1. Hypothetically speaking, if there’s a tie in the competition between Justin Fields and Andy Dalton at the end of preseason play, and if there’s a tie between Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo at the end of preseason play, should the Bears and 49ers unquestionably start Justin Fields and Trey Lance, respectively, in Week 1? 2. What should we expect from Zach Wilson and this young Jets offense this season, and do you think Joe Douglas has put his rookie QB in the best possible position to succeed? 3. Does the approach Urban Meyer's taking with Travis Etienne concern you about how he will utilize Trevor Lawrence?  4. You said the transition from the Alabama offense to Josh McDaniels’ offense isn’t as seamless as many think. Why is that so and when is the earliest we see Mac Jones this season? 5. How much should we temper expectations for this Rams offense as a result of the brutal injury to Cam Akers and what schematic adjustments, if any, should we expect? 6. With the presence of new Seahawks OC Shane Waldron, who is known for his creativity and has been praised by Russell Wilson as “an amazing mind” and “super collaborative”, is this the season we finally see the Seahawks take the shackles completely off Russell Wilson? 7. If this new Chiefs OL is as improved as advertised, could this be the best season of Patrick Mahomes’ career to date? 8. Which holes in his game must Josh Allen address the most this season? 9. Does Julio Jones’ addition make the Titans the offense that can best match the Chiefs pound for pound? 10. Do you think the marriage between Sam Darnold, those weapons the Panthers have and the Joe Brady offense give Darnold a good enough chance to beat the odds? 11. Is it the right thing for the Broncos to do everything possible to make sure Drew Lock wins the job fair and square?  12. Would you be either surprised or shocked if the Broncos ended up as a top-10 defense this season, if not top-five? 13. How much improved is the Bengals offensive line compared to last season and how, if at all, is Joe Burrow better equipped to deal with below average OL play? 14. Should the Dolphins do whatever it takes to get Deshaun Watson, or should they just play out the season with Tua Tagovailoa under center and see what he has? 15. Would you expect somewhat of a rough start to the season for Justin Herbert given he has to learn his second offensive system in as many years?

Sports Krunch w/DKROM

#270: Burning Questions on the eve of 2021 NFL Training Camps (with Mark Schofield)

1. Hypothetically speaking, should the QB competition between Justin Fields and Andy Dalton, end in a tie, with both training camp and preseason play accounted for, should the tie go to Fields or Dalton? If Dalton starts Week 1, when is the earliest you think we see Justin Fields this season? 2. What is your most educated guess as to Allen Robinson’s future as a Bear at this point in time? How much hotter should Ryan Pace’s seat be if the Bears let Allen Robinson walk for nothing? 3. The two young pass-catchers I personally have my eye on are TE Cole Kmet and WR Darnell Mooney. Which one of those two sophomores (so to speak) has the bigger breakout season, and how much does the answer to that question depend on who starts more games at QB? 4. If Roquan Smith does what he did in 2020 this season, do the Bears give him a similar mega-deal before Week 1 of the 2022 season? 5. Since their out-of-this-world 2018 season, the Bears defense has still been solid, but nowhere near the dominance they showed that year. This season, the Bears are returning to the basic Vic Fangio system under new defensive coordinator Sean Desai. If you take that, plus Khalil Mack at full strength (he wasn’t 100% last season), a full season from Akiem Hicks, and a sophomore breakout campaign from Jaylon Johnson, will this 2021 Bears defense be the best the franchise has had since 2018? 6. Even with Tarik Cohen back from injury and Super Bowl LIV hero Damien Williams now in the stable, do you see David Montgomery having an even better season in 2021, and is he worth taking in the fourth or fifth round in fantasy football re-draft leagues? 7. What position battles (other than QB) will you be keeping an eye on as the Bears begin training camp next week? 8. WAY TOO EARLY Predictions -Bears 2021 MVP: Khalil Mack -Bears 2021 Breakout Player: Darnell Mooney  -Bears 2021 Bounce-back Player: Akiem Hicks -Bears final 2021 regular season record, place in division, playoff seed: 8-9, 2nd place, no playoffs 

#269: 2021 Chicago Bears Preview (with Jacob Infante, Windy City Gridiron)

1. Based on the intel you have, why did the Panthers decide to take Jaycee Horn over Justin Fields, and why do they think Sam Darnold can be the long-term answer for them at QB? 2. Outside of Jaycee Horn, which Panthers rookie do you see making the biggest impact this season?   3. Last season, Christian McCaffrey, the focal point of the Panthers offense, only played three games due to various injuries. With the NFL moving to the new 17-game regular season format this season, how much do the Panthers plan to lighten CMC’s workload, if at all? Is he still worth the first overall pick in fantasy drafts?  4. The Panthers have one of the NFL’s rising stars at WR in D.J. Moore. Despite playing with five different QB’s over the past two seasons, he’s totaled 1200+ receiving yards each year. If he plays as good or better in 2021, can you see the Panthers extending him some time before the 2022 season? 5. Do you think Brian Burns solidifies himself as a top-10 pass rushing DE this season, if not top-five? 6. Listener question: Is Ha-Ha Clinton Dix still an option at safety or is there another FA target the team has its eye on, like bringing back Tre Boston? 7. What position battles will you be keeping an eye on as soon as the Panthers begin training camp? 8. WAY TOO EARLY Predictions -Panthers 2021 MVP: Brian Burns/D.J. Moore -Panthers 2021 Breakout Player: Donte’ Jackson  -Panthers 2021 Bounce-back Player: Yetur Gross-Matos -Panthers final 2021 regular season record, place in division, playoff seed: 10-7  9. Aside from boycotting the NFL, what can we do to hold the NFL accountable for not caring whatsoever about the physical and emotional safety of its female employees?  10. During your experience working in the sports industry thus far, were there times you ever felt mistreated because you are a woman? What can us men do to be the best possible allies for you and all of our sisters in this field, or in any field?

#268: 2021 Carolina Panthers Preview (with Sheena Quick, Panthers insider for 1340 AM Fox Sports Radio)

 1. What will be the next major barrier to fall for women in pro sports? Will it be the first woman NBA head coach, first woman NFL GM, first woman NFL offensive or defensive coordinator, or something else? 2. You currently work for The Draft Network, which I have said many times is THE best year-round NFL Draft resource there is. We have interviewed many of your colleagues, including your partner in crime (the good kind) Paige Dimakos earlier this year. What exactly do you do for TDN, and are there any exciting developments going on there this season? 3. Last week, the Washington Football Team was fined $10 million due to the findings of an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment throughout the club. That said, the attorney who led the investigation, Beth Wilkinson hasn’t released a single page of her report and the aforementioned penalty can only be summarized as a slap on the wrist. Aside from boycotting the NFL, what can we do to hold the NFL accountable for not caring whatsoever about the physical and emotional safety of its female employees?  4. During your experience working in the sports industry thus far, were there times you ever felt mistreated because you are a woman? What can us men do to be the best possible allies for you and all of our sisters in this field, or in any field? 5. We are just two years removed from the Raptors winning the NBA title. What did that monumental achievement mean not just to Toronto, but to all of Canada in general? Speaking of the NBA title, you currently reside in the Phoenix area. Just how widespread is Suns fever throughout the entire state of Arizona right now? 2021 NBA Finals prediction? 6. As we speak right now, all NFL training camps will be in full force in just over three weeks. What are you looking forward to the most this NFL season? 7. WAY TOO EARLY 2021 NFL predictions -2021 NFL MVP: Josh Allen -2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Justin Fields -2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Patrick Surtain II  -Super Bowl LVI Matchup and Winner: Bucs vs. Browns, Bucs 

#267: WOMEN IN SPORTS (with Courtney Collard, The Draft Network)

1. What will be the next major glass ceiling to be shattered in pro sports? Will it be the first woman NBA head coach, first woman NFL GM, first woman NFL offensive or defensive coordinator, or something else? 2. How did your experience as a Broncos cheerleader help make you into the strong, powerful woman you are today, and how pivotal were those seven years in getting you ready to go into sports media? 3. During your seven years on the team, did you ever encounter anyone giving you hell and/or stereotyping you for being a cheerleader? What can me and my fellow men do to help ensure a safe, healthy workplace environment free from such stereotypes and all other forms of sexual harassment for ALL women in sports? 4. You were a Broncos cheerleader in 2015, when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. That was truly one of THE most intriguing Super Bowl championship seasons I have ever watched. Aside from going to San Francisco, dancing at the Super Bowl, and every post-game celebration that came afterward, what were some of your most memorable moments from that epic season? Did the cheerleaders get a Super Bowl ring, and how similar or different is it to the ring the players received? 5. Based on what you’ve heard, why did the Broncos decide to pass on Justin Fields and go with the current QB situation they have? 6. Would it be totally unsurprising if Teddy Bridgewater is the starter on September 12, or would he have to just absolutely beat out Drew Lock SIGNIFICANTLY to win the job right off the bat? What other training camp battles will you be watching? 7. Would anything less (and I mean ANYTHING less) than a playoff appearance this season cost Vic Fangio his job as head coach of the Broncos? 8. WAY TOO EARLY Predictions -Broncos 2021 MVP: Courtland Sutton -Broncos 2021 Breakout Player: Jerry Jeudy -Broncos 2021 Bounce-back Player: Bradley Chubb -Broncos final 2021 regular season record, place in division, playoff seed: 10-7, 2nd place in AFC West, #7 playoff seed -If Broncos make playoffs, how far will they go? One and done 

#266: WOMEN IN SPORTS + 2021 Denver Broncos Preview (with Romi Bean, CBS 4 Denver Sports Anchor/Reporter)

1. Just a few weeks ago, the Titans acquired Future Hall of Fame WR Julio Jones and a 2023 sixth-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Tennessee’s 2022 second-round pick and 2023 fourth-round pick. Now you add Julio Jones, who can still play at a very high level, to a Titans offense that has arguably the best running back in the NFL in Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, who has grown into a top-10 WR in the NFL after just two seasons in the league, and a QB in Ryan Tannehill who has played at a Pro Bowl level for the last two years. Does the acquisition of Julio Jones make the Titans THE most dangerous offense in the entire NFL right now? 2. A big issue for the Titans offensively is the depth at the skill positions behind Julio Jones, A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry. Which Titans offensive skill position players do you expect to play the biggest role outside of those three? 3. For the Titans to go the distance, they are going to need FAR better play from their defense. And their defensive woes start up front, as they’ve arguably had the most anemic pass rush in the league in recent years. To address that issue, the Titans signed former Steelers pass rushing OLB Bud Dupree to a five-year deal worth up to $85 million. However, Bud Dupree is also coming off a torn ACL that he suffered late last season. When is the earliest we can expect Bud Dupree to play in 2021? 4. I was very impressed with the Titans 2021 NFL Draft, especially in the first three rounds, where they got excellent value everywhere. In the first round, they selected Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley, who probably would’ve been a top 10-15 pick if it weren’t for his back issues. In round two, they got a potential decade-long starter at OT, either left or right, in North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz. In round three, they added some much-needed ILB depth with Monty Rice out of Georgia, and got a potential GEM in versatile Washington DB Elijah Molden at 100 overall. What did you think of the Titans draft as a whole, and which rookie do you expect to have the biggest impact right off the bat? When it comes to Caleb Farley and Dillon Radunz, which one of those two would you say needs to absolutely ball out for the Titans to fulfill their potential? 5. An underrated potential concern for the Titans is the departure of former OC Arthur Smith to the Falcons, where he’s obviously now the head coach. Moreover, new OC Todd Downing’s previous stint in that role was underwhelming to say the least. How worried are you that losing Arthur Smith could prevent this Titans offense from reaching its ceiling?  6. What are the big Titans training camp battles for us to keep an eye on? 7. WAY TOO EARLY Predictions -Titans 2021 MVP: Derrick Henry -Titans 2021 Breakout Player: Amani Hooker -Titans 2021 Bounce-back Player: Rashaan Evans -Titans final 2021 regular season record, place in division, playoff seed: 1st place, #3 seed, 11-6 -If Titans make playoffs, how far will they go? Divisional round at least 

#265: 2021 Tennessee Titans Preview (with ESPN Titans reporter Turron Davenport)

1. This is the first year of the post-Drew Brees era for the Saints. Thus, all eyes are on the looming training camp battle between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston to be the starting QB Week 1 in New Orleans. As of right now, what is your most educated guess as to which of those two will be under center for the Saints September 12 against the Packers? 2. Given the COVID-related salary cap reduction this season, the Saints cap issues were further magnified this year. Moreover, according to OverTheCap.com, the Saints are projected to start the 2022 league year nearly $15 million above the cap, $14.847 million to be exact. This means, they will likely have to get super creative as they try to re-sign their two 2017 first-round picks, Marshon Lattimore and Ryan Ramczyk. Which one of those two do you believe is most likely to re-sign in New Orleans long-term? Can you see the Saints eventually re-signing both? 3. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Saints used all of their picks in the premium rounds (rounds 1-3) on defense. In the first round, they selected pass-rushing DE Payton Turner out of Houston. Next, in the second round, they selected Ohio State LB Pete Werner, and they traded up 22 spots in the third to select Stanford CB Paulson Adebo. Which of those three rookies do you see making the biggest impact for the Saints this season? 4. In the fourth round, the Saints took another roll of the proverbial QB dice with Ian Book out of Notre Dame. During the pre-draft process, a draft analyst friend of mine who I trust said that Ian Book should switch positions and become a running back. Thus, when the Saints took him, I was wondering if they view him as Taysom Hill’s eventual replacement, especially if Hill is a cap casualty after this season. Do the Saints see Ian Book that way? 5. Aside from the Jameis/Taysom competition, what are the biggest Saints training camp position battles to keep an eye on?  6. Before we proceed, I am pleased to announce that we’re beginning a very special series of episodes on Women In Sports. This podcast intends to help promote and empower women in all facets of the sports industry as much as possible, from cheerleaders, reporters, agents and managers, to coaches and athletes. And speaking of women in sports, several major glass ceilings have just been smashed in the NFL. In the past month, Kelly Kleine and Catherine Raiche, became the two highest-ranked female scouting executives in NFL history. Would you be surprised if we saw the first ever woman NFL GM some time this decade? 7. In your career on the NFL beat, was there ever a moment where you felt that you were treated unfairly because you’re a woman? What should us men do to help create and ensure the safest, most equitable work environment possible for women in sports, or in any other high-profile industry? 

#264: 2021 New Orleans Saints Preview + Life as a Woman Covering The NFL (with Saints beat reporter Katherine Terrell of The Athletic)

1. Jaguars -Not only did I feel the Travis Etienne pick was a waste given the presence of James Robinson on the roster, Urban Meyer says they are trying to get Etienne to play wide receiver in addition to running back, and he’s never played the former position. Outside of Etienne’s familiarity with Trevor Lawrence and his impact on team culture, how do you justify the Jaguars taking him in the first round? -With their first of two second-round picks, the Jaguars selected Tyson Campbell, the long, tall athletic corner from Georgia with track speed. The only reason he fell out of the first round was his struggles locating the ball in the air. In 2018, a corner prospect with a similar body-type fell all the way to the end of the second round for essentially that same reason. That prospect? Carlton Davis, who has grown into a top-10 corner in the NFL for the Bucs. Can you see Tyson Campbell experiencing a similar rise over these next three years? -In the third round, the Jaguars addressed the secondary again with safety Andre Cisco out of Syracuse. Cisco’s tape shows the ultimate “feast or famine” prospect. He’s either making a big play on the ball or giving up a big play to the opposing offense and nothing in between. That said, Doug Farrar of the USA Today “Touchdown Wire” said that Cisco could be “lethal” if he can get coached up to stop biting on every route. Just how high is Andre Cisco’s ceiling if he does eliminate those bad habits in his play? 2. Texans -The Texans first pick didn’t come until the third round at 67 overall and they used it on Stanford QB Davis Mills. As soon as that pick was made, the TV analysts were saying that the Texans were essentially admitting that Deshaun Watson has played his final snap as a Texan regardless of how his legal issues turn out. Do you see it that way? Would you anticipate Davis Mills starting a few games late this season? -22 picks later, the Texans traded back up into the third, surrendering their 2022 fourth in the process. And they did that to select Michigan WR Nico Collins, who is that big-bodied WR they’ve been missing since they traded away DeAndre Hopkins. Joel Klatt said on the NFLN broadcast that Collins would’ve put up far better numbers in college if it weren’t for poor QB play at Michigan. Do you think he can find better success in the NFL with at least competent QB play?  3.  Colts -At 21 overall, the Colts selected who they hope will be the consistent edge rusher that they’ve been lacking in Kwity Paye. At Michigan, Paye played a lot of his snaps inside, but some people believe the Colts should almost solely play him at defensive end for now. Is that what the Colts should do, or should they have him kick inside next to DeForest Buckner in certain sub-packages? -In the second round, the Colts double-dipped on the defensive line with the versatile Dayo Odeyingbo from Vanderbilt. He is unlikely to play this season due to the Achilles injury he suffered in January, but the Colts obviously have high hopes for him long-term. What does he bring to the Colts front four that Kwity Paye does not? 4. Titans -At 22 overall, the Titans selected Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley. Some believed he would slide out of the first round entirely due to his two recent back surgeries. Prior to his most recent procedure, some of the top analysts considered Farley as the best corner in this class. Do you think there was a good argument in initially placing him above Pat Surtain and Jaycee Horn? If so, why? 

#263: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (AFC South with Jake Arthur)

1. Eagles -With their first-round pick, the Eagles traded up two spots with the division-rival Cowboys, leapfrogging the division-rival Giants to take DeVonta Smith. Now, we all know about DeVonta Smith. He was the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner and despite his size, he does EVERYTHING you want a WR to do. While I personally expect DeVonta Smith to have at LEAST a very good career  (as in multiple Pro Bowls plus an All Pro honor or two), the Eagles, at least in my view, could have done a lot better by beginning their rebuild with Justin Fields. Do you think the Eagles should have taken Justin Fields, or is DeVonta Smith the kind of player you want to begin a roster overhaul with?  -In the second-round the Eagles, as they do often, rolled the dice on an extremely talented, yet often-injured player in Landon Dickerson. After the pick was made, many, if not most, said he would redshirt in 2021 and then replace Jason Kelce as the Eagles center of the future in 2022. However, they announced him as a guard and Chris Trapasso, lead NFL Draft analyst at CBS Sports, believes he’s a better bet at guard. If you were the Eagles, where would you plan to play Landon Dickerson?         -With their third-round pick, the Eagles went back to the trenches and took a favorite of several notable voices on Draft Twitter, Louisiana Tech DT Milton Williams. That said, Williams was introduced as a defensive end in the draft. Is the long-term outlook for Milton Williams as a potential replacement for Fletcher Cox at DT, or can you see him as a replacement for Brandon Graham at DE while kicking inside in sub-packages?  2. Cowboys -After trading back two spots, the Cowboys began their defensive-heavy draft with Penn State LB Micah Parsons. While LB was a pretty big need in Big D given Jaylon Smith’s inconsistencies and Leighton Vander Esch’s inability to stay healthy, several people whose opinions I value did not view Parsons as high as many in the NFL and media did. Did you consider Micah Parsons to be the best defensive prospect in this draft class?    -In the second-round, the Cowboys addressed the position they initially hoped to address in the first round, corner, with Kentucky’s Kelvin Joseph. Like Parsons, Joseph had some off-field concerns, but you also cannot deny his freakish athleticism. If he keeps his head on straight, just how high is his ceiling? -The Cowboys had three picks in the third round and again, used all of them on defense with UCLA DT Osa Odighizuwa, Iowa DE Chauncey Golston and Oregon State CB Nahshon Wright. Which of those three is the likeliest to grow into a long-time contributor for the Cowboys?                3.  Giants -In a move NOBODY expected, the Giants traded down in the first round after the Eagles snuck up and stole DeVonta Smith from them. They ended up at 20 overall and selected another weapon for Daniel Jones in Florida WR Kadarius Toney. Some didn’t understand this pick given the presence of Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, but what those people either forgot or just don’t know is that Florida didn’t list Toney at any position. How does Kadarius Toney fit into the Giants offense this season and what is the best way for Jason Garrett to utilize his skill-set? -In the second round, the Giants not only got a potential steal, they addressed arguably the lone remaining weak-spot on their defense, which was EDGE, with Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari. What does Ojulari bring to the Giants edge pass rush that nobody else currently on the roster does? 

#262: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (NFC East with Cole Thompson)

1.  Before we begin here, please explain the criteria you used in determining the ranking of all 32 NFL rosters 2. NFC North (Packers 1 [3], Vikings 2 [7], Bears 3 [24], Lions 4 [31]) -Why did you rank the Vikings roster as high as you did? At least to me, they don’t seem anywhere near as strong as they were in 2018 when they were preseason Super Bowl darlings -With Justin Fields now in the fold, what are the next must-dos for the Bears in roster building?  3. AFC West (Chiefs 1 [2], Broncos 2 [17], Chargers 3 [21], Raiders 4 [26]) -In your view, do the massive upgrades the Chiefs made to their OL solidify them as favorites for a third-consecutive Super Bowl trip? -Why did you rank the Broncos, who have one of the worst QB rooms in the entire NFL, ahead of the Chargers and Raiders, who have two top-12 QB’s themselves in Justin Herbert and Derek Carr, respectively? 4. AFC North (Browns 1 [4], Ravens 2 [6], Steelers 3 [19], Bengals 4 [25]) -You and I are in agreement that the Browns are the most complete team in the AFC outside of Kansas City. What put them just one spot ahead of the Buffalo Bills in your rankings, and are they the best bet to top the Chiefs in the AFC despite having a worse QB situation than Buffalo? -Would you be surprised if the Bengals ended up with a better record than the Steelers this season? 5. NFC West (Rams 1 [10], Seahawks 2 [11], 49ers 3 [15], Cardinals 4 [23]) -While several believe the Rams as the best team in the NFC to challenge the Bucs, you are more lukewarm on them. Why is that the case? -The Seahawks roster is VERY top-heavy and they lack depth in many places, especially on defense. Are Russell Wilson and that receiving corps he has to throw to pretty much the only reasons why you have Seattle as the 11th best roster in the league? -If Trey Lance hits the ground running with a vengeance in the next two years, do the Niners become the best team in the division again? 6. AFC East (Bills 1 [5], Patriots 2 [14], Dolphins 3 [18], Jets 4 [30]) -If Tua Tagovailoa takes a huge leap forward this season, do the Dolphins trade spots with the Patriots on your list roster wise? 7. NFC East (Cowboys 1 [8], WFT 2 [9], Giants 3 [20], Eagles 4 [29]) -What was the tiebreaker that made you put the Cowboys ahead of Washington? Should it surprise anyone at all if Washington wins the division for a second consecutive season? 8. AFC South (Titans 1 [12], Colts 2 [13], Jaguars 3 [28], Texans 4 [32] -Compared to other NFL bottom-feeders in the past 5-10 years, how bad is this Texans roster? Is this like the worst roster in modern memory? -Would it either surprise or shock you if Trevor Lawrence leads the Jaguars to a second-place finish in the division this season with say an 8-9 record? 9. NFC South (Bucs 1 [1], Saints 2 [16], Falcons 3 [22], Panthers 4 [27]) -If the Falcons trade Julio Jones as expected, how far does that push them down these rankings, if at all? -Is the NFC South going to be the most lopsided, non-competitive division in the NFL in 2021? 

#261: Nick Kendell's 2021 NFL Roster Rankings

1. 49ers -The 49ers arguably made the biggest move in the arms race draft-wise. After losing out to the division-rival Rams in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes, the 49ers went all in on finding their next franchise QB in the draft, trading two future first-round picks to move all the way up to three, where they selected Trey Lance. Before they made the move, Mark Schofield, one of THE best QB minds in the business, told me on this podcast that there was no clearer hand-in-glove scheme fit between prospect and team than Lance and the Niners. Also, many believed that out of the top-four QB’s in the draft, Lance’s ceiling was the highest. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Trey Lance to Josh Allen, and Lance clearly has far better decision-making and accuracy than Allen did coming out of college. Given the athletic profile, the system he walks into and the talent around him, would it surprise you if Trey Lance is regarded as the best QB from this draft class five years down the line? -In the second-round the 49ers made an odd selection with Notre Dame G Aaron Banks. What made it so is that Banks isn’t that athletic, pulling guard that is a major requirement in a Kyle Shanahan, zone-based offense. Why do you think the Niners took him? -The Niners added to their backfield in the third round by trading their fourth-round pick to move up to 88 overall, where they took Trey Sermon. After this pick was made, my friend Carl Dumler, who was on my draft night live-stream at the time said it wouldn’t surprise him if Sermon eventually became the go-to guy at RB in San Francisco at some point this year. Now given the fact that Jeff Wilson may miss the first month of the season due to meniscus surgery plus Raheem Mostert’s inability to stay healthy, can you see Trey Sermon ending up with the lion’s-share of carries for the 49ers this season?  2. Cardinals -With the 16th overall pick, the Cardinals took Tulsa LB Zaven Collins. Bill Carroll, your colleague at Nuts and Bolts Sports said pre-draft that he thought Collins, not Micah Parsons, was the best off-ball LB in this draft. Did you share his view and regardless, how high are you on Zaven Collins as an explosive, playmaking LB in the NFL? -The Cardinals were widely believed to want to make a big trade up in the first round for Jaylen Waddle. Obviously, they were unable to do so, but they added to their arsenal in the second round with Rondale Moore. Our friend Bill Carroll described him to be as “the mutant love child of Darren Sproles and Eric Metcalf.” How do you see Kliff Kingsbury using the 2018 Paul Hornung Award winner this season?                 3.  Rams -Despite signing DeSean Jackson in free agency, the Rams wanted a long-term vertical option in their passing offense and they hope they got it with Tutu Atwell. That said, the pick was a bit of a head-scratcher given Atwell’s underwhelming size (he weighed only 155 at the Louisville Pro Day). Do you think we mostly see Atwell on punt and/or kickoff returns this year before earning a larger role in Sean McVay’s offense?         4. Seahawks -The Seahawks, with their only pick in the first three rounds, took another WR in D’Wayne Eskridge. Eskridge, like Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf brings speed, speed, and more speed. He’s a two-time Indiana state high school track champion FYI. But the reason I personally didn’t like this pick was that it’s hard to find what Eskridge brings to the table that Lockett and Metcalf do not. That said, I’m not a scout. So my question is, do you see a certain skill or attribute in Eskridge’s game that’s not in that of Lockett or Metcalf? 

#260: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (NFC West with Jeff Barnes)

1. Falcons -With the fourth overall pick, the Falcons decided to pass on a potential successor to Matt Ryan and instead took Kyle Pitts, the best non-QB prospect in the draft. Even though Pitts is listed as a tight end that, at least to some degree, is a misnomer. You can line him up inline, in the slot, or even at the X receiver position, and he is still equally as effective. Assuming the Falcons keep Julio Jones this season, does the addition of Kyle Pitts make the Falcons pass catching unit the most dangerous in the NFL?    -In the second round, the Falcons traded down five spots and selected Richie Grant, the talented, versatile safety out of UCF. Atlanta obviously needed a safety, but some would argue they should’ve went with Trevon Moehrig, who went just three picks later to the Raiders. Do you think Richie Grant was the right pick for the Falcons in terms of fit, or do you think they’ll regret taking him over Moehrig? -In the third round, the Falcons made their first of two dips in the interior offensive line pool by selecting Jalen Mayfield, who played tackle at Michigan, but projects far better at guard in the NFL. Some were putting him in first-round mocks early in the process, but an underwhelming Pro Day sent him tumbling down the board. Do you think Mayfield is one of those prospects where the tape is far better than the way he tested? Does he have a shot to beat out Josh Andrews for that starting LG spot in training camp? 2. Panthers -With the eighth overall pick, the Panthers selected South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn, making him the first defensive player off the board. As you discussed on our Dash To The Draft DB’s special, Horn is the ideal corner for a press/man scheme. However, the Panthers run more of a zone-oriented scheme under defensive coordinator Phil Snow. Are you at least somewhat troubled by the scheme fit here between the Panthers and Jaycee Horn? -After trading down twice in the second round, the Panthers got potential highway robbery with LSU WR Terrace Marshall, Jr. Marshall fell due to concerns about his injury history, but he brings a Courtland Sutton/Alshon Jeffery skill-set that the Panthers were sorely lacking at receiver. Sam Darnold now has a mouth-watering 11 personnel package with D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and now Terrace Marshall. With weapons like these plus a healthy Christian McCaffrey, is Sam Darnold a quiet candidate for 2021 Comeback Player of the Year honors?   -With their first of two third-round picks, the Panthers went with a sorely needed OL upgrade in Brady Christensen, who protected Zach Wilson’s blindside at BYU. However, Matt Rhule said that the Panthers view him as someone who can play four different OL positions and added that he can be “elite” at guard. Do you think Brady Christensen will be better at tackle or guard in the NFL? 3.  Saints         -For the second time in four years, the Saints selected a “non-Power Five” pass rusher (Marcus Davenport in 2018, and Payton Turner in 2021). Turner obviously flew up draft boards after his freakish Pro Day, where he showed off his 84-inch wingspan. Can you see Payton Turner overtaking Marcus Davenport for the starting DE spot opposite Cameron Jordan at some point this season?         -In the second round, the Saints filled a massive void at linebacker with Ohio State’s Pete Werner, While nowhere near the freak athlete his fellow Buckeye Baron Browning is, he is a cerebral, hard-hat/lunch-pail player in the mold of long-time Vikings LB Chad Greenway. Do you see Pete Werner become the starting MLB with on-field play-calling duties in New Orleans relatively quickly? 

#259: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (NFC South with Jeff Barnes)

1. Lions -With their first-round pick, the Lions began their draft theme of drafting guys that can “bite kneecaps off” with Oregon OT Penei Sewell. His addition arguably makes the Lions offensive line one of the most promising groups in the NFL. The Lions now have rock solid bookend tackles with Sewell at RT and Taylor Decker at left tackle. Inside, they have All Pro Frank Ragnow at center and Jonah Jackson, who had a very good rookie season in 2020, at one of the guard spots. Would you be surprised if the Lions OL becomes a top-10 unit at the end of this season, if not a top-five unit? -On day two, the Lions double-dipped at defensive tackle with Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill. Double-dipping at a position in the draft usually means (at least in terms of logic) that the two players have perfectly complimentary skill sets. How well (if at all) do Onwuzurike and McNeill compliment each other, and can you see them as the two starters at DT for the Lions at some point in the next few seasons? -With their third-round compensatory selection, the Lions selected somebody who I personally expected to go quite a bit higher in CB Ifeatu Melifonwu out of Syracuse. He’s that long, lean, lanky, athletic corner most NFL teams prize in the modern NFL. Do you see Melifonwu capturing the starting CB spot opposite Jeff Okudah at some point this season?    2. Bears -The Bears arguably came away with not only the biggest steal of the 2021 NFL Draft, but a steal that can be THE most pivotal move in the history of the franchise as they traded up to snatch a potential superstar franchise QB in Justin Fields. Unlike most clubs in the NFL, most on Draft Twitter had Fields as the second-best QB in the draft solely behind Trevor Lawrence. And I agreed with that sentiment because in my view, Fields had the highest ceiling and highest floor out of all the non-Trevor Lawrence QB’s. On my draft livestream, I said that Justin Fields just might be the best QB in Chicago Bears history already, even though he’s yet to throw a pass. What makes Justin Fields so special, and exactly how high would you consider both his floor and ceiling to be? If Justin Fields wins the Week 1 starting job in training camp and preseason, should the Bears trade Andy Dalton, especially if he will get more value in return than Nick Foles would? -In the second round, the Bears traded up again to get Justin Fields some protection in Teven Jenkins, who is the quintessential “bouncer in a nightclub” offensive lineman. I was hoping the Bears planned on him playing RT opposite Charles Leno, but shortly after the draft, the Bears released Leno and said Teven Jenkins will be playing LT this season. Most draft analysts I really trust believe Jenkins is better suited to play RT or guard in the NFL than left tackle. How concerned are you about the Bears plan for him?  -One of my favorite day three picks for the Bears was CB Thomas Graham, Jr. out of Oregon. It is VERY important for everyone to know that the Bears are essentially returning to the Vic Fangio playbook on defense this season with the promotion of Sean Desai to defensive coordinator, a move that was recommended to the Bears by Fangio himself. Graham is the vintage CB for a Fangio scheme given his instincts in zone coverage and ball skills. Do you see him starting at that slot corner spot at some point this season?  3.  Vikings -The main need for the Vikings in this draft was to address their offensive line, and they did just that, with Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw in the first round and Ohio State G Wyatt Davis in the third round. Was getting those two guys better than staying put at 14 and taking Alijah Vera-Tucker instead? Given those two additions, how much better is the Vikings OL compared to last season? 

#258: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (NFC North with Jacob Infante)

1. Jets -A month and a half before the draft, everyone was saying that the Jets would take Zach Wilson with the second overall pick, and that’s exactly what they did. Personally, I would have taken either Justin Fields or Trey Lance ahead of Wilson, but you’re a better evaluator of game tape than I am and you had Zach Wilson as the best of the three “non-Trevor Lawrence” QB’s in the draft. Why was Zach Wilson the right choice for the Jets to bet their long-term future on? -With their second first-round picks the Jets moved up nine spots and surrendered both of their third-round picks to select USC G Alijah Vera-Tucker. The night before the draft, I told someone that the Jets dream haul on Day 1 would be the QB of their choice (which was obviously Zach Wilson) and Vera-Tucker…and the dream came true. Still, some people I respect absolutely RIDICULED the Jets for surrendering both of their third-rounders to get somebody at a position that’s not as highly valued. Why are those folks dead wrong? -In the second-round, the Jets arguably came away with an absolute STEAL in Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore. Most people in the league had him as the third or fourth-best WR in this draft didn’t think he would fall that far. When this pick was made, I immediately had a metaphorical orgasm imagining an 11-personnel package with Moore in the slot and Denzel Mims and Corey Davis on the boundary. Do you think Moore beats out Jamison Crowder for that WR3 role in training camp? 2. Patriots -With their first-round pick, the Patriots selected who they hope will be their QB of the future in Mac Jones. I absolutely did not buy the buzz that the 49ers would draft such a limited QB after giving up such a fortune to move up. If you listen to some folks on Draft Twitter, signal-callers of Mac Jones’ prototype are going the way of the dodo in the NFL. Why do you think the Patriots spent a super-high pick on such a QB and do you expect him to start over Cam Newton at some point this season? -On Day 2, the Patriots double-dipped on their defensive front. In the second round, they traded up to take Alabama DT Christian Barmore and they got very good value in the late third round with Ronnie Perkins out of Oklahoma. So you add Perkins to make a three-man pass rushing rotation off the edge with Matt Judon and Chase Winovich. You now add Barmore, who can push the pocket from the inside along with Deatrich Wise. Is this the scariest group of pass rushers Bill Belichick has had in quite a while?               3.  Dolphins -The Dolphins kicked off their draft by reuniting Tua Tagovailoa with the most explosive weapon he had at Alabama in Jaylen Waddle. As special a talent as Waddle is, some criticized the Dolphins for trading back to 12 and then subsequently back up to 6 to take somebody they didn’t view as an equal talent to either Kyle Pitts or Ja’Marr Chase. How big, in your view, was the drop-off in talent from Pitts and Chase to Waddle…or was there any drop-off at all?  -With their second first-round pick, the Dolphins made Jaelan Phillips the first edge rusher off the board. Many people around the league reportedly considered Phillips to not only be the best pass rusher in this class, but the best defensive player in this class. They added that he probably would’ve been a top-10 pick if it wasn’t for his alarming injury history. Do you share that view? 

#257: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (AFC East with Connor Rogers)

1. Broncos -In a move that will be scrutinized indefinitely, the Broncos, like the Panthers and Lions before them, decided to pass on Justin Fields and instead used their first-round pick on Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II. Despite the metaphorical black eye that could result from this decision, Surtain is a high-floor/high-ceiling prospect. Based on the numbers he put up at his Pro Day, he profiles very similarly to Derwin James athletically. Just how high is Patrick Surtain’s ceiling? The Broncos have a pretty crowded corner room right now with Bryce Callahan, Kyle Fuller, and Ronald Darby. And yesterday, Vic Fangio said he plans to try Surtain out on the boundary and in the slot. Does he start Week 1, and if so, at which spot? -Just like his former team did in 2017 with Dalvin Cook, George Paton traded up a few spots in the second round to take a RB in Javonte Williams from North Carolina. Williams was considered to be THE best RB in this draft by Doug Farrar and Mark Schofield. Many believe you shouldn’t draft a running back in the draft until day three unless that back is an extra special talent. What makes Javonte Williams such a talent and do you see him eventually surpassing Melvin Gordon as the guy in the Broncos backfield this season? -In the third round, the Broncos traded back twice and got both of the Saints compensatory picks. They spent the second one of those picks on Ohio State LB Baron Browning. Browning was viewed MUCH highly on Draft Twitter than in the NFL, in large part due to the fact of the uncertainty of what position to play him at. While the Broncos intend to try him out at ILB first, some think he can be a very good pass rusher of the EDGE. At which spot do YOU believe is Baron Browning’s best possible bet for success in the NFL? 2. Chargers -The Chargers began the draft with one of those potential steals as Rashawn Slater fell into their lap at 13 overall. I believe one of the reasons why he fell is that many, if not most in the NFL see him as a better fit at guard than at tackle. Daniel Jeremiah also said he would be a Zach Martin All Pro-level kind of player inside. That said, his responsibility from the start will be protecting Justin Herbert’s blindside at LT. How good (or great) can Rashawn Slater be at tackle for the Chargers? -In the second round at 47 overall, the Chargers perhaps got an even bigger steal with Asante Samuel, Jr. He is arguably a spitting image of his All Pro father (Asante Sr.) with his impressive ball skills, physicality, and click-and-close ability. He’s arguably the most tailor-made cornerback for Brandon Staley’s defense. How special can he be in this system? Can he be as good as a boundary corner and a slot corner despite his height? -With the first of their two third-round picks, the Chargers picked WR Josh Palmer of Tennessee. Eric Galko, the new director of the East/West Shrine Game, considered him a top-10 WR in the draft. Your colleague at MHH Erick Trickel was also a big fan of Palmer’s. Do you see Josh Palmer becoming the Chargers third WR in 11 personnel packages at some point this season? 3.  Raiders -Several people, myself included, accused the Raiders of a massive reach with their selection of Alabama OT Alex Leatherwood with the 17th overall pick. However, most of us thought they reached on Kolton Miller in 2018, and now Miller is an above-average NFL left tackle who just got rewarded with a healthy extension. As flawed as Leatherwood is, he is far more polished coming into the NFL than Kolton Miller was. Do you think Alex Leatherwood proves those naysayers wrong as well?

#256: 2021 NFL Draft Recap (AFC West with Lance Sanderson)

DKROM is a Chicago based Sportswriter & sportscaster with a near encyclopedic knowledge of all things NFL. We here at Sports Krunch with DKrom enforce our “No Spin” policy 24/7/365, and do our absolute best to help all of you football fans cut through the spin and get to the truth. Sports Krunch will cover all the important stories you may have missed in the NFL universe. Sports Krunch will regularly have very influential and knowledgeable guests. So be on the lookout for the next episode and be sure to subscribe!

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