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Colin Cowherd
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Colin Cowherd
Thanks for listening to the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
Steve Keim
Now let's get this party started.
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. We Steve Keim, former decade long GM of the Arizona Cardinals. Now he is the GM of Clutch Football, Rich Paul's company and he's having the time of his life. So we were talking during the break that I don't think fans realize this. You do analytics and auditing of Your own drafts over a decade.
Steve Keim
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
If you looked at the analytics of the entire NFL, on average, how many draft picks become starters and stick?
Steve Keim
Yeah. And you know, Colin, the big thing about it is we set a really low bar when we ran those analytical numbers. And you know, really, to start over a 10 year period, when you looked at the first three rounds, 51% were guys that hit. And I'm talking about guys who were just solid starting players in the National.
Colin Cowherd
Football League quarterbacks first round, what's the number?
Steve Keim
49%.
Colin Cowherd
So this is an interesting one. I look at a player like Kyle McCord, second round, who could fall to a better team and I think he could be as good as Shador Sanders. To you, when you look at Jalen Milroe, Cam Ward, Shador Sanders is one clearly better.
Steve Keim
Well, you know, I mean, obviously I'm a little bit biased towards Jaylen Milro because we represent him. I spent a lot of time with him. His upside and his talent is absolutely. I mean, I haven't seen many guys that can throw the football like him that have that kind of speed and explosiveness for a quarterback. At 225 pounds, he's probably a sub 4, 4 guy.
Colin Cowherd
And I think he's a better athlete than Anthony Richardson.
Steve Keim
Yes, yes. In my opinion he is. And he's a tremendous runner with the football in his hands and he's got the size and explosiveness that's rare and off the charts. I think he's going to be a guy that under the right tutelage and the right coaching, I think he is going to develop into a great pro.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, Cam Ward, is he the safest quarterback pick?
Steve Keim
I think so. I think he's got the most talent in terms of football acumen, skill set. He's got a really live arm, quick release. I thought the tape was really good. Watching him in Miami this year, you.
Colin Cowherd
Worry about the backyard football thing.
Steve Keim
There's a tendency that he can do that. You know, a lot of these quarterbacks that are runners of the football, they can get into bad habits because they've escaped the pressure all their lives. So create some bad tendencies. But. But he's a guy that I think is going to turn into a really good pro as well.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. You know, it's. You went up, you. You went and acquired James Connor from Pittsburgh.
Steve Keim
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
It was a great pickup for Arizona. And it was during a time where everybody was saying, you know, running backs are overrated.
Steve Keim
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
And you're out there like, no, I'm going to go with it. I've always believed that perimeter players can be a bit overrated. Wide receivers, I think we just got out of a wide receiver bubble, like a housing bubble. What do you make of the Saquon Barkley move? And why. Why did you make a James Conner move? Your thought you're a former offensive lineman. How do you view running backs? This is a good running back draft. How do you view them?
Steve Keim
Well, again, now we go back to analytics, and analytics has told you over time that generally the best backs have been drafted in rounds three through five. Okay, now that's just an analytical study, but that being said, I mean, if you got a special back like Saquon Barkley, you take them as a top 10 pick because they are bell cow, Adrian Peterson, guys who are different. And I think the fact that they paid him, I think is another good move by Howie Roseman. They paid their bell cow. They set the market now at what, 21, $20 million for running backs. And, you know, again, they rewarded one of their own. And I think that's. That's tremendous.
Colin Cowherd
We've talked about the Philadelphia Eagles. They're going to have to move off certain players.
Steve Keim
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
So they're going to move off Sweat, probably. D line. Is it Milton Williams?
Steve Keim
Yeah, we have Milton Williams as a client and he is a tremendous, tremendous talent. I think he's going to get going to do real well in the market.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. The question is, you don't want to pay linebackers a lot.
Steve Keim
Right.
Colin Cowherd
What does Howie do with Zach Bond?
Steve Keim
Well, you know, I think he's a guy that's also a difference maker. And, you know, obviously sometimes it depends on if the guy is a guy that calls the defense, if he sets the front.
Colin Cowherd
Fred Warner.
Steve Keim
Yeah, yeah, guys like that. And you know, I think with Bond, especially with that talented defensive front up there, he may be the guy that sets that front and keeps them aligned. So that could be an important part of their process as well.
Colin Cowherd
So you're a former offensive lineman. I have made this. I've been on this for seven years. There is something about offensive coaches being able to reboot and restructure an o line. Andy McVeigh, Ben Johnson here has went out and got two guards, defensive coaches, and I don't know what it is. There is some sensibility about offensive head coaches and the ability to either spot, develop O lines. So the Bears go out and they paid two guards. Do you like that?
Steve Keim
I love it. I love it. Because, I mean, think about it. Your future is that quarterback and everything is coming about agap. Pressure. And now all of a sudden you protect that quarterback inside out. And now all of a sudden you got an opportunity to see what Caleb Williams can really do.
Colin Cowherd
Is it a good offensive line draft?
Steve Keim
You know, I think it's solid. I mean, there's some good players in the draft. I think, you know, maybe more starters than Pro bowl players. But I think, you know, in the first two rounds there's going to be a number of players that will end up being solid starters in the league.
Colin Cowherd
I want to go back to quarterbacks in college. Shador Sanders. If I had to draft a quarterback, what concerned you about Shadore Sanders?
Steve Keim
You know, I think holding the ball a little too long at times. You know, I think he's got the right skill set. I do think he's a smart football player. When you watch him in the pocket, he's got really good pocket presence. So I do like a lot of things about Shador and I think he's going to be a fine player to the next level. Now is he first year starter? I don't know about that, but at the same time, I think he's got a lot of things going for him in the right direction.
Colin Cowherd
Does it help that dad was a pro or does it not matter?
Steve Keim
I think 100%. I mean, he grew up with football. He understands what it takes to be a pro. Say what you want about Deion Sanders, but he's got to figure it out. I mean, he does. He's got to figure it out. He knows what it takes. I think the kid is a tremendous worker. I think he works at it. And I think that's half the, half the battle when you got that skill set.
Colin Cowherd
Arm strength is average. Does that matter a lot to you?
Steve Keim
No, because I mean, what's, what's the first thing you ask a quarterback to do? Throw catchable ball. Doesn't matter what your arm strength is if you can't throw it in the right direction.
Colin Cowherd
Be sure to catch Live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.
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Joy Taylor
It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts and the National Hockey League and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.
Steve Keim
I wore nine NHL sweaters and I have story after story to share and believe it or not, I have plenty to say and not just about hockey.
Joy Taylor
Believe me, he does Energy Line with Nate and JSB is the name of the podcast and it's going to be, well, it's going to be quite the Ride. We're officially line mates, Nate. We're the Energy Line.
Steve Keim
We'll have plenty of folks join us, Current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers. And wait till you see some of the connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex.
Joy Taylor
Okay. We'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to do, provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?
Steve Keim
I'm vibing Julie. I'm ready to roll.
Joy Taylor
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. So much of free agency. You've dabbled in some free agency. It can be a little bit of a sucker's paradise. Would you look. So DK Metcalf is now 27 years old. Story today. John Snyder, who, by the way, does not miss on wide receiver talent, is going to move off him. Tyler Lockett as well.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
You're a GM. You need a wide receiver. You're Jim Harbaugh.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
27 years old, pretty darn expensive. One year left. Probably want you to negotiate a new deal. What do you do with DK Metcalf?
Steve Keim
That's the thing. I mean, he wants a new deal. I'm sure. I'm sure this is what it's all about. He's got, what, $31 million, one year left, no guarantee. I would. You know, you look at. You said it best, Josh. John Schneider and Jason Light are probably the two best in the league in terms of acquiring wide receiver talent. Those guys have been off the charts and really don't miss. So, you know, I mean, I think that John. The cards are in John's hand. I mean, I think he can play it however he wants. Your quarterback's 35 years old, so that's concern. But at the same time, you know, you got to decide yourself. Do you have a youth movement? Are you rebuilding? Where are you at? They have a really good young nucleus up there. And if the guy is getting loud and he's being a, you know, sort of a locker room lawyer, then I would probably move on.
Colin Cowherd
What would you. J. Mac and I talked about this. I think with his contract, he's worth. J. Mack says a third. I say a second. What would you give up for him if you needed a receiver, you know.
Steve Keim
27 years old, I'd probably. Probably second. But now, that being said, you're going to have to give a second and, you know, sign him as well. So you're going to want to do a sign and trade to make sure that you have him in a place where you avoid sort of the Hassan Reddick issue with the jets when they traded for him.
Colin Cowherd
So you represent Clutch Football represents Jalen Milroe. Great parents, great kid.
Steve Keim
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
But I was defending Shador Sanders yesterday. I said, grew up rich due to the nil, is now rich. And a lot of. A lot of. There were stories that leaked out. He's brash and arrogant. And I said, you know, the New York Giants may be an impediment to being successful. They may be a roadblock. I can. I understand the culture's changed. A star quarterback out of college. He's not desperate.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
What's the line on you, Steve, interviewing a college quarterback in the nil world? What is confidence? What is arrogance?
Steve Keim
Well, you know, it's funny because it went from the first question you used to ask him was, how is he going to deal with money? Well, now half these quarterbacks have more money than half the starters in the NFL. Shador Sanders certainly does. So, I mean, obviously he understands what it takes to balance a checkbook. He understands all the sort of the things that come with playing that position. So I think with the nil world, there has been some good things that have come with it in terms of teaching guys how to be a pro earlier.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Did you ever have me. Kyler Murray was a different personality. Dad was involved. Was there a moment's pause that you did. You guys had that discussion about, you know, he's a little quirky personality. Was that.
Steve Keim
No, because I knew at the end of the day he would make us a much better football team. I think it's kind of like this draft here, you know? Does. Does. Does Cam Ward at the first pick make you a better team initially or does Abdul Carter. We had Joey or Nick Bosa on the board, so it's Kyler Murray or Nick Bosa. Now, you can argue, obviously, that Nick Bosa was a better player. Tremendous upside. But he. But Kyler Murray, that decision was going to propel us in the winning direction quicker because of the position of need.
Colin Cowherd
The Sam Darnold market. Does he have one?
Steve Keim
Yes. Yes. I mean, again, supply and demand at that position. There's probably, what, seven, eight, ten guys you can win with, and then the rest are playing musical chairs. Sam Darnold is a good player. He put good tape out there this year.
Colin Cowherd
Now, you didn't love him out of college.
Steve Keim
I didn't. So I'm eating Some crow with this on you, you know. But, but I loved him. Yeah, no, but I, but I tell you what, Jordan Palmer has also taken his game to another level. Jordan has done a great job with him. You know, he works with him as well as Josh Allen and some of those guys. So Jordan, Jordan Palmer is like the quarterback whisperer. He does a great thing with those guys and down in Orange County. But, but yeah, Sam is going to have a market. You know, to me the franchise tag is at 40. You're probably negotiating somewhere off that number. So you're going, you know, if it's a long term deal, maybe you get him in the mid 40 range, maybe somewhere where Purdy is going to come in.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. Aaron Rodgers, would you sign him for it? He doesn't want to play forever. Got a house in Malibu, Las Vegas. Pete Carroll is going to run the show. Chip Kelly, strong oc. You're the Raiders. Two years. Aaron Rodgers interest you?
Steve Keim
Yeah, two years. Yeah. I mean, again, you know, do I put Aaron Rodgers up from a skill set standpoint compared to the other 32 quarterbacks? He's certainly in the first half now. I know again, he's going through some injuries and had some bad luck at the jets, but the guy can still play. And if he puts, get put in the right situation, I think he'll have some success.
Colin Cowherd
Does a personality matter to you?
Steve Keim
I think it just depends on what your culture is. You know, who's your head coach, how's your building run? I think those things play into it for sure.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, Pete's going to run the show.
Steve Keim
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
Very strong willed, strong personality.
Steve Keim
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, so let's get down. So he loves Brock Purdy. I mean he, he'd pay him like he's a Swiss bank. I'm like, his career numbers against playoff teams aren't great. I think he's maybe the 13th to 15th most talented quarterback in the league. That's about 45 large. That's what lynch offers. I'm his agent. You're the GM of, of San Francisco. What would you be comfortable going to?
Steve Keim
You said John went to 45 at this point. I'd say there. Yeah. I would say there again. Now this is one of those situations where it comes down to the player's got to be smart enough to understand that he fits in that system ideally. Okay. He has great talent around him. Kyle knows how to run the football extremely well. So those things set him up to be a successful quarterback. Don't be dumb and chase the money somewhere else. When you can get A great deal and play for your home team.
Colin Cowherd
Do you tell the agent that?
Steve Keim
Yes, you do? With emphasis.
Colin Cowherd
So you've had high volume conversations with agents.
Steve Keim
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
And you're just, hey, don't be dumb. Don't be dumb. And by the way, people confuse contextualization with hate.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
How do you preface it? Like let's say you're driving to work and you know you got to talk to Brock Purdy's agent.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And you got to get kind of caffeinated because again, have you gone into calls knowing it's going to be. Is it an hour conversation, is it 15? How do you prepare for that conversation?
Steve Keim
I mean, it depends on who the agent is. But you got to be prepared for some of these guys, particularly some of the more top, more experienced agents. You've got to be on your P's and Q's and you got to be ready because they want to fight at all times.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. The Rams are pretty hard in negotiating.
Steve Keim
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
Stafford. You never believe Stafford was going to leave, but if you look at his contract, I can argue he's underpaid relative to the market, he'll be making less than Brock Purdy. Why do you think he stayed? What do you think that. Because I heard it went back and forth for about three days.
Steve Keim
Why Louisiana Sean McVeigh now what do.
Colin Cowherd
You mean by L. A?
Steve Keim
It's a great place to live. Good weather. He's lived in Detroit. He's in LA with a good, good coach. I think that he's got obviously an opportunity to get continually better players. Les will do a good job there drafting and signing players in free agency. He'll have a say in the whole thing. And you know, he's what made $360 million in his career. So I think he can live on that.
Colin Cowherd
He's got a nice little place in mb.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Smoke a cigar on that deck if you want to do.
Steve Keim
It's clean living.
Colin Cowherd
So now you are in a situation where you are dealing with. I mean you're. It's the same job but a better boss.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
So when you look when kids come out today.
Steve Keim
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
So I think a lot of people, I hear a lot of these things leaked. Kids are more arrogant. Nil. Is that what you're experiencing?
Steve Keim
No, I just think that you need to sort of start the recruitment earlier now because of the nil stuff. Because you want to develop the relationship with the players earlier in the process. Because. Because a lot of times you are a part of their nil deals. Okay. As an agency. So now you're getting involved with doing their nil deals, but you're also building that relationship early with the players. So once he pans out and becomes a good player and becomes an NFL CH prospect, now all of a sudden you've developed that relationship with him and had him under your sort of your tutelage.
Colin Cowherd
So I always had this. I had somebody tell me this years ago, an NFL gm. He said, we love drafting Mark Rick's players at Georgia because he hasn't squeezed all the juice out of them.
Steve Keim
Y.
Colin Cowherd
Be careful about Nick Saban's defensive backs. Yeah, he's made them look better than they are. That Saban was such a great coach. People always said this about Jeff Tedford.
Steve Keim
Y.
Colin Cowherd
He squeak every. You're not. There's no upside. Tedford got everything out of him. So do you notice when you're recruiting players for Clutch that there are certain programs.
Steve Keim
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
Where players are more NFL ready 100%.
Steve Keim
I will tell you who does a great job with their players is Ohio State. That program is run. I mean, it's run, obviously, national champions. But those kids are so mature. And by the time that they get through that program, if they can make it through the program, they are NFL ready and they're ready to go into the real world.
Colin Cowherd
Do you think it's because of the intensity of the program?
Steve Keim
I think that. I think they teach a lot of life lessons there. I think they do a lot of things off the field that are teaching these young men how to be, you know, sort of adults.
Colin Cowherd
Like what? What do you think?
Steve Keim
I think just the life skills, you know, just whether it's, you know, now with the Nil. How to handle your finances, how to. How to. How to sort of make a brand a name for yourself. Those sort of things that I think are, again, great for these kids for life.
Colin Cowherd
What a fun job. It's great, isn't it? Is, you know. Okay, one more player. I don't like to be critical of young guys, but Mel Kuiper told me years ago, nobody lies more than agents and GMs two weeks before the draft.
Steve Keim
No doubt.
Colin Cowherd
And there are certain people that are being pushed to me and like for instance, I watched a lot of Jackson Dart. I think he's a fourth rounder. I'm being told he's a first rounder. Former general manager. What do you like? What would worry you?
Steve Keim
The things I like. I think you. You can argue that he's checked a lot of the boxes in terms of playing well at the Senior bowl, doing some good things. At the combine throwing well there. I think he interviewed well with teams from what I hear. Yet at the same time, you, you always have to rely on the tape because again, I say this all the time. We go out in the fall and we fall in love with the player and then confuse ourselves in the spring because we got to remember that the things that you see on tape in the fall are what really matter. Now all of a sudden we're worried about the three cone. Well, we don't run a three cone at 1:00 on Sunday.
Colin Cowherd
Right. Did you ever, did you think the combine. Did you ever see a player at the combine and elevate him? Or do you think it's just guys in shorts run fast?
Steve Keim
Oh, no, I mean, I, I've, I've, I've over thought it before. I've done all that. Yeah, yeah, of course.
Colin Cowherd
You just kind of fall in love with it.
Steve Keim
Yeah, Big, fast, explosive. Yeah, yeah.
Colin Cowherd
That Missouri offensive lineman that, the kid that everybody's talking about. Like I looked at his combine and I'm like y late, first round to top 10 felt like to me. Am I.
Steve Keim
Yes, yes, absolutely.
Colin Cowherd
Okay.
Steve Keim
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
All right. You want to go out tonight?
Steve Keim
Absolutely, if you're buying.
Colin Cowherd
Is it on Rich?
Steve Keim
Paul?
Colin Cowherd
All right, we take a break. Back with J. Mac in the news. Next live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media. That's Covino and Rich.
Joy Taylor
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Colin Cowherd
So party of two, right this way.
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Colin Cowherd
Count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying, unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus stays with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months.
Joy Taylor
It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts and the National Hockey League and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.
Steve Keim
I wore nine NHL sweaters and I have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say. And not just about hockey.
Joy Taylor
Believe me, he does. Energy Line with Nate and JSB is the name of the podcast and it's going to be, well, it's going to be quite the ride. We're officially line mates, Nate. We're the Energy Line.
Steve Keim
We'll have plenty of folks join us. Current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers. And wait till you see some of the connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex.
Joy Taylor
Okay, we'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to do. Provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?
Steve Keim
I'm vibing Julie. I'm ready to roll.
Joy Taylor
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
J. Mac
Hey, Will, do you ever get overwhelmed by how much science happens these days?
Steve Keim
Constantly.
Colin Cowherd
I'm like, ah, there's so much science, I can't keep track of it all. Then it's a good thing. Our podcast part Time Genius is counting down the 25 greatest science ideas from.
J. Mac
The past 25 years.
Colin Cowherd
That's right, Mango. We're talking animals in a paper called.
J. Mac
Quote, chickens prefer beautiful humans.
Colin Cowherd
This was actually the title of the paper.
J. Mac
They all discovered that much like Humans, chickens are attracted to symmetrical faces.
Colin Cowherd
Got it. We're talking medical miracles. He's an endocrinologist who found a way to stimulate insulin producing cells using weight for it. The saliva of a Gila monster.
J. Mac
There's no way to make that not sound crazy.
Colin Cowherd
We even talked to some of the experts behind these breakthroughs. It's a week full of fact packed stories you won't want to miss. So listen to the part time genius countdown of the 25 greatest science ideas of the past 25 years, starting Monday, March 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, the Eagles signed Saquon Barkley yesterday. Today they're signing ZACH Bond, linebacker, three year deal. The All Pro fans love him. 34 million guaranteed out of the 51. So what do they do with Saquon Barkley and Zach Bond? Ton of money up front. A lot of teams aren't going to write those checks. So he's got, you know, million and a half bucks in incentives and escalators. So a lot of money up front. Steve Keim said he would resign Zach Bond and they did. He thinks he's a guy kind of Colin plays and right behind that great defensive line. So they're making decisions. Zach Bond, to me was a go. Either way. Linebackers, do you want to pay him? Keep that old line. Jalen hurt Saquon, they're gonna go with Zach Bond. They're gonna move off Milton Williams. They could probably move off Sweat. They moved off Darius Slay. They're gonna move off some defensive guys, but they're gonna keep Zach Bond. I know that makes Eagle fans happy. J. Mac with the news.
Steve Keim
No, no, no, no. Turn on the news.
Colin Cowherd
This is the Herd line news.
J. Mac
It's not getting the fanfare of Zach Vaughn, but Travis Kelce will be returning to the Kansas City Chiefs. He is committed to coming back. Today on his podcast, he explains some of the reasons why he's returning to Casey.
Steve Keim
The biggest thing is that I love playing the game of football. That's a good reason I. I love playing. I still feel like I could play it at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don't think it was my best outing. You know, I think I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I. Than I helped them.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I think he's got a year left. I probably would have called it a career. He's had a lot of surgeries, but.
J. Mac
Can'T go out like that, though.
Colin Cowherd
I mean, That's a good point.
J. Mac
Last two games were future. He was a non factor. He had a good game against Houston and then after that, nothing in the playoffs.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, well, it's hard.
J. Mac
He's invisible.
Colin Cowherd
Well, you know, you had a very good year.
J. Mac
Wait, what's hard? Playing football.
Colin Cowherd
Well, playing tight end. You have to block people, not just going out.
J. Mac
He's like one of the five greatest tight ends ever.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, maybe three.
J. Mac
It's hard.
Colin Cowherd
Well, yeah, it's very difficult. It's a. George Kittle has to block. He's just not running a curl route and taking a few plays off. These wide receivers out there making fancy catches. These guys have to block.
J. Mac
By the way, you think the Chiefs are going back to Super Bowl?
Colin Cowherd
I don't. No way.
J. Mac
I told you they wouldn't.
Steve Keim
Three feet.
J. Mac
I mean, I.
Colin Cowherd
You were right. I'm not. You were right. Of course. You didn't think they were going to the Super Bowl.
J. Mac
Did not think that either. But they got lucky.
Colin Cowherd
I don't know. I mean, my takeaway is now is I don't know if I trust. I don't know if I trust Buffalo and Baltimore. I want to see what the Chargers do in the draft.
J. Mac
It's going to be.
Colin Cowherd
If the Chargers had a good draft and got DK Metcalf, I would take them to go to the Super Bowl. That's how I feel.
Steve Keim
I.
Colin Cowherd
At some point, I'm done trusting Sean McDermott against Andy Reid. What do you want me to do? I want to see what I mean. Harbaugh took a nightmare to a playoff team.
J. Mac
Well, all these referee changes and that's going to help.
Colin Cowherd
I. I am. I'm open for business in the afc.
J. Mac
Who's your NFC team?
Colin Cowherd
Eagles, I think Philadelphia and the Rams and Detroit. You've been laughing at the Rams for three years.
J. Mac
No, I like the Rams.
Colin Cowherd
Come on. Stop.
J. Mac
Next story is the. Oh, yeah. Let's go with the wide receiver. Market is just getting flooded with names. It was devonte Adams. Now it's DK Metcalf. Kevin. Sorry. Tyler Lockett. Man, it is absolutely crazy. All these receivers. Let's drill down on Devonte Adams for a second. The best odds for him according to one book are the Green bay packers. Colin at plus 190. That to me seems insane that he would return to Green Bay.
Colin Cowherd
Well, it also tells you of all those good young Packer receivers and tight ends. They feel like they need an adult. They're so young at tight end. They're so young at receiver. It kind of the packers and Gutenkoons telling you, like, we need somebody that's been around the league a little more dependable, a little more adult. So I think the packers receivers and tight ends are great, but they're all kids, all of them.
J. Mac
I do find it odd that the team is essentially clamoring for a big name wide receiver that's going to mess with the heads of all the wide receivers that are already there, don't you think? Like, didn't one of them go sideways? It might have been Wicks or Dobbs.
Colin Cowherd
Why are they. Why are the Rams in there? They're trying to move off Cooper Cup.
J. Mac
No, they're done with Cooper cup. But they need, they need a.
Colin Cowherd
You need a one, two punch.
J. Mac
Chargers need a guy, obviously. I think the Niners on there is goofy. There's no chance they just moved off Debo.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, that's. I don't get that.
J. Mac
Yeah, Steelers make sense as they could use a receiver as well. I don't know what's up with Pickens. I haven't heard much from him lately. Colin, final story is the Raiders made one of the biggest moves of the off season just now. And that's because Max Crosby just became the highest paid non quarterback in NFL history. Max Crosby, Colin. Three years, 106 and a half million, 91 and a half million guaranteed. That comes out to 35.3 million a year, just over Justin Jefferson's 35 million. Colin, this is.
Colin Cowherd
I have no.
J. Mac
I think this is insane.
Colin Cowherd
I have no problem paying Max Crosby that he's the best player on the team. He and Brock Bowers are the team.
J. Mac
You're paying him like he's one of the best players in the league.
Colin Cowherd
He is.
J. Mac
Oh, stop it. He's really good, but come on, he's not even top, is he? Top five in his position?
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
J. Mac
What?
Colin Cowherd
He's Garrett. No, Miles, Garrett's.
J. Mac
There's Hutchinson.
Colin Cowherd
No, I take Crosby over all those guys. Except Garrett. T.J. watt. Miles Garrett, Max Crosby. Kid in Cincinnati's probably four.
J. Mac
Well, I need to go through all Max Crosby's playoff footage and pull his great greatest highlights. What are you talking. Come on. He's not top five defensive end pass rusher right now.
Colin Cowherd
Guys, who'd pff. Have top 5 6.
J. Mac
I'm sure Crosby was up there before.
Colin Cowherd
He is unblockable.
J. Mac
Very, very good.
Colin Cowherd
And by the way, Miles, Garrett Hendrickson.
J. Mac
Led the league in sacks.
Colin Cowherd
No, he's very good too.
J. Mac
Michael Parsons, Come on. There's a lot of guys and Max.
Colin Cowherd
Crosby is one of them. You don't Like Max Crosby.
J. Mac
I like him. I just.
Colin Cowherd
I think Nick's up there.
J. Mac
Joey's, you know that paying him that much money.
Colin Cowherd
Colin, that's the only guy on defense they're paying. Kansas City plays one great defensive player. You can pay one great guy up front, then you draft defense.
J. Mac
Oh, by the way, I got to give the Raiders props for one thing. They got this done before Micah Parsons, before Trey Hendricks.
Steve Keim
It.
J. Mac
So now the dumb Bengals, the dumb Cowboys have waited and the market's reset. Do you think Micah Parsons is going to take less than Max Crosby?
Colin Cowherd
Like a pff. Doesn't even have Max Crosby in the top 10. Outrageous.
J. Mac
But I. I mean, if you.
Colin Cowherd
Who would you take today? Max Crosby or Micah Parsons? I would take Max Crosby. Now, Jared Verse isn't, you know, Jared Verse is a guy to keep your eye on.
J. Mac
You take him over Michael Parsons.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Crosby was fourth in 2023. Listen, Miles Garrett is my one. Nick Bosa is probably my two. And then I think you get into like, I like Will Henderson, Trey Hendrickson. I think Crosby's in that class.
J. Mac
T.J. watt. How do you not like him?
Colin Cowherd
He gets hurt. All right.
J. Mac
Aiden Hutchison. I mean, I. I don't know. Colin, this is. This could be your list for tomorrow if you have a boozy night with, you know, Steve struggling pass rush.
Colin Cowherd
It's a game. It's. It's a game night. I can't be out there flying blind. Okay. All right. Are you done? Done. Jmac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the herd line news. What it tells me. I'm looking at this list and it's, by the way, outside of Miles Garrett, it's inches, not feet. Yeah, Miles Garrett. Like I like. I like Bosa and Watt, they've both gotten dinged up a little bit. Khil Mack has been. Last couple years has been sensational. I think Jared Verse is the guy. If you told me, who's the guy you get for the next five years? I take Jared Verse number one.
J. Mac
Number one.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, I think Jared Verse, I think.
J. Mac
You'Re in love with the Rams.
Colin Cowherd
No, I think Will Anderson at Houston's exceptional.
J. Mac
Oh, yeah, I forgot about him. He's amazing.
Colin Cowherd
He's really good. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati. These are all. They're all good. So. And they only didn't sign Max to a five year deal. It's a three year deal.
J. Mac
Short deal.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. And they signed him, as you noted. They signed him before Micah signed, so they got probably a better number. I mean, who are The Raiders paying right now, not paying a quarterback.
J. Mac
I think Wilkins got a good money to come over.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, maybe they're not paying Brock Bowers.
J. Mac
Not yet. You got some free time?
Colin Cowherd
What are they paying Colton Miller, left tackle, probably making something now. They don't pay a lot of guys.
J. Mac
They don't have a receiver, they don't have a quarterback.
Colin Cowherd
I mean, they're not paying anybody. They're paying Wilkins on the defensive line.
J. Mac
Three coaches. Not to coach, I think. Right.
Colin Cowherd
Well, it's just if I'm not paying, I also think it sends a message in the locker room, if you're great, we'll pay you. You can't let Max Crosby go. And Pete Carroll's a defensive coach. He has a bit, you know, Remember the GM that went to the Raiders is a kid. Pete has big say in that move. Okay, Pete. At the end in Seattle, John Snyder was making the calls. My guess is Pete didn't love that. He likes the saying personnel. He loves the saying personnel. This is Pete's franchise. First, second, third. And if they signed Aaron Rodgers, he'd come to terms with that very quickly.
J. Mac
He's over to a septuagenarian who.
Colin Cowherd
No, I'm just. I'm telling you. Pete Carroll made this move, not the gm. Pete's running the show. That's how Pete operates. It's how he operated at usc. It's how he operated until the very end in Seattle.
J. Mac
Is Pete Carroll over?
Colin Cowherd
Under.
J. Mac
Half a playoff appearance for Pete Carroll.
Colin Cowherd
With these Raiders probably under because the division's so good. It's not a knock on him. I just think. I mean, again, they don't have a quarterback now.
J. Mac
What if they hired us to consult, do you think?
Colin Cowherd
JNC consulting? Yeah, well, I.
J. Mac
That could certainly help matters.
Colin Cowherd
I. I don't think it's terrible to get your house in order for a year, trade down in the draft if you can and get more good players. I don't think this is the year to need a quarterback. I don't think I would give Sam Darnold a four year deal.
J. Mac
You take a flyer on Rodgers.
Colin Cowherd
As long as Aaron knows that Pete's running the show, I'm not going to sign. I'm not going to sign who you want, but Pete Carroll is running the operation. All of it. Including. Including draft day. Pete will have the big say. Pete will have the final say on draft day. That's my take. Not some young kid who you know. Smart young kid. But he's not going to have the final say.
J. Mac
They should just bring in Lebron to help out because LeBron knows a lot about putting together a roster. He just has done it so many times in his.
Colin Cowherd
It's not a criticism, it's just, it's. I'm telling you what's happening with Pete. He's running it so he May Daniel.
J. Mac
Jones, QB1 for the Raiders next year.
Colin Cowherd
You like that Again, I think Daniel Jones. If you signed a two year deal with Daniel Jones and it was very team friendly, I could do that.
J. Mac
So then you build the roster around the quarterback and then find a quarterback.
Colin Cowherd
Trade down in the draft, get another second or a third round pick. Pete loves the draft. He likes, he likes watching college football. You know, I, I don't think you want to get deep into the Darnold weeds. I don't want four years. If I could get two Daniel Jones, I'd consider it. We'll see you tomorrow live in la. The Herd. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iheart and standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following OTs. UpWithHate.
Joy Taylor
What's up, everyone? Julie swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.
Steve Keim
We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.
Joy Taylor
The name Energy Line with Nate and jb.
Steve Keim
Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?
Joy Taylor
Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.
Steve Keim
Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
Joy Taylor
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
J. Mac
Hey, Will, do you ever get overwhelmed by how much science happens these days?
Steve Keim
Constantly.
Colin Cowherd
I'm like, ah, there's so much science, I can't keep track of it all. Then it's a good thing. Our podcast part time Genius is counting down the 25 greatest science ideas from.
J. Mac
The past 25 years.
Colin Cowherd
That's right, Mango. We're talking animals in a paper called.
J. Mac
Chickens prefer beautiful humans.
Colin Cowherd
This was actually the title of the paper.
J. Mac
They all discovered that much like humans, chickens are attracted to symmetrical faces.
Steve Keim
Got it.
Colin Cowherd
We're talking talking medical miracles. He's an endocrinologist who found a way to stimulate insulin producing cells using, wait for it, the saliva of a Gila monster.
J. Mac
There's no way to make that not sound crazy.
Colin Cowherd
We even talked to some of the experts behind these breakthroughs. It's a week full of fact packed stories you won't want to miss. So listen to the Part Time Genius countdown of the 25 greatest science ideas of the past 25 years starting Monday, March 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Steve Keim
I'm Mark Seal.
J. Mac
And I'm Nathan King.
Steve Keim
This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli.
J. Mac
The five families did not want us.
Steve Keim
To shoot that picture.
Colin Cowherd
This podcast is based on my co.
J. Mac
Host Mark Seals best selling book of the same title.
Colin Cowherd
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire and many others.
Steve Keim
Yes, that was a real horse's head.
Colin Cowherd
Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.
Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Hour 3 - Steve Keim Joins The Herd"
Episode Information:
The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd introducing Steve Keim, highlighting his extensive experience as a decade-long GM of the Arizona Cardinals and his current role at Rich Paul's Clutch Football. Colin emphasizes that Steve brings a wealth of knowledge in analytics and draft auditing, setting the stage for an insightful discussion on NFL strategies and player evaluations.
Steve Keim opens the conversation by sharing his insights into NFL draft analytics, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in team building.
Draft Success Rates: Steve explains, "When you looked at the analytics of the entire NFL, on average, how many draft picks become starters and stick? ... over a 10-year period, the first three rounds saw about 51% of players hitting the mark as solid starters" (03:00).
Quarterback Picks: Focusing on quarterbacks, Steve notes, "Football League quarterbacks first round, what's the number? 49%" (03:15). He underscores the challenges teams face in consistently selecting successful quarterbacks in the first round.
The discussion shifts to specific quarterback talents and their potential impact in the NFL.
Jaylen Milroe: Steve is notably enthusiastic about Jaylen Milroe, stating, "His upside and his talent is absolutely... he can throw the football like few others, with speed and explosiveness for a quarterback" (03:57). Steve believes Milroe has the physical attributes and skill set to develop into a great pro under the right coaching.
Shador Sanders: Addressing Shador Sanders, Steve comments, "He's got a lot going for him in the right direction... he's a smart football player with great pocket presence" (07:42). He acknowledges potential concerns such as holding the ball too long but remains optimistic about Sanders' professional trajectory.
Anthony Richardson: Comparing Milroe to Anthony Richardson, Steve asserts, "I think he's a better athlete than Anthony Richardson" (04:00). He highlights Richardson's size and explosiveness but suggests Milroe may have a slight edge in athleticism.
Steve Keim shares his strategic approach to player acquisitions, particularly focusing on running backs and the broader market dynamics.
James Conner Acquisition: Reflecting on his time with the Arizona Cardinals, Steve discusses the decision to acquire James Conner, countering the prevalent belief that running backs are overrated. "I've always believed that perimeter players can be a bit overrated. Wide receivers, I think we just got out of a wide receiver bubble," he explains (05:22).
Running Back Market: Steve emphasizes the value of drafting running backs, citing analytics that suggest the best running backs are often found in the third to fifth rounds. He praises how teams like the Eagles have positioned themselves by securing top-tier running backs like Saquon Barkley, noting, "They set the market now at what, $20 million for running backs. And they rewarded one of their own. That's tremendous" (05:51).
Delving into contract negotiations, Steve offers his perspective on managing high-profile players and salary cap considerations.
Saquon Barkley: Steve commends the Eagles' decision to pay Saquon Barkley a substantial contract, recognizing him as a "bell cow" for the team. He believes Barkley's contract sets a favorable market precedent for future running back deals (05:51).
Zach Bond Signing: Discussing Zach Bond's recent signing, Steve highlights Bond's impact as a defensive front-setter. "He's a difference maker... he may be the guy that sets that front and keeps them aligned" (06:20), Steve asserts Bond's value to the Eagles' defensive strategy.
Milton Williams: Steve also mentions Milton Williams, another client of his, praising his talent and projecting a successful market presence (05:55).
As a former offensive lineman, Steve provides valuable insights into offensive line development and the Chicago Bears' recent draft moves.
Bears’ Draft Picks: Steve expresses approval of the Bears' strategy to draft two guards, emphasizing the critical role of the offensive line in protecting the quarterback and enabling a successful offensive strategy. "Your future is that quarterback... it's about protecting that quarterback inside out" (07:06).
Assessing the Draft: He classifies the Bears' offensive line draft as "solid," acknowledging the presence of good starters despite fewer Pro Bowl talent (07:21).
The conversation transitions to the evolving landscape of college football, particularly the influence of NIL deals on recruiting and player development.
NIL Influence: Steve observes, "Half these quarterbacks have more money than half the starters in the NFL" (14:36), highlighting the significant financial opportunities that NIL deals present to college athletes.
Recruitment Strategies: He stresses the importance of early recruitment and relationship building with players to navigate the NIL environment effectively. "You want to develop the relationship with the players earlier in the process... builds that relationship early" (20:16).
Player Maturity and Readiness: Steve praises programs like Ohio State for producing mature and NFL-ready players, attributing their success to the intensity and life skills taught during their collegiate careers (21:35).
Steve delves into the nuanced relationships between agents and GMs, offering strategies for effective negotiations.
Negotiation Challenges: He acknowledges the adversarial nature of negotiations, stating, "You have to be on your P's and Q's and you got to be ready because they want to fight at all times" (18:39).
Advising Agents: Steve advises agents to prioritize player fit and system compatibility over purely financial gains. "Don't be dumb and chase the money somewhere else... play for your home team" (18:18).
Preparation for Calls: Emphasizing preparedness, he notes the necessity of being well-prepared for calls with top-tier agents, who are often more experienced and combative (18:51).
The discussion includes evaluations of specific players and their market situations.
Sam Darnold: Steve expresses a pragmatic view on Sam Darnold's market value, suggesting that while Darnold is a capable player, his market is limited due to an abundance of available quarterbacks. "The franchise tag is at 40. You're probably negotiating somewhere off that number" (15:55).
Aaron Rodgers Hypothetical: When posed the question of signing Aaron Rodgers, Steve is open to short-term contracts, recognizing Rodgers' talent but acknowledging his personal desires. "If he puts himself in the right situation, I think he'll have some success" (16:45).
Max Crosby Signing by the Raiders: Steve discusses the Raiders' landmark signing of Max Crosby, highlighting it as a strategic move to secure top defensive talent ahead of the market. He commends the decision, stating, "He is unblockable" (33:14) and differentiates Crosby's value from other defensive stars.
Steve shares insights into player development, particularly the role of mentors and specialized coaches.
Jordan Palmer's Influence: Highlighting Jordan Palmer's impact, Steve credits him with elevating players like Sam Darnold. "Jordan Palmer is like the quarterback whisperer... he works with him as well as Josh Allen and some of those guys" (15:55).
Sam Darnold's Growth: Despite initial reservations, Steve acknowledges Darnold's improvement under Palmer's mentorship. "Sam is going to have a market... the franchise tag is at 40" (15:57).
Steve outlines Clutch Football's recruitment strategies, emphasizing the importance of early relationship building and player readiness.
Program Evaluation: He identifies Ohio State as a prime example of a program that produces NFL-ready players, praising their comprehensive training and life skills education (21:16).
Avoiding Overhyped Players: Steve cautions against overvaluing players from certain programs that may inflate their abilities, referencing coaches like Nick Saban and Jeff Tedford as examples who can make players appear more capable than they are (20:56).
Wrapping up the discussion, Steve provides his perspective on the current NFL season, team strategies, and future prospects.
Team Strategies: He emphasizes the importance of drafting wisely, especially in competitive divisions, and advises against overcommitting to high-cost players unless they fit seamlessly into the team's system (36:43).
Player Contracts and Team Culture: Steve reiterates that team culture and coaching influence contract decisions, advocating for paying players who align with the team's long-term vision. "Pete will have the final say on draft day... Pete will have the big say" (37:14).
Optimism for Young Talent: He expresses optimism for emerging talents like Jared Verse and Will Anderson, suggesting they will be pivotal in shaping their teams' defensive strengths (35:24).
Steve Keim on Draft Success Rates:
"When you looked at the analytics of the entire NFL, on average, how many draft picks become starters and stick? ... over a 10-year period, the first three rounds saw about 51% of players hitting the mark as solid starters." (03:00)
Steve Keim on Jaylen Milroe:
"His upside and his talent is absolutely... he can throw the football like few others, with speed and explosiveness for a quarterback." (03:57)
Steve Keim on James Conner Acquisition:
"I've always believed that perimeter players can be a bit overrated. Wide receivers, I think we just got out of a wide receiver bubble." (05:22)
Steve Keim on Contract Negotiations:
"Don't be dumb and chase the money somewhere else... play for your home team." (18:18)
Steve Keim on Ohio State's Program:
"Those kids are so mature. And by the time that they get through that program, if they can make it through the program, they are NFL ready and they're ready to go into the real world." (21:35)
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Steve Keim offers a deep dive into the complexities of NFL team management, emphasizing the role of analytics in draft decisions, the strategic acquisition of players, and the importance of fostering strong relationships with college athletes in the NIL era. His expertise provides listeners with a multifaceted understanding of the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape NFL teams, making this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking to comprehend the intricacies of professional football operations.