Transcript

Todd (0:00)

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Dan Patrick (1:18)

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Marv Albert (1:30)

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Summary

The Dan Patrick Show — Hour 1 (April 24, 2026)

Theme:
The post–NFL Draft “hangover” — stories, analysis, and reactions from Thursday’s dramatic first round, including surprise picks, awkward draft moments, evolving NFL strategies, and an insider’s perspective from ESPN’s Louis Riddick, live from Pittsburgh.

Episode Overview

Dan Patrick and his lively crew react to the chaos and intrigue of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, held in Pittsburgh before a record crowd. The team debates the wisdom of this year’s most controversial selections, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and invites ESPN’s Louis Riddick to provide an insider’s perspective — especially on the Rams’ headline-making pick of Ty Simpson. There’s also plenty of locker-room banter, humorous takes on draft rituals, and candid insight into building NFL rosters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Pittsburgh Draft Atmosphere & Crowd (02:04–04:00)

Record Attendance: Over 300,000 fans attended the draft in Pittsburgh, creating an electric, city-wide event.
- Dan Patrick: “Another great audience here by the way. Pittsburgh last night. Wonderful, wonderful performance by the entire city. The weather was great. Over 300,000 showing up...” (02:04)
On-Site Experience: The crew extols the perks of the host city: food, cocktails, the distillery complex, and the requisite “cigar clothes vs. regular clothes” post-draft routine.
Menu Chat: Playful banter over the “Meat Friday” spread—spiced maple bacon candy, seared porterhouse steaks, smoked wagyu brisket.

Rhyme Time & Show Banter (04:39–06:39)

Lighthearted Segment: Todd unveils “Rhyme Time,” combining sports trivia with wordplay, centered on Pittsburgh (lots of groaning from the crew).
- Example: “Particular pigskin head... Choosy Narduzzi.” (05:18)
- The segment is met with mixed enthusiasm from the team.

NFL Draft: The Jeremiah Love & Ty Simpson Picks (07:21–11:47)

Jeremiah Love:
- The Cardinals’ pick at #3 overall. Despite Love being a favorite player, the hosts question the fit due to Arizona’s lack of a quarterback or offensive line.
  - Marv Albert: “...But you're going to a team that doesn't have a quarterback. I don't know if they have much of an offensive line.” (07:21)
Rams’ Ty Simpson Surprise:
- The Rams take QB Ty Simpson at #13, a move that blindsided most analysts.
- Dan details insider texts with Jay Glazer, highlighting just how secretive teams were about their draft strategies.
  - “He goes, I was so—O O O O worried that you heard something about the Rams taking Ty Simpson? I hadn’t heard anything.” (09:23)
- Speculation that LA moved up because other teams might snatch Simpson earlier, though evidence remains unclear.
Debate Over Rams’ Priorities:
- Crew questions if it’s wise for a current Super Bowl contender to use their top pick on a backup QB rather than an immediate-impact player.
  - Paulie: “With the 13th pick, Sean McVay obviously wants another weapon for next year ... there's impact players available at 13.” (10:22)

Unusual Draft Storylines & Stats (11:47–16:40)

Jadarian Price to Seattle: Noted as possibly the first-ever NFL first-round pick to never have started a college game (as a running back); Josh Jacobs cited as a similar case.
Draft Awkward Moments (Poll Question):
- Debates over cringey commissioner hugs, failed family handshakes (Fernando Mendoza leaves brother Max hanging), and more.
  - Marv: “When I saw Fernando Mendoza and his family ... his little brother kept ... his hand out ... and his brother totally blew him off.” (12:12)
Roger Goodell’s Handshakes: Crew riffs on the commissioner’s attempts to relate to draftees through “dap” handshake/hugs, sometimes with mixed cultural success.

Louis Riddick In-Studio: Draft Breakdown (26:44–41:50)

Arrival & Vibe

Riddick, Pittsburgh native and ESPN analyst, visits in a “Shaft-worthy” airport-bought leather jacket, sharing Pittsburgh pride. (26:44–27:44)
Recaps the overwhelming energy of Pittsburgh’s massive draft crowd and the exhaustion of covering “the coolest thing the NFL’s got going.” (27:55)

The Ty Simpson Pick Debate (28:32–33:32)

Context:
- Riddick wasn’t surprised—he’d spoken to Simpson’s father months ago, who’d been told Ty was a first-rounder.
  - “...the team that, quite honestly, really liked him the most picked it.” (28:53)
- Dan expresses skepticism over the Rams investing so much in a backup QB when they’re chasing a Super Bowl now.
Front Office Dynamics:
- Riddick and Dan suggest LA GM Les Snead seems to be planning for a long-term future, possibly beyond coach Sean McVay's tenure.
  - Riddick: “...it felt like Les Snead is saying, I’m going to be around here for a lot longer than Sean McVay is going to be.” (33:13)
Prediction:
- Riddick with conviction: “He’ll have a decades-long career in that organization if Sean sticks around ... It’s the perfect, perfect, perfect spot for him.” (32:41)
- Dan: “He could have a better career than Fernando Mendoza. That’s given the situation.” (33:02)

On Draft Evaluation — Taping vs. Measurables (34:31–36:56)

Dan points to prospect Reuben Bain, dominant on tape but sliding in the draft due to poor measurables.
Riddick explains risk aversion—GMs prefer “objective data” (height, arms, speed) to protect themselves if a pick busts.
- “Measurables give you comfort in the event that the player doesn’t work out, that you don’t get fired.” (35:10)
- “[Drafting] is a risk assessment exercise ... The higher up in the draft, you go, you want to check every box possible ... so if it doesn’t work out, you can sit there and go, wasn’t me. It’s the player.” (35:10–36:56)

Cardinals’ Jeremiah Love Pick & Offensive Firepower (37:02–39:20)

Riddick justifies the pick: “I need explosive plays ... I don’t care where I get it, just give me a weapon. That’s what Jeremiah Love is.” (37:08)
Dan counters: concerns about lack of OL and QB for Arizona.
Riddick notes Love will build fan excitement and sell jerseys, even if the roster isn’t ready to win.

Second-Round “Sleepers” — Riddick’s Watchlist (39:42–40:43)

Names to remember from today’s rounds:
- Denzel Boston (WR, Washington) — “...Like Marques Colston, but even bigger and faster.”
- Trading Stukes (S, Arizona) — “Absolutely lights out as a safety.”
- Keontae Scott (DB, Miami) — “One of my top-5 favorite people in this draft. An absolute monster.”

Reflections & Full-Circle Feelings (41:03–41:50)

Riddick explains that he once “hated the draft” as a 9th-round pick, but now embraces it as an ESPN analyst coming home to Pittsburgh.
- “...the draft changed my life at ESPN 11 years ago. It’s kind of a full circle moment. It’s really cool.” (41:50)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On the Draft's Intensity:
- Louis Riddick: “You work so long to get ready for this ... you’re so locked in for 3-4 hours ... When you get back to your hotel, you’re just exhausted.” (27:55)
GMs & Player Measurables:
- Louis Riddick: “Measurables give you comfort in the event that the player doesn’t work out, that you don’t get fired. The draft is really a risk assessment exercise.” (35:10)
Assessing Ty Simpson’s Fit:
- Riddick: “He'll have a decades-long career in that organization if Sean sticks around ... It's the perfect, perfect, perfect spot for him.” (32:41)
Draft Marketability:
- Riddick: “They're going to go Jeremiah Love, I'm buying that jersey. I want to see what this kid looks like ... It's a business too.” (38:54)
Draft Night Family Drama:
- Marv: “His little brother kept ... his hand out ... and his brother totally blew him off.” (12:12)
On Winning Curing All:
- Marv: “In our sports society, when you win, it’s the great elixir. It covers up a lot. It’s one big bandage.” (51:29)
On McVay & Rams Future:
- Dan Patrick: “It felt like Les Snead is saying, I'm going to be around here for a lot longer than Sean McVay..." (33:13)

Additional Memorable Moments

Personal Stories:
- Todd’s “night in” during the draft, savoring a turkey club and chicken tenders (17:20–18:53).
- The “awkward handshake” poll leads to a broader reflection on evolving sports greetings, from daps to fist bumps (13:56–14:27).
Draft Aftermath:
- Extended debate over why so many TV analysts failed to offer substantive praise for certain picks (“He’s huge. Ok, what else?” — 15:25).
NFL Off-Field Drama:
- Recap of New England coach Mike Vrabel’s awkward apology press conference amid off-field controversy; speculation on his future (48:41–51:22).

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:04] – Pittsburgh’s draft crowd and scene
[07:21] – Jeremiah Love, Ty Simpson, and Rams/insider draft intrigue
[11:47] – Strange first-round stats and awkward draft moments
[26:44] – Louis Riddick joins the show
[28:32] – Ty Simpson & Rams pick analysis
[34:31] – Tape vs. measurables in NFL draft logic
[37:02] – Cardinals’ Love pick and explosive plays argument
[39:42] – Second-round sleeper picks (Riddick’s list)
[41:03] – Draft reflections and Riddick’s career arc
[48:41] – Mike Vrabel controversy discussion

Conclusion

Hour 1 of The Dan Patrick Show is a blend of expert football analysis and the breezy humor fans expect. Whether it’s dissecting the Rams’ head-scratching QB pick, debating the value of “explosive weapons,” or sharing personal stories from draft week, the crew delivers an engrossing, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unpredictable first rounds in NFL Draft history. Louis Riddick stands out for his thoughtful, conviction-filled insight into GM strategy and team-building. For listeners seeking both laughter and football intelligence, this episode delivers — with plenty of Pittsburgh flavor.

wavePod

Hour 1 – NFL Draft Hangover, Louis Riddick