Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" – Episode: Hour 1 – Shedeur Sanders Got Humbled, Joe Thomas

Release Date: April 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz engage in an in-depth discussion about the recent NFL Draft, focusing primarily on the Cleveland Browns' strategic moves. Special guest Joe Thomas, a Hall of Famer from the Cleveland Browns, joins the conversation to provide expert insights and personal anecdotes related to the draft decisions.

1. Cleveland Browns' Draft Strategy

Dan Patrick initiates the discussion by analyzing the Cleveland Browns' significant decisions during the NFL Draft, particularly their selection of Travis Hunter and the acquisition of Shador Sanders in the second round.

• Trade Details and Implications

  Dan explains the complexity of the Browns' trade:

  "Well, we did it. We made it to a Friday... I thought the draft would start with Jacksonville because they went up and got the number two pick from the Cleveland Browns and they took Travis Hunter."
  (05:53)

  He further elaborates on the strategic value of combining an offensive and defensive back:

  "If you take Travis Hunter and I take Shador Sanders, I'll roll the dice on Shador's. The second day draft pick."
  (11:04)

• Balancing Offense and Defense

  Dan and Todd debate whether the Browns' approach of drafting players for both offense and defense will provide immediate relevance:

  "But you also have to give him time to get up to speed... Is this going to work or isn't it?"
  (18:48)

2. Evaluation of Shador Sanders' Draft Position

The conversation shifts to Shador Sanders' fall out of the first round, exploring potential reasons behind this unexpected outcome.

• Ability vs. Attitude Concerns

  Dan discusses mixed perceptions about Sanders:

  "But I want to give him credit because he's a great kid. I feel like it's a little bit of a trap because he's very clear about playing both positions."
  (17:40)

  He questions whether rumors about Sanders being arrogant influenced his draft position:

  "To what extent was that arrogant, brash rumor thing a factor in him not getting picked in the first round?"
  (08:30)

• Impact on Team Dynamics

  Joe Thomas shares his thoughts on how a player's attitude can affect team chemistry:

  "Do I think Shador seems entitled? Sure. Do I think that he's been treated as a star most of his life? Yes."
  (48:22)

3. Comparison to MLB's Shohei Ohtani

The Browns' dual-position strategy is compared to MLB's Shohei Ohtani, highlighting the challenges and similarities of excelling in multiple roles.

• Feasibility in the NFL vs. MLB

  Dan draws parallels between Travis Hunter and Shohei Ohtani:

  "Baseball is also one of those games that you can go innings without having to do anything... Playing both ways in baseball or doing both positions is way easier than in the NFL."
  (19:53)

  He questions the practicality of Hunter excelling equally on both sides:

  "But almost everybody universally is like, but you can't."
  (15:54)

4. Audience Poll and Participation

Dan introduces a poll to engage listeners in evaluating the Browns' and Jaguars' draft moves.

• Poll Questions

  "Long term, who made the better move, Jaguars or Browns?"
  (12:59)

  "Shador Sanders fell because ability or attitude?"
  (13:11)

5. Interview with Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas joins the show to provide his perspective on the Browns' draft decisions and offer advice to new draftees.

• Thoughts on the Browns' Draft Decisions

  Joe expresses support for Travis Hunter's selection:

  "It would be hard for me to pass up on Travis Hunter just because he's a guy that can change the game on both sides of the ball."
  (27:19)

  He also compliments the Browns' haul:

  "It was a historic haul for being able to just slide back a couple spots and then still get a great player in, Mason Graham."
  (28:19)

• Advice for New Players

  Offering valuable career advice, Joe emphasizes the importance of dedication and continuous improvement:

  "Just come in with your head down, be ready to work your eyes open your mouth shut, listen and learn from those old guys."
  (33:29)

• Critique of NFL Combine Measurements

  Joe criticizes the relevance of traditional measurements in evaluating players:

  "It's very much attached to these measuring systems that are very, very archaic."
  (36:31)

• Personal Anecdotes

  Sharing his own experiences, Joe highlights the challenges of transitioning from college to the NFL:

  "This is where the work begins. And I think no matter who you are... you do hit those oil slicks on your path to success."
  (31:16)

6. Critique of NFL Combine Measurements

Joe Thomas offers a detailed critique of the NFL Combine's measurement standards, arguing that metrics like arm length and wingspan are outdated and not practical indicators of a player's potential success.

• Outdated Metrics and Practical Skills

  "They build these models of all right, you know, this is the probability of success if they have this measurement and that measurement. So they don't want to change it."
  (36:28)

  He suggests focusing more on practical skills rather than traditional measurements:

  "It's your feet. It's your technique, it's your balance, it's your mind and your ability to get into those biomechanical positions."
  (36:31)

7. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Throughout the conversation, Joe Thomas shares personal stories from his career, offering listeners a glimpse into the dedication required to succeed in the NFL.

• Commitment Over Fame

  "When I was drafted in 2007, I wasn't super excited to go to the draft because it kind of made me upset that a lot of players thought that this was the end of the road."
  (31:16)

  • Dealing with Injuries

    Reflecting on his career-ending injuries, Joe underscores the unpredictability of professional sports:

    "My career ended probably before I wanted to because I had a bad knee, I tore my tricep."
    (39:05)

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Cleveland Browns' draft strategies, highlighting the complexities and considerations involved in drafting dual-position players like Travis Hunter and Shador Sanders. With expert insights from Joe Thomas, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the balance between player ability, attitude, and team dynamics. The discussion underscores the challenges teams face in making strategic decisions that aim for both immediate impact and long-term success.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Patrick on Browns' Trade Strategy:

  "If you take Travis Hunter today, you could have taken Shador Sanders yesterday, and then you reunite them."
  (05:53)

• Todd Fritz on Shador Sanders' Room:

  "He did. And if you'll go back to when we had Dion on... he got humbled."
  (08:36)

• Joe Thomas on Draft Strategy:

  "It would be hard for me to pass up on Travis Hunter just because he's a guy that can change the game on both sides of the ball."
  (27:19)

• Joe Thomas on Commitment:

  "If you want to be great, if you want to be consistently great, you got to do it for yourself."
  (33:29)

• Joe Thomas Critiquing Combine Measurements:

  "It's very much attached to these measuring systems that are very, very archaic."
  (36:28)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the first hour of The Dan Patrick Show episode titled "Shedeur Sanders Got Humbled, Joe Thomas." It provides an organized and detailed overview, complete with notable quotes and timestamps, making it accessible and informative for listeners who haven't tuned in to the episode.