The Favorites - NFL Combine, Draft and Analytics with Cynthia Frelund

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Favorites - NFL Combine, Draft and Analytics with Cynthia Freeland

Release Date: February 25, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Favorites, hosts Chad Millman and Simon Hunter delve deep into the intricacies of the NFL off-season, focusing on the upcoming NFL Draft, the Combine in Indianapolis, and the evolving role of analytics in sports betting. Joining them is Cynthia Freeland, a seasoned analyst with nearly a decade of experience at the NFL Network, who brings her expertise in data science and NFL analytics to the conversation.

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Guest Introduction: Cynthia Freeland [05:05 – 07:00]

Chad introduces Cynthia Freeland, highlighting her extensive background covering NFL data and analytics. He recalls her transition from ESPN to NFL Network, emphasizing her foresight in understanding the impending analytics revolution.

Cynthia shares personal anecdotes about her grandfather's gambling legacy, illustrating her long-standing connection to risk-taking and analytics in sports.

Cynthia Freeland [06:57]: "I am the legacy of a gambling kingpin. He taught me how to bet on ponies when I was little, so ultimately, I just didn't, it didn't feel like this thing that was like dark. It felt like fun and interesting."

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Analytical Approach to Mock Drafts [11:21 – 22:39]

Cynthia explains her unique methodology for creating mock drafts, which diverges from traditional approaches that often rely on rumors and insider information. Instead, she utilizes comprehensive data points, including free agency pools, team cap situations, and draft pick statuses.

Cynthia Freeland [12:10]: "Here's the actual free agent pool, their ratings, the team's cap situation, and their current draft pick status. No trades allowed, but strategically looking at how teams can win this year."

She highlights her focus on players like Travis Hunter, projecting him as a top pick due to his exceptional athleticism and versatility, despite not being a traditional quarterback.

Cynthia's model emphasizes value over position, suggesting that teams might benefit more from selecting dynamic players rather than solely focusing on quarterbacks.

Cynthia Freeland [13:02]: "Travis Hunter is such a rare athlete. My simulations show he's going no later than third overall in 81% of one million scenarios."

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Impact of Changing NFL Dynamics on Betting Models [43:51 – 52:05]

The conversation shifts to how recent changes in the NFL, particularly the evolution of the quarterback role and altered kickoff rules, are impacting betting strategies. Cynthia articulates how her models are adapting to these shifts, emphasizing the increased value of running quarterbacks and the strategic implications of new rules.

Cynthia Freeland [48:32]: "Quarterbacks now have to manage both throwing and running, effectively doing two jobs. This duality changes how defenses are structured and how we model game outcomes."

Simon adds that the rise of athletic, dual-threat quarterbacks has necessitated a re-evaluation of traditional defensive strategies, affecting both game outcomes and betting odds.

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Utilizing the Combine for Qualitative Insights [28:32 – 35:03]

Cynthia discusses the multifaceted value of attending the Combine beyond just athletic performances. Being present allows her to observe player interactions, assess character traits, and gauge team dynamics, which are crucial for accurate predictive modeling.

Cynthia Freeland [31:25]: "Seeing how players interact, who needs a hug, who's a good teammate – these qualitative aspects help me understand them beyond the stats."

She emphasizes the importance of interviews and personal interactions in refining her models, ensuring a holistic analysis of each player's potential impact.

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Awards and Mock Draft Reflections [59:49 – 67:48]

Cynthia shares insights from a recent awards segment on her show, Numbers Game, where she recognized outstanding performances like Brock Bowers' exceptional rookie season.

Cynthia Freeland [60:24]: "Brock Bowers not only set rookie receiving yards records but also made pivotal plays that significantly impacted his team's performance."

She also reflects on past mock drafts, praising accurate predictions like Jaden Daniels' success and acknowledging areas for improvement, such as the overestimation of Mitch Trubisky's potential with the Bears.

Simon Hunter [63:01]: "Bryce Young deserves the MVP award this season. He showcased true leadership and resilience."

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Conclusion and Takeaways [68:01 – 69:39]

As the episode wraps up, Chad and Cynthia reiterate the importance of data-driven insights in navigating the complexities of the NFL off-season. They encourage listeners to engage with their platforms and stay updated through their ongoing analyses.

Cynthia Freeland [67:48]: "When my model worked out with Jaden Daniels and Caleb Williams, it reinforced the value of a data-centric approach. We aim to continue refining these models to provide accurate and actionable insights."

Chad concludes by highlighting upcoming segments and encouraging responsible engagement with sports betting.

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Notable Quotes

• Cynthia Freeland [06:57]: "I am the legacy of a gambling kingpin."
• Cynthia Freeland [13:02]: "Travis Hunter is such a rare athlete."
• Cynthia Freeland [31:25]: "Seeing how players interact, who needs a hug, who's a good teammate – these qualitative aspects help me understand them beyond the stats."
• Simon Hunter [63:01]: "Bryce Young deserves the MVP award this season."

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Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive look into the intersection of NFL analytics, draft strategies, and sports betting. Cynthia Freeland's data-driven approach offers valuable perspectives for enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the game's evolving dynamics. With insightful discussions and expert analysis, The Favorites continues to be a go-to source for sports fans navigating the ever-changing landscape of professional football.

Transcript

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[Chad Millman]

Welcome to the Favorites the podcast presented by Beth365. We are part of the volume podcast network. Hi, I'm Chad Millman of the Action Network. Today is our very first NFL episode of this long and winding off season. But the NFL never stops. We will discuss the upcoming NFL draft, this week's combine in Indianapolis, the latest League headlines, we're going to be joined by a very special guest who will be on the ground in Indy. But first, live from our Tommy John home studios, I'm joined as always by my co host, my companion, my compadre, my bff, professional better Simon Hunter. Hello, Simon.

[Simon Hunter]

Hello, Chad. How are we doing?

[Chad Millman]

So good. So, so good. Today is my wife's birthday and I've been on it. Like, I got the gifts, I got my kids to get the gifts. I put the candle in the, like, cornbread muffin this morning that my younger son had gone out to get while me and my wife were at dinner last night. I, I am, I got her, like, I asked her when I went downstairs today, would you like some lunch? And I brought her some lunch. Like, I am fucking nailing it today.

[Simon Hunter]

The flowers on the way, I'm going.

[Chad Millman]

To get them later.

[Simon Hunter]

All right, good. Always, always flowers.

[Chad Millman]

I, I screwed up on the flowers. Like, I realized this morning when I got back from running an errand that I didn't do the flowers. So I' I got time.

[Simon Hunter]

Good man.

[Chad Millman]

Not over. Listen, before we get to our guest Simon, we have to give Matt Mitchell his flowers. Speaking of. Because we had no idea how people were going to react to his pre Civil War tales of gambling mayhem with Andrew Jackson and Mutiny on the Sea. But I did get a bunch of texts from friends about how much they love them. And these are not hardcore gambling guys. And we did get a lot of positive emails and notes from listeners as well. We will be doing another Gambling Stories episode in the future. Next month, we're gonna bring on David Schwartz, the author of Rolled Bones that Matt liberally borrowed from. I've known David a long time. He's been a professor at UNLV of gambling history forever. He'll have some great, great stuff. How did, how did you feel it went, Simon? Were you happy with it? Did you get response from anybody?

[Simon Hunter]

I liked it. But you definitely saw the age disparity. I heard from people 45 and above. No one from 45 and under. So I would say sounds about right for that type of episode.

[Chad Millman]

That's funny. All right, let's bring in our guest. She's covered NFL data, NFL science, NFL everything with the NFL Network for almost a decade. Before that, she was one of the few people roaming the halls at ESPN smart enough to understand the impending analytics revolution, and she worked like crazy to get ahead of it. As I remember from our many, many conversations back at the Worldwide leader, she's the impresario of Numbers Game with Cynthia Freeland, welcome to the show, Cynthia.

[Cynthia Freeland]

That is the nice. I'm gonna like. I'm very touched with that intro. Thank you very much. Very sweet. I also have, like, a good. Like a real gambling story about my grandpa. I don't know if you've ever heard this one.

[Chad Millman]

No, do it.

[Cynthia Freeland]

But, you know, he's now not with us, but in the 40s, he went into an illegal casino in Toledo, Ohio. I'm from Michigan, and he's from near Detroit. He won almost $40,000 in the 40s, which was a lot playing craps set. As he tells the story. He heard like the shotgun thing after. And they're like, aren't you going to keep playing? And he's like, heck, no. I'm out of here. He bought the farm. He was very, very poor growing up. He bought the farm that his family was working on, and he actually bought a company that brought supplies for the tables as the casinos were being built in Detroit. So he provided the tables and the, you know, the kind of the, like all the different games at the time, they. Now we. They're very automated, but at the time they were far less automated. And that was how I got to go to Colle College was because. Well, I got a scholarship. But my grandfather really helped my parents out with that stuff, too.

[Ryan]

So.

[Cynthia Freeland]

All because in the 40s, he played a bunch of craps and he left when he knew when to. When to walk away, if you will.

[Chad Millman]

You are the legacy of a gambling kingpin.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I am the legacy. And he used to take me to the horse track a lot, like, unbeknownst to my parents. So I spent a lot of time in a horse track when I was little, too. All good.

[Chad Millman]

Is that how you got into it? Is that how you even. Because, like, I remember you and I used to talk about this all the time at espn. There were like four people who were interested in this stuff at espn. And you weren't even on the broadcasting side, the digital side. You were on the business side.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Yeah, it was buying big data. I was buying tech companies around big data. Yeah.

[Chad Millman]

Explain to people like, you know, how you made that transition and how you even got recognized that this was a space you wanted to be in.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Well, I worked at the league office in 2008-10 for Anthony Noto, who was the CFO at the time. And we were working on a project called Season Inventory Restructuring. A very interesting way of saying, should it be 18 games, 17 games, etc. And, you know, we were. We were going through different permutations of how the bottom line would be affected in all of those different scenarios. Spoiler alert. We're going to have 18 games pretty soon here. I don't think anyone's spoiled, surprised, or shocked by that. But you know, at that time I sat with the competition committee and these are hall of Famers, these are guys who are epic coaches. And you get to sit in this dark room and you get to eat snacks and swear and watch football and learn. And I got to ask any question I wanted. What is that off ball linebacker supposed to be doing? And they told me or they said, I don't effing no, like really great stuff. So when I was first doing that, that's kind of when I realized that there was, well, one. I really liked it. I thought it was interesting. And then I went to more school, I learned how to code and I realized I could apply the same things I was using for financial models to kind of sports models. And then I got a chance to add a data science degree to my arsenal of way too many degrees and whatever. Still paying for that. We're good. But, but ultimately I, I figured out that there was kind of a way to, to be involved. And I really always liked sports and trying to get an edge in any particular way. I had a very big comfort level with risk taking. I'm not a, I'm not scared of risk like many people are. And I think part of that was because my grandpa was always, I mean, he taught me how to bet on ponies when I was little. So ultimately I, you know, I, I just didn't, it didn't feel like this thing that was like dark. It felt like fun and interesting. Right? Like buyer speed ratings. Like these are things my, my grandma was like, this is crap. This guy's good. This is like all this stuff. And I just felt very comfortable with it. I don't know, I, it was just, it was common parlance in my house. I guess that's just weird.

[Chad Millman]

But I don't know, it's wild to me. We've had so conversations about this. I had no idea. That story about your grandfather.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Oh yeah. And the, the even cooler part is he flew down to Florida on a plane. You know when people used to get dressed up and to, to meet with the wholesalers. He was there for a week. He ate breakfast at the same diner every single day and had the same waitress every day. Asked her on one date, then asked her parents if she could come back up to Michigan. And my grandmother flew up from. Oh yeah. Uh huh. Yeah. They got married from one week in Florida. Crazy, right?

[Chad Millman]

Mitchell is losing his mind right now. Yeah, that is a crazy story.

[Cynthia Freeland]

My grandpa was cool. Like, he was like, that's a cool man. Like Alton. He was. His name was Alton, but that's just a cool name. And. Yeah, no, he was. He and he had, like, shotguns. We had a woodpecker in our backyard when you're not really supposed to shoot them. Shot it with a shotgun. Crazy. Anyways, that's.

[Chad Millman]

That's on.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Oh, yeah.

[Chad Millman]

All right. So now. Now you've. You've moved on from betting the ponies. You escaped.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Moved on or added.

[Chad Millman]

Yeah, added. Added.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Got it.

[Chad Millman]

Okay.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I love the ponies.

[Chad Millman]

You escaped the shackles of ESPN executive dumb. You found a home on air and writing. Your writing's fantastic. At NFL Network, you just put out your first mock for 2025. Explain to people, like, given everything you've just said about data, data science, how you look at the NFL, how are you doing a mock? How is it different than the way other people do a mock?

[Cynthia Freeland]

So I don't. I think the thought exercise and I think there's a lot of different ways you could do a mock. A lot of people look to try to get inside information to divine what a. You know, what's the rumor? What's the prevailing rumor? Are the Giants going to take all these things? Right? Instead, I said, all right, here's the actual free agent pool. Here are their ratings. Here's the actual team's cap situation as it stands and their current draft pick status. In. In. For the sake of my editor and you appreciate this, I'm not allowed to propose trades because I would literally trade out every single pick, and so no trades allowed. But ultimately, what you're trying to say is, is you're trying to look at all the different ways that you can say, how do we win this year given what we know about the different, like the, you know, the draft, the order, what's the kind of the trade scenario it could be? What's the free agent scenario? Like, where will, oh, I don't know, Sam Darnold end up and how might that impact them? So I don't typically have a quarterback going to a team first, in large part because the team that's typically picking first is one that needs other things as well. Oh, lines are a typical one for me. The Titans, they're better served at least at this point, getting a bridge quarterback with one of the free agents and then potentially taking in, in my mock, Travis Hunter, he's the most dynamic player, the one that's worth that first pick overall. I know that, you know, position wise, quarterback is the most valuable position. However, in this, this is a bit of a flavor draft for quarterbacks. That's how my model kind of reads it. So the flavor isn't right for them because they could get Travis Hunter, which would add more value to their bottom line this year.

[Chad Millman]

All right, let me do a quick interruption here because I know Simon's gonna want to jump in. As a reminder, the Favorites podcast is presented by bet365 and now new bet365. Customers get $150 in bonus bets when you bet $5. Sign up using promo code. Favorites deposit $10 place a bet for $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. Those bonuses bets can be used on spreads, totals, player props, futures and more. Whatever the moment, it's Never ordinary. A bet 365 must be 21 or older in present in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or 18 and older in Kentucky. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- GAMBLER or 1-800-BITS OFF in Iowa. Terms, conditions, restrictions apply. Okay, before we dive in very, very quickly, officially, officially, you can RSVP for our free Favorites live show event in my hometown of Chicago. This will be for the Elite Eight March Madness games on Saturday, March 29th. It's at Joe's Bar on Wheat Street. If you don't know, this place is crazy popular and crazy cool. Great music venue in Chicago. Joe's Bar on Weed Street. It's near, near ish Lincoln park in Chicago. Free event, free drinks, free live show. Please RSVP to reserve your spot, just follow the link in the episode's description.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Chad, you have to call it Joe's on Weed.

[Chad Millman]

I know, I know.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Everybody calls it Joe's on Weed.

[Chad Millman]

As someone who has spent a lot of time in Chicago, it's a cool place.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I can, I can vouch for it. But you're. But like those in the know, I know you're supposed to call it Joe's Bar on Weed Street. No, it's Joe's on Weed because it's fun. More fun that way.

[Chad Millman]

Well, it is Joe's on Weed. And we actually had a conversation in the Slack Channel. Can we say Joe's on Weed? Is our sponsor going to get upset about saying Joe's on Weed? And then Matt Mitchell had to explain, no, it's called Joe's on Weed because it's on Wheat Street? So yes, for those in the know for those in Chicago, we're talking about Joe's on weed.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Don't get mad sponsor. That's great. It's more fun.

[Chad Millman]

Cool.

[Cynthia Freeland]

It's cool, just cool.

[Chad Millman]

Simon loves it. Hi Simon.

[Simon Hunter]

Weed is tight.

[Chad Millman]

Simon, what's your take on Travis Hunter? What is your take on Cynthia's take that. This is a, a flavor draft for quarterbacks.

[Simon Hunter]

I mean, you know my view on a chad. I'm, I'm so QV QB heavy when it comes to drafts. I remember two, three years ago when we were talking about Houston, they were in talks of just taking Will Anderson and not taking a quarterback. And I said this is a failure of an organization if they don't take Bryce Young, C.J. or Anthony Richardson they're just not a real organization because you just can't keep kicking the can down the road. Like eventually you just got to pull the trigger. The Browns have kicked the can down the road for years and then they took Baker and then they said, you know what, Baker's not good enough. We're going to bring in someone else. These are the organizations that just don't make it in this league. There is these organizations that are always in the bottom of the league. So I get her points. Like I'm. When I'm going through this draft class it really is opinion based. Like there isn't a Caleb Williams, a Jaden Daniels or even, you know what you want to say. Like there wasn't really a competition. Jaden dunno's be number one pick last year but there were guys who I respected a had Jaden Daniels as a higher grade than Caleb Williams. This year it's really, I got all the scouts, I've talked to Chad. It's a really hard back and forth between guys opinions and then because of the elder free agency like we've heard all the rumors about Stafford, we've heard about Kirk Cousins. So this is a really unique tough draft class where you know, if you don't love the guys at the top, why wouldn't you just trade down and go after one of these vets? Right? Because there are, there is something to take away from getting these vets. So for someone like me that I just never pass on the quarterback. If I need a quarterback and I'm one of these teams, you just rip the bandit off and take one like you know Cam Ward, is he perfect? No. Could he be a legit 10, 15 year start in this league? Yes. This kid has some amazing tools. So it's really interesting breaking it all down where there's A couple of athletes, one in a lifetime type of athletes at the top of this draft that teams could take. Or can they just take one of these quarterbacks that they have major questions about, but they just need to do it. So I'm with her. Like, if I was one of these GMs and I was stuck in one of these spots, I honestly probably would. If I'm trying to save my own ass and save my job, I probably would look towards a Staffords, Kirk Cousins and then hopefully take a quarterback next year because there's just a lot of unknowns about these guys at the very top of this draft right now.

[Chad Millman]

Well, look what's interesting. Go ahead, Go ahead. Cynthia.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I was going to say until the Senior bowl, my Strat, my optimal strategy would have been to get a top end guy that's not a quarterback first round, get the free agent veteran and then get like a Jackson Dart. But Jackson Dart played himself too highly in the Senior bowl and now he won't be available for a low enough cost for that optimal strategy to work. So maybe there'll be another guy who could potentially be this nice. I think you should really be drafting quarterback probably every season, maybe not first overall, but you know, you know, in subsequent rounds. But again, these guys are playing themselves out of my, they're not in my good, my good area. You know, stay in the fourth round, buddy, you're fine. Then you actually be in a much better position long term. And you don't have five years till you get paid. You only have four. Just saying. But, you know, whatever.

[Chad Millman]

Well, what's interesting when you talk about there is no Jaden Daniels or Caleb Williams or even any kind of consensus, it does feel like there's some consensus building about around Cam Ward being, you know, a little bit further ahead of Shador Sanders. Cynthia, you had Sanders ninth, I think, going to the Saints. And that was until recently, one of the lower options for Sanders. And then CBS came out this week and said they had him at 22nd in their mock draft. Mel Kuiper has him at number three. Give me your thoughts on how you end up with him, where he is and what you're hearing around the league about that delta between Cam Ward and Shador Sanders.

[Cynthia Freeland]

So to start with, you know, Shador Sanders specifically, I think, like, number one, nobody questions that he's a winner. We know he's won at every level. We know his dad's been there to help him away. He has the pedigree. There's a lot of things that are working in his favor. I talked to him at honors and he was very mad at me for making him go ninth. But there's a couple of things that are, are the metrics are pointing me in the direction of Shador needing a little bit more help than, than a Jaden Daniels. I was one of those people who had Jaden Daniels higher because I believe in this modern league right now you need to be able to throw on the run. And on the run being dictated as like, you know, next gen stats has it like eight miles an hour. I'm going to six miles an hour. That's the break point I found. But that's like a legit run. That's a 10 minute mile, right. If you're running that fast, you have to be able to throw on the run. You have to be able to get out of dicey situations because O lines aren't. There aren't very many good O lines and if you're a quarterback, I mean, Jaden Daniels went to a line that wasn't very good in Washington and was able to make the most of it. Point being, whereas Caleb Williams, who had a lot of upside for me, he wasn't able to change directions. He didn't have that mobility. We didn't see it at usc and then he gets clobbered. But you know, the, the Bears O line was no good. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be. I don't think I'm telling you something.

[Chad Millman]

That facts are facts. There's no alternative facts here.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Right. I'm, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not. It's not, it's not an opinion. Right. I'm not. He was under a ton of pressure, much harder for him. So in this case, Shador Sanders to me was a much better pairing with the Saints where potentially he. It's a better O line situation for him, especially in the middle of that O line than some of these other choices. The Giants O line I don't like one bit. You know, I don't think I'm alone in that. The Raiders, do they have an interior O line? I'm Jackson Powers Jones from last year could maybe take a step forward, but again, I don't know. The run game was non existent last year. I don't know if Chip Kelly can fix that, but whatever. And you know, point being is when he has a little bit more, just a little bit more help, a field stretching, wide receiver situation, a number of them, and a good running back, that is a great place for a rookie quarterback to land So I told him, I'm like, listen, think about the opportunity there. You have Alvin Kamara, you, Chris Olavet, like, you get some people to throw to you go to the Giants and the run game is not, not great. You have a great Malik, neighbors, sure. But other than that it's, it's, it's all you, man. Like go to a good situation. So that, that was kind of how that worked out for Shador because he doesn't have as many of the. It's not to say he can't do it, he just hasn't had to. So I don't. His resume is incomplete in those marks that he doesn't have that. Cam Ward has a little bit more of those marks to me compared to other people. He would have been maybe fourth or fifth last year. Cam Ward would have been in terms of quarterback rankings for me and in prior seasons, maybe as high as third. He, he's first in this one. That's great for him. Good for him. Like scarcity is, is excellent for him. He just. His resumes strangely incomplete as well. So to me it's not as much about. It's just more projection for these two top guys than it is actual seeing them do the things that matter. And I think you now in this league, you must be able to throw hard with velocity on the run. Otherwise it's going to be really, really hard for you to succeed.

[Simon Hunter]

Simon Yeah, I would say it's been interesting. Chad talking all the different scouts like from my perspective, Mel Kuiper talked the same Scott I talked to on the Giants, which is they're all in on Sanders apparently they love this kid, they love his playing style. And then I'll talk to, you know, a scout I respect for Arizona and he's joking with me. His ceiling for Sanders is Geno Smith on Seattle right now. Like he's like to me he's a late first, second round pick. And that's the, that's the trouble with this draft class. It's just really heavy opinion based and what you're looking for like Cam Ward, he. A lot of guys view him as very smooth. The way he plays, his style that reminds them of a less athletic obviously still incredibly athletic, but a less athletic Lamar. Like that confidence, that smooth, that flick of the wrist downfield passing. That's what Cam Ward is. He is one of the better athletes I've seen come out and I view it as, you know, the bump down he's getting Chad is if he's not, he didn't play in the sec. He didn't play in the Big Ten. Like, that's a real thing. When you talk to these NFL scouts now is it's all about what competition they're playing against. We've seen it time and time again. These quarterbacks that play in the acc, they might be good, but you're going to see them come in and struggle, right? It's just. That's just facts, like getting caught up to real NFL speed. You're never going to sit at the acc. And we've seen it now. Like, you know, I got caught with. I was crazy high on Trevor Lawrence. We've seen Trevor Lawrence have some really tough learning curve since coming out, and it's been, you know, five years now, and he's never developed what we expect. So that, to me, is what's working against Cam. Cam Ward right now is that he doesn't. He played against. People view as lesser than competition where Sanders either love him or don't like. To me, the. The. What I'm hearing from the Giants is they love the kid. They don't care. Like, they don't care what people view him as, what the rankings as. Like, they're all in on this kid. They believe in him. They believe in him as a leader of men that's going to be their guy. So it's going to be interesting to see how it plays out these next couple of months where it's like, if the Giants want them, they might have to go up and get them because other teams might have the same view as him. So pretty wild that the Giants here in the third spot are kind of dictating how that top of the draft might go if they want to move up with Tennessee and take who they believe in as Sanders at number one.

[Cynthia Freeland]

If I'm Joe Shane. If I'm Joe Shane, I am telling everyone and their brother that I'm taking Matthew Stafford. Maybe it's a lie, but I'm. I'm bluffing, or at least potentially considering bluffing, because the truth is, is I feel like for whatever reason, Giant scouts tell way too much of the truth and everyone else are lying liars who lie. So I need him to bluff for me a lot more. Like, I'm hoping to go to the combine and hear nothing but Stafford to Giants, Stafford to Giants. They need to give us, like, stop telling everybody who you want. Stop it. You lose all your leverage in it and stop being so. Like, yeah, just. I don't want them to be bad. One of my good friends played for the Giants a million years Ago. Matthias Cunuka, still one of my best friends to this day. He won two Super Bowls with them. And good Lord, like, it's just been like, I want them. I don't want, I want everyone to be good. I'm a Lions fan, so of course I do. Right. Like, but I'd like to see, I'd like to see this not be get telegraphed again this year. I just feel like they're always telegraphed.

[Chad Millman]

You had a line in your mock for Travis Hunter that said, and my question isn't, okay, you got Travis Hunter going number one to the Titans. My question is, Travis Hunter comes off the board no later than third overall in 81% of 1 million simulations. 1 million simulations. Explain that to me.

[Cynthia Freeland]

So as of right now, you can, what you can do is you can take historical reference points for Tennessee, the, the brain trust that's now in charge of them with, with kind of historical situations like this. You can, you can take off the free agencies, the free agents, excuse me, and then you can take all of the different ways that this could play out from a trade standpoint. As of right now, now, if somebody, if the Giants make a move and telegraph that they're taking a quarterback right away, it brings it down, but only to about 70. So right now he, he goes very, very, very, very high. Like, it's kind of amazing how high him and Abdul Carter are both projected to go for me, based on just what we, what's known about free agency. And then of course the LSU offensive tackle, like that's going to be a good one too because this is a terrible O line class. Like, we think it's a weird, we think it's a weird quarterback class. It's a very light, very light offensive lineman class. And so point being is that there just so many. Travis Hunter is such a rare athlete and I actually think combine wise later this week maybe we'll hear a little bit more about potentially him as a wide receiver. I don't, you know, I think we hear a lot about corner, but he projects to be a great wide receiver for me as well. Like great great. Like maybe even better than corner.

[Chad Millman]

Like why, if you're Travis Hunter, why wouldn't you play the position? You're equally good at both. You're a, you're a potentially once in a generation athlete. You just won the Heisman as a, essentially a two way player. Why wouldn't you go to receiver? Like that to me is where the most money is.

[Cynthia Freeland]

It's no doubt where the most money is. But it's possible that, I mean, he's playing for Dion, right? And like, you know, potentially you see an idol. I don't know. I. I'm. I'm trying to understand it, but maybe it's. I don't know. I. If it were me, and that's my client, I'm like, you're playing wide receiver, my friend. Yeah, that's a corner because you can't catch. That's what. That's the common, you know. Well, I don't, I don't know. I'm not sure why he wouldn't. I think he will. That's. I guess my point is, I think that we'll see a little bit more of that combine chatter. I think that's one thing I expect to hear you.

[Chad Millman]

What will you look for when you get to the combine? When someone like you is going to the combine? What is the value of it for you?

[Cynthia Freeland]

Well, obviously, you know, from. From the drill standpoint, it's a. It's a gut check to see if all of the stuff that we saw in field pans out. So as long as you're within the proper ranges for certain things at your position, check the box. Who cares, right? Sometimes if someone runs really fast, we know it doesn't really always translate to awesomeness. But if someone's out of range, slow, that's a, A reason to go back and double check your work to see if what happened on the field, if you're missing something, right. Small school guys that fall into ranges that are maybe better than you expected, that's another place to, to look for potential. You know, day two, three steals. But the biggest benefit of being there is going through the process and the interview part. Meaning, can you go through. Can you. It's a rigorous process. Like, you're poked, you're prodded. You're, you know, these kids now are millionaires before they're even. They used to be nice. Now they're already millionaires and they're already whatever. So can you go through this process and respect the ritual of it? Because those scouts, they work so freaking hard. They're gone 250 days a year. Like, can you be nice? Like, can you just be the. The person who's a t. A good teammate? Can you handle being nice to the hotel staff? Can you. Are you not a jerk, basically? And how do those interviews go? And then for me, specifically, the other value is trying to kind of understand where people's heads are at in terms of free agents. And of course, if they're going to Trade draft positions, what, what they're really focusing on. And, and my, my personal favorite is kind of who are there later round, like, who are the guys that like, I love this kid, blah, blah, blah, who's going to be a late round steal? So it's less about the on field stuff. That's just like a check the box. Like, do you, is what you put on the field who you are now? Did you respect the process of training and doing all the things that are part of this? Like whether or not you think the NFL could be innovated and you know, made more modern, which we all could find ways to do that. You have to respect the process of this. This is what these guys are, those hand timer guys with the 40. Like, they'll never go away, even though we have way better ways to do it now. It's part of the process. It's part of what people love about it. The ritual of it matters. Can you go through it and be that guy? Are you a good teammate?

[Chad Millman]

But how much access are you actually getting? Like, how much of this do you get extra access because you're with NFL Network? Are you getting more time with players? Like, how much are you. Can you really glean from their personalities and how much of this is just shoe leather? You're, you're talking to the people helping with bags and at the front desk and you know, the servers and things like that?

[Cynthia Freeland]

Well, we've started doing, we've turned the, the whole combine into an event so fans are now able to come watch. And the good news about that is I get to stand on the field and as they're done, I mean, it's a grueling day for me as well. You know, six hours of keeping the fans excited. These are amazing fans, by the way. Like, the fact that they come out the way that they do and show up, just amazing. But, you know, getting to see how someone reacts when they don't like those little micro expressions, when they don't run the 40 that they expected or when they do or when who's talking to whom, who do the guys gravitate. I get to stand right on the field with them. So while it may not go into an implicit model that I make, I do feel like I get a good firsthand sense of how these guys interact with one another. Because being on the field with them, you can see who needs a hug. You can see who's like, you know, offering the hug to someone else. Like, you know, the who's, who's the who's the the dude, you know that you can't model that. That's not, that's not quantitative at all but the qualitative aspects and you know, you can see who's gravitate. Like all of the guys last year loved Jaden Daniel. They were like laughing all like you could see who's having fun with who, who's a loner, who's not, who's, you know, it doesn't necessarily mean anything but it does help you feel like you understand them a little bit better. And of course then there's you know, the shoe leather part and talking to agents and trying to get a good sense of you kind of know, you know this to Chad like you know too Simon, like who's the who? Who's like blowing smoke up your bum like and who's which Agents like my guy, blah blah blah. And you're like whatever dude. Like, okay, cool, right? But yeah, it's a long week, but it's my favorite week of the whole NFL season. How to have fun anytime, anywhere. Step one, go to chumbacasino.com chumbacasino.com Got it. Step two collect your welcome bonus. Come to papa.

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[Cynthia Freeland]

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[Simon Hunter]

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[Ryan]

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[Mel Reid]

Hey, this is Mel Reed, LPGA Tour winner and six time Ladies European Tour winner.

[Kira K. Dixon]

And Kira K. Dixon, NBC Sports reporter and host.

[Mel Reid]

You forgot to say all my Miss America by the way. And we've got a new podcast, Quiet please with Mel and Kira.

[Kira K. Dixon]

We are bringing you spicy takes on sports and balloons culture, some golf haps and interviews with incredible people who have figured out how to make golf their.

[Mel Reid]

Superpower or just people we like. Plus tales from the road and everything in between. By the way, golf isn't just for the dads, Brads and chads.

[Kira K. Dixon]

Yeah, it's actually life's cheat code and we're not going to be quiet about it on or off the course. We're bringing on some of our friends like Michelle We Heather McMahon, Amanda Baliotis.

[Mel Reid]

So if you want to keep up with us and here is yap, tune.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Into our new podcast Listen to Quiet.

[Kira K. Dixon]

Please with Mel and Kira an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Tisha Allen]

I'm Tisha Allen, former golf professional and the host of welcome to the Party, your newest obsession about the wonderful world that is women's golf. Featuring interviews with top players on tour like LPGA superstar Angel Yin.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I really just sat myself down at the end of 2022 and I was like, look, either we make it or we quit.

[Tisha Allen]

Expert tips to help improve your swing and the craziest stories to come out of your friendly neighborhood country club.

[Cynthia Freeland]

The drinks were flowing, twerking all over.

[Tisha Allen]

The place, vaping, they're shotgunning. Women's golf is a wild ride full of big personalities, remarkable athleticism, fierce competition, and a generation of women hell bent on shanking that glass ceiling. Welcome to the party with Tisha Allen is an I heart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to welcome to the party that's P A R T E e on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Katherine Legge]

Hey you guys, I'm Katherine Legg. I'm a racing driver who's literally driven everything with four wheels across the planet. And I've got a new podcast. It's called Throttle Therapy. This season, I'm gearing up to make history, competing in some of the world's most notorious racing events, starting at the Indy 500. Join me as I travel from racetrack to racetrack in my quest to continue a memorable career in racing. I'm also going to bring you inside stories with legends of sports, new faces from the next generation of auto racing, and conversations with the people who've supported me throughout my career. We'll be getting into everything from karting to nascar, even Formula one. Whether you dream about being a pro athlete or an astronaut, we're talking about what it takes to make it. Listen to Throttle Therapy with Katherine Legg, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Chad Millman]

Simon as usual, I was pondering 5th century Greek philosophy earlier today, specifically the parable of Hercules at the crossroads. In this tale, a young Hercules approaches a fork in the road. And at each path stands a beautiful figure. One represents virtue, the path of dignity and purity. The other represents vice, the path of decadence and ease. The path Hercules chooses that day will shape ancient Greek history. But a lot of our listeners face the same choice every day. Dignity and purity or decadence and easy living. A stressful decision. But I've got good news, Simon. Our listeners don't have to choose. They can merge these pathways thanks to our sponsor, Tommy John. Only Tommy John offers the dignity and purity of the highest quality underwear and casual essentials, while also delivering the decadence and easy living of unrivaled comfort. Everything a young Hercules needs to become unburdened by hard choices. And with a special sale for our listeners, merging these paths just got even easier. Simon, why will you be wearing more Tommy John in 2025?

[Simon Hunter]

Because comfort is king.

[Chad Millman]

Chad, Right now you can shop tommyjohn.com favorites and get 25% off your first order. Save 25% at tommyjohn.com favorites that's tommyjohn.com favorites I look forward to next episode where we will go go very deep on Marcus Aurelius and his writings. It's gonna be super exciting. Simon, I think you wanted to ask Cynthia the next question.

[Simon Hunter]

Yes, I was. Interesting. Like, when I found out we were having you on as a guest, I. I don't listen to too many football shows during the season because I don't want to be one of those people that people are like, oh, you got your picks from this show. Or I even start copying your mannerisms. Like, there's so many things I already copied from people that, you know the staple words. I wouldn't mean to. Right. It's. It's brutal. So listening to your show, I noticed man versus machine. You tend to go with the favorites more often than you go with betting dogs. Now, is that unique to 2024? Because me and Chad, we got punished. Like, we've talked at nauseam about it, but we basically didn't adjust to last season where the kickoff rules did change football. Right. We all can agree now, especially after the season, that it made teams more willing to go for it on fourth, you know, fourth down even from their own 40 than we've ever seen in historical data looking back in the NFL. Is that. So was that unique to last season or do you always tend to go towards the favorites? Because I know professionals who, you know, they might only bet 13, 14 bets. A total. A total a year. And they're all beyond favorites. But you were doing three bets a weekend so like on me and Chad show, we go dog heavy because we have to bet 5 a weekend, which is fucking brutal. You're in the same spot. You're having to bet three every weekend. Is that easier for you to go more favorite or do you just play it as the model comes to you? Just play whatever is best showing best value for you.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Well, we have to. So I actually put all my picks out for everything and then I put confidence levels on anything so you can look at like, you can go through how confident I'm about favorite against the spread totals, et cetera. I was terrible on totals this year, just so we're quick. But this year favorites were, you know, I got a chance to do preseason with the Broncos and Sean Payton is one of those coaches who really does a good job of explaining how special teams can impact everything. So it. It really did help in teaching my model. And I say teaching like this because a lot of the things that he said to look for, like I run a model. That's what's been historically right for eight seasons. Eight seasons is about right. And then I look at what's tracking this season and then I look to see who's basically ask coaches what the heck's going on. And then they help me understand what the data. So this year favorites happen to be better because of field position. I mean, just in general, field position was a better strategy for teams with better offense. Offenses, like, it just worked out better. Look at the Lions, especially when they lost everyone but you know, on their defense. So that was what happens. I mean, a man versus machine. I'm just basically trying to beat Greg. So I know what all of Greg's positions are because we're on another show called Game Debut together. So we see. I see everything he's going to say and I just pick three to try to beat him. So it's really not. That one's really not. That was just like really me trying to be Greg and, and you know, we do good value picks, but because everything's out there and everyone can. You can see where I land on all of it, then I feel like it's more fun to try to kick Greg's butt just. Just because, you know, I'm not competitive at all.

[Chad Millman]

You know, it's interesting you mentioned the Peyton stuff and Simon and I have talked about the field position and the kickoff rules and how we're going to think about the kickoff rules and field position and fourth town variance and be more aggressive as we go forward in the next season. What did Peyton Explain to you that you were able to incorporate that maybe made you think differently going into last.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Season, that this season people who are riskier on offense will. Will get paid off. And then going into next season it'll probably. It will reverse because defenses will catch up. So, you know, teams like obviously, you know, The Lions were 4th down team, the Eagles 4th down team, etc. Etc. Like all of those teams you have, he. He basically was like give. He would say in his terms, it's like give him a plus one, not one point. Like just, he just means like give them a little bit of an advantage. Right? So give them a plus one. And it did tend to play out like that, I guess. You know, injuries, of course, impact how that's kind of handled. But he was basically he, he was, he took me through this whole thing about, you know, when is the strategy, like, are you really going to give Patrick Mahomes someone he has to deal with? Right? Why are you really going to. Who cares? Like, why not go for it if you're on this specific yard line, right? Like, if you're going to, why give. Make Patrick Mahomes Go 90 freaking yards. Don't take three points and, and you know, give him now only 60 yards or whatever, 65 yards even, whatever. Give him, make him go 90. Because that, that changes the calculus. You're more likely to get the ball back on a favorable side for you. So then you could kick it the second time depending on how many times your possessions are. Like every coach is a little bit different strategy with how many possessions you should kick versus not. But make Patrick Mahomes go 90 yards. Just. That's the, that was kind of the best way to summarize it, right? Make. Make. If you're in the AFC west specifically, make them go the whole way. Now if you're playing the Raiders, kick the field goal. But if you're playing. But if you're playing Justin Herbert, if you're playing Patrick Mahomes, you're going to make him go 90 yards.

[Chad Millman]

Yeah, it's like Simon, why did. Why do teams need an off season to adjust for this? Cynthia just said like it'll be different this year because will figure it out. Why can't they figure it out in the middle of the season?

[Simon Hunter]

They'll try to, Chad, but I, I think too what she's touching on a little bit as well is that the NFL has just changed so much, Chad. Where like I, not that I give you about it, but there's a lot of fans out there that miss The Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees throwing for 5,000 yards in a season. The NFL has just gone away from that completely. And we've seen the involvement of the running quarterback and she even touched on it there where it's thrown her. It's changed the game so many different ways. The biggest one to me is that these teams with young quarterbacks, they will go for a fourth down. Bo Nix took that Denver team to the playoffs. Why fourth down success rate, Washington. If you go back and look at the numbers, they would never have made the playoffs if they weren't so high variance on going for it on fourth down. Once again a young running quarterback. So that's also something I've thrown into my model and we've talked about where it's like the game has changed. It's no longer if it's fourth and three automatic punt, right? If it's, I mean teams on fourth and five are going for it now because of the high variance of what you just talked about. It's like do you want to make them drive 90 or do you want to kick a three here and make Mahomes go 60, 65 yards where it's like you're already dead. So that's also something where in the middle of the season, Chad, I think they did try to adjust it but it didn't matter, right, because we saw Jamie Daniels still was going seven of eight on fourth down and back to back games like just the craziest high variance because these teams couldn't stop that QB run pass option because these young quarterbacks are athletic. So that's also part of it brother, where it's like it's not just a drop back guy where you know, if you can get your four guys head of steam, you know they're going to be dropping back here on 4th and 4 to run it. I mean even the Eagles would run it on, you know, third and seven, third and eight with Saquon just to get in a fourth and three position. So we've just seen the game has evolved and changed so much now with the way defenses play that you know, these running quarterbacks, I mean it's been a major shift. Like oh yeah, we talked to the very top. You know Dart is a good quarterback. He's a pocket passer ten years ago. Chad, he's probably a top five top ten pick right now. You know, he's probably going to be back towards the end of the first round just because he's not this young stud athlete. So yeah, the NFL, the way it's evolved. It's just totally different now where you know, fourth and three, it's the same as being third and one or third and two. Like that's how these coaches kind of view it right now. And like we, and you talked out, we tried to adjust it. I mean obviously it worked out much better for us. We did pretty well in the playoffs so we did catch up to it. But it really was heavy. Favorites like the. That's, that's what mean you talked about all year was that we couldn't adjust to the favorites. There was just so overwhelming. What was 75% after week 11, Chad, that the favorites covered me and you can't adjust to that. We bet dog. So for me and you personally that was brutal. But I would say to the NFL they're going to be make adjustments. What those justice are, I don't know yet because to me it's how do you stop these running quarterbacks? I mean you can say the Eagles are one of the best defenses in football. Jayne Daniels was basically having his way with that defense in the playoffs. Like his, his teammates failed him, not Jayden Daniels. So the, the new NFL, man, it's tough like these, these weapons. I mean the, everyone's copying Lamar style. It's totally changed game. And we just saw Jalen Hurts. You know he set the record for 70 rushing yards in the end of. In the super bowl two years ago. You broke it this past year growing for 72. Like we're living in the moment of an evolved quarterback position. It's all about can your model adjust to it. And same goes for the NFL. Can these head coaches adjust to it? Which I can't wait. I mean we just saw all these guys, all these guys talking about like she says she's going to the combine. She's going to hear so much conversation about the exact thing we're talking about. Like I can only imagine every guy in the bar is having drinks or they're saying how the fuck do we stop these guys? Like how do we stop Jaden Daniels in the future? Because that's that to me that's the biggest question mark right now is how do you stop this new rushing west coast offense these quarterbacks play?

[Cynthia Freeland]

So I have a stat for you that's actually really interesting just as a. There are some imperfections. I'm not going to pretend rushing yards over expected or expecting rush yards is perfect. I'm not but directionally I think it is actually quite telling a a running back their baseline. Let's just, you know, let's just say it's adjusted by route. So inside and outside are adjust are taken separately. However, an expected gain for a running back on any early down, first or second down is 4.2 yards. So that's an expected gain on a running back. Right. For a running back, for a quarterback on any down, including third down, it's six yards. So that's exactly what you're saying. So 4.2 versus six. That's a massively different value proposition than we've seen in the past. So that's the first thing. The second thing is the good news for people who love defense, of which I am one of them. If I were could play any position, I would be Brian Branch. I would be a really big badass safety. That would be my. That's my, that's my spirit animal right there.

[Simon Hunter]

But your camp Chancellor.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Exactly. I want to, like, that's what I want to do. Right? Like that. It's so not my personality. I'm such a wimp. But in my head that's what I. That's what I. That's what I'm manifesting or whatever. But. But this is a great defensive front class. So the D line here, there's a lot of good defensive tackles, there's a lot of good rushers. I'm not going to just say edge because they're not coming from the edge. And now that we've seen, I think, you know, the pendulum will swing back and forth, right? We will see the. We've seen people run duo, which is, you know, what your high school does, like just running right up through the center. That was. It's kind of coming back. So while the quarterback position feels like, you know, we have to evolve really a lot, they are also getting paid more. So potentially we're asking them to do two jobs. Maybe that's part of it, but I think we will see some pocket passing. If you can get the right line and you can get the right receivers, that could be a good way to do it. Joe Burrow, I know he can run, but Joe Burrow to me is a little bit of a. It's weird to call him a throwback, but he feels a little bit more like a throwback. Given the state of the NFL right now, if the difference. If he doesn't get Jamar and T back, it's going to be crazy. So. Or something that level. So. So point being is, I think we will see the shift. The pendulum will shift back a little bit. And maybe it starts with some of these guys in this defensive class living up to expectations have you guys either.

[Chad Millman]

Of you already started thinking about your models for next year how you'll make adjustments and what specifically are you researching that is new. Cynthia, you're shaking your head off ball.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Linebackers have been before it was like Fred Warner and that's it. Like I mean there was a few more but off ball linebackers to me are the they're really hard for non football. Like you can see what a wide receiver does. Like I know what the running back supposed to do I'm pretty sure I know what the quarterback's supposed to do to maybe not on each play but just in general. I don't know where Fred Warner is supposed to be on a specific play. I don't know where Jack Campbell's supposed to be. I don't know where oh I don't know a certain Eagles player who's probably going to get paid a lot of money and made a huge difference for that defense. So to me a lot of the a lot of the kind of the the way that no one's playing base defense anymore how who's playing with how many defensive backs a lot of nickel, a lot of dime what all these different I'm very curious to see where the advantages lie. Like I think the Colts will be a much better defense this year getting Lou Annarumo there and I think that will then impact how we view to all of these different so I'm taking a I'm taking it from the center of the defense and projecting it backwards as my new flair this year. Again I have all my other models but I'm starting with kind of what is the middle who what is the you know center fielder of the defense doing and then trying to figure out if that is a different way I could look at it that would be more strategic this year given that I do believe the premise that defenses will have an advantage in the season after offensive having such a big one last year.

[Chad Millman]

How about you Simon?

[Simon Hunter]

It's tough because right now like I did make adjustments heading to the playoffs and I mean my model it was a dream. It ended 100 and 1 to end the season my model on side so like hell yes better than that brother. So I'm basically you can't in a spot where I'll basically just wait. You know this this is another part of our our lives this part of the season it's just it's all draft right now then I'll get into the futures market and then you know how it is Chad they released that week One schedule and I'll dive into that. But really I, I need to basically do what Cynthia's talking about. It's like I need to talk to different scouts, different guys on coaching staffs that I trust and rely on and they'll give me the info about what these teams are going to try to adjust for. But that honestly, brother, won't be until July, August, like that's really when the good stuff starts coming out because these guys have been working it all winter, just stuck in their homes on their couches and just grinding tape and trying to figure out how to do it. And then with excitement themselves, they can't help themselves, they'll leak me the information come July and August just because they want to be viewed as the smartest guy in the room. And I'm more than happy to sit there and not say a word and just listen and take it all in. So I don't really have a good answer right now, but I definitely know that there is going to be some major adjustments coming. Just because we saw for the first time what feels like 10, 15 years, the Rebirth of the running back. We saw that really change football this season. And the best teams, I mean we throw the Chiefs out because they don't make sense in any way. But the Ravens, the Bills, the Eagles, the Lions, they all had really amazing run games and that would to me was what set them apart from all these other teams, why they were all so dominant during the regular season this year. So that's something I really can't wait to dive into this offseason. Is what was that adjustment? Was it simply because of the too high safety or is there more I'm not reading into it about why the running back has had such a rebirth these last couple years where this year, I mean you can't lie, it dictated this entire season. Saquon going from the Giants to the Eagles change this entire season. So I really cannot wait to dive into it because it's, it's crazy how the running back has come back such with vengeance at this point where I mean it was left for dead not even three, four years ago. I mean people just completely poo pooed the running back position. I love that it's really back now. So I really can't wait to dive into that.

[Chad Millman]

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[Mel Reid]

Is Mel Reid, LPG Tour winner and six time Ladies European Tour winner and.

[Kira K. Dixon]

Kyra K. Dixon, NBC Sports reporter and host.

[Mel Reid]

You forgot to say all my Miss America, by the way. And we've got a new podcast, Quiet Please with Mel and Kira.

[Kira K. Dixon]

We are bringing you spicy takes on sports and pop culture, some golf haps and interviews with incredible people who have figured out how to make golf their.

[Mel Reid]

Superpower or just people we like. Plus tales from the road and everything in between. By the way, golf isn't just for the dads, brads and chads.

[Kira K. Dixon]

Yeah, it's actually life's cheat code and we're not going to be quiet about it on or off the course. We're bringing on some of our friends like Michelle We, Heather McMahon, Amanda Baliotis.

[Mel Reid]

So if you want to keep up with us and here is yap, tune.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Into our new podcast, Listen to Quiet.

[Kira K. Dixon]

Please with Mel and Kira, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Tisha Allen]

I'm Tisha Allen, former golf professional and the host of welcome to the Party, your newest obsession about the wonderful world that is women's golf, featuring interviews with top players on tour like LPGA superstar Angel Yin.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I really just sat myself down at the end of 2022 and I was like, look, either we make it or we quit.

[Tisha Allen]

Expert tips to help improve your swing and the craziest stories to come out of Your friendly neighborhood country club.

[Cynthia Freeland]

The drinks were flowing, twerking all over.

[Tisha Allen]

The place, vaping, they're shotgunning. Women's golf is a wild ride full of big personalities, remarkable athleticism, fierce competition, and a generation of women hell bent on shaking that glass ceiling. Welcome to the party with Tisha Allen is an I Heart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to welcome to the party That's P A R T E e on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Elf Beauty]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iheart Women's Sports.

[Katherine Legge]

Hey, you guys, I'm Katherine Legg. I'm a racing driver who's literally driven everything with four wheels across the planet. And I've got a new podcast. It's called Throttle Therapy. And this season I'm gearing up to make history, competing in some of the world's most notorious racing events, starting at the Indy 500. Join me as I travel from racetrack to racetrack in my quest to continue a memorable career in racing. I'm also going to bring you inside stories with legends of sports, new faces from the next generation of auto racing, and conversations with the people who supported me throughout my career. We'll be getting into everything from karting to nascar, even Formula one. Whether you dream about being a pro athlete or an astronaut, we're talking about what it takes to make it. Listen to Throttle Therapy with Katherine Legg, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Elf Beauty]

I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. If only there were a professional WNBA player with her own podcast I could list. Listen to. Hey, this is Lexi Brown, WNBA player and professional yapper. And this is Mariah Rose. You may know me from spilling the tea on Hoops for hotties on TikTok. And we've got a new podcast, Full Circle Every Wednesday. We're catching you up on what's going on in women's basketball, and not just in the wnba, but with athletes Unlimited unrivaled and college basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories and a little bit of tea. I know you guys, you guys have seen a lot of former and current basketball players telling their stories from their point of view, and I just think it's time for the girlies to tap in. We want to share all of the women's basketball stories that you won't see anywhere else. Tune in to Full Circle, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by E L F Beauty, founding.

[Elf Beauty]

Partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Chad Millman]

All right, let's do a quick awards section of questions. Right. Cynthia, on Numbers Game, you just did a huge award ceremony. Can you explain, by the way? Numbers Game, go to the website, go to the YouTube channel. This was on last week. Last week's episode, you gave out some awards. Explain the offensive SOS award and tell our audience who won it.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Well, first of all, I wanted to do awards. I did two things with the awards. Number one, I wanted to do some awards for people who weren't necessarily, you know, like, we. There was a lot of questions about who should be the mvp. It felt like this big compromise between, like, mvp, offensive player of the year, and then, like, well, Lamar won it twice. We're just gonna, like, felt like there was some sort of, like, I don't know, like, we. You doing with. With your kids. It's like, well, you got. You got this treat. So now you get this, like, it's your turn this time and, you know, whatever. So I wanted to try to, like, do it with completely just math. And then I also thought that there should be some different awards. For example, I thought that there should be an online award. I thought that there should be, like, you know, who's helping who this SOS award, like, save our ship. Like, you know, like, who. Who is like, really help. Helping out, maybe even more than we anticipated them. And Brock Bowers, who obviously, you know, not only did he set rookie receiving yards records breaking Mike Ditka's record for yards, but also receptions breaking. Puka Nuku was rookie reception. But. But he was. If you look at. If you draw a circle, so it's computer vision. I draw a circle around, like, where he was even targeted. The man is like those Frisbee dogs, like, going back to catch balls that he has no business catching. So this, you know, he. He's also, like, very quiet, very humble, like a. He's a good kid. Like, I'm. I'm. I'm excited to see him going forward, but he had no business even catching half of the balls that were thrown his way. They were not good passes. I'm not being mean. They just weren't. And that was, to me, I think that's like a really interesting unsung award. Because every year we can always think of a guy who maybe on a different team really would have had an opportunity to. In his case, maybe rookie of the rookie offensive player of the year. But. But even. Even just in general, just one of those things, like, just something to. To recognize he really. The interior line, terrible. There was no run game to speak of. The quarterback position was a little bit of a turnstile. It was not a good situation. And save for a few pieces of their defensive front, their defense didn't. You know, Max Crosby's awesome, but, you know, the defense didn't really help them out either. So, you know, Brock Bowers made that whole freaking team go. So that. That was. I felt. I felt like we needed to just give a guy an award who's not maybe on a playoff team or a team that has a lot of staying power in the season. But he really helped out even more than we expected.

[Chad Millman]

Well, he was a total baller. Totally phenomenal.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Totally phenomenal.

[Simon Hunter]

I was trying to think of who. Who do we not give enough flowers to this season? And I feel like she nailed it with the Brock Bowers pick. Like he was. He did so much for a team that just gave back so little. I'm gonna go with our boy Chad. Bryce Young, like, this kid got benched. He was left for dead. And was it like a car accident? Andy Dalton, like, he got his starting job back in the weirdest way. And he took it and he ran with it like they. Of all the teams, I think back this past season, obviously, the Bucs beat the Eagles. That Panthers team should have beat this Eagles team. And that was like, no excuse. Eagles had all their starters, and Bryce Young played out of his mind. And I know me and you, Chad. He saved our ass. Like, we love this kid. And we looked like fools for about 11 weeks. He came back with vengeance to end the season for us. And I'm just happy, too, we stuck to it. So for my guy, it's got to be Bryce. Sean just totally turn it around and just shows how important the mental health is of a player in football. Like, he had all the tools, he had the skill. He just didn't have it mentally. And whatever happened, just watching it from the bench totally revamped his mind. And he came out there and played like a true leader. So, yeah, Bryce Young well deserves the my mind of an award this season.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I got a chance to meet him at the super bowl, and we did a panel, and it was Joe Theisman, him and Kevin O'Connell. And I was like, when I'm hosting him, like, oh, I'm gonna have to, like, what am I going to do to, like, get him involved? Like, how am I going to. You know, I wasn't expecting him. This Bryce Young on it, like, just so, like, I was so impressed by him and his, like, just his presence. And, you know, because Joe Theisman's a talker. He's got his bits. You know, we're like, all the veteran players have. Bryce was just fitting right. Like, it was awesome. So I. He really, really impressed me greatly in person. His knowledge of the game, his passion for it. Like, I. Not to say I wasn't expecting it, but, you know, you get some of these young players and they have variable seasons and they get a little in their feelings. No, no. He was like, boom. Like, he was awesome. I'm such a fan.

[Chad Millman]

Before you get out of here, like, how we started the show, you have put out a mock draft. You're going to the combine. You do this every single year. Let's do mock the mock. Praise the mock. Tell us the picks and predictions over the years that you should be mocked for and which ones you should be praised for starting. Start with the mock.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Okay. God, there's like a billion. Number one, my model. Oh, even like last year. Last year, I. The Jaden Daniels one is one that I will. That I will stand by because that was a good one. But There was about 50 other ones in that one that I'm like, these kids are out very, like, out of the league already. So I'm trying to think of my. My best mock. The mock. And I don't want to be mean because I always feel like mean saying. But I. There's a. There is a certain quarterback that. That my model really liked. He's a nice person, but he didn't do so great for your team.

[Chad Millman]

No, but that.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I loved Mitch Trubisky, though.

[Simon Hunter]

The jury's still out. Now the jury has made the jury.

[Chad Millman]

Trubisky. I thought.

[Cynthia Freeland]

I'm talking about Trubisky. I'm not talking about Caleb. I'm talking about my model was, like, in. In three times. In four times. And you know who else I was in on? Justin Fields. I. You know, again, Justin Fields came up really hard for me, and I feel bad. I feel mean. I'm, like, picking on the Bears. But I still like Justin Fields. I still like Mitch as humans. Mitch Trubisky is awesome. And Justin, like, they all are. But, you know, I. It just. The mock was a lot higher on them than maybe it should have been.

[Chad Millman]

Listen, as I will do three times a year, I'll remind everybody, the Bears traded up. They traded up in that draft from three to two. They were so anxious someone was going to take Mitch Trubisky. They traded up to get Mitch Trubisky.

[Cynthia Freeland]

They got a little fleeced there, I think.

[Chad Millman]

And, and just not even think about Patrick Mahomes.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Yep.

[Chad Millman]

How can we praise you? All right, so Mitch Trubisky, that is, you deserve to be mocked for that 100%. How can we praise you?

[Cynthia Freeland]

Before we go, Jaden Daniels, I had, he was my number one and over. And look, I like, I liked Caleb Williams, too, to be clear. Like, I didn't have him as being so vastly different. But my stuff said that he'd have a better first season by a lot, mostly because of the potential for the running and the throwing on the run. And it just happened to be right. So that, that was. We, we like that when it, when it works out.

[Chad Millman]

We do. We do. And that was a good call. All right, Cynthia Freeland, you're going to the combine for NFL Network. Everyone should watch slash, listen to Numbers Game. Amazing stuff. That story about your grandfather.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Yes.

[Chad Millman]

Is classic and so apropos for this audience. So way to save it. Way to save it for the show.

[Cynthia Freeland]

As a reminder, dropping things here.

[Chad Millman]

Yeah, that's right. As a reminder, the Favorites podcast is presented by bet365 and now new bet365. Customers get $150 in bonus bets when you bet $5. Sign up using promo code. Favorites deposit $10. Place a bet for $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. Those bonus bets can be used on spreads, totals, player props, futures and more. Whatever the moment, it's Never ordinary. At bet365 must be 21 or older and present in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or 18 and older in Kentucky. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- GAMBLER or 1-800-BITS OFF in Iowa. Terms conditions, restrictions apply. Simon and I will return with our next episode of the Favorites, one of my favorites of the year, on the Action Network YouTube page on Thursday, 11am Eastern for our annual Academy Awards betting preview with our Oscar expert, Michael Lasker. Download us from Spotify, Apple podcasts, wherever you get your pods. Rate, review, subscribe, give us five stars. Say whatever you want. Feedback is a gift. Until next time. Love you.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Action Network reminds you, please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you care about has a gambling problem. Help is available 247 at 1-800-GAMBLER.

[Mel Reid]

This is Mel Reid, LPGA Tour winner and six time Ladies European Tour winner.

[Kira K. Dixon]

And Kyra K. Dixon, NBC Sports reporter and host.

[Mel Reid]

We've got a new podcast, Quiet Please with Mel and Kira.

[Kira K. Dixon]

We are bringing you spicy takes on sports and pop culture, some interviews with incredible people who have figured out how to make golf their superpower, and iheart.

[Mel Reid]

Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Elf Beauty]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Ryan]

Tickets are on sale now y'all for our 2025 I Heart Country Festival presented by Capital One happen opening Saturday, May 3rd at the Moody center in Austin, Texas. Don't miss your chance to see Brooks and Dunn Thomas, Rhett, Rascal Flatt, Cole Swindell, Sam Hutt, Megan Maroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith. Tickets are on sale [e-mail] youm are.

[Tisha Allen]

Cordially invited to the hottest party in professional sports. I'm Tisha Allen, former golf professional and the host of welcome to the Party, your newest obsession about the wonderful world that is women's golf. Featuring interviews with top players on tour, tips to help improve your swing, and the craziest stories to come out of your friendly neighborhood country club. Welcome to the Party with Tisha Allen is an iHeart Women's fourth production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to welcome to the Party that's P A R T E e on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katherine Legge]

Hey you guys, I'm Katherine Legge. I'm a racing driver who's literally driven everything with four wheels across the planet. And I've got a new podcast. It's called Throttle Therapy. This season I'm competing in some of the world's most notorious racing events. Tune in to my new podcast, US Throttle Therapy with Katherine Legg, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Freeland]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.