The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 – Trevor Sikkema, NBA Preview
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Trevor Sikkema, Lead Draft Analyst for Pro Football Focus
Introduction
In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio, Dan Patrick delves into the latest developments surrounding Shador Sanders, a highly-touted quarterback prospect, and provides an NBA update, including the Dallas Mavericks' recent challenges. Special guest Trevor Sikkema joins Patrick to offer expert insights on the NFL draft and Sanders' prospects.
Kyrie Irving’s Season-Ending Injury and Dallas Mavericks’ Struggles
The show kicks off with unexpected news about Kyrie Irving suffering a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee. This injury significantly impacts the Dallas Mavericks, leaving them without one of their key players. Patrick highlights the irony of Irving being out the same night the Mavericks announce an increase in season ticket prices, underscoring a tumultuous period for the franchise.
Notable Quote:
- Dan Patrick: “Kyrie Irving is currently the only player in the NBA averaging at least 20 points shooting 40% from 3-point range, 90% from the free throw line. The fifth season in his career with those statistics. Second most all-time to Steph Curry, but out for the rest of the season.” [12:45]
Shador Sanders and the NFL Draft Discussion
Transitioning to the NFL draft, Patrick focuses on Shador Sanders, discussing his rising prominence and the growing skepticism about his potential as a top-tier quarterback. The episode features an in-depth analysis with Trevor Sikkema, who shares his candid evaluation of Sanders' skills and draft stock.
Key Points:
- Physical Attributes: Sanders stands at 5'11", weighs 178 pounds, and has a 7'8" hand size.
- Talent Assessment: Sikkema praises Sanders’ understanding of the game but questions his arm strength and mobility compared to elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
- Draft Predictions: Initially, Sanders was slipping out of mock drafts due to doubts about his NFL-level arm talent. However, his notoriety as Deion Sanders’ son has kept him in the spotlight, potentially affecting his draft position.
Notable Quotes:
- Trevor Sikkema: “He understands how to read defenses, go through progressions, operate the pocket, make protection calls. He knows how to play quarterback. But does he have that crazy arm talent to compete against the likes of Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes? I don't think so.” [18:30]
- Dan Patrick: “Does his draft status stock change at all in your mind if it's just Shador Smith and not Shador Sanders?” [25:10]
Comparative Analysis: Cam Ward vs. Shador Sanders
Sikkema draws a comparison between Sanders and another quarterback prospect, Cam Ward, who appears to be the leading candidate in the draft. Ward is praised for his arm strength and mentality, traits that Sikkema believes are crucial for a franchise quarterback.
Key Points:
- Ward's Performance: Despite some unorthodox traits and moments where his decision-making appears hesitant, Ward is considered top-tier due to his willingness to take risks and his strong arm.
- Draft Strategies: Teams are likely to prefer Ward over Sanders in the first round, with Sanders potentially falling to the late first or second round.
Notable Quote:
- Trevor Sikkema: “Cam Ward has the arm talent and mentality to make those critical throws every week. That's why I believe he's my QB1.” [32:55]
Running Back Prospects and Pro Football Focus Insights
The conversation shifts to the running back position, where Sikkema highlights prospects like Ashen Genti, Omari Hampton, and others who are likely to be first-round picks based on their performance metrics from Pro Football Focus.
Key Points:
- Top Running Backs: Ashen Genti and Omari Hampton are expected to secure first-round selections.
- Other Notable Players: Caleb Johnson and Cam Scatterbo may find themselves in the second round, with potential for late first-rounder selections.
Notable Quote:
- Trevor Sikkema: “Caleb Johnson from Iowa and Cam Scatterbo have shown explosiveness that could make them valuable second-round picks.” [45:20]
Betting Segment: Draft Position Predictions
In a lively betting discussion, Patrick and his colleagues make wagers on where Shador Sanders will be drafted.
Key Points:
- Bets Placed: The consensus leans towards Sanders being drafted outside the top five picks.
- Public Sentiment: Initially, Sanders was projected to be a top-five pick, but current analyses suggest a drop due to concerns about his playing style and physical attributes.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Patrick: “I’d give you five and a half, five and a half. Over, under five and a half for sure.” [58:10]
- Paulie Martin: “Shador Sanders goes in the top five? Under five and a half for sure.” [59:45]
Listener Call-Ins and Final Thoughts
The show opens up to listener calls, where fans share their opinions on Shador Sanders and other draft prospects. Discussions include Sanders' decision-making under pressure and comparisons to other quarterbacks who have struggled or succeeded in the NFL.
Key Points:
- Arrogance vs. Confidence: Callers debate whether Sanders' perceived arrogance is a sign of confidence or a detrimental trait.
- Team Fit: Opinions vary on which NFL teams might benefit from Sanders' skill set, considering their current quarterback needs and team dynamics.
Notable Quotes:
- Caller (Lucas from Texas): “Shador Sanders might be overrated because he should be, but he is a good quarterback, tough quarterback.” [1:05:30]
- Trevor Sikkema: “In today’s NFL, quarterbacks need to extend plays. Can Shador do that? I don't think so.” [1:07:15]
Conclusion
Dan Patrick wraps up the episode by reiterating the shifting perceptions of Shador Sanders in the NFL draft landscape. With Trevor Sikkema's expert analysis, the show provides listeners with a comprehensive view of one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects of the year, alongside an overview of key running back prospects and ongoing NBA updates.
Key Takeaways
- Shador Sanders: Highly intelligent and knowledgeable about the game but questioned for his arm strength and mobility. Likely to be drafted in the late first or second round rather than the top five.
- Cam Ward: Strong contender for the first pick due to his arm talent and mental toughness, despite some unorthodox tendencies.
- Running Backs to Watch: Ashen Genti and Omari Hampton are frontrunners for first-round picks, with others like Caleb Johnson and Cam Scatterbo poised for second-round selections.
- NBA Impact: Kyrie Irving’s injury adds to the Dallas Mavericks' off-court challenges, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports management and team dynamics.
Notable Timestamps and Quotes
- 12:45 - Dan Patrick: “Kyrie Irving is currently the only player in the NBA averaging at least 20 points shooting 40% from 3-point range, 90% from the free throw line. The fifth season in his career with those statistics. Second most all-time to Steph Curry, but out for the rest of the season.”
- 18:30 - Trevor Sikkema: “He understands how to read defenses, go through progressions, operate the pocket, make protection calls. He knows how to play quarterback. But does he have that crazy arm talent to compete against the likes of Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes? I don't think so.”
- 32:55 - Trevor Sikkema: “Cam Ward has the arm talent and mentality to make those critical throws every week. That's why I believe he's my QB1.”
- 45:20 - Trevor Sikkema: “Caleb Johnson from Iowa and Cam Scatterbo have shown explosiveness that could make them valuable second-round picks.”
- 58:10 - Dan Patrick: “I’d give you five and a half, five and a half. Over, under five and a half for sure.”
- 1:05:30 - Caller (Lucas from Texas): “Shador Sanders might be overrated because he should be, but he is a good quarterback, tough quarterback.”
- 1:07:15 - Trevor Sikkema: “In today’s NFL, quarterbacks need to extend plays. Can Shador do that? I don't think so.”
For more insights and detailed analyses, listen to the full episode of The Dan Patrick Show on the Fox Sports Radio network or via the iHeartRadio app.