The MMQB NFL Podcast

In a very special episode of The MMQB NFL Podcast, Conor and Gary welcome Jenny Vrentas back to the show to cover a number of topics, starting with the investigation into the Raiders by Jenny and the team at the New York Times. Why is that franchise seemingly run like a disorganized mom-and-pop store rather than a billion-dollar enterprise? Why has there been so much turnover among their front-office leadership? And what would you do if Jon Gruden burst into your office to tell you you're doing a great job via football metaphors? Then, a discussion of tanking in the NFL in light of Conor and Gary’s recent piece into the NFL’s investigation into the Browns and their—to put it kindly—unique approach to the 2016 and ’17 seasons. Plus, Jenny takes on the hit sensation, More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions… is she up to the task? (Of course she is.) Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Conor and Gary have had a couple of days to chew on the NFL schedule after the league’s overwrought, (seemingly) months-long trickle of a release. Here’s what they settled on: First, the curious case of the Cleveland Browns’ utter lack of primetime appearances. How Deshaun Watson (very likely) affected that beyond just a potential suspension, and who it helps and who it hurts in Cleveland. Then, a look at five teams who got—maybe, perhaps, just a little bit—hosed by the schedule-makers, whether it be impossible stretches of games, lengthy travel or, most importantly, a lack of rest. And how those tough schedules could ultimately affect a couple of teams looking at some difficult transitions. Plus, a discussion of what will surely be a frustrating foray into streaming TV for many fans as Amazon Prime takes over the Thursday Night Football package, and identifying our favorite games of the 2022 season. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Conor and Gary start off the show with a discussion of just what kind of broadcaster Tom Brady will be one day. (If he ever is a broadcaster, that is.) Then, Richard Johnson, resident college football and Jacksonville Jaguars expert, joins the show for a discussion on a number of topics. Why was the 2022 NFL draft not very good? Will the 2023 QB draft class be a little better or a lot better than this year's? What do we make of the Travon Walker pick, and can an NFL coaching staff really unlock something in him? How do we feel about Trevor Lawrence entering Year 2? What’s the deal with all that NIL stuff and could it affect the NFL draft? And much more. Plus, Richard is the first competitor for “More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions.” Is he up to the task? Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One thing to keep in mind as we move into the month of May: Just because the draft is over doesn’t mean we’re done with player movement in the NFL. So Conor and Gary took a trip through the best remaining free agents to see what kind of teams we could build. Welcome to the first annual (or, perhaps, last ever) Remaining Free Agents Draft. The exercise isn’t completely meaningless; there are plenty of useful players still out on the market, and they should start moving soon now that the compensatory pick formula is no longer a factor. We found ourselves a quarterback, a couple of usable offensive linemen, some potential game-wreckers up front, and some receivers who would make an offensive coordinator happy. Who would win this battle of the titans? Drink in each team, and then you decide. Plus, the horrible side effects of draft fever. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After a couple days to decompress and really let the 2022 NFL Draft sink in, Conor and Gary are ready to talk about draft grades. Specifically, Conor’s draft grades. A look back at the draft classes that earned the highest marks, the draft classes that earned the lowest marks, and why each team falls into its respective category. Then, a look at the continued limbo of Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo and the roles their current teams played in them landing here. Plus, Tyrann Mathieu joins the might-as-well-win-now Saints. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On Monday, the NFL said an investigation found "no evidence" to support the allegations of tanking made by former Browns head coach Hue Jackson. The team went 3-36-1 during Jackson's stint with the team and he believes the Browns front office should share some of that blame. Despite the league investigation clearing the Browns, that doesn't mean the team is innocent of the accusations made against the franchise. SI Staffers Conor Orr and Gary Gramling reviewed more than 1000 documents pertaining to the case. Unsurprisingly, they reached some very different conclusions than the NFL.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sure, it isn’t the greatest draft class, but a couple surprise trades made Thursday night much more interesting than Conor, Gary or anyone else could have expected. A month ago, the Eagles had three picks in the teens of an underwhelming draft, and now they have a top-five veteran receiver, a 340-pound game changer for the middle of their defensive line, and still have two first-round picks in next year’s draft. Is anyone GM'ining better than Howie Roseman right now? Plus, the Cardinals make us furrow our brows in confusion again, this time with the trade for Marquise Brown on the eve of his free agency. But, from the Ravens' standpoint, what does Lamar Jackson’s hurt feelings mean? Also, Thursday night’s receiver run, the Travon Walker pick at 1-1, the lone first-round QB, the Giants’ and Jets' good nights, the Texans do it right, and much more! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Really, it’s more like Pick 22 to 32, and then seven more picks ending at Pick 102, but you get it, right? The point is: Conor and Gary are running down the remaining 16 teams’ draft needs, including the seven teams who don’t have a pick in Thursday’s first round (as of now).That means lots of Packers talk—what are the chances they skip a Round 1 receiver again when they have *two* first-round picks? Also, how about the Chiefs and their back-to-back first-round picks? Will they rethink their secondary, will they find a replacement for Tyreek Hill, and will they have Guy Fieri on in the background while they make their picks?Plus, Conor is letting you decide how he’ll stay caffeinated and energized for our Round 1 recap show on Thursday night. Send your suggestions via podcast review!Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The NFL draft is upon is. It’s happening this week. And, therefore, Conor and Gary have no choice but to unveil this year’s edition of the people’s podcast: The Mock Draft Show Series. Part I will cover 16 teams and 21 picks, delving into draft needs for each team and weighing the pros and cons of some of the prospects who might fit. Do the Jaguars go offense or defense with the first pick? Will the Texans make a selection with their current coaching staff or their next coaching staff in mind? Ditto the Panthers—will they trust their current staff with a quarterback? Who is going to take these quarterbacks anyway? And how do the Giants and Jets approach things with their two top-10 picks apiece? Plus, a deep dive of questionable accuracy into Law & Order prosecutors, and what it will take for Conor to build a pool and fill it with vanilla pudding and maybe or maybe not eat that vanilla pudding. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the biggest stories of the 2022 offseason: The bizarre twists and turns of the wide receiver market. After seeing Christian Kirk (among others) get unexpectedly paid, and teams dole out draft capital and big-money contracts for Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, it’s time for the star wideouts of the 2019 draft to get theirs. That starts with Deebo Samuel, who made a shocking trade demand for reasons that remain a mystery. The questions: Will other, inferior coaching staffs be able to maximize his unique talents in the same way that the 49ers did? And will potential suitors worry about the wear and tear for a receiver who takes punishment similar to a lot of running backs? Plus, a discussion of fellow ’19 Day 2 picks A.J. Brown, Terry McLaurin and DK Metcalf. Then, a look at the back seven defenders of the NFL draft. And the story of Conor Orr: Ice Enthusiast. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy