The hosts dive into the surprising selection of Shadour Sanders by the Cleveland Browns, speculating on the implications for his career. They evaluate draft strategies, highlighting teams like the Bears and critiquing others, including the Chargers. Discussions cover the ethical dilemmas faced by teams when picking problematic players and the future of franchises based on their draft choices. Underrated talents like Cam Ward also get attention, alongside a critical look at the Bengals' picks and the controversial S2 testing method.
01:33:29
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The Cleveland Browns' selection of Shadeur Sanders at 144th overall signifies ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position after trading for Dylan Gabriel.
The Baltimore Ravens faced backlash over their controversial choice of Mike Green, raising questions about their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.
Atlanta Falcons fans express frustration over the team's failure to address pressing roster needs in the latest draft, questioning their strategy moving forward.
The Seattle Seahawks' draft choices, while ambitious, faced criticism for lacking cohesion, leaving concerns about their plans for sustained future success.
Deep dives
Shador Sanders' Draft Journey
Shador Sanders was selected as the 144th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns after much speculation regarding his draft placement. Many expected him to be a higher selection, with discussions suggesting he might go in the first or second rounds. Factors contributing to his slide included doubts from NFL teams regarding his readiness and performance during interviews, leading to a lower evaluation than anticipated. The extended wait for his name to be called became a significant storyline, showcasing the contrast between media expectations and NFL reality.
Cleveland Browns' Mixed Draft Strategy
The Cleveland Browns' draft strategy has drawn mixed reactions, particularly with their choice to select two quarterbacks in the same draft. By drafting both Shador Sanders and Dylan Gabriel, the Browns emphasized their uncertainty at the quarterback position, even after acquiring Gabriel earlier in the draft. This unique approach raised questions about their long-term strategy and whether it demonstrates a failure to adequately assess existing talent. Despite criticisms, they did add promising prospects like Travis Hunter, which could bolster their overall roster if developed successfully.
Baltimore Ravens' Controversial Picks
The Baltimore Ravens faced backlash for drafting Mike Green in the second round, despite his troubled past involving sexual assault allegations during high school and college. The team's decision to take a player with such a complicated background raised concerns about their commitment to their stated zero-tolerance policy on mistreatment of women. Ravens GM Eric DaCosta claimed thorough investigation before selecting Green, yet their reluctance to make him available to the media post-draft led to further scrutiny over their decision-making process. This contradiction ultimately undermined the credibility of their draft integrity.
Atlanta Falcons' Draft Confusion
The Atlanta Falcons have stirred frustrations among fans, failing to address their longstanding roster needs with their 2025 draft selections. Their choice to pass on potential impact players in favor of merely adding depth resulted in yet another draft criticized for inadequate resources allocation. Following this trend, fans are left questioning the franchise's direction after repeated underwhelming seasons. The decision to trade away future picks without solidifying their foundation may haunt the Falcons as they continue to miss the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks' Draft Potential
The Seattle Seahawks made waves with their draft picks, yet there are questions about the direction taken. While selecting upped their potential for success, some of their choices, such as early investment in offensive lineman Gray's able, did not resonate with all fans. Moreover, the Seahawks’ late-round selections struggled to make a significant impact, leading observers to question their overall effectiveness. A lack of cohesion in their approach casts doubt as to whether they are genuinely positioning themselves for future success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Missed Opportunities
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers disappointed fans with what many viewed as an underwhelming draft focused on depth rather than paradigm-changing picks. Their selection of Jabari Smalls and emphasis on smaller, less impactful names in the later rounds created an illusion of progress without actionable change. As the franchise continues to grapple with quarterback uncertainties and roster gaps, they need bold moves to reinvigorate hope among fans simllarily. The lack of standout prospects leaves many questioning the team's overall strategy heading into next season.
Cam Ward's Underrated Status
Despite being one of the most intriguing quarterbacks entering the draft, Cam Ward failed to garner the attention many felt he deserved. While recognized for his unique playmaking and athleticism, his name was often overshadowed by more prominent prospects. This perceived lack of focus from media and scouts may impact his development as he transitions to the NFL. Ward's journey is emblematic of how talent can occasionally be overlooked in favor of hyped narratives.
Sheil, Steven, and Diante get together after the third day of the NFL draft and they start their conversation by discussing the Browns taking Shedeur Sanders with the 144th pick and speculating on what this means for the mercurial college superstar and his new team going forward. They then survey the rest of the picks and talk about which individuals and organizations won big in this year’s draft, and which teams seemingly took a big step back heading into training camp.
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.
Hosts: Sheil Kapadia, Steven Ruiz, and Diante Lee Producer: Chris Sutton Social: Kiera Givens Production Supervision: Conor Nevins and Arjuna Ramgopal
