The Dan Patrick Show – Best Of

Date: April 2, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host(s): Dan Patrick with Todd, Marvin, Seaton, Paulie (the “Danettes”)

Overview

This episode centers on two main sports stories: the ongoing fascination and potential burnout surrounding NBA sensation Victor Wembanyama (“Wemby”) and the strategic quarterback moves and rumors swirling ahead of the NFL Draft, particularly focused on the Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, and Kirk Cousins. Dan and the Danettes offer their trademark blend of insightful commentary and humor, while welcoming ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler for a deeper dive into both NFL and recent Eagles drama.

Key Discussion Points

1. Wembymania – Talent, Fatigue, and the Future ([00:39]–[14:52])

• Wemby’s Historic Night:

  • Victor Wembanyama’s 41-point, 18-rebound game against the Warriors (with Golden State putting out an overmatched, undersized lineup) prompts the crew to compare the event to an NBA fantasy camp.
  • “It looked like a fantasy camp... Wemby out there and then a bunch of guys with the warriors who had weird numbers, like 61, 77. I go, what is going on here?” – Dan Patrick ([00:39])

• Too Much Wemby?

  • Todd questions if the media is overexposing Wemby: “I wonder if... we’re starting to get Wembied out?” ([01:58])
  • Dan rebuffs: “I am all in on Wemby. I think he’s fascinating. Certainly watch an entire game and I’d still love to have a stat of shots altered.” ([02:15])

• No Real NBA Enforcers Anymore:

  • Discussion on how Wemby’s future challenges won’t resemble classic ‘rough him up’ defense: “We don’t have enforcers in the game the way we once did... but the game is perimeter-based.” – Dan Patrick ([03:16])

• Wemby vs. NBA Stars — Who Would You Build Around?

  • Poll question: If you could have any current NBA player for the next five years, same price, who would you pick? Luka, SGA, Joker, Wemby among the options. Wemby is the clear favorite for most.
    • “There’s only one answer to that. It’s Wimby. He’s 22. I mean SGA is wonderful, Luca, but for five years, I get Wemby. Absolutely.” – Dan Patrick ([06:48])
  • Giannis is omitted as the Danettes believe his prime has passed due to injuries.

• Face of the NBA Debate:

  • “Wendy’s the face of the league right now, right?” – Marvin ([08:11])
  • Dan: “It’s close. I mean, I’m sure the league would like to have SGA maybe as the face since he’s the reigning MVP... But Wemby’s close.” ([08:15])

• Wemby’s Uniqueness and NBA “Unicorns”:

  • The group acknowledges that while every era sees “different” revolutionary talents (e.g., Shaq, MJ, Magic, Bird, Steph), Wemby is the next in that long line.
    • “Basketball’s been around ... reinventing how to play the game. That’s remarkable... Steph did something nobody else had done. Now Wemby’s doing that.” – Dan Patrick ([13:04])
  • “One of the most overused terms is generational talent. But I’m glad Wemby’s an actual generational talent, because we haven’t seen this type of hype around somebody since LeBron.” – Marvin ([14:18])

Notable Quotes:

• “I think eventually... they will rough him up a little bit, or at least they’ll try to. ... If Wemby can go one-on-one with you and beat you off the dribble, he’s going to do that pull-up jumper.” – Dan Patrick ([03:16])
• “There’s not a bunch of 7’3 guys on the way that are athletic who are going to match up with this guy. He’s going to be the tallest, most athletic guy for a long time.” – Paul ([12:26])
• “We get caught up on playoff experience... but in the end, it’s about talent.” – Dan Patrick ([05:17])

2. NFL Draft: Raiders, Fernando Mendoza & Kirk Cousins ([18:48]–[32:10], [38:04]–[50:21])

A) Breaking News Game – Kirk Cousins to the Raiders? ([18:48]–[29:34])

• The Danettes play a guessing game about “saucy” NFL news: it’s announced that Kirk Cousins has reportedly signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
• Confusion and debate about the strategy:
  • Does signing Cousins make sense if the team is taking Fernando Mendoza #1 overall?
  • Is Cousins (as a “gap QB”) blocking a rookie’s development or protecting him?
  • “If I don’t feel like I have a great offensive line and I got a rookie head coach and I’m going to bring in a rookie quarterback, do I want to trade down and maybe get four first-round draft picks?” – Dan Patrick ([21:40])
• Dan strongly endorses the “sit a year and learn” approach: “I’m fine with Kirk Cousins coming in. ... Really valuable to have a backup quarterback who can play.” ([26:12])

B) Evaluating Mendoza ([25:48]–[29:43])

• Mendoza plays down draft hype and emphasizes being the best player he can for whoever drafts him: “You only need one team to believe in you…” ([25:48])
• Dan evaluates Mendoza’s measured answers and practical approach to his pro day: “He gives you the answers you want to hear... I loved his approach to a pro day. He acted like a pro at a pro day.” ([26:12])
• Comparison to Joe Flacco: “If Mendoza has a Joe Flacco career, I’d sign up for that if I’m a Raider fan. Nothing to be ashamed of.” – Dan Patrick ([29:43])

C) Interview: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Reporter ([38:04]–[50:21])

• Confirms Raiders tried hard for Joe Flacco, pivoted to Cousins for a short-term veteran.
  • “The Raiders seem to be leaning on that old-school mentality at least a little bit of like, hey, why do we have to rush [Mendoza] out there week one, you know, even if he is ready...” – Jeremy Fowler ([39:06])
• The expectation is still that Mendoza is the #1 pick and the job is his when ready.
  • “I would be absolutely shocked at this point. ... Most other teams in the top 10 of the draft are expecting Mendoza to be off the board at one and the draft starts at two.” – Jeremy Fowler ([40:48])
• Their thinking: give Mendoza a true learning year, while Cousins mentors (and spot-starts if needed).
• The Danettes and Fowler also discuss the strategic logic of such a move and reassure fans that it isn't about creating a controversy, but rather protecting their top investment.

D) Other NFL Notes:

• Brief updates and discussion on:
  • Deshaun Watson and the Browns: owner’s comments, challenges, and new coach. ([47:37]–[50:21])
  • Bill Self returning to Kansas ([11:02])
  • Tiger Woods rehab update ([11:02])

Notable Quotes:

• “If Kirk Cousins plays well, I’d say awesome. But I wouldn’t go, oh, we can’t put Mendoza in there. You’ll put him in when he’s ready.” – Dan Patrick ([28:36])
• “If you really want Fernando Mendoza... I have to at least listen to [trade offers]. But I don’t know if I would be totally confident with that.” – Dan Patrick ([24:26])
• “Sometimes you just want to make sure. ... Zach Wilson comes to mind. ... But if Mendoza’s lights out ... then you have the flexibility to do that.” – Jeremy Fowler ([39:55])

3. The Eagles/Jalen Hurts Blame Game & Leadership ([41:01]–[47:37])

• Fowler discusses his recent ESPN deep-dive exploring the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive dysfunction and the subtleties of Jalen Hurts’ leadership and performance.
  • The article placed some (not all) of the blame on Hurts; Fowler explains the timing coincided with completion of reporting, not intentional.
  • “As we dug in... Jalen’s name came up a lot as certainly not the only culprit... There’s plenty of blame to go around.” – Jeremy Fowler ([41:36])
• Dan defends Hurts’ big-game ability and consistent adjustment to new coordinators.
• Comparison of Hurts to Russell Wilson (Seattle era) — talented but needs support and continuity to thrive.
  • “Some quarterbacks you can win really because of, and that’s a short list. And some you need to win with by supporting them.” – Jeremy Fowler ([45:15])
• Hurts’ introverted, unruffled approach is admired but can sometimes be a challenge in the locker room.

Notable Quotes:

• “When the Eagles didn’t have enough support around Jalen Hurts, that’s where you saw the offense struggling because it was all on him. You know, some quarterbacks can handle that, but it’s a very short list.” – Jeremy Fowler ([45:15])

4. Fun & Inside Baseball ([32:10]–[35:14])

• Lighthearted sidebar about guests Dan might bring on before his eventual retirement — Jim Rome, Michael Jordan, Colin Cowherd. “Who booked the last guest, Michael Jordan? Paul did.” ([35:28])
• Banter about Kirk Cousins shopping at Kohl’s: “There are at least eight Kohl’s in the greater Las Vegas area, which we know he’s a huge Kohl’s shop.” ([31:44])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:39] Wembanyama’s performance, debate over media coverage
• [02:59] Paul and Dan on Wemby as a must-watch player
• [06:25] NBA “player for five years” poll
• [13:03] Discussion of NBA unicorns and generational talent
• [18:48] Breaking NFL news guessing game (Kirk Cousins to Raiders)
• [25:48] Fernando Mendoza on his approach and pro day
• [38:04] Jeremy Fowler interview begins (NFL insider insights)
• [39:55] Raider strategy with Cousins/Mendoza
• [41:01] Eagles’ blame game and Hurts discussion
• [47:37] Browns QB uncertainty, Deshaun Watson’s future

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “I am all in on Wemby. I think he’s fascinating.” – Dan Patrick ([02:15])
• “If Mendoza has a Joe Flacco career, I’d sign up for that if I’m a Raider fan.” – Dan Patrick ([29:43])
• “There’s only one answer to [the poll]. It’s Wimby.” – Dan Patrick ([06:48])
• “One of the most overused terms is generational talent. But I’m glad Wemby’s an actual generational talent...” – Marvin ([14:18])
• “The Raiders seem to be leaning on that old-school mentality... Why do we have to rush him out there week one?” – Jeremy Fowler ([39:06])
• “Some quarterbacks you can win really because of, and that’s a short list...” – Jeremy Fowler ([45:15])

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

• Lively, humorous, and insightful as always, with Dan and the Danettes riffing on the week’s sports news.
• Occasional gentle ribbing (“Wembied out?”) and offbeat analogies ensure the analysis never feels stale.
• Practical and thoughtful breakdowns of sports business and strategy, without losing the “everyman” tone.

This detailed summary should provide a comprehensive sense of the episode for those who haven’t listened, capturing important topics, standout moments, and the show’s vibrant banter and expertise.