Lions and Seahawks put on a show, our first 2025 NFL Draft check-in of the season, and more with Dane Brugler
Oct 1, 2024
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Dane Brugler, a renowned NFL Draft analyst, joins the discussion alongside emerging talents Travis Hunter and Malik Nabers. They dive into the thrilling Lions-Seahawks game and analyze standout performances from the Titans and Dolphins. Brugler highlights key prospects for the 2025 Draft, spotlighting Hunter and fellow rising star Ashton Jeanty. The trio explores rookie challenges, particularly focusing on quarterbacks and defensive standouts, while contemplating how injuries and player development shape team dynamics.
The podcast recaps thrilling NFL games, spotlighting the effective strategies of the Lions and the challenges faced by the Dolphins' offense.
Dane Brugler discusses the promising talents emerging in the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting Travis Hunter and a strong group of defensive players.
Analyzing rookie quarterbacks, the hosts emphasize the importance of long-term potential over immediate performance, considering team environments and protection.
Deep dives
Thursday Night Football Coverage
The upcoming Thursday Night Football features an NFC South clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons, exclusively on Prime Video. Coverage will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern with a pre-show, TNF Tonight, presented by Verizon. For those who are not Prime members, there is an option to sign up for a 30-day free trial to access the game. Specific details regarding restrictions and subscriptions are available through Amazon Prime.
Draft Insights with Dan Bruegler
In this episode, the discussion pivots to the 2025 NFL Draft with expert Dane Bruegler, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of this year's draft class. Bruegler emphasizes that while the quarterback landscape lacks a standout, there are notable talents like Travis Hunter and rising stars in other positions. The podcast further elaborates on which positions are expected to be weaker, particularly at linebacker and along the offensive line, while highlighting a promising group of running backs and tight ends. Enthusiasm for the defensive side, particularly regarding defensive players, is also noted as a key takeaway from the draft analysis.
Analysis of Recent NFL Games
The conversation includes a recap of recent NFL games, notably the performances of rookies and specific team dynamics. Bruegler and the host analyze the struggling offense of the Miami Dolphins, attributing issues to quarterback injuries and a flawed offensive design. The discussion highlights the contrast of teams like the Detroit Lions, who are performing effectively due to their strategic execution and balanced offense. The hosts examine how teams are utilizing their rosters, focusing on the evolution of rookie players and the pressures and expectations surrounding them in their inaugural seasons.
Performance of Young Quarterbacks
The podcast delves into the discussions about young quarterbacks, particularly focusing on the performances of players like Jaden Daniels and Caleb Williams. The consensus suggests that Daniels, playing exceptionally well, could be a critical factor for the Washington team, while Caleb Williams' rookie performance is exemplifying the typical ups and downs new quarterbacks face. The hosts reflect on how the environment of a team and the protection provided can significantly influence a quarterback's success or struggles. There's agreement that evaluations of these players should prioritize long-term potential over short-term performance stats.
Exploring the Rams' Defensive Line
An interesting examination of the Los Angeles Rams' defensive line comes to the forefront, particularly the performance of rookies Jared Verse and Brandon Fisk. The duo is making significant strides in contributing to the Rams' pass rush, demonstrating their potential early in their careers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of pressure from the defensive line in complementing the overall defensive strategy. As both players continue to develop, the Rams hope to solidify a foundation in their defensive unit that can disrupt opposing offenses effectively.
Looking Ahead at Team Performances
Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the impact of team strategies and rosters as the NFL season progresses. With regard to the Chicago Bears, they debate the implications of passing on top-tier quarterbacks, weighing the long-term benefits against the immediate results of roster decisions. As teams like Washington present strong performances, the conversation highlights the complexities of quarterback evaluations and decisions that GMs must navigate. Ultimately, the podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of player development and the critical role of coaching and system fit in achieving success.
Dane Brugler makes his triumphant return to The Athletic Football Show to start laying groundwork for the 2025 NFL Draft. He and Robert Mays take a big-picture look at the class, and dig deeper into prospects who have caught Dane's eye, including Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty. The guys start the show by recapping Seahawks-Lions and Titans-Dolphins, and wrap it up by discussing Malik Nabers, the rookies in the Rams' defensive front and the top-two quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rundown
Titans-Dolphins recap
Seahawks-Lions recap
Movers on Dane Brugler's 2025 NFL Draft big board
Upon Further Review: Jalen Milroe
Upon Further Review: Chargers defense and Chiefs offense check-ins
The Ball Knower: Malik Nabers is already a top-10 WR
The Ball Knower: Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are doing work
