that, with clothes that he was.
Billy Corben
Wearing, a little cross dressing.
Greg Cody
Yeah. The thing that I wanted to ask you guys about before we update, some NFL draft stuff that I know that Stugat and Billy, it's my time of year. Dana are excited about because it is spoiler Wednesday. I have not gotten yet to the last two episodes of White Lotus, and I've imagined I've managed to avoid some of the dangers. I have not yet had it spoiled for me. I just want to play some sound, though, from Mike White on. I think this is the official White Lotus podcast. Mike White has one of the rare shows, and it's kind of amazing that Max continues to be able to do this on Sunday nights that 6 million people will gather to watch at the appointed time because they immediately want to talk about it. And some people have evidently are disappointed by whatever it is that the ending is. And Mike White doesn't seem to care that they're disappointed because the creator of the White Lotus says the following of people who are correctly pointing out, my God, enough with the slow filler of all of these shots. And he is. All these shots of water and. And beautiful shots, but enough with filler. Your show could have been, you know, could have cut 20 minutes of fat out of every episode. And he's an artist, and he's saying, no, you can't cut 20 minutes of fat out of. I'm going for a pace.
Stugotz
There was complaining about how there's no plot. And that part I find weird because the. It never had a. Like, it's never. It's like part of me is just like, bro, this is the vibe. Like, I'm world building. You know, I mean, it's just like, you know, like, you know, if you don't want to go to bed with me, get out of my bed. Like, you know what I mean? I'm edging you. You know, it's like, enjoy the edging. Like, you don't want to be edged. Get out of my bed. Do you mean it's just like, don't be a bossy bottom or get the out of my bed. Like, don't come home with me. Don't get naked in my bed. Get the out of my bed.
Mike Ryan
All right.
Dane Brugler
I love being edged by you.
Stugotz
Obviously, something's gonna happen. I'm not gonna just like, yeah, we're.
Roy Bellamy
Not gonna leave you here. I'm not gonna leave you here with nothing.
Greg Cody
It's an interesting way to approach criticism.
Billy Corben
So that sounded like a survivor confessional to me. He was trying to move the story along, which is what you do as a confessional. My problem with what he said is he fought with so many people on set. His. The person he worked with forever disappeared. And Mike White has gone big ego now, and he's been very popular and gotten a lot done and a lot made, but it seems like he's getting a little big for his britches now, and I think it's going to cost him.
Mike Ryan
Are you citing the. The story from his composer on the theme that everybody loved? The composer did put the. The famous part that everybody identifies with the part in the theme. Everybody was upset that it wasn't in the theme. And it was a Mike White decision, and it led the composer to say, I'm just not working with this guy anymore.
Stugotz
I've never heard it. I skipped the theme every time. You guys don't skip that intro.
Mike Ryan
No, not anymore. I was looking forward to it because.
Stugotz
Skip intro. If I have the option to skip your intro, I'm skipping it.
Mike Ryan
Oh, yeah. But if it's a good song, I.
Stugotz
Don'T need it every time. I'll listen to, like, first episode of the series.
Mike Ryan
Right.
Stugotz
I'll drink it.
Mike Ryan
Did you do that for this season?
Dane Brugler
I think so.
Mike Ryan
Because you were like, well, the last time they did one of these seasons, it banged.
Stugotz
I do know what you're talking about.
Billy Corben
Yeah.
Greg Cody
Put it on the poll at Lebatard show. Are you a skip intro person? Yes or no, David, saying that this is going to cost Mike White? I don't know. He's got a wildly popular television show and too big for his britches. You don't think that most directors with wild, wildly successful things are too big for their britches?
Billy Corben
There's a lot of, what have you done for me lately? And so they gave them increased budget. You can obviously tell from all those fat art shots. They went to the Thailand hotel for multiple months, six, seven months filming. And there's been reports that all the actors got paid the same, you know, not a lot of money. 40 grand per episode, about 320 grand for their time, plus the free vacation, all expenses paid. And then they'll get budget and they'll get renewed for season Four. But eventually that wears thin. And what happens is studio execs just decide, all right, that was a good run, but that's it.
Greg Cody
But it's bigger than it's ever been. Six million people gathered around on a Sunday night is not something the average on Behind a Paywall is not something that the average show is doing these days. There aren't a lot like this, like that. You're totally.
Mike Ryan
He's made forever. Made forever.
Billy Corben
Nobody's made forever.
Mike Ryan
Ryan Murphy's found a way to be made forever.
Greg Cody
Forever. I mean, come on, David.
Billy Corben
Mike White is not the goat.
Mike Ryan
I mean, when it comes to Mac shows that resonate, Mike White is absolutely considered a tastemaker. And people will keep going to him thinking that he's going to replicate the formula. There's actually something. I know we're on this White Lotus thing, but did you see what China announced, what's being reported? That with the whole tariff situation, they are no longer going to open their box office to American made films. That is going to positively crush Hollywood.
Billy Corben
They're threatening that. And that's a. So are you saying they enacted it already?
Mike Ryan
They are still threatening. I think we're still in the very threatening phase and reciprocal tariff phase. But as part of the threats right now they're saying we're just going to close off this huge market to Hollywood. And I don't think this might be on. Might be beyond the scope of Mel Gibson and his ability to, to broker peace.
Billy Corben
The problem there, Mike, just quickly, is that he's appealing China. There is going after an industry that Trump doesn't actually care about. So it's not going to have any impact.
Mike Ryan
He did put Mel Gibson in charge of it. All right, so there's, there's someone staffed against this.
Greg Cody
You say this is going to absolutely crush Hollywood. And I would say that we're already having just returned from there and seeing that the only billboards anywhere in town are all Netflix. Like everything there is Netflix. I don't know what it is that China will do to Netflix, but Netflix doesn't really need the theater. Like this will just make it go faster. But we're already there. Like when, when you drive through that city, you realize that there's one thing spending money in that city to advertise all of its stuff, and it's Netflix. It's on every billboard and it' a lot of other stuff that's not Netflix. So all of this has largely already changed. I just can't possibly predict. And neither can our economists and neither can our president. And neither can anybody what the actual damage is going to be of what is presently happening to the economy. But Stu got just informed me with great delight that the NASDAQ is up today to 45. I mean just while I check back at the end while I was talking Stu guys whispered his into my ear that the NASDAQ is up.
Billy Corben
Are you day trading Stugarts?
Greg Cody
Perhaps.
Billy Corben
Perhaps a fool and his money will soon be parted.
Greg Cody
I want to get great buying opportunity.
Dane Brugler
David.
Greg Cody
I don't care what you say it is.
Mike Ryan
I will say the bond market is looking pretty dangerous and there's a lot of people turning to the bond market for something a little bit more conservative given the instability of the stock market which is a speculative market anyways. So you're going to have people writing vibes like yesterday there were a lot of people peacocking when the Dow was up and then by the end of the day in closing bell it was down. The bond market is particularly concerning right.
Greg Cody
Now before we get to a new draft expert that Billy and Stugac are excited about just because it allows us to talk about the NFL draft before David leaves and I urge you to listen to Nothing Personal which is doing spectacularly for the Le Batard and Friends network. There was a horribly sad story in baseball yesterday and I don't know how many people are talking about it because Octavio Dotel was a reliever from a long time ago. But David, this one hurts you.
Billy Corben
Yeah, not that long ago. He's only 51 years old. And if you listen to today's nothing Personal you'll hear quite a bit about this. But what I didn't have time to mention on the show that I'd like to just talk about now is how we all react to what took place and how to us we're here in the United States and it starts as a headline, maybe number one headline and within three hours it's below who's being drafted or what the rumor is. The reality is that 79 people are dead in the Dominican because of a roof collapse. That is not dissimilar to what happened in Surfside except it happens all the time in the Dominican because the way that construction is done and I am as guilty as anyone, we go to the Dominican and we cut corners, we figure out how, how to schmice permit people and how to get things done because we're trying to just get players and then we do press conferences saying hey, look at our great new brand spanking new academy. Every team does it. But yet what's behind it is is lies. And then it can result in something like this. Thank God it wasn't a baseball academy, but it was a place where players and other people were innocent people who died because the construction is so shoddy. And it's down in the headlines. We're not going to talk about it after today. And lives have been changed. Nelson Cruz's sister is dead and things in the Dominican happen. Greg's covered it. Car accidents happen where players die. We didn't want our players to ever go home to the Dominican. And the guilt I feel currently about wanting players not to go home because I'm worried they're going to die. And then when they do die, you feel like it's more of an I told you so versus taking the time to fix it.
Greg Cody
Appreciate your help this week, David. We're going to let you go now because our draft expert is here and you have to get out of the way during baseball season for the NFL draft because Stugots and Billy want to talk to our new draft experts. So I'm sorry.
Mike Ryan
It's not just them.
Greg Cody
We all do.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, I would much rather talk the NFL. I did appreciate your comments on the matter.
Greg Cody
See you later, David. Thank you for spending this time with transition this week. Yes, a poor one, admittedly a poor one. Not easy to transition out of that to a draft.
Mike Ryan
Probably should have considered that.
Greg Cody
Yeah, yeah, I should have. But he got here early and I saw his face in the.
Stugotz
Never happens to him.
Greg Cody
And. And it disoriented me and it made it forced on live television me to transition poorly. Thank you for allowing it to happen without anyone noticing.
Mike Ryan
We could have said more polished shows, perhaps.
Greg Cody
Yes, yes. There are any number of ways I could have done that better. And if I'd had a crew that supported me, that would not be mentioned on air, it would just go unmentioned and I would just do it awkwardly. But that's not the predicament I meant. That's not the show I run. I'm here for you, Dan. Yeah, sometimes. Not recently.
Stugotz
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Jessica
I've been a dad for about seven and a half years now. You know what that means? Dad bod has shown up. I used to have a six pack and now I have a whole keg where my belly is. So I'm trying to better myself with exercise. And what's really helping me is this drink called Huel. I think you should try it too. And I got a good deal for you new customers. Visit huel.com dan today and use my code Dan Dan to get 15% off your first order plus a free gift. I've been drinking a Hugh Black edition. Ready to drink. And what's great about that is it's high in protein, 35 grams in fact, so I've been building muscle that way. It's also got 27 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C so you can build your immune system as well. Most of all, it tastes great and you don't have to exercise as an excuse to drink it. Don't feel like cooking because you're busy. Drink Huel instead. Trust me when I tell you when you try Huel you're going to Love it. Visit Huell.com Dan and as a new customer, if you use Code Dan, you can get 15% off your first order plus a free gift.
Roy Bellamy
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Stugotz
No problem.
Roy Bellamy
Shopify has beautiful ready to go templates. Need help with the details? Their AI tools can enhance product images, write descriptions, and even generate discount codes. Worried about finding customers? Shopify makes marketing easy with email and social media tools. So what are you waiting for? Turn those dreams into and give them the best shot at success with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com Batard B A T A R D. Go to shopify.com Buttard shopify.com Butard Don.
David Samson
LeBatard My wife says this is a sexy voice.
Dan LeBatard
It really is. Yeah, I'm hard.
David Samson
Thank you. Wow.
Greg Cody
Stugats.
David Samson
So am I, actually. I don't know why.
Jessica
This is the Dan Levatar show with.
Dane Brugler
The Stugats.
Greg Cody
The athletics NFL draft expert. He's been researching the NFL draft for nearly 20 years to create the definitive resource for fans and football insiders alike. And that sounds asinine because I'm looking at his face and there's no way this person is 20 years old. So unless he was doing it as an embryo, and he may have been, I find it hard to believe that he's running the definitive draft guide known as the Beast. It's available today atthe athletic name.com. and he's also a barbecue pitmaster. We'll get to that in a second with him because I want to question his expertise there. He's accomplished a lot, huh? I mean, at a very young age, it would appear so. Thank you, Dane, for being on the show with us and explain to us how it is that you became an NFL draft expert. How does one I would imagine in this particular space? I just got back and I saw Mina Kimes and for all of the interests that she has in the world, and they are varied, nothing is more interesting to her than mock drafts. And I just find it super bizarre. Like I don't understand the redoing of mock drafts again and again and again. That has to disappoint you so much coming from Mina. I just don't understand it. I'm wildly confused by it. But this is an area that many people care about and you. Thank you for joining us Dane have been caring about it. Since when how exactly did you become a draft expert?
Dane Brugler
Well, scouting is always what I've wanted to do, you know, going back to. So the first time I created a draft guide was my freshman year dorm room back at Mount Union in 2005. So been doing it for a while now. And, and you know, it's. It's the ultimate hope for, for fans, right, Is the idea of, okay, this is how we can get better if we draft this player and that player. And, you know, it's, it's kind of a reminder that the NFL is king when we're here in April. And the NFL draft is still driving a lot of the conversations that sports fans are having. But also it's the ultimate marriage of college football in the NFL, you know, two of the. The biggest, if not the two biggest, sports in the country. So, you know, it's. There's a lot of reasons for the popularity. And I mean, I'm thankful and blessed enough that there is that popularity. It allows me to have this job and create a document like this, which is really cool this year. It's. It's not just a PDF, it's a really. It's an interactive micro site where there's over 2600 prospects on there. There's 400 reports, all the NFL verified testing information. You know, you can check it all out on the athletic. And so people have been. Been really digging it and it's cool to take it to these heights this year.
Greg Cody
Put it on the poll. Do you want an interactive micro site with your football at lebatard show? PDF is fine. Can you tell me more responsible for your great skin youth or moisturizer?
Dane Brugler
Ooh, genetics, right? I mean, I'm just, I look, I've always looked younger than I am, and I'll appreciate that. I'm almost 40 and I'll appreciate that now, you know, when I get into my 40s, you know, but I have four kids and so that, that weighs on you a little bit, right? Especially when, you know, you've got soccer and baseball and dance and I've got twins. And so, you know, I don't feel as young as I. I used to, I'll put it that way.
Stugotz
Does look like Stu gotts maybe like 30 years ago.
Greg Cody
In my problem.
Dane Brugler
You got to look.
Dan LeBatard
Like that at 8.
Greg Cody
I look like Luna.
Stugotz
Like, they're wearing the same outfit. It's just, he looks.
Greg Cody
They don't look alike and they don't know I'm better looking in my prime.
Dane Brugler
Dan.
Greg Cody
I mean, come on the league verified testing information that you have for more than 2000 prospects. How is it that you go about beginning to tackle that amount of research?
Dane Brugler
Yeah, it's just my relationships in the league. You know, I wouldn't be able to do this job without my, you know, network of scouts that I rely on to help me gather all this information, you know, and it's, I try to, you know, my dream was always to scout in the league. And then when I was trying to break into the league, I started doing it on the media side and I was like, okay, well this is kind of fun because I'm not scouting for just one team or one roster. I'm doing it for 32 teams. And I can do it from a very generalized standpoint. And so I, you know, I wanted to create a guide that I would want to read and I would want to consume. And so I want to know, know, okay, what are all, what's the 40 yard dash for all these guys? You know, what's the vertical? What's. I want to know, you know, just for comparison purposes, what is all the testing information? And so, you know, we have the combine, that's 300ish type players. But all the pro days, all the workouts, you know, I want to be able to get all that information. And so definitely proud of the fact that you're not going to find this information else elsewhere besides the beast with all the NFL verified testing, 40s heights, weights, you know, we're not relying on what the schools say they are, height, weight. We're going to get the exact arm length for all of these guys. And so it's really helpful for me in my process and I know fans just really eat it up.
Greg Cody
Our draft expert Greg Cody had 12 Exactos last year. I'm wondering how many you had.
Dane Brugler
Yeah, in terms of like nailing the first round picks.
Greg Cody
Yeah, nail the pick. The exacto wasn't clear enough for you just by calling Capital Lee, calling it an exact. An exacto didn't clue you in to the great expertise of our 70 year old veteran of the draft who takes great pride in kicking the ass of Mel Kuiper every year with his exacto.
David Samson
That's true. I only do one mock draft, by the way. I don't do mock draft point 5.0, 6.0. Come on, one mock draft is enough. We all love mock draft. Second draft, second biggest day in the NFL behind the Super Bowl. Let me ask you.
Dane Brugler
Well, you can tell me who's going to overall.
David Samson
I think, I think Travis Hunter right now, but I'm still in mid research. Brian, let me, let me ask you this. Let me.
Dane Brugler
He didn't answer the other one.
Greg Cody
Can we get.
David Samson
He's evading the jury.
Dane Brugler
I'll be honest. I, I don't remember. It was, I don't think it was 12. It was, it was probably, you know, nine or ten. I. That's crazy. It's, it's. I care more about my rankings, to be honest. In the mock draft, like I care about, okay, I had this player ranked and maybe he didn't go that high on draft day, but in retrospect, as we look back, okay, he should have been that high. So I kind of look at it from that standpoint as opposed to the mock draft. But of course, yeah, you want to get that final mock draft, right? This year will be tough because I think, yeah, Cam Ward, 1. I do think Travis Hunter, 2, Abdul Carter 3. And then it becomes a big crapshoot because there's a lot of differing opinions. This is a different draft class in the top 10, and we're not going to have 10 true top 10 guys. So there's a wide ranging of opinions from different teams about how the next order should be.
David Samson
Do you agree with what I think is fairly common thinking that if this were last year's draft, Cam Ward and Shador Sanders would probably be the fifth and sixth rated quarterbacks and therefore they're going to be overdrafted this year simply because they're the best available quarterbacks, not because they really deserve to be one and five or whatever.
Dane Brugler
Yeah, I mean, I think that's fair. When you look back at last year and none of these quarterbacks are going ahead of Caleb Williams, Jaden Daniels and Drake may? 1, 2, 3. I think the debate becomes, okay, who would have been that fourth quarterback between Michael Penck, JJ McCarthy, Bo Nicks, and then the group that we have this year. And it was interesting. Cam Ward actually declared last year. He entered his name into the draft and then largely due to nil and transfer portal, he changed his mind, transfers to Miami, has his outstanding season. And I think when you look at Cam Ward, you're encouraged by the progress. You know, he was a Wing T quarterback in high school, goes to Incarnate Word and gets better and better, goes to Washington State, gets better and better. And then this his fifth year at Miami, he was at his best. And so you're encouraged by the ability to progress every year, get better. And you think, okay, he's 22 now. What's he going to look like at 25, is he going to continue to improve? And I think that's what really you're banking on. And I think at the combine, it became pretty clear Cam Ward was going to be the first pick. It was more of a question, okay, will the Titans stick and pick, or could we see a trade up to number one? You know, the Giants, we know how desperate they are for a quarterback. Would they be able to do it? And as closer we get to the draft, it becomes pretty clear the Titans are ready to stick and pick. And I think you understand why, because if you don't have an avenue to a quarterback, what are we doing? Right? And so if the Titans don't take a chance on a guy like Cam Ward, then what is their next best option? And it's. It's hard to come to a solution that you feel good about. So if you think Cam Ward can evolve into a top 14 type of quarterback in the league, I think you have to roll that dice and. And see what happens.
Greg Cody
Is stick and pick yours? Or is that something. That's the parlance of the industry? Because it just rhymes it. You could just say stay there, but you're enjoying saying stick and pick.
Dane Brugler
I. It just rolls off the tongue, right? I mean, it sounds good.
Greg Cody
Is it yours, though? Yours? Like, did you have it copyrighted? Is that. Is that exclusive to the Beast?
Dane Brugler
I don't know that. I don't. I definitely don't have a copyrighted. I'm probably sure I've heard it elsewhere. But, yeah, now that you mentioned it, maybe I should check into that.
David Samson
Is that hyphenated? I'm just curious. Stick and pick or no hyphens?
Dane Brugler
Yeah, probably two hyphens in there. Stick and pick. Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
So, Dane, is there a chance that the Titans don't stick and pick? Because we decided, I don't know, three months ago that we were gonn watch party for the NFL draft in Nashville because they had the number one pick. And it was a dicey decision because should they trade out, we'd just be in Nashville for absolutely no reason watching the NFL draft. So as we're getting closer, it looks like it was a safe decision. But is there any chance that they can be blown away with a package and we will just be sitting in Nashville to watch a team pick at 6 or something?
Dane Brugler
There are worse places to be for, you know, to kind of watch the draft, but I would be surprised at this point. You know, the Titans have. Have not really hid their interest for Cam Ward. And with a first year general manager Mike Borgonzi, a second year head coach. There's always a question mark where you just, you're not entirely sure exactly which direction they want to go. But I just keep going back to okay, if you're not going to draft Kia, more to one, what is your best avenue to a quarterback? Because Will Levis is going into the seat right now. He is at the top of the depth chart start and Will Levis has not taken control of that job and said, okay, I am a long term starting quarterback in the league. He hasn't been able to do it to this point. And so again, if you believe Cam Ward can be a top 12 to 14 quarterback in the league, which several teams do if, because if Cam Ward doesn't go one, he would go two to the Browns, the Browns would more than happily take him at number two. I think we have to look at quarterbacks as kind of like taking bets, right? Like it's such a hard position to evaluate. I don't care, you know, who you are. It's just there's so much that goes into it mentally, physically and so if you just have to kind of make a bet that all right, we like this, this and this, this is what translates. We're going to make a bet on that, working and that, fitting with our coaches and our personnel and I think the Titans are ready to do that.
Stugotz
I was listening to you and on my buddy Nate Tice's podcast last week.
Roy Bellamy
Talking about all of the quarterback backs.
Stugotz
Of the the Non Kamwar Chedor Sanders tier like the Melrose, the Tyler Schucks, the Jackson Darts. Which one do you think is the best bet or does it just depend on who's drafting them?
Dane Brugler
Yeah, you know, I think if I Jackson Dart to me is the most intriguing because he is probably has the most talent, but it's going to take some time. You know, that Ole Miss offense really didn't get him ready for this next level. You know, can he get to the backside re can he make those full field progressions? So there's a little more projection with Jackson Dart, but he has the physical tools, the competitiveness, the leadership off the charts. So you like a lot of what Jackson Dart brings to the table. It's just the mental development is going to take time. So if I'm a team like the Browns who really they need a quarterback pretty quickly, I don't know that Jackson Dart's going to be higher than maybe some of these other quarterbacks. Now if I, the Steelers and theoretically Aaron Rodgers could be here for the next year or even the Giants where you have Russell Wilson starting for the 2025 season, then I think Jackson Dart becomes much more of a, a strong possibility. If I need someone to start right away, I think I'm leaning towards Tyler Schuck from Louisville who is a unique player because he's a seventh year senior. He's going to be a 26 year old rookie and you just don't see that a lot. But he's been, it's been injuries and it hasn't been like multiple knee injuries. It's been and you know, a broken leg and a busted shoulder and things that I don't think are going to give teams big red flags moving forward. But for a guy that's that age, this past year at Louisville is the first time he played more than eight games in a season in seven years in college and that's not ideal, but he has the size, the arm, he's a power thrower, he's a twitchy thrower and he's a good athlete for being a 6 4, 220 pound quarterback. So teams really like Tyler Shuck and I think both those guys, Jackson Dart, Tyler Shuck, teams In the top 35, top 40, there's a good chance we see them both come off the board.
Mike Ryan
If Abdul Carter did not have the foot injury, would he be consensus number one?
Dane Brugler
No, I don't think so. I don't, I don't, I really don't think the foot injury has all that much to do with it. I think it just comes down to the Titans. You know, quarterbacks are just different, right? Quarterbacks. It's hard to rank quarterbacks with other positions because it's, it's a weighted position. The impact level that it brings is just different. And then I think it comes down to okay, who's the best non quarterback. Is it Travis Hunter or is it Abdul Carter? And in my opinion is Travis Hunter. It just, we have not seen a player like this, how unique he is, can play both sides. He's a dynamic athlete. I would love to play him full time on defense and then mix in 25ish plays a game and get him 8 to 10 touches on offense. I think that's the perfect way to use him him. But there's a lot of teams that think he's an offensive player first and then they'll try to figure out something on defense. And I think the Browns sitting there at number two, they need to get better on offense. Their offensive scoring was 32nd in the league last year. Third down conversions are 32nd in the league. They need a spark on offense and if they don't believe in one of these quarterbacks, which I don't think they do. At number two overall, Travis Hunter does make sense because of the spark he would bring to an offense that just needs any semblance of life.
Greg Cody
Where do you think Shador Sanders goes and do you think he's going to be a good NFL quarterback?
Dane Brugler
That's the big question. And I, it's funny, I like Shador Sanders, but you're not allowed to like him. You have to love him or hate him for whatever reason. That's how it's become. And look, I think he can start in the league. It's just, can he truly be a difference maker, a guy that's going to elevate the offense around you to be someone that is going to help drag the team to the playoffs if that's what's needed. I think he needs a situation where everything is clicking around him to, to really make that happen. And it really comes down to like, yeah, he's tough, he's smart, he's really poised. But the, the way he likes to play, I just don't know that he has the physical traits needed to do it that like he wants to play like Jordan. Love where he's going in reverse in the pocket and moving around and throwing off balance and he just doesn't have the size, the movement skills, the arm. He just doesn't have those type of high end traits at the position to get away with that consistently at the NFL level. So if I had a chance to draft Shador Sanders at 25, 26, I, I think I, I would, that's where I would consider him because I do think he can start in the league. I just think it's going to take a lot more around him for everything to work, work. But where is he going to land on draft night is. It's a fascinating question. I think if he does get past three with the Giants, the Saints at nine are a really interesting spot for him. And if it gets past there, then we're talking about the Steelers and then potentially maybe the Browns or the Giants at early second round. Trading back into the first to get him. Right now the over under on quarterbacks in the first round is two and a half. And I think, you know, you always lean towards taking the over on quarterbacks. It just, you know, the Kenny Pickett year was an aberration. Usually we see more quarterbacks than not go in the first round. So I Think I would take the over on that. Two and a half.
Greg Cody
Regarding Shador Sanders, if you're going to try and play like Kyler Murray, you better have Kyler Murray's athleticism. If that's, if you're going to be doing the backwards in the pocket stuff, I want to speed this up because we've got a lot to get to and we've got too many questions and not a lot of time left. So let's get hit him with the pressurized music and see if I can get get quick answers to quick questions here. The most overhyped player in the draft right now is blank.
Dane Brugler
The most overhyped player in the draft is sh. That's tough. I mean it would have to be SH Sanders, right? I mean it's just he's a good player but to take him top five overall I think is a stretch.
Greg Cody
Somebody who's going to go higher in the draft than most mock drafts are predicting is blank.
Dane Brugler
Let's go with Jaylen Walker, the, the pass rusher, SL linebacker from Georgia. A little bit of a hybrid can do it all.
Greg Cody
The player with the measurables that awed you the most was blank.
Dane Brugler
Shamar Stewart, Texas A and M pass rusher. Seeing him up close to the Senior bowl that burst guys that are six'four £270 they shouldn't be to move like him. He had a 40 inch vert. He is a freak. The freak of all freaks. One and a half sacks last year but he will be a top 20 pick because he's just different than everybody else.
Greg Cody
How many sacks?
Dane Brugler
One and a half.
Greg Cody
What the hell? Like what the hell? What do you mean one and a half. That's one and a half more than Greg Cody.
Dane Brugler
Part of its usage, part of its, you know, like he, he had a lot of pressures, he just didn't finish in the pocket. So there's something there. You know, he is one of the, the wild cards of this draft because he is different. You know, he's kind of like the Travon Walker of this draft where maybe the tape doesn't always line up but the traits are crazy and we know NFL teams, they don't draft stats, they draft traits.
Mike Ryan
Great vert spot that you'd like to see.
Dane Brugler
Tyler Warren, Landon, Chicago at 10. I, I, I think it's an underrated spot. Pair him with Ben Johnson, he could be his Sam Laporta. They run a lot of 1212 personnel. So Cole with, with commit still there. It still works. Add another pass catcher to that offense. I, I Think it makes a lot more sense than people think.
Greg Cody
The possible team matching with possible player that excites you the most, other than that one is blank.
Dane Brugler
I. I think Will Campbell to the Patriots. You know, they've been kind of looking for that left tackle, and it's maybe not the sexiest position talking about offensive line. But I want to help Drake may. Because Drake may what he did last year without an offensive line, without a ton of help around him. You give him that help, you add Stefan Diggs at receiver. All right, let's give him a blindside protector. And I think Will Campbell can do that.
Greg Cody
True or false? You worry about someone when you ask about how excited they are and they mention a left tackle.
Dane Brugler
True. There's nothing wrong with that. That's left. Tackles are instrumental to a team's success. So, you know it matters.
Greg Cody
The weakest draft since blank.
Dane Brugler
The Kenny Pickett draft, where, you know, we had one quarterback in the top 73 picks, and Trevon Walker went number one overall. You know, it's. It's not a bad draft, but it's definitely relatively weaker than we've seen in the last two, three years.
Mike Ryan
Is this year finally a good year to accept that maybe more than one running back should go in the first round?
Dane Brugler
Yes, and more than one running back will go in the first round. Ash and Genti will be a top 10 pick, and then it's okay. Where does a Marion Hampton go? 12 to the Cowboys. I. I have a hard time seeing him get past 20 with the Broncos, which would be a perfect fit for both Bo Nix and Sean Payton. But also the running back and what that could mean for the Broncos as they try to unseat the Chiefs in the AFC West.
Greg Cody
A better example than you being a maximum football dork at Mount Union as a freshman, than you minoring in football. Player evaluation is blank.
Dane Brugler
Oh, gosh, I don't know. I have a good answer for that one. Because you know what? It's. I'm from Northeast Ohio, and the Browns came back in 99, and I was just like 12 years old looking at, okay, Tim Couch, Ricky Williams. Like, this is fascinating. It was like an instant thing. Scouting is what I need to do. And look, my dad's not a coach, you know, Like, I don't have an uncle who's an owner. Like, how else are you going to get into the league? That's what this draft guide's about, you know, trying to create something then. And it got me several interviews in the league, and I just happen to be geared or Kind of torn to this media side, and I've really enjoyed it.
Greg Cody
It's available today@theathletic.com it's the definitive draft guide. No. As the beast. I'm going to really put you on the spot here, make you speed it up with a name and just a sentence of evaluation on the following. You are an amateur barbecue pitmaster. I'm going to give you an assortment of meats. You give me the first player that comes to mind when I mention that meat. Texas brisket is hot and smoky. Who you got?
Dane Brugler
Let's go with Travis Hunter. Because, you know, talking about versatility, you can do so much with brisket. You could shred it, you could slice it. You put it on Mac and cheese. You can do so many things with this. So versatility. I'll go. Travis Hunter, prime rib. I mean, that's. That's the king, right? That's. That's. So who's going number one overall? Cam Ward. So, I mean, prime rib, that's. That's at the top of the list. And Cam Ward's gonna go first. So we'll go. We'll go.
Greg Cody
Cam Memphis ribs, slow and dry.
Dane Brugler
You know, let's go. Let's go with Mason Graham, the defensive tackle from Michigan, who is going to be a top seven pick. Nothing really sexy about him. But you know what? It's. I don't. You don't walk away from drafting Mason Graham and thank go. We didn't get better or, you know, we're. That. That wasn't a. That was a bad pick. You're not going to think that way. Same way with ribs.
Greg Cody
KC pulled pork. Sweet and tangy.
Dane Brugler
Sweet and tangy. So let's go with Shamar Stewart, who I mentioned as being a toolsy try guy. You know, it's easy to be enticed by the. The different ways he can move. But you know what? It's. Maybe the payoff isn't there.
Greg Cody
Porterhouse steak.
Dane Brugler
Oh, gosh. I mean, Ashton Jensen. I mean, you can make case he's the best player in the draft. You can make a case. Porterhouse steak is number one thing you want to order on the menu.
Greg Cody
Tenderloin roast.
Dane Brugler
Oh, man. Let's go. Abdul Carter. You know, with slab of beef like that. Abdul Carter and way he can rush a passer. It works.
Greg Cody
You're just picking names. I mean, he's good at it. He's great at this game. The way he did that, totally unfair to him. He's just picking names out. Yeah, okay. But what we did was not right or. Or Stick and pick. Thank you for being on with us. Cody hasn't listened since you said stick and pick. Thank you, sir.
Dane Brugler
Anytime. Thank you, guys.
Jessica
Hey, it's Roy. And I've been a dad for about seven and a half years now. You know what that means? Dad bod has shown up. I used to have a six pack and now I have a whole keg where my belly is. So I'm trying to better myself of exercise. And what's really helping me is this drink called Humor Huel. I think you should try it too. And I got a good deal for you new customers. Visit huel.com dan today and use my code DAND to get 15% off your first order plus a free gift. I've been drinking the Huell Black edition ready to drink. And what's great about that is it's high in protein, 35 grams in fact. So I've been building muscle that way. It's also got 27 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C. So you can build your immune system system as well. Most of all, it tastes great and you don't have to exercise as an excuse to drink it. Don't feel like cooking because you're busy. Drink Huel instead. Trust me when I tell you when you try Huel, you're gonna love it. Visit huel.com dan and as a new customer, if you use code Dan, you can get 15% off your first order plus a free gift.
Mike Ryan
Folks, it's Mike Ryan. And do you know that Miller Lite has basically been a partner of this show for almost 20 years? And as we celebrate 50 years of Miller Lite, that means for a large chunk of it. And look, I didn't go to school for math, but I'm pretty sure that's like 80% of the time that Miller Lite's been existing. They've been with our show and I'm so grateful for it because we truly believe this. If you listen to us back in our radio days, throughout our times in national radio, to the pirate face to now. You know that Miller has been a huge supporter of ours. And I've always been a huge supporter of Miller Lite. Why? Because it's got tastes. You know, you can depend on a great beer trusted by beer lovers for 50 years. Miller Lite, great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you or you can pick up Miller Lite 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.
Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Stick-and-Pickin' with Dane Brugler
Episode Details:
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, host Dan Le Batard and co-host Stugotz delve into a range of topics spanning sports, pop culture, and current events. The episode features an in-depth discussion with NFL draft expert Dane Brugler, exploring his expertise on the upcoming NFL draft and introducing his unique "stick-and-pickin'" methodology.
The conversation kicks off with an analysis of Inter Miami's current roster, particularly focusing on Lionel Messi and his influence on the team's dynamics. Dan Le Batard raises an intriguing question about Luis Suarez's fame:
Greg Cody [02:39]: "Can we say flatly that Luis Suarez is the second most famous athlete in Miami, correct."
David Samson [03:12] and Mike Ryan [03:13]: Agree that Suarez holds significant global recognition, potentially surpassing local stars like LeBron James in fame metrics such as social media presence and marketing reach.
However, the discussion highlights a contrast between global fame and local impact:
Dan LeBatard [04:03]: "It's a confusing question because... you guys are saying the most famous player playing in Miami and you're talking worldwide..."
They conclude that while Suarez may be globally renowned, his local fame in Miami doesn't yet outshine Messi's unparalleled presence.
The hosts shift focus to the critically acclaimed series The White Lotus, critiquing creator Mike White's storytelling approach. They discuss audience reactions to the show's pacing and plot development:
Stugotz [09:02]: "There was complaining about how there's no plot. And that part I find weird because... it's just the vibe."
Billy Corben [09:46]: Expresses concerns about Mike White's growing ego and potential creative pitfalls, fearing it might affect future seasons.
The hosts analyze the balance between artistic integrity and audience expectations, pondering whether the perceived slow pacing serves a deeper narrative purpose or detracts from viewer engagement.
A brief yet insightful segment covers current economic indicators, including the NASDAQ's performance and geopolitical tensions with China over film tariffs:
Greg Cody [13:11]: "But Stu got just informed me with great delight that the NASDAQ is up today."
Mike Ryan [12:47]: Warns about China's threat to close off its large market to Hollywood, predicting significant repercussions for the industry.
The discussion underscores the unpredictability of economic impacts, with Greg noting the pervasive dominance of companies like Netflix in current advertising landscapes, questioning the real-time effects of these geopolitical maneuvers.
The hosts touch on a somber topic, reflecting on the recent roof collapse in the Dominican Republic that resulted in 79 fatalities. They draw parallels to previous tragedies like Surfside, emphasizing systemic issues in construction practices:
Billy Corben [15:14]: "We're not going to talk about it after today. And lives have been changed."
The conversation highlights the often-overlooked dangers in countries where construction standards are compromised, drawing attention to the responsibilities of organizations and individuals in preventing such disasters.
The spotlight shifts to Dane Brugler, an NFL draft expert with nearly two decades of experience. Greg Cody introduces Dane, highlighting his extensive research and the creation of what he calls "the definitive draft guide":
Greg Cody [22:26]: "He's been researching the NFL draft for nearly 20 years to create the definitive resource... known as the Beast."
Dane Brugler [23:52]: Shares his journey from a freshman dorm room at Mount Union to becoming a respected draft analyst, emphasizing his commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate draft information.
Dane Brugler introduces his proprietary "stick-and-pickin'" approach to the NFL draft, offering listeners a detailed look into his evaluation techniques. He explains how this methodology helps in predicting draft picks by analyzing player traits and team needs.
Dane Brugler [26:12]: "It just rolls off the tongue, right? I mean, it sounds good."
Throughout the discussion, Dane emphasizes the importance of combining quantitative data with qualitative insights, leveraging his network of scouts to gather meticulous information that informs his draft predictions.
In a dynamic segment, Greg Cody engages Dane in a rapid-fire round, posing quick questions to uncover Dane's expert opinions on various draft scenarios. This lively exchange covers topics such as:
Most Overhyped Player: Dane identifies Shador Sanders as potentially overhyped.
Greg Cody [39:42]: "The most overhyped player in the draft right now is blank."
Dane Brugler [39:45]: "The most overhyped player in the draft is Sh."
Players Exceeding Mock Draft Predictions: Dane cites Jaylen Walker as a pass rusher who might exceed expectations.
Player Measurables that Impressed: Shamar Stewart's athleticism earns Dane's admiration.
Weakest Draft Comparison: Dane compares the current draft to the Kenny Pickett draft, labeling it relatively weaker.
This segment showcases Dane's analytical prowess and his ability to provide concise, insightful evaluations under pressure.
As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on the intense discussions and express gratitude toward their guest:
Greg Cody [32:33]: "So, Dane, is there a chance that the Titans don't stick and pick?"
Dane Brugler [32:33]: Provides a nuanced answer, reaffirming his confidence in the Titans' likely strategies.
The episode wraps up with acknowledgments and a seamless transition back to regular programming, leaving listeners with a wealth of information and perspectives on both the NFL draft and broader cultural topics.
Greg Cody [02:39]: "Why are you listening to this show?"
David Samson [03:12]: "Internationally, yeah, Globally."
Greg Cody [07:31]: "He was trying to move the story along... How excited they are..."
Dane Brugler [23:52]: "It's the ultimate hope for, for fans, right... it's really cool this year."
Stugotz [09:02]: "It's just enjoy the edging."
Billy Corben [15:14]: "We're not going to talk about it after today."
Mike Ryan [12:47]: "He is. It sounds good."
Dane Brugler [28:00]: "I care more about my rankings, to be honest."
This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive exploration of the NFL draft through the expert lens of Dane Brugler, intertwined with engaging discussions on sports fame, cultural critiques, and current economic issues. Whether you're an avid sports fan or interested in the nuanced interplay between athletes' global recognition and local impact, this episode provides valuable insights and thought-provoking conversations.