When New England running back Jonas Gray took the field vs. the Indianapolis Colts five years ago, no one could have predicted the incredible outburst of scoring that would land him national attention, and even a magazine cover. Nor could anyone have predicted how quickly that success would disappear, through a series of mishaps. ESPN senior writer Liz Merrill tells Mina Kimes the story of an underdog, his big shot, and how players might always be one step away from glory - or obscurity - in the NFL.
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Fantasy, Meet Reality: A Running Back Breaks Out, Then Disappears

Bill Barnwell and friends talk all things sports and beyond.

Sports

On today’s episode of the Bill Barnwell Show, Mina Kimes joins to discuss some of the biggest hits and misses of the 2018 NFL Draft and how they impact the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Then, they dive deep into draft picks that could have changed the course of history, including if the Browns passed on Baker Mayfield. They also discuss whether Tom Brady would have stayed in New England if Bill Belichick had drafted Nick Chubb. Later, Mina and Bill turn their attention to the draft story of Lamar Jackson and what sets his journey apart from others.
6:14 Was the Browns drafting Baker Mayfield at No. 1 a mistake? 
8:57 Would Saquon Barkley still be drafted at No. 2 overall?
16: 28 Can a guard go in the top 10?
18:23 Will Brock Bowers be a top-10 pick?
19:11 Josh Allen draft takeaways 
27:21 Why was Josh Rosen the most pro-ready QB in 2018?
31:55 Should the Bucs have drafted Vita Vea or Derwin James?
34: 00 How often has trading up worked? 
38:58 Are we undervaluing centers?
50:51 What makes Lamar Jackson’s draft story unique
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Alternate NFL History with Mina Kimes

On today’s episode of the Bill Barnwell Show, the brain behind Reception Perception, Matt Harmon joins the show to break down the top wide receivers of the 2024 NFL Draft class. They discuss if Marvin Harrison Jr. is living up to the hype, concerns for Malik Nabers in the league, and if Rome Odunze is the best receiver in this draft class. Plus, they discuss how the Stefon Diggs trade will impact the Buffalo Bills. 

6:07 Has Marvin Harrison Jr. lived up to the hype?
13:00 Concerns for Malik Neighbors at Pro Level 
19:50 Is Rome Odunze the top receiver? 
25:34 Who is in the next tier of receivers?
36:48 Can the receiver bubble burst?
39:42 The impact of Stefon Diggs trade
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Tier One Wide Receivers: Who is the Top Receiver in the 2024 Draft?

On today’s episode of the Bill Barnwell Show, SB Nation writer Joseph Acosta joins to break down the news of the Buffalo Bills trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Then, they discuss what led Buffalo to the decision to trade Diggs, how Buffalo will replace him, and his future in Houston. Plus, they break down which teams must nail the NFL Draft this year if they want a shot at a successful season. 
:30 Bills trade Stefon Diggs to the Texans
10:30 Should the Bills draft a new receiver or target a veteran receiver? 
17:08 Bills betting on Josh Allen
19:45 Teams who must nail the draft 
20:37 Teams who must nail the draft: Denver Broncos
26:45 Teams who must nail the draft: New Orleans Saints
32:00 Teams who must nail the draft: Miami Dolphins
38:12 Teams who must nail the draft: Las Vegas Raiders
45:20 Teams who must nail the draft: Dallas Cowboys
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Stefon Diggs Traded to Houston Texans & Teams Who Must Nail the NFL Draft

On today’s episode of the Bill Barnwell Show, Bill answers your burning questions about the new rule changes, including how the hip-drop penalty could impact the postseason and how players will adjust to the new kickoff system. Then, Bill explains how salary cap rollover works and the key to success for the compensatory picks. Plus, he breaks down what the best food city is!

:41 Is there a future where a rookie first-rounder demands a no-trade or franchise tag clause in their first contract?
6:12 What is the over/under of how many playoff games will be decided by a hip drop penalty? 
10:20 How many fewer scrimmage plays per game will there be with the new rules? 
12:00 Opinion of the Titans predicted 5.5 win total in the Sportsbook?
15:46 Safety and running backs salary cap deals
20:23 How will the new kickoff system impact teams?
21:55 How does salary cap rollover work?
25:02 Why do teams ignore the compensatory pick formula?
29:12 Can teams over-invest in a position?
37:48 What is the best food city?
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New NFL Rule Changes: How will the game be impacted?

On this episode of the Bill Barnwell Show, Bill teams up with Kevin Seifert to tackle potential NFL kickoff rule changes mirroring the XFL, the strategic nuances behind these adjustments, and the Vikings' off-season moves, including their acquisition of Sam Darnold. They delve into the implications of new kickoff strategies, the Vikings' quarterback strategy, whether trading Justin Jefferson is on the table, and the team's interest in J.J. McCarthy. From rule changes to roster overhauls, this episode covers the evolving landscape of the NFL and the Vikings' tactical maneuvers.

0:00 Welcome to the Bill Barnwell Show
0:41 Introducing Kevin Seifert 
1:28 Potential rule changes to the kickoff
7:45 Does it give special teams coaches importance
14:21 Proposed hybrid version of an onside kickoff 
19:59 The Vikings have an odd off-season 
29:58 Why did the Vikings go for Sam Darnold?
34:40 Are the Vikings trading up for another quarterback?
45:54 Should the Vikings consider trading Justin Jefferson?
53:23 Are the Vikings eyeing J.J. McCarthy?
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Fantasy, Meet Reality: A Running Back Breaks Out, Then Disappears

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