Podcast appearances and mentions of kenny pickett

The Carolina Panthers enter 2026 training camp with something they haven't had in years: a settled quarterback room with a rising star at the top. In this Keep Pounding Podcast camp preview, we break down every QB on the 90-man roster heading into camp at Wofford.Bryce Young is coming off a career year — 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, a franchise-record 448-yard game against Atlanta, and the Panthers' first NFC South title since 2015. Now he's playing on his fifth-year option with extension talks looming. We look back at his 2025 leap, what the second-half splits tell us, and what has to improve for Carolina to go from division winner to contender.Behind him, the Panthers moved on from Andy Dalton and brought in Kenny Pickett on a one-year deal — a younger, more mobile QB2 with a winning record as a starter. And then there's the most interesting UDFA in camp: Georgia Tech's Haynes King, who the Panthers chased hard after the draft with a possible Taysom Hill-style package in mind. Does Carolina keep three quarterbacks? We break down the roster math.WHAT'S IN THIS VIDEO:Bryce Young's 2025 look back and 2026 outlookThe contract extension questionKenny Pickett's fit as QB2Haynes King: gadget weapon or practice squad?Roster locks, bubbles and predictions for cutdown daySubscribe to Two Growls One Roar for Panthers, Hornets and Gamecocks coverage all season long, and catch the full Keep Pounding Podcast for the complete 90-man roster series. Drop your QB room predictions in the comments — is Bryce a top-10 QB by January?

We are in that brief summertime window where college athletics have gone on vacation. The men’s and women’s College World Series ended last month.  Football season begins again in late August. I have been reflecting on the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. Even just twenty years ago, the major college sports conferences looked a whole lot different than they do today.  Schools have been shifting to new conference locations primarily to maximize revenues. A few have switched conferences primarily to reduce expenses (I’m looking at you, Louisiana Tech!) The question remains as to whether the recent decades of musical chairs has resulted in improvements for college athletic fans and athletes?  Or have these changes primarily benefited the wallets of major universities and the media companies who quietly wink and nod after bigger TV markets have been added to the portfolios of the largest conferences. Let’s jump into the Wayback machine today and return 20 years to 2006.  We will take a look at each major college athletic conference as it was in 2006 and how it is structured today in 2026. Have these additions been for the better or worse for each conference? Today, let’s examine the top four (by money) major football conferences.  We will review the group of “mid-major” conferences in my next report. Southeastern Conference (SEC) New teams:  Missouri and Texas A&M (2011); Oklahoma and Texas (2024).  Interestingly, each of those four teams moved from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC. Analysis by Team: Missouri – has been a geographic misfit in the SEC from Day 1.  The Tigers have not competed at a high level in most sports nor do they have a lot of trophies to show for the past 15 years in the SEC.  Grade: D Texas A&M – made a lot of sense coming to the SEC in 2011.  The Aggies needed to move along from its constant obsession about being compared to intrastate foe “Texas University”.  SEC leaders were able to snag the huge Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth TV markets.  A&M has proven it “belongs” in the SEC over its 15 years in the league by earning several league titles and staying relevant annually.  Grade: B Oklahoma – The Sooners played in the College Football playoffs last year and just claimed the men’s College World Series title in June.  OU’s long history of athletic success has already been felt around the SEC.  Grade: B+ Texas – The Longhorns are annually contending for the College Football Playoffs in recent seasons.  Texas also brought the growing San Antonio and Austin TV markets into the SEC.  The Longhorns have quickly become top SEC competitors in basketball, baseball, and other sports.  Grade: B+ SEC overall grade for expansion: B Big Ten Conference (Big Ten) New teams: Nebraska (2011); Maryland and Rutgers (2014); Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington (2024). It took a long time for the stodgy Big Ten Conference to finally invite Penn State to become its 11th team in 1990.  Since that time, the poorly named Big Ten has grown to 18 schools today.  The league picked-up several large TV markets in New York City and Philadelphia (Rutgers), Washington DC/Baltimore (Maryland), Los Angeles (UCLA and USC), and Seattle (Washington).  Those new schools have produced relatively little in terms of sports titles for the conference, though.  Analysis by Team:  Nebraska – The Cornhuskers left the comfy confines of the Big 12 Conference in 2011 and quickly saw their national stature in sports take a beating in the Big Ten.  Despite lofty expectations, Nebraska has been a disappointment.  Grade: D Maryland – Ditto.  Just substitute “ACC” for “Big 12”.  Grade: D Rutgers – Rutgers was lousy at most major sports prior to joining the Big Ten.  They were added to the Big Ten simply to attract television viewers from the New York City and Philly TV markets.  Athletically speaking, Rutgers has been a Big Ten bust.  Grade: F Oregon – The Big Ten’s raid of the former Pac-12 snagged one of the nation’s top football teams in Oregon.  The Ducks have given the Big Ten a much needed bolt of energy.  However, I can’t give a top grade to Oregon when its athletes must travel thousands of miles just to participate in Big Ten events.  Grade: C+ UCLA – The Bruins’ women’s basketball and softball teams have been been excellent.  However, the men’s sports programs haven’t made much of a dent in the Big Ten yet.  Grade: C USC – There were lofty expectations for the Trojans’ football team.  They have under-performed.  Like UCLA, USC has not been a difference maker in the Big Ten.  Grade: C- Washington – The Huskies’ football team has regressed the past two years with a 14-11 overall mark.  Washington’s other sports teams have been nearly invisible in the 18-team Big Ten Conference.  This is yet another school spending a ton of money on jet fuel.  They are forcing student/athletes to travel across the country to play in athletic events just to grab more money from television.  Grade: D- Big Ten overall grade for expansion: D- Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) New teams: Pitt and Syracuse (2013), Louisville (2014), SMU, Stanford, and Syracuse (2024) Exiting team: Maryland (2014) to Big Ten *Notre Dame:  The Irish joined the ACC in 2013 but remained independent in football.  The current 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference has, by far, the worst geographic fit of any major college conference in America.  Twenty years ago, the ACC’s 13 teams (Maryland has since left) were located along the Atlantic coast.  Adding SMU (Texas) and West coast entries Cal and Stanford in 2024 has been one of the most puzzling decisions in recent years.  Analysis by Team: Louisville – This school (since 2013) has been surprisingly competitive in football but surprisingly non-competitive in men’s basketball recently.  Overall, the Cardinals have been a solid addition to the ACC.  Grade: B+ Syracuse – The Orange (coming aboard in 2013) has produced just four winning seasons in football after 13 years in the ACC.  Some early ACC basketball success has faded in recent years.  Grade: C- Pittsburgh – Pitt (which arrived in 2014) had a good run in football a few years ago with Kenny Pickett running the offense.  Otherwise, their addition to the ACC has been “OK” at best.  Grade: C- Cal (Berkeley) and Stanford – these two Pacific Coast schools (added in 2024) have brought zero titles to the ACC since joining the league.  They remain a waste of jet fuel.  Grades for both schools: F SMU – The Mustangs effectively bought their slot in the ACC in 2024 with the help of their wealthy financial backers.  SMU made it into the 2025 College Football Playoffs but hasn’t been a factor in other sports.  Grade: D+ *Notre Dame – The Irish baseball team made it into the College World Series in 2022.  Notre Dame’s financially prudent but quite selfish decision not to participate in football in the ACC comes with a marked-down score. Grade: D ACC overall grade for expansion: D Big 12 Conference (Big 12): Only seven of the Big 12 Conference members remain from 2006.  Within that group, Colorado left the Big 12 for the Pac-12 in 2011 but returned in 2024. Analysis by Team: Arizona – The Wildcats came to the Big 12 in 2024 as a refugee from the dying Pac-12 Conference.  Arizona went 9-4 in football last season.  It’s too early to give the Cats a good grade.  Grade: C Arizona State – Same story as Arizona.  Grade: C BYU – The Cougars came into the Big 12 in 2023.  They have rolled-off 11-2 and 12-2 football records in 2024 and 2025.  The BYU basketball team has appeared in the NCAA tourney in all three seasons after joining the Big 12.  Despite its geographic distance from other longtime Big 12 members, Brigham Young has been a positive addition to its new conference.  Grade: B+ Cincinnati – They entered the Big 12 in 2023.  The Bearcats haven’t been a major sports factor in their three years in the conference.  Cincy has been a good geographic fit for the Big 12, but a sports dud.  Grade: D- Houston – The Cougars also came into the league in 2023 along with the valuable Houston television market.  The Coogs have been competitive in football and a regular national championship contender in men’s basketball.  U of H has been a solid addition to the Big 12.  Grade: B TCU – Texas Christian joined the Big 12 in 2012.  In addition to bringing the Dallas-Fort Worth TV market into the league, the 2022 Horned Frogs’ football team played in the national championship game (and lost).  TCU’s other athletic programs have been regular contenders in the Big 12.  Grade: A- UCF – Central Florida (added 2023) hasn’t posted a winning season in football in three years in the Big 12.  The other sports teams haven’t been very competitive, either.  This school was added primarily due to its enormous size (70,000 students) and the Orlando television market.  Despite those pluses, the school is 1,000 miles east of Houston (the nearest Big 12 city).  This addition has been puzzling since Day 1.  Grade: F Utah – The Utes football team finished 11-2 in 2025 (the school’s second year as part of the Big 12).  Utah’s sports programs are generally quite competitive and bring enthusiastic fans.  Grade: B- West Virginia – Mountaineers entered the Big 12 back in 2012.  In the past 14 years, West Virginia has posted a winning football record 50% of the time.  Like Utah, this is a school with passionate sports fans who have been a plus for the Big 12.  Grade: B- Big 12 overall grade for expansion: C+ Conclusion – SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 conferences After the questionable addition of Missouri in 2011, the SEC’s expansion to add both Oklahoma and Texas in 2024 has made their conference a bit stronger.  OU and Texas jumped from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2024 after huge piles of money were being pushed in their direction to incentivize the move.  It still saddens me that these two long-time anchor tenants of the Big 12 Conference aren’t around any longer. Speaking of the Big 12, let’s give that conference credit for adding several new schools within relatively proximity of the league’s Midwestern stalwarts.  However, the addition of UCF (Central Florida) made absolutely no sense in 2023.  It is still puzzling today. Both the Big Ten and ACC moved to add schools located west of the Mississippi River in recent years.  The Big Ten’s addition of four former Pac-12 universities still feels odd.  Meanwhile, Cal and Stanford have brought zero value to the ACC. Instead of buying their way into the ACC, SMU should have remained patient.  The Mustangs could have bought their way into the Big 12 at some point and be competing with nearby TCU and other regional rivals instead of jetting their athletes up and down the Atlantic seaboard. All in all, expansion has generally served to water-down the four major college conferences – at least on the playing field.  The recent moves have all centered on universities pocketing more money from television and media companies. Let’s examine the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, and Sun Belt conferences during our next visit! The post Grading the College Conference expansions – Part 1 appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for Wednesday. Munaf Manji and Dave Essler open the month of July on Cash That Ticket with a full breakdown of the Wednesday MLB slate and the next chapter of their NFL win total preview series, all while looking to shake off a rare losing June that saw the show finish 10-13-1 and drop 5.6 units, leaving the all-time record at 106-79-3 for 57.3 percent and plus 14.17 units. The headline matchup of the night sends Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates into Philadelphia to face a red-hot Phillies club and a dominant Zack Wheeler, with both hosts weighing whether Skenes finally snaps an eight-start winless streak or whether Wheeler's outstanding home splits and recent history against Pittsburgh push them toward backing Philadelphia and a low-scoring first five innings. From there the guys turn to St. Louis traveling to Atlanta, where a Braves club still missing a fully ramped Ronald Acuña Jr. gets a close look against Michael McGreevy and a workload-limited Reynaldo López, leading both hosts toward value on the Cardinals as a live underdog. The Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros present the toughest puzzle of the night, with Taj Bradley and Tatsuya Imai both carrying uneven recent form, pushing the conversation toward team totals and first-five-innings alternatives rather than a straightforward side. San Francisco and Arizona close out the marquee action, with a struggling Zac Gallen drawing serious skepticism from both hosts given his home run rate and rough night game splits this season, setting up a Giants team total over as one of the night's featured plays. Beyond the marquee matchups, the guys touch on a Rockies-Marlins total and issue a caution about a heavily bet Royals-Rays game involving Shane McClanahan before shifting gears entirely into football. The NFL win total series continues with the Carolina Panthers set at seven and a half wins, and both hosts walk through last year's surprising NFC South title, the offseason departure of running back Rico Dowdle to Pittsburgh, a breakout rookie season from Tetairoa McMillan, and a retooled roster that now includes Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd on defense and Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, and Trevor Etienne in the backfield, along with a quarterback room behind Bryce Young featuring Kenny Pickett, Will Grier, and Haynes King. Concerns about the offensive line, a still-developing defense, and a brutal opening stretch of the schedule push both hosts toward the under. Before wrapping, the guys remind listeners about pregame.com's 12th annual All American Celebration promotion, use code FIREWORKS12 for access to every pick from every pregame pro from Wednesday through Monday for just 77 dollars. The episode closes with best bets for the night, a Giants team total over from Dave Essler and a Pirates-Phillies first five innings under from Munaf Manji, plus a preview of tomorrow's show, which continues the win total series with the New Orleans Saints. Whether you're following the daily MLB grind, tracking NFL win totals ahead of the season, or just want sharp, conversational betting talk from two hosts who track their record publicly, this episode delivers the full Cash That Ticket experience heading into a busy July on the Pregame Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Maller talks about reports that Myles Garrett wasn't "universally beloved" in Cleveland, former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert defending the pick of Kenny Pickett, Freddy Peralta's 2026 season with the Mets, Insta-Advice Line, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2: The guys react to Kevin Colbert's crazy comparison for Kenny Pickett. Matt Clement joins the show to break down the latest with the Pirates. And will Wyndham Clark be allowed to play at Oakmont for a US Open if he wins it this weekend?

Crowley jumps on the headset. Joe is worried about germs. Bob has left. Jack doesn't own expensive suits. Kevin Colbert joins to discuss the Steelers going to Saint Vincent College, his thoughts about Tomlin stepping away and his relationship with Mike McCarthy, what the process is like negotiating contract extensions, which of his draft picks surprised him the most, his Kenny Pickett selection. Greg from Gerken Roofing joins the show. 

The Carolina Panthers' offseason has quietly turned into one of the more fascinating case studies in the NFL, and this video breaks down every angle of it. We start with the contract extension for wide receiver Jalen Coker, signed before training camp even opened. From his undrafted journey out of Holy Cross to becoming a building block at receiver, Coker opens up about why the timing mattered, how a recommitted diet and training routine helped him stay on the field, and what his growing chemistry with fellow young receiver Tetairoa McMillan could mean for the offense in 2026.From there, we shift to rookie minicamp, where Panthers legend Thomas Davis raised eyebrows comparing third-round pick Chris Brazzell II's route-running to All-Pro Justin Jefferson, while head coach Dave Canales pointed to a different comp entirely: former Panther Robby Anderson. After a First-Team All-SEC season at Tennessee, Brazzell is already generating buzz before he's played a single regular-season snap.We also cover the latest roster movement around the league. Longtime division rival Cameron Jordan is reportedly closing in on a new one-year deal to stay with the Saints, extending a 15-year run and a head-to-head history that hasn't been kind to Carolina. Meanwhile, former Panthers linebacker Jacoby Windmon has resurfaced with the Steelers after a winding path through two stints in Carolina.The centerpiece of this video, though, is the Rasheed Walker signing, and why it might be the smartest move of Dan Morgan's offseason. After Ikem Ekwonu's Wild Card injury left a hole at left tackle, Carolina needed a starter fast, at a position where the market price was roughly $20 million a year. Instead, they locked up a 26-year-old, 42-game starter on a one-year deal with a $4 million base and a $10 million incentive-laden ceiling, using the exact same financial blueprint that turned Rico Dowdle into a $12.25 million payday for Pittsburgh after a bargain season in Carolina. We break down the contract structure, why the incentive design protects the cap either way, and how this sets up Carolina for a potential premium compensatory pick down the line.Finally, we look at the quarterback room behind Bryce Young, whose fifth-year option is now locked in, and why a thin depth chart of Kenny Pickett, Will Grier, and undrafted rookie Haynes King has Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby and the supplemental draft on Carolina's radar.If you want the full picture of how this front office is building its roster, this is the video for you. Like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts on the Walker contract in the comments — is it the steal of the offseason?

Hour 3: Matt Clement joins the show to break down what's new with the Pirates. One of the greatest moments in TV history happened on this day. And Donny and Dom get into a fiery argument over Tim Tebow and Kenny Pickett.

Hour 1: Donny Football in for the guys today! Is it time for the Pirates to send Mitch Keller to the bullpen? The PM Team has a great radio coaching tree at The Fan. And Nick Farabaugh joins the show for his weekly Fair Game segment. Hour 2: The guys reminisce on past Penguins' championship teams. Marlins play-by-play announcer Jack McMullan joins Donny to preview Marlins-Pirates. And Donny quizzes Dom and Jack on World Cup trivia. Hour 3: Matt Clement joins the show to break down what's new with the Pirates. One of the greatest moments in TV history happened on this day. And Donny and Dom get into a fiery argument over Tim Tebow and Kenny Pickett. Hour 4: The Pirates have called up their newest pitcher, and he's from a unique place. Dan Zangrilli joins the show to go over the latest Pirates news. And Sydney Sweeney apparently insisted to HBO that she do nude scenes in Euphoria.

Joe Giglio and Eliot Shorr-Parks face off in a heated debate regarding whether the 76ers should trade star guard Tyrese Maxey to acquire draft capital. While Giglio argues for a hard reset to build depth like the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESP maintains that moving a top-20 player is a mistake. They also analyze Eagles training camp observations, specifically focusing on the backup quarterback rotation between Tanner McKee and Kenny Pickett. 01:00 - Maxey Trade Debate Setup 03:38 - Giglio's Case For Trading Maxey 05:13 - ESP Defends Maxey 14:05 - Debate Verdict and Voting 22:30 - Eagles Backup QB Battle

Hour 3: Is Broderick Jones the biggest Steelers draft bust ever? Steve Palazzolo joins the show to break down the Steelers. And Dom threatens to quit the show during a wild Football Debrief.

Steelers QB coach Tom Arth has been very complimentary of Will Howard so far throughout OTAs. The Steelers continue to try and convince people that Howard is going to be a very good quarterback. If they actually believed this, why would they spend a third-round pick on Drew Allar? Poni thinks that the Will Howard stuff sounds like Kenny Pickett rhetoric.

Steelers QB coach Tom Arth has been very complimentary of Will Howard so far throughout OTAs. The Steelers continue to try and convince people that Howard is going to be a very good quarterback. If they actually believed this, why would they spend a third-round pick on Drew Allar? Poni thinks that the Will Howard stuff sounds like Kenny Pickett rhetoric. ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi thinks that the Steelers are just trying to give Will Howard a ton of confidence with the way they constantly talk him up with any chance they get. Aditi also thinks that bringing Aaron Rodgers back was a bad idea and the Pirates should have just let Will Howard start. She also thinks that the Steelers' approach with Drew Allar isn't exactly ridiculous. Donny Football Debrief – Aaron Rodgers donated to the US Women's Olympic flag football team.

After nearly 50 years of heartbreak and gut-wrenching moments, the 2021 Pitt football team put together a run for the ages. In this episode, we look back on what made that season so special and why it will never be forgotten by those of us fans who waited so many years for something to finally go right.Get our Steelers-Ravens book here! E-Book | HardcoverConnect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

This week’s annual NFL Draft will be held in the Steel City of Pittsburgh beginning Thursday night.  Several hundred thousand NFL fans will come to town to support (or boo) their favorite team’s selections for three days. Thursday is exclusively dedicated to Round 1.  Friday night brings Rounds 2 and 3.  The event ends Saturday with a marathon of Rounds 4, 5, 6, and 7. Every team will arrive in Pittsburgh with a shopping list for the NFL’s “grocery store” to select several talented young players capable of upgrading their team this fall.   The non-playoff teams must uncover the best bargains at the NFL Draft “store” to upgrade their chances of playing in the postseason this fall. In western Pennsylvania, fans of the host city’s black and gold Steelers are (as usual) discussing who should or shouldn’t be their next quarterback.  Aaron Rodgers hasn’t signed-on for a second year yet.  Pittsburgh (a city with six Super Bowl trophies) has struggled at the position following the 2021 retirement of likely Hall-of-Famer Ben Roethlisberger. QB or Not QB?  That is the question! It’s not just Pittsburgh in need of a new leader at the quarterback position.  Several of the NFL’s 32 teams could use an upgrade at that position. The problem with this year’s NFL draft is a perceived lack of top-level quarterback prospects coming out of college.  Indiana’s Heisman Trophy and national championship quarterback Fernando Mendoza is easily at the top of this year’s rookie class. But is he really worth the top overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders? Curiously, the Raiders recently sunk $20 million into acquiring expensive journeyman Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons.  Vegas has the option to retain Cousins for a total of five years if they are willing to part with a total of $172 million. Why would the Raiders select Fernando Mendoza when this team still has an offensive line with more holes than Swiss cheese?  I’m still of the opinion that the Raiders may consider a last-minute trade of the #1 overall pick – for the right price. Arizona’s Cardinals have the #3 pick in the first round and could use a top quarterback, too.  Their investment in 2019 #1 overall selection Kyler Murray failed.  The Cardinals played in just one playoff game over Murray’s seven seasons in Phoenix.  Kyler Murray was released recently and quickly signed by the Minnesota Vikings. Host city Pittsburgh won’t select until the 21st pick in the first round.  The Steelers started 42-year old veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers last year and made it into the first round of the playoffs. Rodgers is playing coy once again and is 50/50 as to whether he returns to Pittsburgh this fall.  He is a free agent and appears to be seeking a combination of cash and a reasonable chance to win his second Super Bowl ring.  Aaron Rodgers might also retire, so the Steelers should draft as if Rodgers won’t return this fall. The New York Jets select #2 overall and are loaded with top picks New York’s Jets have two first round selections (#2 and #16 from Indianapolis).  They are slated to make four of the opening 44 picks in this year’s draft. That’s the good news for Jets fans.  The bad news is that the J-E-T-S have a long history of making poor choices with their top draft choices.  Look for the Jets to consider making a few more deals prior to the end of Thursday night’s first round. Washington QB Jayden Daniels would Love to add the Notre Dame running back! Will Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love be available for Washington at #7 on Thursday night?  Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels could use another offensive weapon to give opposing defenses something else to focus on next season. If Washington does not select the talented running back in the first round, look for them to take a top wide receiver instead.  Washington’s offense needs more spark. New Orleans is now on the clock at #8 and solved its QB problem last year The Saints’ second round selection of former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough paid handsome dividends for Louisiana’s favorite black and gold team.  New Orleans desperately needs another talented wide receiver to take the pressure off Chris Olave.  Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson could make a good choice.  Perhaps Texas A&M’s cocky “I am the best wide receiver in this draft” wide receiver KC Conception might be in play here. Then again, the Saints (which finished 6-11 last year) could use some help on both the offensive and defensive lines.  Don’t be surprised if New Orleans trades down a few places from the #8 pick to add a third or fourth round pick this year. Surprise! The Kansas City Chiefs hold the #9 pick in the first round Kansas City’s reign of terror for other NFL teams ended in 2025.  The Chiefs sputtered all season long and crashed to Earth with a 6-11 record.  They will get the #9 pick in the opening round of the draft Thursday night. Many expect KC to go shopping for a top defensive or offensive line player such as Miami defensive end Reuben Bain, Jr. or Utah’s massive offensive lineman Spencer Fano.  Quarterback Patrick Mahomes may have some input about the first round selection, so don’t be surprised if KC opts for a speedy wide receiver. Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys select at #12 and 20 Thursday night The Dallas Cowboys just celebrated their 30th year without an appearance in the Super Bowl or even the NFC championship game.  An entire generation of Cowboys fans is waiting for their favorite team to participate in a meaningful title game. Big D really needs a D (as in defense). The Dallas offense scores nearly 30 points per game.  However, the Cowboys finished 7-11 last year, because their defense gave up even more points.  Look for Dallas to select the best defensive player available with their first round pick.  Most anyone available at #12 should be an automatic upgrade for this team’s defense. Dallas also has the 20th choice in the first round as compensation for sending defensive specialist Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Anything less than a rousing success with picks #12 and 20 on Thursday’s opening night will be blamed on 83-year old meddling team owner Jerry Jones. Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock with the 21st pick The chants of “Here we Go, Steelers!” will sound like a big pep rally as Pittsburgh makes its first round selection Thursday night. Terrible Towels will be waved by thousands in the crowd as Steelers Nation breathlessly awaits their team’s first round selection. It was 2001 when Michael Vick was selected with the #1 overall pick by Atlanta.  After that, no other quarterbacks were taken until Purdue’s Drew Brees was picked early in the second round.  Yes, the same Drew Brees entering the NFL Hall-of-Fame this summer. This year could mimic 2001 with the #1 pick likely to be quarterback Fernando Mendoza.  Pittsburgh may be tempted to jump the gun and select Alabama’s hot and cold quarterback Ty Simpson at #21 (if he is still available). Steelers fans are rightfully nervous about Ty Simpson in the first round. Pittsburgh “reached” for local college product Kenny Pickett at #20 in Round 1 just four years ago,  Unlike the prolific Pickett at Pitt, Ty Simpson’s final college season at Bama was rather unimpressive.  Pittsburgh could use offensive line help and wait for other QB prospects in later rounds. The Philadelphia Eagles (at #23) will be booed even louder than NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell There’s no love lost in Pennsylvania between the AFC’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFC’s Philadelphia Eagles which roost at the eastern fringe of the Keystone state. The green-clad pioneers of the NFL’s Tush Push are expected to trade their perpetually unhappy (but well paid) wide receiver A.J. Brown soon.  That might give the Eagles some trade bait to move up from their current #23 spot.  Drafting a talented replacement wide receiver makes perfect sense for Philly. Houston Texans don’t need defensive help selecting at #28 of the first round The Texans developed into a terrifying defensive team in 2025.  They returned to the playoffs and were a tough out.  It’s their on-and-off again offense which needs a difference maker to give this team a jolt. The best offensive player available (including at quarterback) should be what the Texans go for at pick #28 late Thursday evening.  I believe that current quarterback CJ Stroud could use a little competition.  Don’t be surprised if the Texans take a chance to add another young quarterback during the early rounds of this week’s draft. Truth – Most NFL drafts don’t turn a team into a Super Bowl contender in Year #1 There is a reason why some teams keep showing up early in the first round most every year.  The ability to properly identify your team’s needs and then select the player(s) which best fill the needs of your team is difficult to master. Eight quarterbacks (Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, and Jared Goff) have been taken with the #1 overall draft selection in the past ten years. Only Joe Burrow’s 2021 Cincinnati Bengals and Jared Goff’s 2018 L.A. Rams have made it to a Super Bowl (both teams lost). The Raiders may, indeed, select quarterback Fernando Mendoza at #1 on Thursday night.  Las Vegas has nine other draft selections (including three in Round 4) which must be just as solid in order to give this team a much-needed lift. It’s possible, but don’t hold your breath. The post NFL Draft 2026 – Let’s go Grocery Shopping! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

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Hour One of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with football just a day away! Hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Peter Schrager, and Akbar Gbajabiamila discuss the teams that could derail the Chiefs as champions.  Whiteboard Wednesday asks what running back will shine the brightest in Week 1?  Plus, Jamie and Peter give their MVP Predictions! Stay tuned for Aaron Jones coming up in Hour 2 of the GMFB Podcast! The Good Morning Football Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Two of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Peter Schrager, and Akbar Gbajabiamila examining if the Miami Dolphins can take a leap this season. Then Peter and Jamie list their playoff teams in the NFC and AFC. Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland joins the show and explains why he agrees with Tyreek Hill after he said this is the best Dolphins team he's been a part of and then he breaks down his coaches new swag.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour One of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Peter Schrager, and Akbar Gbajabiamila discussing if the Kansas City Chiefs offense will be better out of the gate this season. Then Kyle and Akbar list their playoff teams in the NFC and AFC. Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs joins the show and explains why he didn't want to join the Kansas City Chiefs after they showed interest in him, he shares why he's excited to join the Packers offense, and then he weighs in on Nick Saban becoming a TV analyst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour One of the Good Morning Football Podcast kicks off Prediction Week! Hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Peter Schrager, and Akbar Gbajabiamila discuss which player, coach or team will be feeling the most pressure.   The table predicts who will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.  Peter looks at the longest playoff droughts in the NFL before we look at the biggest questions in Packers/Eagles.   Stay tuned for Ron Rivera coming up in Hour 2 of the GMFB Podcast! The Good Morning Football Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Two of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with the season opening matchup between the Ravens and Chiefs.  Hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Peter Schrager, and Akbar Gbajabiamila continue Prediction Week with thoughts on 'Coach of the Year'.  Ron Rivera offers his analysis on all the choices.  Plus, we add predictions for Defensive Rookie of the Year! The Good Morning Football Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Two of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with which team will be the 'worst to first' team of 2024.  Hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Tom Pelissero explain why the Bengals and Chargers are the most likely candidates.  Plus, NFL MVP Shaun Alexander drops by to talk about his College Watchlist of College Football Freshmen, plus the excitement over the start of the NFL season.   The Good Morning Football Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour One of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Tom Pelissero, and Akbar Gbajabiamila reacting to the Pittsburgh Steelers naming Russell Wilson their starting QB - how secure is Russell Wilson's job with Justin Fields as the backup QB? Marcedes Lewis made the Chicago Bears 53-man roster as he enters his 19th season and Kyle gives tribute to the man. Later, they participate in a WR-only four round fantasy draft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Two of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Tom Pelissero, and Akbar Gbajabiamila answering Throwdown Thursday questions - is Patrick Mahomes' arm or Derrick Henry's stiff arm more intimidating? Is NY or Detroit style pizza better? Later, they discuss if Baker Mayfield can replicate his successful season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFL player Isaac Rochell joins the breakfast table and talks about becoming a tiktok star, and then he shares stories about playing with Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and Joey Bosa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour One of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with the Bengals negotiations with Ja'Marr Chase.  Hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Manti Te'o discuss the Bengals chances in the AFC North.  Which sports reunion would you like to see?  NFL Exec Jeff Miller explains some of the safety steps taken this season.  Plus, what is your best 'cringe' word? Stay tuned for Hour Two of the GMFB Podcast! The Good Morning Football Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Two of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with L'Jarius Sneed talking about his exit from the Chiefs. Hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Manti Te'o discuss the relationships made between players in the locker rooms.  Kyle gives a report on the Ian O'Connor book about Aaron Rodgers.  Plus, HC Sean McVay announces a big move for the Rams.   The Good Morning Football Podcast is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Two of the Good Morning Football Podcast begins with hosts Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Manti T'eo, and Akbar Gbajabiamila discussing the complicated Philadelphia Eagles - what are your expectations for them this season? Scott Pioli joins the show and explains why he's not surprised the Dallas Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb figured out a deal, he shares why the NFC North is the best division in the NFL, and then he shares what roster cut down day is like from an organizations perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.