Shortcast

Welcome back to the show. Round one is in the books, and we’ve got thoughts, surprises, and a few head shakers to run through.

Wild night and a great scene in Pittsburgh. Quick one for you off the top: I liked the tighter eight-minute clock; felt cleaner—did the league get that right?

Yes. You study these prospects for months, so be ready. The most prepared teams decide fast and get their guy.

Biggest jolt: Ty Simpson to the Rams at thirteen while they’re in win-now mode. How do you square that?

I’m stunned he went in the first, and more stunned by that team taking him. It doesn’t help this year, McVay didn’t look thrilled, the family connection angle is hard to ignore, and with so few college starts it’s a risky use of premium capital when clear needs were on the board.

It felt like a luxury stash, a Jordan Love blueprint behind Matthew Stafford, while legit options slid. Rams fans are waking up confused.

Seattle at thirty-two took Jardarian Price. I had him circled for them—how does he fit?

Perfect answer after losing K9. He fits their identity: run the rock, play defense, control games, and he helps them do it. And two Notre Dame backs in round one is a cool bit of history.

With Charbonnet rehabbing and Emanuel Wilson in the mix, they had to address it. On the flip: Jeremiah Love went third to Arizona; early for a back. Would you have done it, and are the Cards sneaky in the West?

I don’t take a running back in the top five, especially when you already have James Conner and Tyler Allgeier. Trade back, fortify that defense, or stack picks—this felt misaligned with need, and I still don’t see them contending.

San Francisco bailed on round one, traded back twice, and now sits high on day two with extra ammo. Smart?

If their top target didn’t fall, sliding to the second makes sense. You still can grab your guy, avoid the fifth-year option, and keep cap flexibility.

Las Vegas hit the gas with Fernando Mendoza at the top. With Tom Brady around and Cousins likely holding the clipboard, do you buy the fit?

Pump the brakes. Last year’s production came with a strong cast; this roster has holes. I’d prefer he learns behind Cousins, then we see if he can lift those around him.

I’m higher on him long term. Brock Bowers will be busy, and while week one might be bumpy, I think the Raiders finally have a leader to build around.

Tennessee grabbed Carnell Tate near the top. Another Ohio State wideout—star or stretch?

It’s underwhelming value that high. He wasn’t the best receiver on his own team, projects more as a strong number two, and this felt like need over ceiling.

Fair. They needed help for Cam Ward, so we’ll wait and see.

Kansas City jumped to six for LSU corner Mansour Delane after a cheap swap with Cleveland. Like the move?

Love it. He’s a man-coverage fit for Spags, fills a massive hole after their departures, and they didn’t overpay to secure the top corner on their board.

I get the need, but I’d have handed Mahomes Jordan Tyson with Kelce aging and Rashi Rice as the lone sure thing.

On the other side, Cleveland slid back and still landed Spencer Finoe at tackle, then added KC Concepcion later. Thumbs up?

Yes. Maybe they could’ve squeezed more, but they still got their blindside protector and a burst of juice on offense. That’s a win.

The Saints took the swing on Jordan Tyson at eight despite hamstring flags, pairing him with Tyler Shough, Travis Etienne, and Chris Olave. Arrow up?

If he stays healthy, his burst and route talent match those big-name comps you’ve heard. Protect the quarterback, and in that wide-open division they can make a push.

Dallas landed Caleb Downs at twelve and Malachi Lawrence later. They’ve retooled the defense after moving on from Micah. Where does this leave them?

They’ve rebuilt the front, added an instinctive safety, and their offense already scores. The question is whether this finally translates to a deeper January run.

The Giants doubled down on identity with Francis Mauioga at tackle and Arvel Reese off the edge, stacking a front with Tibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter. Like the approach?

On paper it looks nasty, but it has to show up in sacks and havoc. If it clicks, that’s classic Giants football.

Wild twist: the Eagles jumped the Steelers for Makai Lemon mid-call, via an in-division trade with Dallas. Thoughts?

That was a new one—guy’s on the phone with one team and another snags him. Philly strengthened its receiver room and hedged in case the A J Brown rumors become real, while Pittsburgh reportedly pivoted to a tackle they didn’t love.

Favorite pick of the night?

Mansour Delane to the Chiefs. Ball skills, scheme fit, and instant need met.

I lean Caleb Downs to Dallas, and I’d have gone Jordan Tyson for KC. Who won round one?

The Giants. Building the trenches is how you win in January, and they added foundation pieces that also give them roster flexibility down the road.

That’s our round-one recap. Rich, take us home.

Appreciate you riding with us. Be careful who you boo—fans once jeered J J Watt and Aaron Rodgers, and we all know how that turned out. Let it play out, enjoy the weekend, and thank you for spending time with us when you could be anywhere else. We’ll see you next time.