Sports Krunch w/DKROM

1. Bengals Draft Class

-The Bengals ignored the advice we gave them on our Dash To The Draft AFC North Preview show and went with Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell. That said, you can’t deny Ja’Marr Chase is a pretty special prospect and aside from his established chemistry with Joe Burrow, what does he bring to the Bengals WR room that Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd lack?

-With their second round selection, the Bengals invested in additional protection for Joe Burrow. That said, many believe they reached by taking Jackson Carman, who may have protected Trevor Lawrence’s blindside at Clemson, but projects far better at guard at the NFL level. What do you think of Jackson Carman based on his film, and does he improve the Bengals offensive line even slightly?

-In the third round, the Bengals addressed the defensive front with their selection of edge rusher/LB Joseph Ossai out of Texas. In free agency, the Bengals pass rush was downgraded, in the views of some, by losing Carl Lawson to the Jets and throwing big money to Trey Hendrickson to replace him. Did the Bengals make up for that supposed mistake by taking Ossai?

2. Steelers

-As everybody expected, the Steelers selected RB Najee Harris out of Alabama with the 24th overall pick. With Big Ben on his last legs and arguably the worst pass protecting offensive line in the entire NFL, is it hyperbole to suggest that Najee Harris will be the straw that stirs the drink for the Steelers offense in 2021?

-With their second round pick, the Steelers kept Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth in Pennsylvania. Several guests on this podcast during the pre-draft process lauded Freiermuth’s blocking. Do you share that view and if so, do you see him being mostly utilized as that “sixth OL” this season due to the Steelers aforementioned issues at tackle?

3.  Browns

-The Browns kicked off their impressive draft haul by filling that gaping hole at corner opposite Denzel Ward with Greg Newsome II out of Northwestern. Many had Newsome as the third best corner in this draft, and some even had him as THE best corner in this draft. Were you a big fan of his during the pre-draft process and how lethal of a duo can he and Denzel Ward be?

-In the second round, the Browns traded up seven spots to stop the slide of our man Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He fell in part due to a heart issue, but another reason why he fell is because of the uncertainty of how to utilize him. You said on our Dash To The Draft LB class special that JOK is mainly a box safety. However, given the lack of athleticism the Browns had at linebacker pre-draft, it is widely assumed the Browns will try him out there. What is the best way, in your view, for Browns DC Joe Woods to get the utmost out of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah if they do indeed play him at linebacker as opposed to box safety?

4. Ravens

-With the first of their two first-round picks, the Ravens FINALLY selected a legit WR1 in Rashod Bateman. That said, the Ravens don’t have the best track record when it comes to drafting and developing first-round WR’s. Can Bateman buck that trend, and does he give Lamar Jackson what he needs to take that crucial next step as a passer?

-In the first-round pick they got from the Chiefs in the Orlando Brown trade, the Ravens addressed the massive hole they had at EDGE with Penn State’s Odafe Oweh. Oweh was one of the freakiest athletes in this draft class, but his production in college was scant. Nonetheless, there was somebody named Danielle Hunter who had those same two basic things on his resume coming in and he went on to become a top-5 pass rusher. Of course, setting that as the base line of expectations for Oweh is foolish, but if there is any club that can help him reach his super high ceiling, it is the Ravens and DC Don “Wink” Martindale. Can you see Oweh becoming a Pro Bowl-level player in Baltimore?

1. Barring an unprecedented last minute surprise, the Jets are heavily expected to take BYU QB Zach Wilson with the #2 overall pick. Some respected voices on Draft Twitter, however, believe the Jets are making a mistake by taking Zach Wilson over Justin Fields. Do you share that view? And if you do, for the sake of playing Devil’s Advocate, why do you think the Jets love Wilson more?

2. Speaking of Justin Fields, it may be the worst kept secret in the NFL that Bill Belichick has the hots for the Ohio State QB. It just seems inevitable to many, including myself, he will make a move up the board to either seven or eight and take him. Should these assumptions come to fruition, does Justin Fields immediately make the Patriots AFC East contenders again?

 3.  The Miami Dolphins have a pretty tough decision at the sixth overall spot. As Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network reported, they are debating between Jaylen Waddle and Penei Sewell. Although the Dolphins SORELY need more playmakers and the temptation to reunite Tua Tagovailoa with one of his favorite college targets is understandable, the Dolphins offensive line isn’t in a pretty situation either, especially at tackle. Furthermore, they unloaded Ereck Flowers to Washington today and it was reported they plan to kick Robert Hunt inside to guard. And given the fact that Tua isn’t even two years removed from that freakish hip injury, the incentive to keep him upright may be higher than that to give him another weapon. What would you do if you were Chris Grier and Brian Flores?

 4. When it comes to the Bills, they have their eyes on two needs early in the draft, EDGE and RB. Yesterday, Todd McShay reported that the Bills may be eyeing a trade up to the early 20’s to take a running back. And that makes sense to me given the fact most around the NFL expect the Steelers to select Alabama’s Najee Harris at 24, should he be available. In the grander scheme of things, however, I am 100% against taking a running back in the first round. But to play Devil’s Advocate, I can understand the Bills thinking here because after the first three RB’s (Harris, Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams), there’s a steep dropoff. Whereas at EDGE, it is a much deeper class and you can get someone of good quality on day two. What should the Bills top priority be in your view?

5. Jets Mock Draft

-1 (2): Zach Wilson

-1 (23): Alijah Vera-Tucker

-2 (34): Javonte Williams

-3 (66): Joseph Ossai

-3 (86): Paulson Adebo

6.  Patriots Mock Draft

-1 (15): Trey Lance

-2 (46): Asante Samuel, Jr.

-3 (96): Divine Deablo

7.  Dolphins Mock Draft

-1 (6): Penei Sewell

-1 (18): Rashod Bateman 

-2 (36): Najee Harris

-2 (50): Carlos Basham

-3 (81): Chazz Surratt

8.  Bills Mock Draft

-1 (30): Jayson Oweh

-2 (61): Dyami Brown

-3 (93): Jay Tufele

1. It is a VERY exciting time to be a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Not only do the Jaguars possess the #1 overall pick in the draft (which they will use to select Trevor Lawrence, arguably the most coveted QB prospect since Andrew Luck), they have four picks in the top-50 alone. Should the Jags get two immediate contributors to go alongside Trevor Lawrence in this draft, could they contend for a wild card playoff spot (if not the AFC South title) this season?

2. Trevor Lawrence’s recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Michael Rosenberg has drawn quite some scrutiny. I personally disagree that the comments Lawrence himself made were a red flag, but if there was one small concern I had from Rosenberg’s piece, it was Joey King, Trevor Lawrence’s high school football coach, saying that Trevor Lawrence would “be fine” if he quit playing football tomorrow. If you’re the Jaguars, how much of a red flag, if any, would Coach King’s comments raise?

3.  The Houston Texans not only have the worst roster in the entire NFL right now, they are arguably THE worst run franchise in all of pro sports. And another painful symbol that reflects both distinctions is them only having one pick in the entire top-100 in this draft…and it’s a pick that does not happen until early in the third round at 67 overall. What would be the most optimal way for first-year GM Nick Caserio and rookie head coach David Culley to approach this draft?

4. When it comes to the Colts, they are a team that is not particularly great at one single thing, but very good at many (if not) most things. They are rolling the dice on Carson Wentz to help them take the next big step forward, but they need help elsewhere as well. What should the Colts main priorities be in the draft?

5. As far as the Titans are concerned, most mock drafts have them addressing that gaping hole at edge rusher in the first round. That said, the Titans passing attack took a bit of a hit in free agency with the departure of Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis. Do you think the Titans will seriously consider an offensive playmaker at 22, or do you think it’s pretty much “EDGE or bust” for them? 

6.  Jaguars Mock Draft

-1 (1): Trevor Lawrence

-1 (25): Alijah Vera-Tucker

-2 (33): Terrace Marshall, Jr.

-2 (45): Pat Freiermuth

-3 (65): Richie Grant

7.  Texans Mock Draft

-3 (67): Tyson Campbell

8.  Colts Mock Draft

-1 (21): Kwity Paye

-2 (54): Jalen Mayfield

9. Titans Mock Draft

-1 (22): Samuel Cosmi

-2 (53): Asante Samuel, Jr.

        -3 (85): Tylan Wallace

        -3 (100): Patrick Jones II

1. The Lions begin yet another different regime with new GM Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell. And this roster has tons of pressing needs from top to bottom. So, the Lions have quite a difficult decision to make with that 7th overall pick. Given the unprecedented amount of uncertainty surrounding this draft, should they trade down and add even more future picks to their arsenal? Or if the last of the top four QB’s falls in their lap, do they stay put and take that QB and have him spend a year behind Jared Goff? And what if Penei Sewell and/or Ja’Marr Chase some how make it to seven? What should the plan of attack be for Campbell and Holmes? 

2. This is a make or break year for Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer. And the Vikings have an OL and a defense in urgent need of upgrades. Which of those two areas should they prioritize with the 14th overall pick?

3.  If you think Spielman and Zimmer are facing such a make or break season, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are yelling “hold my beer” in Chicago. Personally, I think both of them should have already been fired. Yet they remain, and there is some buzz that the Bears are eyeing a move up the board. And it may not only be a QB they may be targeting in such a trade up. They may also be eyeing a tackle. If Penei Sewell and/or Rashawn Slater fall to 8 or 9 and neither the Panthers nor Broncos are able to move up for the last of the “big four” QB’s, would it be wise for the Bears to trade all the way up to get one of the top two OT’s? It might not be far fetched given that the Panthers and Broncos would highly consider moving down in such a situation

4. Last season, the Packers made it to the doorstep of the Super Bowl no thanks whatsoever to their 2020 draft haul. In order for them to get over the hump in 2021, should they draft more immediate impact players than long-term projects? If so, at what positions could they use an instant boost?

5. Lions Mock Draft

-1 (7): Micah Parsons

-2 (41): Christian Barmore

-3 (72): D’Wayne Eskridge

-3 (101): Walker Little

6.  Vikings Mock Draft

-1 (14): Alijah Vera-Tucker

-3 (78): Quincy Roche

-3 (90): Andre Cisco

7.  Bears Mock Draft

-1 (20): Mac Jones

-2 (52): Asante Samuel, Jr.

-3 (83): Stone Forsythe

8. Packers Mock Draft

-1 (29): Elijah Moore

-2 (62): Jabril Cox

        -3 (92): Derrick Barnes

1.  Given how much Joe Burrow was hit last season plus the multi-ligament knee injury he suffered, many, if not most, believe that it is a no-brainer for the Bengals to take an OT with the fifth overall pick, whether that be Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater. However, recent buzz has the Bengals going with Joe Burrow’s favorite target at LSU Ja’Marr Chase. In your view, would it be a mistake for the Bengals to pass on the urgent need to protect Joe Burrow with their first round selection?

2. The Cleveland Browns have a top-10 NFL roster right now, at least in my opinion. And with them signing Jadeveon Clowney today, it opens up countless doors for them in the first round. They can still go EDGE (given Clowney’s deal is just for this year), but they can also go corner, WR, and as Benjamin Allbright said today, OL (especially considering the fact Jack Conklin’s contract expires after this season). What do you think is the best way for the Browns to start this draft?

3.  The Ravens also have one of the NFL’s deeper, more complete rosters, but two glaring holes that stand out are the lack of a true go-to wide receiver and the lack of a true lead-dog EDGE pass rusher. If you’re Eric DeCosta, would your number one priority in this draft be to get the former to help Lamar Jackson take that key next step as a passer, or the latter to help your defense?

4. On one of our previous episodes in this “Dash To The Draft Divisional Tour”, Cole Thompson mentioned the Steelers as a good fit for Mac Jones. And since this is probably Ben Roethlisberger’s final year in Pittsburgh, it would be prudent for the Steelers to think long and hard about Mac Jones, especially if he falls toward the mid-teens, which is very possible. If that scenario does come to pass, do you think the Steelers should try to trade up in front of Washington, who also is reportedly interested in Mac Jones?

5. Bengals Mock Draft

-1 (5): Penei Sewell

-2 (38): Rondale Moore 

-3 (69): Payton Turner 

6.  Browns Mock Draft

-1 (26): Caleb Farley

-2 (59): Jalen Mayfield

-3 (89): Tylan Wallace 

-3 (91): Jay Tufele

7.  Ravens Mock Draft

-1 (27): Zaven Collins

-2 (58): Carlos Basham, Jr.

-3 (104): Andre Cisco

8. Steelers Mock Draft

-1 (24): Samuel Cosmi

-2 (55): Asante Samuel, Jr.

        -3 (87): Khalil Herbert

1. With the first two picks essentially in sharpie (Trevor Lawrence to the Jaguars and Zach Wilson to the Jets), the 49ers will essentially begin this draft with the third overall pick, a selection for which they paid a heavy price to move up to. While we cannot be 100% certain which QB will be their choice (and we will get to Trey Lance and Justin Fields shortly), you and I seem to be in agreement that all the buzz around Mac Jones being the pick is a bunch of hooey. And one of the main tealeaves that gives me confidence that is the case is Benjamin Allbright’s report that several people in the 49ers organization believe Jimmy Garoppolo cost them Super Bowl LIV. And mortgaging your future to replace Garoppolo with essentially Andy Dalton 2.0 would be one of the dumbest moves in modern NFL history. What message do you have to 49ers fans and football fans everywhere who are still buying into the Mac Jones hype? 

2. To me at least, in terms of whom the Niners actually do pick at three, it is a tossup between Justin Fields and Trey Lance. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will likely get to spend some quality time with both prospects at their “second” pro days, with Fields tomorrow and Lance this coming Monday. Shortly after the Niners made that blockbuster trade, you tweeted “Lance or Fields at 3. I do not care.” Do you really think Kyle Shanahan can’t go wrong with either of them, and if so, why?

3.  This is a make-or-break year for Kliff Kingsbury, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals…and we can tell that they know it because of the signing of J.J. Watt and the trade for Rodney Hudson. That said, Arizona only has two picks in the first three rounds. What are their most important areas of need to address with those two picks?

4. Ever since their heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl XLIX, the Seahawks have become a stagnant franchise. And even though he remains in the fold, at least for this upcoming season, it is clear that Russell Wilson is frustrated with the lack of progress the Seahawks have been making these past few years. And due in part to the Jamal Adams trade, the Seahawks only have THREE draft picks this year, including just one in the first three rounds. If you’re John Schneider and Pete Carroll, how do you make the most out of these draft picks? Do you trade back from 56 overall multiple times before making your first selection?

5. Despite having made no picks in the first round since 2016 (a streak that will likely continue through 2023), the Los Angeles Rams may currently have the best possible roster, at least at the moment on paper, to dethrone the Bucs in the NFC, especially after the acquisition of Matthew Stafford. That said, there are a lot of short and long-term concerns on that offensive line and given Stafford’s injury history, do you think the Rams should highly consider double-dipping at OL with their day two picks?

6. 49ers Mock Draft

-1 (3): Trey Lance

-2 (43): Joe Tryon

-3 (102): Andre Cisco

7.  Cardinals Mock Draft

-1 (16): Greg Newsome II

-2 (49): Pat Freiermuth

8.  Seahawks Mock Draft

-2 (56): Carlos Basham, Jr.

9. Rams Mock Draft

-2 (57): Brady Christensen

-3 (88): Payton Turner

        -3 (103): Dylan Moses

1. Just three years after winning Super Bowl LII, the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be in full rebuild mode. They have a very good chance at owning three first-round picks next year because of the Carson Wentz trade, and the trade with the Dolphins that saw them go from the 6th overall pick to the 12th. As a result, some believe the Eagles are 100% out on taking a QB in the first round. That said, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported over the weekend that many around the NFL still expect the Eagles to select a QB at some point in the draft. And we all know Howie Roseman has a penchant for making bold trades. Given all that, would you be surprised if the Eagles decided to use all the draft capital they’ve accumulated to trade back into the top-10 if a certain QB falls past the top-five?  

2. When it comes to the Cowboys, most expect them to go defense early, particularly at cornerback. However, you also just paid a fortune to Dak Prescott and that once-heralded offensive line isn’t what it used to be. Travis Frederick has retired and Tyron Smith is aging and breaking down. IF Penei Sewell and/or Rashawn Slater are available at 10 (possible, but unlikely), would you prioritize them over any defender if you were Jerry Jones? 

3.  Joe Judge is quietly building a solid program with the Giants. They have a pretty stout defense and the addition of Kenny Golladay in free agency gives them a very promising stable of offensive weapons, especially if Saquon Barkley stays out of the trainer’s room. That said, how the Giants fare this season will almost entirely depend on whether Daniel Jones (or as we call him on this podcast, “Steely Dan”), takes a big leap forward. At 11 overall, do you think the Giants should address the main weakness left on their defense (EDGE) or potentially add another weapon to help Daniel Jones, especially if either Jaylen Waddle or Devonta Smith fall?

4. Recent buzz has the Washington Football Team as a top candidate (if not THE top candidate) to make a huge move up the board for a QB. However, let’s say Trey Lance and Justin Fields don’t fall far enough for them to pull the trigger, yet Mac Jones slips past the top-10. Should they move up to secure him in that scenario, especially if they believe he can stabilize their QB situation for at least the next 5-7 seasons?

5. Eagles Mock Draft

-1 (12): Devonta Smith

-2 (37): Nick Bolton

-3 (70): Richie Grant 

-3 (84): Spencer Brown

6.  Cowboys Mock Draft

-1 (10): Kyle Pitts

-2 (44): Jevon Holland

-3 (75): Tyson Campbell

-3 (99): James Hudson

7.  Giants Mock Draft

-1 (11): Alijah Vera-Tucker

-2 (42): Joseph Ossai

-3 (76): Pete Werner

8. Washington Mock Draft

-1 (19): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

-2 (51): Pat Freiermuth 

                -3 (74): Walker Little

                -3 (82): Tyree Gillespie

1. Even before new GM George Paton arrived, the Broncos have quietly built a very promising young roster with talent on both sides of the ball. That said, the QB position remains a glaring hole of uncertainty five years after Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset. Based on the sample size so far, it would take the utmost of miracles for Drew Lock to become a franchise signal-caller. But based on where they currently sit at #9 overall, the only possible way for the Broncos to find a potential long-term answer at QB in this draft is to trade up. If they are unable to do so, should they trade back from nine and start to build a long-term war chest of draft capital so they can go after a QB in one of the next 2 or 3 drafts? 

2. When it comes to the Chargers, this draft should be about building around their new franchise QB Justin Herbert. They began in free agency by upgrading their OL, most notably by signing Corey Linsley. That said, they still have some issues at tackle and the weapons around Herbert may be very good, but not as great as the ones the Chiefs have. Therein lies their dilemma in the first round. Do you prioritize the offensive line or the skill position weaponry if you’re Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley?

3.  In two years of the Mike Mayock/Jon Gruden partnership, their draft classes, at least so far, have been underwhelming to put it kindly. Do you think this is a make-or-break draft for Mayock and/or Gruden?

4. As Super Bowl LV demonstrated, no matter how great your QB is, football is won up front. After their patchwork OL got manhandled by the Bucs, the Chiefs have focused like a laser beam on improving their offensive line as they signed G Joe Thuney to a mega-deal in free agency plus getting Kyle Long out of retirement. However, due to the double release of Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, their tackle situation is currently one of the worst in the league, at least on paper with the unproven Lucas Niang and Super Bowl turnstile Mike Remmers the projected starters.  Do you believe it’s OT or bust for Kansas City in round one?

5. Broncos Mock Draft

-1 (9): Justin Fields

-2 (40): Baron Browning

-3 (71): Spencer Brown

6.  Chargers Mock Draft

-1 (13): Christian Darrisaw

-2 (47): Alex Leatherwood

                -3 (77): Jamar Johnson

                -3 (97): Jordan Smith

7.  Raiders Mock Draft

-1 (17): Teven Jenkins

-2 (48): Creed Humphrey

-3 (79): Quincy Roche

-3 (80): Tyson Campbell

8. Chiefs Mock Draft

-1 (31): Dillon Radunz

-2 (63): Jevon Holland

                -3 (94): Stone Forsythe

1. The draft arguably begins at #4 overall with the Atlanta Falcons. And they are sending mixed signals as to what their intentions are. Chris Mortensen reported that they may have their eyes on selecting Matt Ryan’s long-term replacement and the apple of new GM Terry Fontenot’s eye is believed to be Trey Lance. On the other hand, Adam Schefter reported today that the Falcons have received calls for the #4 overall pick and are open to moving down. Do you believe the Falcons best course of action is to either stay put and take a QB or trade down, with no Plan C?

2. Yesterday, the Panthers acquired QB Sam Darnold from the Jets in exchange for a sixth-rounder this year, and second and fourth-round picks in 2022. Moreover, they are also expected to pick up the fifth-year option on Darnold’s contract. Do you still see the Panthers trying to move up the board to draft a QB, or can we pretty much rule out QB in round one for Carolina?

3.  This is the first draft for the Saints in the post-Brees era. They would obviously need a miracle for a QB to fall into their laps in the first round. Given the overall strength of the rest of their roster, what should their basic plan of attack be for this draft?

4. Should the Bucs prioritize drafting players that can make an immediate impact this season or players who can turn into franchise cornerstones in 2-3 years even if they need to “redshirt” this season?

5. Falcons Mock Draft

-1 (4): Trey Lance

-2 (35): Liam Eichenberg

-3 (68) Carlos Basham

6. Panthers Mock Draft

-1 (8): Justin Fields

-2 (39): Levi Onwuzurike

-3 (73): Spencer Brown

7. Saints Mock Draft

-1 (28): Caleb Farley

-2 (60): Amon-Ra St. Brown

-3 (98): Jordan Smith

-3 (105): Kellen Mond

8. Buccaneers Mock Draft

-1 (32): Christian Barmore

-2 (64): Elijah Molden

-3 (95): Michael Carter

1. How long have you been a football fan and what (or who) inspired you to work in the sports industry?

2. How did you get your start in the business and how did you get from then until now?

3.  This has been a monumental year for women in both sports and the non-sports world alike. We witnessed the election of the first woman Vice President of the United States (Kamala Harris), the first woman to play in Power Five conference college football game (Sarah Fuller of Wake Forest), the first woman to officiate in a Super Bowl (Sarah Thomas), and the first full-time female NFL coaches to win a Super Bowl (Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar). In terms of the NFL, what will be the next glass ceiling to be shattered (first female GM?, head coach?, player?)

4. You have a rather impressive list of clients, and one that stands out to me is Shelby Harris, who has played DT/DE for my Denver Broncos these past four seasons. Based on your experience working with him, what kind of person is he? Do you have an initial guess as to where he’ll end up in free agency?

5.  With Super Bowl LV officially in the books, many of us are already in draft season mode. Are you currently working with any of the prospects that have declared for the 2021 NFL Draft?

6.   What does your schedule in the weeks leading up to free agency look like?