In short
Hour 3 of the Rich Eisen Show from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, featuring ESPN’s Rece Davis and Mike Greenberg, plus “What’s More Likely” draft hypotheticals.
Guests (backgrounds)
Rece Davis, ABC host and longtime college sports broadcaster; Mike Greenberg, ESPN host of “The Mike Greenberg Show” (and co-hosting draft coverage). Both are veteran draft analysts and long-time media colleagues of Rich Eisen.
Key claims
- Draft pacing felt too fast in-person; they discuss possibly adding limited “pause/timeout” moments.
- Ty Simpson going No. 13 to the Rams was a shock; Nick Saban praised the fit, but the hosts question the Rams’ aggressive QB timing.
- “What’s More Likely” debates include Penix vs Ty Simpson, and whether Jerry Jones’ Micah Parsons trade looks genius.
Notable examples
- Jeremiah Love and Carnell Tate early picks; Carnell Tate goes No. 4.
- Rams’ Ty Simpson pick; Steelers trading/phone call anecdote about McKay Lemon.
- Eagles-Cowboys trade history parallels involving Micah Parsons and Devonta Smith.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VODraft Insights with Reese Davis and Mike Greenberg
2:14 to 2:57
Rich welcomes Reese Davis and Mike Greenberg to discuss the NFL Draft.
“From which the ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC draft coverages all emanate.”
Draft Experience and Adjustments
2:57 to 4:23
Discussion on the fast-paced nature of the NFL Draft and adjustments made.
“The eight minutes really early on, I'm wondering, did it affect you guys in any way, shape, or form?”
Proposed Broadcast Changes for the Draft
4:23 to 5:44
Ideas for improving the NFL Draft broadcast experience are shared.
“Like a lot of the things that happen in between are very exciting for us because we've done months and months of research on these players, but the audience is probably happy with it moving forward.”
The Impact of Live Draft Observations
5:44 to 8:13
Insights on how the live draft experience differs for viewers at home versus in-person.
“Like, what if Reese and I don't agree with your decision to stop the clock on ESPN?”
Analyzing Player Picks: Ty Simpson and Carnell Tate
8:13 to 10:36
Discussion on key picks in the draft, focusing on Ty Simpson and Carnell Tate.
“So if you're just watching television, then I don't think it makes any difference, Reese, whether we're two picks behind or whatever the case may be.”
Debate on the Rams' Draft Strategy
10:36 to 14:02
A critical examination of the Rams' decision-making in the draft.
“So I think big picture long term, I understand why you would make the pick.”
Evaluating the 13th Draft Pick
14:02 to 14:58
Discussion on the implications and challenges of using the 13th pick for a quarterback.
“Basically, his own track record is his biggest issue to deal with in pushing back on you.”
Ty Simpson's Potential
14:59 to 15:11
Analysis of Ty Simpson's qualifications and potential compared to traditional quarterback metrics.
“He doesn't have the number of starts in college.”
Memories of ESPN's Bristol
15:12 to 17:45
Reese Davis and Mike Greenberg share nostalgic memories of their time at ESPN's headquarters.
“That seemed like a – that is a very, very aggressive move that I have a real hard time understanding.”
Reflecting on Broadcasting Careers
17:46 to 19:13
Discussion about the long careers at ESPN and the evolution of the network.
“Walked down the steps, went into the old sports centers, finally found the old sports center studio.”
Show all 25 chapters
Stories from SportsCenter's Past
19:14 to 21:05
Rich Eisen discusses his first experiences at ESPN and reminisces about iconic moments.
“But I wore, you know, rich eyes and show gear to go back there on purpose.”
Preparation for NFL Draft Coverage
21:06 to 22:39
Discussion on the preparation required for covering the NFL Draft and hosting responsibilities.
“Chris Fowler came into the LA studio on his way back from the Australian Open and we're going to put this together and we're going to throw it together.”
Draft Predictions and Player Insights
22:40 to 24:45
Insights on specific players and their potential impact in the NFL Draft.
“I just sit in my room and practice saying Oliva Venga Yohane.”
What's More Likely Game Introduction
27:57 to 28:26
Introduction to the segment 'What's More Likely' at the NFL Draft event.
“What's more likely presented by Pella Windows and Doors.”
Draft Predictions: Mendoza vs. Raiders Slot
28:49 to 29:41
Discussion on whether Fernando Mendoza will play this season or the Raiders' draft slot.
“Guys, more likely to be the lower number.”
Offensive Player of the Year Candidates
29:42 to 30:56
Who is more likely to be the top offensive player among recent draft picks?
“They've changed out their coach, quarterback, and center, which is kind of rare in the National Football League.”
First-Round Quarterback Picks: A Debate
30:57 to 32:18
Comparing Ty Simpson and Michael Penix as first-round quarterback picks.
“was able to deliver it to Ted Haroah of McMillan.”
Jerry Jones: Genius or Not?
32:19 to 34:20
Debate on Jerry Jones's trade decisions and their outcomes.
“Yeah, if he's that good and he has a good taste as Mendoza and Orlovsky and all these other people are pumping, why didn't he go second?”
Best Value Picks in the Draft
34:21 to 36:08
Discussing which teams got the best value from their draft picks.
“But I don't think it's a questionable deal as much anymore.”
Current Sentiment Among New York Fans
36:09 to 37:27
Evaluating how fans of the Giants, Jets, and Bills feel after the draft.
“I mean, unless you want to include their fans that are psyched, the Sabres want a playoff game.”
Second-Year Quarterbacks: Cam Ward vs. Tyler Shuck
37:28 to 40:19
Comparing the potential of second-year quarterbacks Cam Ward and Tyler Shuck.
“You mentioned these two quarterbacks already.”
Ohio State Stars: Rookie of the Year
40:20 to 40:34
Who among the Ohio State stars is likely to win Rookie of the Year?
“Since it's one guy as opposed to three others that might split the vote.”
Draft Insights and Stats
40:46 to 42:00
Sharing unique insights and stats from the NFL draft.
“Some great stats about your first night that you might not have heard anywhere else, including just breaking down how unique that Eagles-Cowboys trade was last night.”
Draft Trends and Historical Picks
43:08 to 45:41
Discuss the trends in the NFL Draft regarding position selections.
“You're just not going to draft them that high.”
Eagles vs. Cowboys Draft Trade History
45:42 to 47:15
Examine the implications of the Eagles and Cowboys draft trades.
“So once that trade goes down, I get into the ear of NFL Network researcher Jack Andrade, who you guys know.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal. They include a lot more people than ourselves. Loved ones, neighbours, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts. At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to make it mean so much more. Thrivent, where money means more. Connect with us at Thrivent.com. Putting off replacing your window treatments because you think it's complicated? At Blinds.com, we spent 30 years proving it doesn't have to be. And right now, our Spring Black Friday sale makes it easier than ever.
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1:02Rich Eisen:Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of the Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash richeisenshow and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. Live from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, it's the Rich Eisen Show. Earlier on the show, NFL Network insider Ian Rappaport, Fox Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt, Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, coming up ESPN NFL Draft hosts Reese Davis and Mike Greenberg.
1:56And now it's Rich Eisen.
2:00Rich Eisen:Hour number three. It's our final hour of our three-day residency here in the draft town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Just mere steps from the confluence across the rivers from Acrosure Stadium in the makeshift draft hall. From which the ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC draft coverages all emanate. And that is the way I welcome in our third hour guests. This is just always a pleasure for me to be able to do this with you guys, not just separately when we're doing our own broadcast, but to have us all together here. Two guys that I've known for 30 years now and counting the ABC host, Reese Davis, the ESPN host of The Draft, Mike Greenberg.
2:41Rich Eisen:Sir, you guys, how are you? I'm great, man. First time that we're doing this with actually us being on ESPN Radio and Disney Plus. We're all part of the same family, man. It's an annual rite of spring, I said to you the other day. This get-together wouldn't feel like the draft without it. It's a lot of fun. I appreciate it. You guys are awesome to do this. Last night felt like it was cardio. Oh, thank you. Last night. The eight minutes really early on, I'm wondering, did it affect you guys in any way, shape, or form? Because I was like, this is going fast, man. It did in a way. I wasn't as opposed to it as some of the people in our truck.
3:20Yes. But what we had to adjust, because our philosophy on ABC is a little bit more player journey driven. Yes. So when we would show the vignettes or do the family interviews, we had to get to them faster than we had in the past. In the past, we'd let the walk happen, or at least most of it, maybe even the hug. Yes. Then vignette, then highlight, then family interview. Couldn't do all of that last night. So we just started doing the vignettes a little earlier, two-boxing them sometimes, showing them walk. It worked out fine for us. Right. But if you're discussing, hey, this trade happened, they're moving draft capital, which is not necessarily our focus, I can understand where it might have been squeezed.
3:58There still would have been times we would like to have talked a little bit more about picks. Ty Simpson, for instance. Here's what I'm proposing.
4:06Rich Eisen:I love that you're going solutions-based right now. We're tag-teaming this. I lay it out. I know Greeny's got an answer. I think generally it's good because I try to think of it if I'm home watching, which I was. for the entirety of my life until five years ago, then I think I like it being pacier. Like a lot of the things that happen in between are very exciting for us because we've done months and months of research on these players, but the audience is probably happy with it moving forward. I do think there were a few moments in the draft that maybe demand is too strong a word, but certainly suggests that we should pause and reflect on it for a moment.
4:43So when Jeremiah Love goes three, when you have running back going three, that high to a team like the Arizona Cardinals, it would be nice for a week if we could just say, all right, hold on, we're calling our, we get like two timeouts. Oh, as a broadcast. We can stop the clock. Okay, hold it a second. Okay. Just put the, who was for? Tennessee. Put Tennessee on pause for just a minute. We need three minutes to talk about this. And then the same thing at 13. I like it. Ty Simpson just went 13 to the Rams. This is reminiscent of Tommy Maddox getting drafted by Denver and John Elway being all upset about it and Dan Reeves ultimately leaving there.
5:17Those of us who remember that remember that and all that. And the Rams making what was clearly the signature decision of night one. And we had 45 seconds to talk about the impact of it before I hear in my ear, you know, 30 seconds. Move on, yeah, right. So I'd like to have been able to call a timeout right there and say, no, we need two minutes to discuss this. Most of it I think we could just roll along. There were a few moments that I thought it would have been nice to have a little extra time.
5:44Rich Eisen:So how does it, by the way, great idea. How does this work, though? Like, what if Reese and I don't agree with your decision to stop the clock on ESPN? We've got our own broadcaster. What if, Reese, I do it, and suddenly you guys are like, wait a minute. I don't think that merits it. Do we have a preemptory on somebody else's challenge? Okay, I've got another suggestion. Sure. So this is going to be a really, really ridiculous comparison for me to make. Great setup. If you ever watch, like, America's Got Talent. Sure. Each of them gets one golden buzzer. So each of them gets to put, like, you know, Simon gets one person out of the whole, so each of us gets one.
6:19So there'll be three. Yes. So, Rich, you get one. You've got to use it judiciously. Yes. Reese gets one, and I get one. So over the course of the night, there will be three pauses, and we each get to choose where they go.
6:29Rich Eisen:Or it could be like the voice where I turn my chair, right? Then if you did that from where we are, you would see the stage. That's true. Right. And then you'd see, oh, Rich turned his chair because I'm kind of in your periphery. You're in mine. You're all the way up front. You know, the thing that got me last night that was particularly difficult was when we were to. By the way, this is all TV problems. I understand because you how was it to you guys watching it? I likened it to Major League Baseball's pitch clock. When you're when you're watching at home, it's great because it's going fast and it keeps things moving.
7:04When you're physically at the game, it goes way too fast.
7:08Rich Eisen:Huh? Because we were physically there. It felt like it was moving really fast to the point where a couple of picks were not yet announced. And there's the third teams on the clock. We were at one point three picks behind. And I get antsy when that happens. Certainly when we're two picks behind and we're about to be three picks behind, Roger comes out and the band kept playing. Did you guys notice that one where the house band kept playing music? He didn't want to interrupt Sweet Caroline. He just sort of stood there and let them keep going. I actually said on the NFL Network broadcast, like, what are we doing here?
7:46Rich Eisen:Like, when the commissioner comes out, you were caught in the music. Like, let's go. We got two picks to go. And at one point, I'm like, what is they? Are they waiting for the commissioner to put five bucks in the tip jar? I couldn't help myself. We talked about it. And I'll let you explain our mutual position. But the bottom line of it is there are two experiences you can have watching the draft. If you're home watching. One of them is online and the other one is not. So if you're just watching television, then I don't think it makes any difference, Reese, whether we're two picks behind or whatever the case may be.
8:21It's not us who are two picks behind. It's the announcements that are two picks behind. If you're not on Twitter or anywhere else, you don't know that it's two picks behind. And I think that's the problem. Yeah, I didn't pay attention to social media during the broadcast. I just don't do the thing.
8:37Rich Eisen:I mean, you can't. You can't. So in the aftermath, though, I look back and I see a lot of this. You know, everybody's a few picks behind. And my reaction was, how do you know that unless there's intel being leaked from someplace else? Because we didn't miss an announcement. Right. You know, like every time Commissioner Goodell went to the podium, we took it live. You know, so it's not like we missed one. Right. So I didn't have a big problem with that. And I think you have to decide how you want to experience the draft. And it's okay to do it both ways. I'm not criticizing anybody that wants the information right then.
9:09But if you're watching and you want to see the analysis of the pick, whether it was a good value choice, whether if you're watching our show and you want to see their backstory, I don't understand why that bothers you so much as a viewer, I guess.
9:24Rich Eisen:Reese Davis and Mike Greenberg here on the Rich Eisen Show, the Friday after a big night on Thursday. There was another big moment where you could have taken your time out, if you will. Carnell Tate going four. That was kind of a surprise. But the Ty Simpson moment, again, I'm still catching up on stuff. It's still sitting here. What did Saban have to say about that? He thought for Ty, it was the perfect spot for him simply because he only has 15 starts in his career. He's a really smart guy. He can learn from Matthew Stafford and from Sean McVay. I think he was also very happy for Ty that he didn't plummet in the green room and have to wait until tonight to be drafted.
10:07But, you know, I think it was a bit of a surprise to everybody. I mean, Matthew Stafford's still the reigning MVP of the league. And you feel like they're a Super Bowl contender and maybe you want something to help right now. So, look, I'm very happy for Ty. is one of the things that I feel like sometimes that people get a little offended personally and then they end up projecting on the player if they don't agree with it a little bit. Ty's a terrific player. I mean, Orlovsky loves him. Chase Daniel loves him. Gruden loves him. You know, so people that don't, that's okay too. But there are plenty of people who do.
10:39So I think big picture long term, I understand why you would make the pick. But for their particular situation, I questioned it a lot. I would have much rather – I'm a forget-them picks kind of thing in the future. Everybody's reconfiguring their roster every year, just like we are in college football now. You've got to try to win now. I would have gotten them some more help right now, another receiver, offensive lineman, edge rusher, whatever, anything. Right. I would have waited. And if you are willing to spend – and you guys are more in tune with the draft capital aspect of it. But if you are willing to spend the 13th pick on your future quarterback, then I would think you can probably find somebody to make a deal with to trade back up later on and get him in the 20s and still make your 13th pick in order to help Matthew Stafford.
11:28That's part of it that I do understand.
11:29Rich Eisen:Yeah, there's no doubt about that. It's just, though, you never know, man. That's the whole thing. Right. You never know which part. You never know if you can get back in to go. Maybe you can. And the perfect example is that the Steelers think the Cowboys are taking a defender here. So let's call McKay Lemon. They're on the phone with him. And you saw that video, right? McKay Lemon's like, what are the Eagles doing calling me right now? You know? Which is the way you always look when you're on TV or whatever. And you look down at your phone like, this person knows I'm on TV right now. What the hell is he calling me right now?
12:02Rich Eisen:He's like, what are the Eagles calling me right now? And the agent comes up to him, because the Eagles have just traded for you. And the Steelers are sitting there probably going, what was that all about? That's why if you got the 13th overall pick and you think about the kid, you're going to trade down and then now spend the next two hours grinding it out. I don't know. That's why you do it. And it doesn't matter if a trophy winds up in the case. Let's be as direct as we can be. Yes, sir. It's a terrible pick. It's an absolutely terrible pick by the Rams. Why do you feel that? It doesn't mean you're not saying that he's a terrible player.
12:38Absolutely not. He may wind up being the greatest player of all time, but he will—they have Matthew Stafford at an age where he is the very definition of year-to-year. They had the best team in the NFL last year and didn't win the whole thing. They could have used any—they literally got, for the most valuable asset they had in this entire exercise of the NFL draft, they got someone who will contribute zero to their effort to win the Super Bowl next year. So this is, to me, it's reminiscent of, look, if he winds up being Aaron Rodgers and maybe Jordan Love, then maybe you could argue that those picks worked out well for Green Bay because they got them in the long run.
13:15But at the end of the day, from the time that they drafted those players, Brett Favre didn't win any more Super Bowls, and neither did Aaron Rodgers. So I think one could look at the Green Bay Packers and say, you should have won more than you did with Favre. You should have won more than you did with Rodgers. And I think we could look at the Rams and say, you should have gotten someone who will help you win the championship this year and figure out who your next quarterback is going to be another time. That's what I think that, too. I mean, look, I love a round of applause from Brockman. I love Ty Simpson, but I agree with you.
13:46Try to win now. You don't know what's going to happen in the future.
13:50Rich Eisen:Right. But they got Trent McDuffie with the other pick. Yeah, I understand that that could have been one more. And the issue that Les Snead has in pushing back on something that you just said is his track record. Basically, his own track record is his biggest issue to deal with in pushing back on you. Because he's so great at turning picks like the 13th overall into somebody that can go and crush it for them right now and generationally potentially over the next 10 years. So that's the issue. And I totally understand that. It is a head-scratcher at the least in the way that you placed it out there at the worst.
14:27If you're going to use the 13th pick in the draft, and I know this is not, like every draft is not created equal. So I know the 13th best player in this draft might not have been the 13th best last year or next year. But it's still a very valuable asset. If you're going to use that on your future quarterback, on someone who's not going to play in a perfect world for at least another year, if not two, then I think the projection on him, again, Ty Simpson might wind up being terrific, but he doesn't check any of the boxes, literally any of the boxes. He doesn't have the size. He doesn't have the huge arm.
14:59He doesn't have the number of starts in college. He doesn't fulfill any of the Bill Parcells rules of quarterbacks. To use a pick that, it's one thing if you use the 29th pick in the draft. This is the 13th pick in the draft. That seemed like a – that is a very, very aggressive move that I have a real hard time understanding. The one thing I would push back on is it's true, though. He is the one guy in this quarterback class and maybe one of the few in the next quarterback class that kind of comes out of the process. I remember we did a tape on game day that I worked with a scout on about him identifying, changing protections, and making a third down throw in traffic to complete a third and seven against Georgia on a big drive.
15:42And the guy I was working with on the tape said, you don't see this in college. You just don't see it. And I think because of that, that it might change the dynamics. I agree with you. He's not the biggest guy in the world. Once he lost all that weight after he got sick and injured and all that happened to him, he was not the same physically. But he does have some things that he has experience in that other quarterbacks coming out don't have, I think.
16:08Rich Eisen:I got Reese Davis and Mike Greenberg here on the Rich Eisen Show. We both kind of touched on it in the times that I've run into you in our hotel. But I went back to Bristol a couple of Sundays. And I was just out of body. I didn't recognize the place, but it was just going back in a time machine. When I first met you guys 30 years ago, it was unbelievable. But when was the last time you guys were in Bristol? Are you there regularly? I mean, I'm there like probably 12, 15 days a year or something like that. Okay, so in the last calendar. Selection day. I was there selection day and for a couple of days in the NCAA tournament.
16:49Yeah, because I watch it when you're on. I watch you there. I haven't been there in a little while, but I'm very much aware of what you're talking about. It is. See, what was funny is he said to me, I can't believe the old SportsCenter said, and I said, well, you're actually two supporters. You're a couple of picks behind. It's sort of like the NFL last night. There have been two other sports center sets since the one you remember.
17:12Rich Eisen:But I had no bearings. There are buildings where parking lots used to be. There's a cafeteria where a parking lot used to be. Building 5, which is the old garage where I used to do some deuce wraps for college basketball. That was there. And then I finally did get my bearings. I walked past my cubicle, which wasn't too far from yours, if I'm not mistaken, on that third floor area. Just walked past there and saw the offices of the doors of the offices that I would never be able to get because I was too untenured. Walked down the steps, went into the old sports centers, finally found the old sports center studio.
17:55Rich Eisen:And it blew me away, you know, the old baseball tonight set. I don't know. I just wanted to share that with you guys. I have no questions for you. No, I understand the way you feel. It is hard to believe sometimes. Like, I assume Reese feels this way. This past year, I turned 58, and I reached my 29th anniversary at ESPN. So I literally have worked at ESPN now more than half of my life. And that was a stunning realization for me to make. And it sort of all goes along the same lines. The ESPN News Studio doesn't exist anymore. Did you do your first broadcast from the ESPN2 studio? Yeah, from the ESPN2 studio doing the Sports Smash with Stuart and Susie Colbert.
18:41Stuart Scott and Susie Colbert were hosting the show. That was your first? That was my first broadcast. Where did you come from? You came from Michigan? Beautiful downtown Flint, Michigan.
18:50Rich Eisen:You got a call from Flint, Michigan. Come on and you start doing deuce reps. I did, yeah. That was pretty much it. With Stu? Yeah. Man, I miss that guy, dude. Yeah, he was the best. I mean, you know, he, I don't know. I can go down that road with him for sure. But it just wigged me out. And I'll be straight up honest with you. I don't know if I said this on the air here, so pardon me yet. But I wore, you know, rich eyes and show gear to go back there on purpose. because I was going to walk through the door that I walked out of the last time where I had a cardboard box and I had my belongings. I was like, I'm going to go walk out that door with my belongings, but I'm going to walk in this time with my show gear.
19:36Rich Eisen:It's a different, you know, different broadcaster. Okay. There was walking around there taking pictures and stuff like that. And I'm like, I'm going to do that just for my own self. You know, it's been 30-something, 23 years, you know, all that stuff. And I went to look for that door, and it's now a brick wall.
Read the full transcript
19:57Rich Eisen:There's a message in that somewhere. And I'm like, wait a minute. It's a brick wall now. But the SportsCenter crew was as great as it was back then. The camaraderie around the pods, watching the Masters and then the NBA regular season finale. and all of us talking about the rundown and the scripts. It's great as ever, you know, and it's pretty cool. So what are we doing at SportsCenter again? We should do it. We should do it. Let's do it. I'm serious. You better – we'd better mean it because we put it on your show right now. No, I mean it. Somebody's like – Three of you. I'm not just calling you out.
20:38Rich Eisen:No, no, no. I did that to Dan the other day too. Let's go. Because, you know, you and I sat down for the show that's coming out this summer called This Was SportsCenter. where you and I, where I'm interviewing, I want you as a guest as well, talking about the old days, what it was like to be on Sports Room. Exactly. I want more stories like the one you just said, hey, I just came from Michigan and I went on the Deuce set and all that stuff. So I'm doing all that and it's going to be coming out. I've interviewed you and Berman and Fowler. Chris Fowler came into the LA studio on his way back from the Australian Open and we're going to put this together and we're going to throw it together.
21:14Rich Eisen:And the nostalgia aspect of it is just, as great as ever. You know what I mean? So we're going to do it. I think we should start doing this. That would be fun. I'd love to. All right. Very good. But let's get through tonight first. Some of us are going to get through tomorrow also. What are you doing tomorrow? I'm flying home at 8.36. Come on! Green, we could practice co-hosting SportsCenter. Tomorrow. You could come. I'll come. Look, I don't know how you do that many. So I do the first three rounds. So that is with the compensatory. I don't know how many compensatory picks we're going to have tonight.
21:52Rich Eisen:It doesn't matter. There's way fewer compensatory picks than day three picks that Reese and I. Oh, for sure. What I'm saying is, so I'm going to do roughly 100 players. Roughly 100 players will get drafted on my watch. So this year I did. I prepared 169 players. Because my goal is always to try and get all of them. I never have succeeded before. And as I always say, if you're watching on ESPN and you hear the commissioner say a name and all you hear me say is, Mel, then you'll know it's someone I didn't do. But you must do, what, 300 and something, 400 players? I feel like in a lot of ways, because I do college football, there's a little bit of a headache.
22:29You know these guys way better than I do.
22:32Rich Eisen:And I'm hosting the Combine, and so 98 % of drafted players come from the Combine. That's right. I've already seen the draft just out of order is what I like to say. Yeah, that's great. You know what I mean? So that kind of helps. I just sit in my room and practice saying Oliva Venga Yohane. There you go. Just keep practicing his name. Oliva Venga. That was very good. He's very well done. Yeah, you just call him Venga for short. Right. But I thought he was the best. Honestly, I thought he was the surest thing in this draft. If you're going to say there's one player who you would bet your life savings is going to be a great pro, it's that guy.
23:06You watch the way he mauls people. There's that one video where he's coming from the left to the right and he just destroys his safety. That's the guy everyone should have drafted.
23:14Rich Eisen:Very rarely will I remember a combine workout for a guard, but he did this past year. It was like, whoa. Like, he was the one who stood out, too, and I honestly thought, like, he would be a charger if he lasted that long, and instead the Ravens took him, which is a very Ravens draft choice for sure. Hey, good luck tonight. May you tell the band to turn the music down. May that work out for you. Yeah, my spot's a little louder than you guys. Well, you're closer to the band and the canopy's over you. We're just sitting in the back. You know, the only people we have to talk over are the people yelling at Pat for three hours.
23:51Rich Eisen:Is he back there tonight? Or is he one and done? Is he one and done? I'm not sure if he is or not. You could hear people. You could hear the reaction last night, especially when Dan Orlovsky came up on his set after Simpson was picked. Oh, yeah. I mean, it's his town, too. A coronation. No one is. There's not a happier. I'm telling you right now, we should have had a video of Dan with his family, like all the pigs. You know, like all the players when their families are gathered around them. When Dan got the call, Ty Simpson is going 13, and they're all gathered around and cheering and screaming.
24:25That's the video that we need. What should have happened last night.
24:28Rich Eisen:Ty Simpson goes up to that mirror to put on his hat, and there's Dan right behind him, like looking at him in the mirror. You know, like stepbrothers. You know what I mean? That would have been great. Reese Davis, best of luck on the ABC broadcast. And you, sir, on the ESPN broadcast. There are my friends right here, Reese Davis, as well as Mike Greenberg here on the Rich Eisen Show. Any world of—I need to do some business, but you understand this. You remember these days, you know, back in the day. Only too well. In a world in need of a hero, one man rises to the challenge in style. He is just driving the kids to soccer practice.
25:03Rich Eisen:Make every day feel epic in the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid with up to an EPA-estimated 619 miles of range on select trims, advanced tech, and class-leading interior space. Because when you're hauling kids, gear, snacks, and backpacks, space matters, and so does comfort. Just make sure they keep their cleats off the seats. The all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for details. No pressure reading a read in front of two lead pipe-wielding three-decade professionals just checking me out doing that. Thank you for coming on, Reese and Mike Greenberg. We come back a what's more likely Friday here at the draft in Pittsburgh.
25:40Rich Eisen:The Rich Isis Show Podcast.
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26:19Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. Every time I travel for a major sports moment, whether it's a playoff run or a huge primetime matchup, I see firsthand what happens to a city. Hotels fill up fast. Energy builds. Everyone wants to be part of it. Now imagine that on a global scale. The FIFA World Cup is coming this summer, people, and with it, thousands of fans traveling to host cities across the country. If you happen to live in one of those cities and you're planning to be away, maybe you've got your own summer trip lined up, this could be a practical opportunity. While you're gone, you could list your space on Airbnb and welcome traveling fans who want to experience the FIFA World Cup in person.
26:58Rich Eisen:You're not changing your routine. You're not committing to anything year-round. You're simply making the most of a moment when your city is in the global spotlight. I know when I'm on the road for a huge event, having a comfortable home base makes all the difference. And that's what fans will be searching for. If you've ever thought about listing your space, this summer is a great time as we welcome FIFA World Cup fans. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com slash host. Rich Eisen here. PayPal is now the official peer-to-peer payments sponsor of the NFL, which means all the money moments that fandom creates, whether splitting tailgate costs or chipping in on tickets and game day food between friends, are covered.
27:41Rich Eisen:Wherever the game is played or watched, PayPal moves with fans. You can send money through text, email, or directly to your friends with eligible accounts on Venmo. Just download the PayPal app and share all the moments that matter. Account with PayPal is required. Not available in all regions where PayPal operates.
28:25Rich Eisen:What's more likely presented by Pella Windows and Doors. What? What's more likely? Never say never, but never. On the Tom and Drop here in Pittsburgh, PA. What's more likely presented by Pella Windows and Doors. Christopher, you've got the flip. Guys, happy Friday. Happy NFL draft. Great job last night, Rich. Thank you. Appreciate it. I hate that you were happy last night. Me? Let's get this started. Guys, more likely to be the lower number. week we see Fernando Mendoza this season or the Raiders 2027 draft slot. Lower number the week we see Fernando Mendoza or their draft slot. Huh. I will go Fernando Mendoza week we see him.
29:13Rich Eisen:So you think he does play this year? I think he plays early because maybe Cousins might not be able to answer the bell. Oh, interesting. How about that, Babels? I like you calling a shot. You know I like that. I'm just going to be direct. I mean, but what's more likely, the Raiders choose top 10 again next year? And then he starts later. Right. Because they're just going to finally get him in there. Listen, they've got Gentry and they've got Bowers for the kid and Linderbaum for the kid. They could get Denzel Boston tonight. They've changed out their coach, quarterback, and center, which is kind of rare in the National Football League.
29:55Rich Eisen:Got to expect them to get a wide receiver at some point as well. So, yeah. And that's right. That's going down tonight. Yeah. I'll just stick with what my original plan was. I might have just talked myself. Keep going. How about this, guys? More likely, top ten non-quarterback to be Offensive Player of the Year, Jeremiah Love, Carnell Tate, Jordan Tyson. The top 10 non-quarterback to be offensive player. Basically the offensive player is not Mendoza. Jeremiah Mendoza. Really? Yeah, yeah. They have 38 running backs in that room. I understand. And a guy who's really good, Tyler Algier. Arthur Smith is the offensive coordinator at Ohio State right now.
30:36Rich Eisen:He's not in Arizona. Okay. So, you know, Tyler Algier might not, you know, get all the vulturing. I mean, the vulturing works at Arizona, too. No, and again, we need to see Cam Ward and Tyler Shuck in year two deliver the football in a way that, say, Bryce Young in year three was able to deliver it to Ted Haroah of McMillan. A running back is less ball-dependent than a wide receiver. I'll go with the running back and say that's the most likely, certainly since he's that talented, he's that good. Chris? TJ, do I take him early in my fantasy draft? What do I do? You might want to. Guys, more likely to be the more head-scratching first-round quarterback pick.
31:21Oh, that's easy. Ty Simpson this year or Michael Penix in 2024?
31:25Rich Eisen:Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Well, I'll go Penix. Really? Yeah. I'll go Penix. Let's see what Ty Simpson does. I'm not going to. You're not going to see anything out of Ty Simpson this year. I'm not going to say that. Exactly. Maybe two years. I'm not going to damn the kid now. I said two years. It's not about damning him, though. It's about. It is. Like Greeny said, it's not about the player. It is not. I didn't want to get too deep in it. Of course it's about the player. No, it's about the player. No, no, no. I disagree. You host the draft. It's about the position and the location of their pick. If Ty Simpson had the entire world saying about him what Dan Orlovsky said about him, if he had a resume of significance, we wouldn't be batting an eyelash.
32:16Rich Eisen:So why didn't the Jets take him? Because why didn't they take him at second overall? Yeah, if he's that good and he has a good taste as Mendoza and Orlovsky and all these other people are pumping, why didn't he go second? Because he's not. That's why I'm saying it's about the player. It's not about, you know, the fact that you... All right, let's move on. Okay, great. We're just not going to agree on this one. Correct. We're not going to agree on it. All right, TJ, this is for you. Oh, me? Peddix has already hurt. A lot of questions about why you would draft him is because he's been injury prone.
32:48Rich Eisen:It's sitting in his knees, too. And it happened. It happened. He didn't even play a full season. I was pretty stunned when Peddix and Simpson lost. Yeah. And two is there right now. Look out. I think two is going to play well. Right? Do two. Yeah. Guys, is it more likely that... So I just gave you my reasoning and you have a problem. I still don't like it. Okay. What else? Let's move on. I hate that. Moving on. Me and Greeny. Moving on. Is it more likely Jerry Jones now looks like an absolute genius for trading Micah Parsons, or that was still a questionable trade? Oh, well.
33:21Rich Eisen:I don't think it's as questionable anymore. I don't either. I think Jerry looks like a genius. I don't know about a genius. Look at all the guys he's got. Excuse me. They've done a very good job of turning this lemon into lemonade so far. Okay. Rashawn Gary and Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. And now they just use the actual first round draft choice, the first one they got from Micah Parsons, okay, into, you know, their new edge rusher. Yeah, Malcott Lawrence. Right? So now they've done that. And they used another first rounder from the trade to get Quinnen Williams. All right? I like what they're doing.
34:03Rich Eisen:Sprinkle Caleb Downs on top of that? But the problem is part of the reason the draft was brought about was this whole weird, you shook my hand in my office. That's not genius. But it is. That's ego. It's more Rumpelstiltskin. It worked out. It turned straw into gold. But I don't think it's a questionable deal as much anymore. No, I don't think so either. Was Rumpelstiltskin where the girl had long hair and he climbed up? No, that's Rapunzel. That's Rapunzel. Oh, my bad. Like Rumpelstiltskin turned strong to gold. That's why I said turn strong to gold. Guess my name. You know, I mean, I can help you with the fables.
34:41Rich Eisen:Thank you, Aesop. Thank you, Aesop. You can watch Shrek, too. Yeah, the rich Aesop show. Aesop. Aesop, Richie. Okay. Guys, more likely team. With a dollar sign as the yes? Obviously. All right, let's reel it in. Guys, more likely team that got the best value with their pick last night. The Bucs, Eagles, or Bears? What about the Cowboys? Bucs, Eagles, or Bears? Oh, I like the Bears getting Thienemann. I like that a lot. Yeah, he felt it was at 25. And as a matter of fact, you want to talk about value. Remember, I used this in the beginning with my top five. Bain going to 15. Based on Daniel Jeremiah's top 150 rankings.
35:24Rich Eisen:And again, when we're pick 150 tonight, we're going to match up the draft to Daniel's. See how many he gets? And he's really great at this, okay? The top value, 13 spots better from where Daniel ranked him. The Jets got Omar Cooper. Plus 13 value, okay? They got him 30th overall. Daniel had him ranked 17th. Makai Lemon, he had him ranked 12th. He got picked 20th. That's eight. Reuben Bain was seventh on his list. He got picked 15th. That's plus eight. Dylan Thienemann is second on this list. He had him ranked 16th. He was picked 25th. That's a plus nine. So I'll go with the Thieneman right there.
36:05Rich Eisen:And the Bears need safety, too. What else you got? Guys, more likely, New York fan base feeling the best today. Giants, Jets, Bills. Well, I tell you, it's not the Bills. I mean, unless you want to include their fans that are psyched, the Sabres want a playoff game. I think that counts. Okay. The Bills fans are like, wait a minute. we're sitting here ready for 26 and then you trade down and then we're ready for 28 and then you trade down and then we're ready for I think 31 and then you trade down like what's up they got a lot of draft picks now now they can make moves as Mike Hoskins said when I first got here the Bills drafted Trey last night I'm like what and he goes trade down I don't know Hoskins had the dad joke and now they have 9 picks including 35 No, Jets fans are.
36:57Rich Eisen:Jets fans are feeling... Listen, I think the Jets fans are feeling particularly great. They got three players. Last time that happened, they hit on all three. They wound up getting rid of two of the three. And next year, if the Jets hold on to all three of their first-round draft choices, they will be the first team in NFL draft history to have three first-round picks and use them in two straight years. So they've got to feel good about this and feel good about the future. and the general manager who's in charge of turning those picks into people, turning them into David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr.
37:30Rich Eisen:is a really great, well-done job. Yeah, I hate that you guys got Sadiq. Okay. You got any more? I got a few more. You mentioned these two quarterbacks already. I'm sure they were sitting at home having a good night. Second-year quarterback more likely to have the better 2026. Cam Ward, Tyler Shuck.
37:54Rich Eisen:Good question. I mean, look at Tyler's receiving right now. Yeah, I kind of think it is better than what Tennessee's putting out there. I think Tennessee, yeah. It's about having Carnell Tate. So I'll go with Chuck. Okay. Although Cam Ward, if he has that year two leap with Brian Daymold as well, that's possible. But you're right. I'm taking a look. I mean, there's no old, I guess, is Ridley the Olave of the equation? If you're going to pair them up and go against each other, yeah. Yeah. Saints might be sneaky. You just went higher register. What else you got? Guys, more likely surprising positional move from last night.
38:33Two quarterbacks taken or two running backs taken?
38:37Rich Eisen:Well, that's the first time that we've ever seen two first-round running backs taken from the same school. That's the first time we've ever seen. Actually, that's not true. We've seen two first-round running backs. You have Felix Jones and Dan McFadden went in the first round of the same draft. It's the first time, this is the worst stat, that the first two running backs taken in a draft come from the same school. That's never happened. Notre Dame and then Notre Dame there. I'm going to say the two quarterbacks drafted. Jadarian Price going to the Seahawks at 32 is no surprise at all. And Jeremiah Love being drafted third overall, you know, obviously it's high.
39:19Rich Eisen:But I'm not going to sit there and say that that is a surprise. Ty Simpson going 13 overall was the shock of Thursday night. I agree. All right, last one. Rich, sorry. I started to bring this up, but I have to do it. More likely, Ohio State star to win rookie of the year. Carnell Tate, Arville Reese, Sonny Stiles, Caleb Downs. Hmm. That's an obvious answer. Well, I mean, there's a split vote of all three on defense. I'll go Carnell Tate. You know? It's not the answer. I will say, listen, a safety to win defensive rookie of the year. That's pretty surprising, TJ. It would be a – Sonny Stiles is going to ball out.
40:04Rich Eisen:I think so. So if I had to rank them, I'd go Stiles, Tate, Downs, and Reese. Okay. Because I don't know. Again, Reese is on the defensive line with. Well, he might play inside linebacker for all of you. I don't know. Yeah, we don't know. Great questions. But I'll go Tate. Since it's one guy as opposed to three others that might split the vote. I hope Cowboy Caleb sees this. By the way, I'm absolutely fine with that. I'm all good with exactly what you just said. Not a problem. That's growth. That's what's more likely. It's brought to you by Pella Windows and Doors. When it comes to your home, Pella Windows and Doors always have the winning game plan.
40:40Rich Eisen:That's why your neighbors trust them. Visit Pella.com slash Eisen. I've got some great nuggets from last night that I don't believe I've gotten a chance to mention on this program. Some great stats about your first night that you might not have heard anywhere else, including just breaking down how unique that Eagles-Cowboys trade was last night. And then we'll send you out the door for the rest of your NFL draft here on a beautiful day in Pittsburgh. Don't you dare move. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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42:29They're the ones with the bear on the box.
42:34For sure.
42:35Rich Eisen:Back here on the Rich Eisen Show. Draft season, as we all know, we're in the middle of it. Everybody's talking about franchise players, blockbuster trades, and the moves that can reshape a team. When it comes to your home, Pella Windows and Doors is the kind of pick you can trust, especially after another long winter with your old windows. Discover why Pella Windows and Doors is a trusted choice for homeowners everywhere. Visit Pella.com slash Eisen today. That's Pella.com slash Eisen. Make life brighter with Pella Windows and Doors. So coming into this draft, the conversation was the number of positions that aren't supposed to be drafted very high, you know, off the ball, linebacker, running back, safety.
43:21Rich Eisen:You're just not going to draft them that high. And those are the best players and the tug of war between when you're going to draft them and not. At the end of the day, last night's first round was only the second draft in the common draft era, meaning when the AFL and the NFL got together. Only the second time to feature a running back, a safety, an inside linebacker, and a tight end selected in the top half of the first round. The other was 2006. Now, last night, here are the players we're talking about. Jeremiah Love, Sonny Stiles, Caleb Downs, Kenyon Sadiq. In 2006, Reggie Bush was drafted second overall.
44:03Rich Eisen:The inside linebacker was A.J. Hawk, fifth overall. Interesting enough, it's from the same school. Ernie Sims was also drafted as an inside linebacker, ninth overall. Caleb Downs, 11th overall. Two safeties in 2006 were drafted in the top half. Michael Huff and Dante Wittner. I remember that. The tight end Kenyon Sadiq last night in 2006 was Vernon Davis, another combine warrior. Interesting. So some good players. Some have won a Super Bowl, obviously, with Reggie Bush. Right. And then, you know, we're always talking about what you turn picks that you acquire into. Right. So there were six teams that had multiple picks last night.
44:53Rich Eisen:So the Giants traded Dexter Lawrence and turned him into Francis Maunoa. The Rams took James Pierce's selection by Atlanta, turned that pick into Ty Simpson. The Jets turned Sauce Gardner into Kenyon Sadiq, the first-round pick that they got for Sauce. The first-round pick that the Cowboys got for Micah turned into Malachi Lawrence. And the Browns turned the Travis Hunter pick. Instead of choosing Travis Hunter, they went and traded down and got Mason Graham, turned him into Casey Concepcion. The pick that the Dolphins got for Jalen Waddell turned into the cornerback, Chris Johnson. And the Chiefs turned Trent McDuffie into Peter Woods.
45:37Rich Eisen:Just food for thought, turning the picks into people right there. And the Cowboys pick in particular. This is wild. So once that trade goes down, I get into the ear of NFL Network researcher Jack Andrade, who you guys know. He's awesome. I'm like, when was the last time the Eagles and Cowboys made a draft trade? And he just immediately comes back. He goes, it was in 2021 when the Cowboys went from 10 down to 12. And the Eagles went from 12 up to 10. And the Eagles took Devontae Smith. And the Cowboys took none other than Micah Parsons. And so when that trade went down last night and they moved down and the Eagles move up, the pick that the Cowboys used to move down, the pick that the Eagles traded up to get from the Cowboys, that that pick existed, was from the Micah Parsons trade.
46:30Rich Eisen:Oh, wow. And the Eagles moved up to take a wide receiver. And the Cowboys traded down and replaced, technically, Micah Parsons with the pick. And I just geek out on stuff like that. That is wild. Think about it. History repeats itself. That the Eagles and the Cowboys last traded. The Cowboys moved down, took Micah. The Eagles moved up, took Devontae Smith. The Cowboys wind up trading away Micah Parsons, getting a first-round selection that the Eagles say, we want, again, to take a wide receiver. and the Cowboys move down and take an edge rusher who they hope in any way, shape, or form can turn into Micah Parsons.
47:12Rich Eisen:Can't get enough of stuff like that. That wraps up our stay here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, here on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM Channel 80. I'll be on NFL Network for an absurd amount of time between now and the next time we chat with one another on Monday. I'll be there on Saturday. St. Jude.org slash Run Rich Run to please donate. on Saturday, we reveal my run. Yes. And my run just ended, actually. That's how slow it was. Come on. See you on Monday. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to 3 Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app.
47:52Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
From the publisher
Live from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh where Rich and ESPN’s Rece Davis and Mike Greenberg break down the first night of the NFL Draft including how the adjusted to the new, quicker 8-minutes between picks clock, why the Rams selecting Ty Simpson 13th overall was a “terrible” pick, their long history of hosting ‘SportsCenter’ and more. n ‘What’s More Likely’ Rich weighs in on how the NFL Draft’s 1st-round picks will pan out next season, the Rams’ head-scratching Ty Simpson selection, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and more. Rich breaks down how the pre-NFL Draft trades played out in terms of players picked in the first round.
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