The MMQB NFL Podcast

Every draft season, humans who can block other humans are at a premium. But are there certain teams and certain quarterbacks who need great offensive linemen, while others simply need “good enough” up front? How do you separate the lineman from the QB and the system? And what might we learn from watching Austin Corbett in 2022? Conor and Gary get existential in the offensive line draft preview, but then they get down to business. A look at the top prospects in this draft class, and why the Jaguars might be better off going O-line with the first overall pick rather than selecting Aidan Hutchinson. Plus, identifying a couple of under-the-radar prospects who could be sitting on the board in Round 2, and yearning for (or, loathing the thought of) a Michael McDonald/311 collaboration. 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

Derek Carr signed a new contract that is in some ways big, in some ways not so much, in some ways team-friendly, and in some ways a really neat win for the quarterback. Conor and Gary discuss one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in the NFL. It starts with a discussion of the contract and what it means as far as how the Raiders view Carr, and how Carr is now set up in the event of a divorce. But it’s also a discussion of how Carr is viewed, in a larger sense, as a good but not quite superstar quarterback, why he’s different than a Kirk Cousins, and whether or not—with the upgrade in coaching and the arrival of Davante Adams—Carr has a chance to move into that elite level. Then, a look at the defensive line class in the upcoming NFL draft. Should the Jaguars go Aidan Hutchinson or offensive line with the top pick? Does Travon Walker belong in the No. 1 overall conversation? What’s going on with Kayvon Thibodeaux? And an anecdote about the positively delightful Mel Kiper Jr. 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

It’s a draft show, but before Conor and Gary get to the prospects themselves, a draft-adjacent discussion surrounding the very strange wide receiver market. It was setting up to be another down market for wideouts, even after the Christian Kirk deal happened. But then, Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill brought it not only big-money deals but were acquired for significant draft capital. Will that trend hold up going forward? Then, a discussion of the five first-round candidates in this class of wideouts, and Gary makes an outrageous Cooper Kupp comp for a Day 2 prospect. Among the running backs, the trio who could break into the first round, and the two “Conor-style” Day 2 backs who could thrive thanks to a trend coming in 2022. Plus, what teams looking for tight ends in this draft might find, and Conor and Gary mock their elders when it comes to QVC, but it turns out they are the ones who deserve to be mocked. 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

Due to an absurd second wave of free-agency news, NFL draft season was delayed. It officially starts… now. Conor and Gary dive into the biggest storylines of the draft. That starts with examining the claim that it’s not a particularly good draft, and what effects that could have on the teams (most of them) that wouldn’t mind getting the heck out of Round 1. As always, any first-round shuffling will be quarterback centric—a look at the five potential first-rounders among this class of passers. Speaking of quarterbacks, a discussion of this year's round of QB musical chairs, which seems to now be frozen in place. Is someone going to get Baker Mayfield (and how badly did the Browns screw this up)? Or Jimmy Garoppolo? And what to make of the presumed QB vacancies in Carolina and Seattle? Finally, an fittingly underwhelming discussion of the underwhelming new overtime rules. 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 Orr and special guest co-host John Gonzalez of the Sports Illustrated Weekly Podcast dig into the stunning retirement of Bruce Arians, what kind of legacy he leaves behind in the coaching world, and whether the timing was strange or suspicious. Conor also tries to navigate a long-winded Office analogy involving the show's famous "Pretzel Day" episode. article: Bruce Arians Left the NFL Coaching World Better Than He Found It  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re doing another Deshaun Watson episode because it’s an incredibly important story that goes beyond football. And, we’re doing it now because, on Friday, Watson was formally introduced as the Browns’ new quarterback, in a press conference that provided few direct answers. That made this show the perfect time to bring New York Times reporter, former MMQB podcaster and all-around wonderful person Jenny Vrentas back for a guest appearance, seeing as she has led the way on Watson reporting throughout the last year. First, a discussion of what was—and, in some cases, wasn’t—said in Friday’s press conference. And, in light of the fact that Watson repeatedly proclaimed that he had never disrespected a woman, a look back at the independently reported information in Jenny’s work over the past year, which suggests otherwise. Plus, what it means that Watson was not indicted by a second grand jury in Texas, and a larger discussion of cases of sexaul violence in the criminal justice system. 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

With Terron Armstead signed and Tyreek Hill acquired via trade, all eyes are on the Dolphins. That’s why Conor and Gary welcomed a very special guest to this show: NBA writer, podcaster, esteemed colleague, friend of the show, and expert in all things Miami: Rohan Nadkarni. The three-man booth discusses, among other things: Was the Hill trade worth it? Does it make sense considering the quarterback situation? Who should be the starting quarterback for the Dolphins anyway? And what do we make of Tyreek Hill’s history of off-the-field problems, especially just days after Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Cleveland sparked outrage? Then, what to make of the Chiefs after losing their most potent speed weapon? Does Patrick Mahomes have what he needs to win more Super Bowls? Plus, takes on Pringles and a mind-blowing amount of preparedness from the NBA person! 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 things off with a discussion of the Browns, from their stunning decision to pursue Deshaun Watson while the quarterback is under the cloud of 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, to their stunning decision to award him an unprecedented contract, to their off-putting decision to build the contract around a likely suspension. Then, the Davante Adams trade to the Raiders, what sense it could make for Vegas, and why it’s an even more significant setback for the Packers than you might realize. Plus, whether Allen Robinson to L.A. signals another evolution for Sean McVay’s Rams offense, Robert Woods’s fit in Tennessee, what’s next for the Bengals after adding La’el Collins, and what might be the weirdest halftime show in Super Bowl history. Again, the Deshaun Watson piece from May that will give you a much more complete understanding of what’s going on in Houston: https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/05/21/new-information-proper-context-for-deshaun-watson-sexual-misconduct-lawsuits-daily-cover 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

At the time of taping this episode, a Deshaun Watson decision was imminent. While it was unclear who Watson would pick, there was one interested team Conor and Gary knew was already out of the running: Cleveland.The Browns lowered themselves into the sewer that was the Watson sweepstakes surely knowing that, if they missed out, there was no way they could turn back to Baker Mayfield. Assuming they didn’t want to keep Mayfield anyway, was it a wise move now that they’ll have to turn to Plan B? And what’s next for Baker himself, coming off a rocky 2021 but with two years of solid play on his resumé?Then, a look into the signings that did happen this week, starting with the Chargers’ run of moves and the always baffling Trent Baalke’s rebuilding efforts in Jacksonville (like, what’s the plan for Christian Kirk?). The Bills press the right buttons, the Randy Gregory question in Denver, and the Jets and Ravens make the signings we love.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 planned on a good, ol' fashioned free agency preview show, but Tom Brady was having none of it. Sizing up the 2022 Bucs with Brady under center. But also a discussion of why Brady announced his retirement in the first place, the timing of his return announcement, and what the deal is if he really wasn’t interested in returning to Tampa for another season. Then, a breakdown of three trades that went down late last week: Carson Wentz to the Commanders, Khalil Mack to the Chargers and Amari Cooper to the Browns. And, finally, a trip through free agency, position-by-position. Why you’re in trouble if you still need a quarterback, why you’re in luck if you need a few defensive backs, and why everyone is looking for edge rushers. The Deshaun Watson piece from May that will give you a much more complete understanding of what’s going on in Houston: https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/05/21/new-information-proper-context-for-deshaun-watson-sexual-misconduct-lawsuits-daily-cover 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