Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: NFL Draft Letdowns

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of The Dan Patrick Show titled "NFL Draft Letdowns," hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis delve deep into the evolution of the NFL Draft, celebrate significant "glow ups" over the past five decades, and reflect on notable draft disappointments. The discussion is enriched with listener interactions, providing a comprehensive look at the transformative journey of sports, technology, and cultural phenomena.

1. Evolution of the NFL Draft

Steve Covino and Rich Davis commence their discussion by highlighting the dramatic transformation of the NFL Draft from a modest event to a globally anticipated spectacle.

• Quote: Rich Davis humorously contrasts the past and present NFL Draft environments:

  "Being that the NFL draft went from a bunch of old balding guys with beige phones in a wood panel. What seemed like a VFW hall an old NFL draft looked like. Honestly, your dad playing poker with his buddies in the basement somewhere." [04:00]

They emphasize how the draft now attracts nearly a million attendees in host cities, complete with celebrity appearances, advanced graphics, and high-stakes excitement.

• Quote: Covino underscores the scale:

  "And now practically 500,000 to a million people show up in a city. Celebrities are out and about." [04:18]

2. Highlighting Major "Glow Ups" Over 50 Years

The hosts explore various sectors that have experienced significant advancements or "glow ups," drawing parallels to the NFL Draft's evolution.

• Gym and Fitness Industry:

  --> Discussed the shift from rudimentary home workouts to sophisticated gym memberships and fitness culture.

  "I really think gyms, fitness, all the different workout plans, personal trainers... everybody you know now I would say most people you know, well, in that case, I want a membership to some type of gym." [05:38]

• Automotive Industry:

  --> Highlighted the transformation of car designs and technology.

  "Any car, I think cars in general, just the idea of the new Bronco... cars have evolved." [06:52]

• Technology and Video Games:

  --> Discussed the leap from rotary phones to smartphones and the advancement of video game graphics.

  "Your iPhone is an appendage. You can't go anywhere without your phone." [07:03]

  "Video games have come a long way, much like the NFL draft." [16:11]

• Marijuana Legalization:

  --> Traced the shift from taboo to mainstream acceptance and legalization.

  "Marijuana was like, you know, it was something taboo... now it's just accepted and it's sophistication." [21:26]

3. Listener Interactions: Celebrating "Glow Ups"

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener calls, sharing personal anecdotes and expanding on the "glow ups" theme.

• Example Call from Brian in South Dakota:

  --> Emphasized the impact of Tiger Woods on making golf popular.

  "Tiger Woods and golf... Tiger Woods made golf cool." [17:05]

• Example Call from Pete:

  --> Noted advancements in the NHL, including the Winter Classic and improved media coverage.

  "The NHL has really come a long way in the last 50 years with the Winter Classic and the outdoor games." [14:03]

4. Transition to NFL Draft Letdowns

Shifting gears, Steve Covino and Rich Davis transition to discussing their personal experiences with NFL Draft picks that didn't meet expectations, termed "letdowns."

• Quote: Covino reflects on his overestimation:

  "I thought Trey Lance was going to do it. And I was way wrong with Trey Lance." [35:08]

5. Notable NFL Draft Letdowns

The hosts cite several high-profile draft picks that fell short of their projected potential, discussing the impact on teams and their own expectations.

• Josh Rosen:

  --> Highlighted as a hyped quarterback who didn't fulfill his promise.

  "I really bought into the fact that he was hyped about proving everybody wrong. I was wrong about that." [33:25]

• Trey Lance:

  --> Discussed as a promising pick for the 49ers that didn't pan out as expected.

  "He had some athleticism... And I know there was not much tape of him. I was convinced that the 49ers with Trey Lance had their guy." [35:37]

• Jamarcus Russell:

  --> Cited as one of the most significant busts in NFL history.

  "Jamarcus Russell... he just didn't have what it took, and had some bad habits and was lazy." [38:45]

• Additional Examples:

  --> Mentioned Ryan Leaf, Sam Bradford, and Donovan McNabb as players who didn't meet expectations.

  "Ryan Leaf is probably on the list. Jamarcus Russell is number one." [49:43]

6. Reflections on Expectations vs. Performance

The hosts contemplate the discrepancy between initial hype and actual performance, pondering whether the issue lies with the players or their own expectations.

• Quote: Covino questions the root cause:

  "Maybe our expectations were wrong from the get-go. Maybe that player gave you everything he had. That's all he really ever had. But it was you that were wrong, not them." [52:09]

Conclusion

Steve Covino and Rich Davis wrap up the hour by emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft and the ongoing fascination it holds for fans. They encourage listeners to engage with the show through calls and prepare for upcoming draft events, maintaining a balance between celebrating advancements and acknowledging setbacks in the sports world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Video games have come a long way, much like the NFL draft." — Rich Davis [16:11]
• "Tiger Woods and golf... Tiger Woods made golf cool." — Listener Call [17:05]
• "I really thought Trey Lance was going to do it. And I was way wrong with Trey Lance." — Steve Covino [35:08]
• "Jamarcus Russell... he just didn't have what it took, and had some bad habits and was lazy." — Danny G. [38:45]
• "Maybe our expectations were wrong from the get-go. Maybe that player gave you everything he had. That's all he really ever had. But it was you that were wrong, not them." — Steve Covino [52:09]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a nostalgic yet critical examination of the NFL Draft's journey, intertwined with broader cultural and technological evolutions. By blending personal anecdotes with listener input, Steve Covino and Rich Davis provide an engaging narrative that resonates with sports enthusiasts and general audiences alike.