Podcast appearances and mentions of kenny pickett

The Steelers offense was an absolute mess against the New England Patriots — and now we have to ask the question: Who did it better? Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy vs. Kenny Pickett and Matt Canada. Different quarterbacks. Different coordinators. But are we watching some of the same problems all over again in Pittsburgh? Daniel, Tate and Shannon White are back for Steelers Hangover to break down the loss to New England, what went wrong offensively, the offensive line issues, coaching decisions, and where the Steelers go from here.

NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports joined the show. Ryan put together a piece that broke down a lot of the Steelers draft picks over the last 10 years. It wasn't just pointing out if the Steelers made a bad pick, but if they also passed on a good player that would have fit a void in real time. Was the Kenny Pickett selection as bad as we remember because others around him haven't panned out either? Ryan admitted that he liked Kendrick Green coming out of college and he turned into a terrible selection. What happened with Chase Claypool and how did he fail? Who should be mostly at fault for bad draft picks?

McCarthy's Morsels – What did Mike McCarthy say to the media today? NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports joined the show. Ryan put together a piece that broke down a lot of the Steelers draft picks over the last 10 years. It wasn't just pointing out if the Steelers made a bad pick, but if they also passed on a good player that would have fit a void in real time. Was the Kenny Pickett selection as bad as we remember because others around him haven't panned out either? Ryan admitted that he liked Kendrick Green coming out of college and he turned into a terrible selection. What happened with Chase Claypool and how did he fail? Who should be mostly at fault for bad draft picks? PM Team Draft – Best defensive players in NFL history.

Aaron Donald is back and signed with the Rams. Odell Beckham Jr. made the Giants roster. What part of the team would you most want to improve? Kenny Pickett is ditching the glove on his throwing hand. Konnor Griffin will be back for the Pirates over the weekend. Bob thinks Sal Stewart should be NL Rookie of the Year.  

Reuben Frank joins the 94 WIP Morning Show to analyze the Philadelphia Eagles' preseason progress and the performance of key players. They discuss the backup quarterback battle between Tanner McKee and Kenny Pickett, the surprising emergence of offensive line depth, and Saquon Barkley's integration into the new offense. 01:00 - Eagles Training Camp 04:05 - Offensive Line Depth 05:35 - Rookie Progress Report 09:13 - Saquon Barkley Integration 11:47 - Jalen Carter Outlook

Eliot Shorr-Parks joins Hugh Douglas and Joe Giglio to analyze the competition for the Eagles' backup quarterback spot between Tanner McKee and Kenny Pickett. They evaluate the depth of the offensive line, the progress of defensive prospects like Moro Ojomo, and provide a 53-man roster projection ahead of the final preseason week. 01:24 - Elliott Shorr-Parks Joins 01:46 - Backup Quarterback Competition 04:26 - Offensive Line Development 07:53 - Defensive Front Standouts 13:59 - Roster Projection Analysis

Hugh Douglas, Joe Giglio, and Kyle revisit the 2017 Eagles' Super Bowl run and the iconic flea flicker that sealed the NFC Championship. They discuss the Phillies' miraculous nine-inning comeback against the Diamondbacks before diving into the ongoing competition between Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee for the Eagles' backup quarterback spot. Hugh provides insight into how the coaching staff evaluates a player's full body of work during the preseason. 01:00 - Remembering Foles' Magical Run 06:08 - Phillies' Historic Ninth Inning Comeback 09:08 - Evaluating Backup Quarterback Battle

Joe Giglio and Hugh Douglas discuss the ongoing competition for the Eagles' backup quarterback position between Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee. They also break down Joe Burrow's comments on team urgency, Deshaun Watson's lack of self-awareness in Cleveland, and the bizarre situation involving Ketel Marte. 01:50 - Foles Playoff Memories 06:14 - Phillies Comeback Win 09:45 - Eagles Backup QB Debate 15:09 - Camp Practice Report 19:55 - Burrow And Watson 28:44 - MLB And Camel Rides 36:10 - You People Feedback

What are the latest rumors with the Steelers 53-man roster? One preseason game remains and cut-down day is 6 days away. Are the Steelers going to keep 4 QBs? Is that sensible roster allocation? There was a roster projection put out by ESPN today that kept 4 QBs. Some notables left on the cutting room floor were Robert Spears-Jennings, Esezi Otomewo and Kaleb Johnson. There is growing sentiment that Kaden Wetjen is on the bubble. Are 5 DLs enough? Will Will Howard have a better career than Kenny Pickett?

What are the latest rumors with the Steelers 53-man roster? One preseason game remains and cut-down day is 6 days away. Are the Steelers going to keep 4 QBs? Is that sensible roster allocation? There was a roster projection put out by ESPN today that kept 4 QBs. Some notables left on the cutting room floor were Robert Spears-Jennings, Esezi Otomewo and Kaleb Johnson. There is growing sentiment that Kaden Wetjen is on the bubble. Are 5 DLs enough? Will Will Howard have a better career than Kenny Pickett? Rudolph's Replies – What did Mason Rudolph say to the media today?

The Carolina Panthers put together their most complete performance of the preseason, rolling past the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-17 at EverBank Stadium in a game that had a little bit of everything for TGOR to break down. Kenny Pickett ran the offense with poise for most of the night, going 15-of-25 for 137 yards and a touchdown, while Bryce Young's brief first-drive cameo (5-of-6, 49 yards, 100.7 rating) included a gorgeous 17-yard connection with Tetairoa McMillan that kept the opening scoring drive alive. Kyle Trask even got in on the fun late, hitting Casey Washington for a touchdown to put the game away in the fourth quarter.On the ground, it was a true committee effort — Anthony Tyus III, Jonathon Brooks, A.J. Dillon, and Trevor Etienne combined for 97 yards, with Brooks punching in the game's first touchdown on his surgically repaired knee. Jimmy Horn Jr. added a highlight-reel 39-yard run out of the backfield. Through the air, John Metchie III (6 catches, 77 yards) continued to build a case for a real role in this offense, and Roc Taylor's 16-yard touchdown grab on 3rd-and-3 was one of the prettiest throw-and-catch combos of the preseason so far.Defensively, Chau Smith-Wade's interception and Cam Gill's fumble recovery were both backbreakers for Jacksonville, and Carolina turned both takeaways directly into points. The Panthers were nearly perfect where it counted — 2-for-2 on fourth down, 4-of-5 in the red zone — while the Jaguars settled for field goals from Cam Little (3-for-3) and struggled to find rhythm behind Carter Bradley before Joey Aguilar sparked things off the bench.In this video, we break down every scoring drive, the full stat line for both teams, the defensive standouts, the longest plays of the night, and what it all means for the Panthers' 53-man roster picture heading toward Week 1. Devin Lloyd sat out his emotional return trip to Jacksonville, and we'll get into why that matters too.Panthers improve to 2-1 in the preseason. Let's talk about it.

Aaron Rodgers is an idiot; White Joel meets Black Tony; McCarthy's situation and we figure out the best player on the team. Also, how good is JPJ?

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss the Carolina Panthers beating the Arizona Cardinals, 33-30, in the Hall of Fame Game, including how rookie QB Haynes King made a case to be the No. 2 QB behind Bryce Young over Kenny Pickett, and what players stood out among Ja'Seem Reed, John Metchie III, and Jimmy Horn Jr. Panthers Playbook is sponsored by Wake Orthopedics.

Mike Tomlin made his debut as a broadcaster last night and had some kind words for Mike McCarthy. Tomlin, of all people, should know what McCarthy is in store for. Did he comment on his drafting of Kenny Pickett?

Brandon Beane was asked about Von Miller returning, what does Gene think? How have the rookies looked to Gene in camp? What other camp battles are still up for grabs? Gene shares his thoughts.

Welcome professional football back in proper fashion! Join Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson and Scott Bogman for their 2026 Hall of Fame Game picks and predictions! Can the Arizona Cardinals (+1.5) pull the upset over the Carolina Panthers? Does Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Beck (-115) go over 99.5 passing yards in his debut? Plus, will Carolina Panthers QB Haynes King (-115) pick up where he left off at Georgia Tech, rushing for over 24.5 yards? The Pros lock in their first NFL Preseason best bets and player props! Timestamps: (May be off due to ads) Intro - 0:00:00Spread, Total & Moneyline Picks - 0:02:51Hard Rock Bet - 0:12:35Player Props - 0:14:23BettingPros App - 0:20:56Outro - 0:21:37 Helpful Links: Hard Rock Bet - Sign up for Hard Rock Bet and make a $5 bet and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if you win. Head over to Hard Rock Bet, sign up and make your first deposit today. Payable in bonus bet(s). Not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-888-ADMIT-IT. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, NJ, OH, TN, VA) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BettingPros App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Make winning bets with advice and picks from top sports betting experts. The BettingPros app puts consensus and expert-driven sports betting advice at your fingertips to help you pinpoint the best odds and make winning bets. Download it today on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google Play⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BettingPros Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Looking to up your game in sports betting? Join our exclusive sports betting Discord community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bettingpros.com/chat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Not only can you connect with expert handicappers who provide free picks for NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, player props, live betting, and more, but now you can also participate in our weekly community picks. Cast your vote, see how your picks stack up against the experts, and track your success! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BettingPros Pick Tracker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Want to track all of your wagers in one place? Check out the BettingPros Pick Tracker. It syncs up with your sportsbooks to tally which picks hit, and which miss AND gives you a live look at what the public is doing so you can use real-time tracking to determine which plays to make, and which to fade: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bettingpros.com/pick-tracking⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(1) Tiger Football Fan Fest Saturday & more problems for UNC Football (2) Grizz schedule release, what are we looking for? Saunders back to BYU? (3) NFL tonight preseason and Rachel Heck makes the cut in the US Amateur

Hour 1: A debate erupts to start the show when Dom says Randy Moss is a better receiver than Jerry Rice. Are amusement parks just for kids? Do we need to cut Kenny Pickett a break now? And do the guys watch Hallmark movies?

Hour 1: A debate erupts to start the show when Dom says Randy Moss is a better receiver than Jerry Rice. Are amusement parks just for kids? Do we need to cut Kenny Pickett a break now? And do the guys watch Hallmark movies? Hour 2: Chris Mueller joins the guys in-studio to debate Dom and react to a stunning Penguins move during the segment. Joe and Bob sing karaoke. Mike Tomlin will make his NBC debut tonight. And Joe wants the show to start getting big-time guests. Hour 3: Is Mike Tomlin a Hall of Famer? There is a fascinating conspiracy theory surrounding the 49ers right now. And Joe and Bob hate horror movies. Hour 4: The guys go over the latest depth chart released for the Steelers. Will Giant Eagle be changing its branding soon? Jeff Hathhorn joins the show to recap the latest from Steelers training camp today! And is riding a train fun?

Mike Tomlin is going to make his TV debut tonight on the broadcast for the Hall of Fame Game. Also, Kenny Pickett is going to start. Where will Mike Tomlin coach next if he coaches at all? Tampa Bay comes to mind for the guys. Could the Commanders work? Mullsy thinks he is completely done with coaching. Steve Palazzolo joins the show! He says that he can eat 40 wings in 4 hours and do the challenge with Poni. He says that he will go medium buffalo and lemon pepper. Steve says that the Colts could be a place Tomlin can go to if they make a head coaching change. The Donny Football-less Debrief: Nicolas Cage will portray John Madden in an upcoming movie. This is either going to suck or be the best sports movie ever made, and nowhere in between.

Mike Tomlin is going to make his TV debut tonight on the broadcast for the Hall of Fame Game. Also, Kenny Pickett is going to start. Where will Mike Tomlin coach next if he coaches at all? Tampa Bay comes to mind for the guys. Could the Commanders work? Mullsy thinks he is completely done with coaching.

Mike McCarthy says that Mason Rudolph has been awesome since he saw him in training camp. Where does Rudolph rank among potential backup quarterbacks in the NFL? Could Rudolph become a potential Rich Gannon type? Gannon's numbers in his MVP season were absolutely terrible. The passing game has changed significantly over the years. Zay Flowers signed a big contract with the Ravens. The Steelers have not had a good time drafting and developing wide receivers in recent years. Bob Pompeani joins the show! What does Bob think of McCarthy's comments on Mason Rudolph? Does Bob like cereal? Power Rankings: Worst 5 Draft Picks of the Mike Tomlin era. Limas Sweed. Colin Holba. Artie Burns. Dri Archer. Kenny Pickett was number one for both Poni and Mueller.

Ian Mills from News 10 NBC Sports joins Gene to discuss Buffalo Bills training camp. What is the future of camp at St John Fisher University? The return of CJ Gardner-Johnson. Camp battles, Keon Coleman spot on this team & more.

Why should high school kids be looking into the trades for a career instead of college? How far along is Pittsburgh's major Esplanade project? And the NFL is back tonight, and of all people Kenny Pickett will be starting at QB for ones of the teams! All that and more on the Big K Morning Show!

TONIGHT on the C3 Panthers Podcast, the C3 crew discuss!-Xavier Legette going down in practice with the potential concussion-JT Sanders injuring his ankle-First 53 man roster released-Kenny Pickett confirmed to start in the Hall of Fame game against the Cardinals-Panthers conclude most chippy practice to dateAll this and MORE

Welcome back to the ultimate hub for all things Carolina Panthers! In today's episode, we break down all the major headlines, press conference takeaways, and roster developments fresh out of Panthers training camp. Head coach Dave Canales took the podium today to drop a series of crucial updates as Carolina prepares for its preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.First up, Coach Canales officially made the big quarterback announcement: veteran backup Kenny Pickett will get the start under center on Thursday night with Bryce Young sitting out to rest. Canales emphasized that while Bryce Young remains the undisputed starter for the 2026 season, the Hall of Fame Game serves as a vital showcase for Pickett to prove his command of the offense, set protections, and re-establish his rhythm in live game conditions. Joining Pickett in the action will be undrafted rookie standout Haynes King, who is set to serve as the secondary quarterback and handle a significant portion of snaps. Canales praised the depth and athletic versatility of the quarterback room while noting that giving King extended live reps will offer the coaching staff a clear evaluation of his growth during camp.We also dive into the pressers from both Kenny Pickett and Haynes King as they reacted to the starting assignment and detailed their preparation. Pickett spoke highly of the chemistry he has built with the second-team receiving core, singling out wide receivers who have been making big plays in practice and making the decision tough on the front office. Meanwhile, Haynes King shared his excitement for his first real NFL action, discussing how he approaches every rep with high intensity and confidence.In additional roster news, we review the recent unexpected retirement announcement from veteran quarterback Will Grier, which reshaped the dynamic of the QB room heading into camp, along with an update on wide receiver Xavier Legette ("XL"). Fans held their breath after Legette exited practice for an evaluation following a physical hit, but Coach Canales provided welcome news by confirming that Legette was cleared of a concussion and is expected to be fine moving forward.We wrap up the show analyzing what these roster decisions mean for the depth chart, player rotations, and overall team momentum as Carolina kicks off its four-game preseason schedule. Be sure to like, comment your thoughts on Pickett and King getting the spotlight, and subscribe for daily Panthers updates, film breakdowns, and postgame pressers all season long!

Bryce Young is entering Year 4 with his ceiling still officially "unknown" — and both Dave Canales and Brandt Tillis made that clear in back-to-back pressers at training camp. Canales broke down exactly why Bryce is playing faster this camp: eliminating reads before the snap, throwing with real anticipation, and building the kind of chemistry with Tommy Tremble that's produced explosive plays on vertical concepts multiple practices in a row. Then Tillis stepped up and doubled down — "he ascended last year, and there's still room for him to ascend" — while shutting down any real details on where extension talks stand, saying those conversations stay internal between the organization and Bryce's camp.That wasn't the only storyline from camp. Canales gave the clearest injury update yet, confirming Mitchell Evans, Tommy Tremble, Bobby Brown, and Robert Hunt are all back on the field, and laid out the plan for Thursday's preseason opener — no starters, including Monroe Freeling, with Kenny Pickett getting the start. Tillis also opened up about how analytics shape roster construction, why Carolina's roster skews so young, and where things stand with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson heading into contract-relevant seasons.Rounding it out, Princely Umanmielen delivered one of the most personal interviews of camp — crediting a renewed faith and full lifestyle overhaul for his growth, explaining why he's logged off social media until he makes a Pro Bowl, and sharing how he comforted Nic Scourton in the moment his teammate went down with a season-ending injury.We're covering every angle of Panthers training camp all summer — practice reports, injury tracking, roster battles, and the road to Thursday's opener. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss an update.

Full Hour 2 in The Sports Bar. Gene has your sports headlines in shot form & Buffalo Bills team reporter Matt Parrino from the Syracuse Post Standard & The Shout podcast joins the show to share his insights and knowledge of Bills camp so far at Fisher. Gene wraps it all up with last call.

Last minute topics in last call - Bills training camp so far, Was Tim Schneider one of the Cleveland Browns fans boo-ing Deshaun Watson? Tarik Skubal's Dodgers debut & what about Paul Skenes?

Tobin and Leroy talk about the start of training camp and the news that Kenny Pickett will start for the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame game. They debate the legacy of quarterback Carson Beck and his impact on Hurricanes fans following a deep postseason run. The conversation shifts to pop culture as Leroy falls for a viral fake tweet about Tom Holland, after earlier discussing House of the Dragon. 01:00 - Training Camp and Panthers Update 07:44 - Debating Carson Beck's Legacy 11:15 - Leroy Falls for Fake News

Full Show Broadcast. Happy Birthday to Buffalo Bills legendary coach Marv Levy-who turns 101 today. Gene breaks down some of the Bills training camp storylines... More James Cook receptions? It's also the MLB trade deadline today. What are the deals on Gene's mind? Timmy's baseball take & Nate Geary from WGR-550 on Bills camp.

Full Hour 1 in The Sports Bar. A very happy birthday to Buffalo Bills legendary coach Marv Levy who turns 101 today. Gene also dives into some of the training camp storylines. We have MLB news as today is the trade deadline. Gene fills you in with all of the details. Plus the NFL hall of fame game is this thursday.

Trivia Time, who will be the starting QBs this Thursday for the NFL HOF game?

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.

Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel are ready for the start of football, but is it still exciting for players on bad teams? The Browns trade Kenny Pickett while Dillon Gabriel seemed to outplay Shedeur Sanders. How long will Cleveland stick with Joe Flacco? With Terry McLaurin and Trey Hendrickson signing deals, Bobby doesn't trust trade demands much anymore because it seems like Micah Parsons will stay in Dallas. Bobby is choosing between TWO teams to root for this season, the and Broncos. While teams are making cuts and signing deals, Matt recalls his contract negotiation. BREAKING NEWS brings the engagement of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift....is the timing a bit suspicious? Fmr NFL running back Steven Jackson talks about his path to the NFL and the influences he had along the way. Steven talks about playing at Oregon State then becoming an all-time rusher with the Rams. What is his relationship now with the team? Steven weighs in on running backs like Saquon Barkley bringing the importance of the position back to the game. Steven remember the best moments of career then discusses his chances at the Hall of Fame. Bobby and Matt try to name the Top 10 All-Time NFL Running Backs. Plus, Matt will be in Michigan this weekend for College Football while Bobby is upset that his Fantasy Draft is scheduled for Saturday! Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, Judy Battista, and Mike Garafolo break down the Saints' announcement of Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback, and Brian Baldinger stops by to share what he saw from their QB room this preseason. The Insiders discuss other major moves from today including the trade that sent Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas and the Browns announcing Dillon Gabriel as the backup QB to Joe Flacco. Then, Judy speaks with Baldy, Steve Wyche, and Jeffri Chadiha about which teams still have moves left to make. Steve chats with Mike and Judy about Micah Parsons' absence from Cowboys practice, and the Insiders react to the biometrics coach who saved Josh Allen's career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.