transcript

Speaker 1:
[00:00] Thrivent believes that money is more than numbers. It's a way to care for the people, causes, and community you love. That's why Thrivent brings together a unique combination of financial services and generosity programs, offering advice, investments, and insurance to help you plan your finances while creating opportunities to give back along the way. Through generosity programs that offer resources to fund service projects or direct charitable funds, Thrivent makes it easier to turn your values into action and support what matters most to you. With more than 120 years of experience, and as a Fortune 500 company, Thrivent continues to serve individuals, families, and communities across the country. To learn more, visit thrivent.com. Thrivent, where money means more.

Speaker 2:
[00:45] Good morning. It's time to get up with a wild round in day one of the NFL Draft. Did Love go too soon? How about Ty Simpson? We've got all the angles covered. Plus, who had the better draft night? Jerry Jones or John Harbaugh? And in Philly, are we seeing the end of AJ. Brown? We've got the answers. The Knicks, oh no, they implode in Atlanta. What went wrong? And talking about wrong, wait until you see what the Timberwolves did to Jokic and the Nuggets. And with that, Thank God, it's Friday. Greeny continues in Pittsburgh for the Draft. Kevin Negani here with you, our crew in New York, feeling very good with the Jets and what they did. Busy show today following a wild first round of the Draft. We got Dan Graziano, Jordan Rogers, Alan Hahn bumming right now. Monica will be joining us from Atlanta. Dan O and Dominique live from Pittsburgh where we begin the morning. After months of debate, the 2016 NFL Draft started last night with the first round. No surprise, Fernando Mendoza taking first overall by the Raiders. After that, we saw a running back. Jeremiah Love taking third overall. We saw the Chiefs trade up to number six to get the first cornerback and Ohio State produced four of the first 11 picks, just the third school in draft history to do so. Let's hand out some winners and losers looking back on the night. Nick, who was your biggest winner?

Speaker 3:
[02:11] Yeah, I think it's John Harbaugh and the Giants. They were able to get Arvel Reese, who I think they were shocked was still there at that spot. He's projected to be quite possibly the best and most impactful defensive player in this draft with comps to Micah Parsons and then Maui Noah to support that offensive line and help protect that quarterback and initiate the running attack with what some people think is the best offensive lineman in the draft. I think they nailed it.

Speaker 2:
[02:36] All right, Jordan, your biggest loser last night.

Speaker 4:
[02:39] Yeah, it was the Cardinals, right? We talked a lot about that third overall pick, the value of taking a running back in that spot when you don't have the offensive line shirred up, you don't have your quarterback of the future. Doesn't mean he's not extremely talented and one of the best football players in the draft, but man, if they would have got Ty Simpson late or figured out a way to get the quarterback situation addressed in the first round as well, would have been a home run. Instead, it's like, okay, now what? That you have a running back that's one of your highest paid players.

Speaker 2:
[03:06] Dan O, who is your biggest winner aside from yourself?

Speaker 5:
[03:10] Yeah, thank you for saying that. Ty Simpson. Ty Simpson, one year started at Alabama and he goes to an organization in the Los Angeles Rams that is as well run top to bottom as anybody in the NFL. They are going to draft well consistently. They've got a head coach in Sean McVay that is an unbelievable leader and X's and O's guys. He's going to a place that expects to when a Super Bowl gets to learn behind and sit behind a future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford, the ideal landing spot for any young quarterback, certainly a player like Ty Simpson.

Speaker 2:
[03:43] All right. Speaking of Simpson and you mentioned Sean McVay, he spoke about the opportunity to eventually succeed Matthew Stafford after the pick was made. A lot of people interpreted a certain way. Just just listen to what he said.

Speaker 6:
[03:56] Super pumped to, you know, just be a part of a room with him and to learn from him. You know, he's one of the greatest of all time, quarterback wise. And, you know, we watch his film all the time when I was at Bama. All the stuff they did, the stuff the Rams did and Coach McVay. So the fact that I get to be in a room and soak up all that knowledge is something that, you know, I couldn't ask for a better situation.

Speaker 7:
[04:19] Let's make one thing clear. This is Matthew's team. And you get a chance to be able to address, you know, the backup quarterback. You know, we've got Stetson. We've talked about the importance of Jimmy. We're excited to be able to work with him. And I think he's really fortunate to be able to learn from the reigning MVP, you know, a first ballot Hall of Famer and a guy that shows what it looks like every single day.

Speaker 2:
[04:41] OK, Tone. Sometimes people interpret things with tone. We'll get to that in a moment. But let's all sit back and let's give Dan Orlovsky. Notice he's wearing a tie today. Let's give your victory lap right here. You said top 20. You've been on this Ty Simpson train. Well done by you. How do you feel?

Speaker 5:
[05:01] Yeah. Yeah. No. Listen, throughout the process, you trust your eyes. I've always said that. Trust my eyes. Trust my eyes. I've been wrong before. I was right on this one. And they weren't the only team, I will tell you that. They weren't the only team that was going to go to get them. So I think this is a smart organizational decision by the Rams. This is the way that high-end organizations operate. You get the quarterback when you don't need it. Okay, so now he has the opportunity. He doesn't have to play. He's going to sit and learn. He can sit for at least one year, if not two, depending on how long Matthew plays. He gets to go to an organization that is as rock steady as anybody. And if we think about the Sean McVay offense, it's about being under center, it's about using shifts and motions, and it's about being in the play action game. It's everything he did at Alabama this past year. I think he's going to be a very good player for 10 plus years under Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams. And they've got a very bright future, both as an organization and as a player.

Speaker 2:
[06:06] If there's a Ty Simpson club, Dan is the president. You came in as the vice president yesterday. Both you guys on this island with Ty Simpson said he's a first round pick because he processes. Do you want to weigh in on how this played out for the Rams, especially at pick 13?

Speaker 4:
[06:21] No doubt. Yeah, I said back in December that his tape was better than Mendoza. So it's always been there. But what I love is the reason why and why it's a perfect fit for Ty Simpson, but also the Rams. What do we hear less need? One of the first things he said about Ty Simpson processing, I said yesterday, I think is the best processor, best quarterback between the ears in the entire draft. First thing less need said. Then what did McVeigh said? He reads with his feet. And the system was an easy evaluation because he runs almost exactly what we run. So the fit is absolutely perfect. And then we just talked about, or Dan just alluded to, there is a high hit rate on taking a first round quarterback with first round traits, which he does, and first round tape, and letting him sit for at least a year. Rodgers did it after Favre. Mahomes did it with Smith. Love did it after Rodgers. Those are all guys taking in the first round that for at least a year learned from greats and ended up being as good, maybe eventually better.

Speaker 2:
[07:15] Okay, and I do want to establish one thing because we heard from Sean McVay, and most of the morning was, did you hear him? He doesn't seem happy. Oh my goodness. The interpretation here, what was your thoughts on what we heard from McVay on the pick?

Speaker 8:
[07:28] You know, it sort of reflected the workman-like nature of the pick. This is not an exciting pick for fans of the 2026 Rams, because you're thinking, we had the best team last year, we got ripped off, a two-point conversion went the wrong way, otherwise we're the one seed, maybe Super Bowl champs. So let's get that one piece that puts us over the top. Well, so they didn't. And I think, you know, this was a, I think it was a, you or Dan that said, smart, organizational pick by the Rams. Dan said that. That's exactly what it was. But that's not super exciting on the first night of the draft, when everyone's looking for you to sort of, you know, make the difference making, making pick. And especially at 13, have an instant impact. I think it speaks to the nature of this particular draft, that by 13, the Rams didn't have a guy that they thought, oh, he could put us, he could put us over the top. This will be a major impact guy for us year one. I don't think there were a ton of those guys in this draft. So they make the pick of a team that didn't have many immediate needs and, and, and might need a quarterback a year from now more than they need anything else right now.

Speaker 2:
[08:32] Dan, I'll jump in right now real quick.

Speaker 5:
[08:35] I want to, Dom, you go, Dom, go, I'll follow Dom.

Speaker 4:
[08:38] I do want to ask Dom this.

Speaker 3:
[08:39] We have to put in that, that it's a, it's a risky bet. I think we have to acknowledge that. We're all talking about how smart it is. And I do think it's smart. However, you have to understand that they are making a calculation that no matter whether you think someone is super impactful in the draft right now, there is somebody in the draft at 13 that would have helped them on the field next season. If Ty Simpson is on the field next season, they're not winning a Super Bowl. So, they've made this calculation that they're trying to extend their window for 10 to 15 more years if they got this decision right. But they did definitely reduce their chances a little bit in the coming season because there's somebody, be it a receiver, an offensive lineman, another secondary member, there's somebody out there that they could have gotten at 13 that would have helped them more immediately than Ty Simpson.

Speaker 5:
[09:24] Yeah, this is what I would say to that. One, this was the Falcons pick, not the Rams pick. So this was, in essence, a luxury pick. And this is what you do with a quote-unquote luxury. It is, Dom. Okay, so Love was taken when it wasn't necessarily a need. Patrick was taken when it wasn't necessarily a need. Lamar was taken when it wasn't necessarily a need. Josh Allen was taken maybe when it wasn't a need. I know they had, I believe, Tyrod Taylor. So maybe a little bit of a greater need. But the Ravens had Flacco had won a Super Bowl in the past couple years. So this is how smart organizations, when you have really good quarterbacks, a little bit on the back end operate. Let's see what they do moving forward though. Because as much as I am a fan of this pick, I am of the belief that now it's time to be aggressive if you're the Rams. Now it's time to say, Philadelphia, where are you with AJ. Brown and New England Patriots? Hey, Dallas Cowboys, where are you with George Pickens? Now it's time if I'm the Rams to take something pick wise in the future, and you go to Matthew Stafford and say, hey, we are going to go get you another weapon. We are going to go get you a difference maker. We're going to take something of the future, since we chose for the future, and bring it to the present right now.

Speaker 8:
[10:38] To the point on wide receivers, though, the Rams have a type, right? Like there's a certain kind of wide receiver the Rams look for. You've got to be a monster as a blocker, right? Like great with the ball in your hands after the catch. I'm not going to be surprised if the Rams draft a receiver tonight and the reaction is, oh, that's a perfect fit for what they want to do. They found Cooper Cup in the third round. They found Huka Nakua in the fifth round.

Speaker 2:
[11:02] And it's a deep day too.

Speaker 8:
[11:03] I think they have a lot of faith in their ability to address that position outside of round one.

Speaker 2:
[11:07] Neek, jump in now.

Speaker 3:
[11:10] So it's not the Falcons pick. When it becomes the Rams pick, it becomes their pick. When ESPN pays me, it's my money. I'm keeping it. It's no longer the Falcons. It no longer belongs to ESPN. That's one. Two, there's no such thing as a luxury pick in NFL. You are competing every day. I agree with you guys. I like the decision. I like the move. I'm just saying, let's not pretend like there was not some sort of trade-off made here. We have to understand that the reason why it's a good decision is the gutsy decision. All those people that you name, all those teams you name that nailed it with drafting a quarterback early, all of them with the exception of the Ravens because they got Lamar at 32, all of them were kind of criticized for it. Like the Josh Allen pick was criticized. The Mahomes pick was a shock. The Aaron Rodgers pick was criticized, or excuse me, the Jordan Love pick was criticized. I'm saying that let's not all just sit up here, though we all agree that it's a good, smart, long-term, smart organization decision, let's not pretend that there wasn't a trade-off made. At this time next year or at the Super Bowl time next year or playoff time next year, they got some injuries. They're weak in the secondary again. They have a weakness somewhere. We're all going to look up and be like, hey, that pick sure would have been nice.

Speaker 2:
[12:15] But I want to explain one other thing, some complete context for the audience. You can use that 13th pick because it's the Falcons pick in this mindset because their original pick, the 29th pick, was to get Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs, and that was to fill an immediate hole immediately for a secondary.

Speaker 4:
[12:32] If they would have entered last night without a pick because they used that first round pick for Trent McDuffie and they checked that biggest box in a win now mode, you'd be like, that's fine. They did what they needed to do with that first round pick. I agree with both Nick and Dan. It's the truth that somewhere in between, it's not a luxury and it's not just house money, but they made a pick for the future. I agree with you and Dan. This is a deep second day receiver class. They will make a move to put a weapon around Matt Stapp.

Speaker 8:
[13:00] I also don't think it's crazy to think he could help them this year. Like their quarterback is 37, went into last year with a bad back. If he's ready to play, it's conceivable he starts a game or two for you this year that you need to win. Backup quarterback is not the number 53 most important spot on the roster. They got somebody who actually could be useful.

Speaker 2:
[13:19] Dan Oak, jump in.

Speaker 5:
[13:22] They're going to be picking somewhere between 28 and 32 next year. Guess what? As long as Sean McVay is their coach, they're going to be picking somewhere between the middle of the 20s and 32. They're not going to have many opportunities in the future to get a starting quarterback caliber player. That's why this is the right decision in the moment. Let's see tonight if they go get a difference maker at wide receiver. If they do, everyone's going to go, my goodness, the Rams, you've operated this thing flawlessly.

Speaker 2:
[13:53] By the way, some context too. The Rams are the first team to have a quarterback win the MVP, then draft the quarterback in the first round in the following year in the NFL draft. The first team to do it since the Bart Starr era of the Packers back in 1967. So, we often do not see something like this, where you have the reigning MVP and then you draft at that position in the first round, the following draft. So, we'll follow that, of course. All right, the Rams aren't the only big story line. There are a handful of teams waking up this morning with a big smile. That is Jerry Jones and the Cowboys in their first round decisions. Was it a hit? Is it another move already brewing in Dallas? Plus, the Giants' message for Jackson Dard in the draft. Are the Giants ready to compete for the NFC East right now? That and so much more when Get Up rolls on after this. We have a lot of Jets gear in the studio right now.

Speaker 9:
[14:50] For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal. They include a lot more people than ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts. At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with a bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to make it mean so much more. Thrivent, where money means more. Connect with us at thrivent.com.

Speaker 10:
[15:20] Harry Douglas here to tell you about Confetti Craze 5-Hour Energy. It tastes just like the best birthday cake ever. Vanilla, buttery, frosting vibes. It's basically a party in a bottle. Confetti Craze makes it easy to turn any day into a party with this delicious birthday cake flavor and big birthday energy. And here's the best part, all cake, no sugar. I bring these tiny bottles everywhere to cake-ify my day with tasty caffeine boosts. The funfetti flavor is back on 5hourenergy.com or on Amazon. Crack open a Confetti Craze 5-Hour Energy shot today.

Speaker 11:
[15:50] Quick time out, some breakfast intel you want to know about. Kodiak Frozen Power Waffles and Flapjacks are built for busy mornings. Heat it, eat it, and you're out the door. No long prep, no complicated game plan. They're packed with 12 to 14 grams of protein per serving, a good source of fiber, and crafted with 100% whole grains, not refined white flour. So you're getting something that actually fuels you, and there's depth on the roster. Buttermilk and vanilla, blueberry, chocolate chip, even gluten-free options. Breakfast that delivers. Snack that delivers. Find Kodiak frozen waffles and flapjacks in the frozen aisle at your local grocery store. They're the ones with the bear on the box.

Speaker 2:
[16:35] Get Up is brought to you by Nikki Glaser's newest stand-up special, Good Girl, now streaming on Hulu. Kevin Agani, back with you, one of the big stories of the night, the Giants, the only team with two top ten picks, and they selected linebacker Arvel Reese, fifth out of Ohio State. He was third on Mel Kuyper's big board. Tenth overall, they take an offensive tackle. The big man, Francis Maui-Noah, out of Miami, ninth on Mel's big board. How fired up was Maui-Noah to be a giant? Here he was last night with Laura Rutledge, right after meeting with the commissioner.

Speaker 12:
[17:13] I'll die about this s**t, man.

Speaker 13:
[17:15] Man, I'm ready to die for you, man.

Speaker 14:
[17:17] I know a lot of things has happened, bro, but I'm ready to die for you, bro.

Speaker 2:
[17:25] If you're Jackson Darrow, you are feeling so good right now.

Speaker 8:
[17:29] Hopefully, somebody says that.

Speaker 2:
[17:31] What are your takeaways from the Giants at five and 10?

Speaker 8:
[17:33] Arville Reese fell into their laps and good for them for realizing it, right? They did not expect him to be there. They got maybe one of the best, if not one of the two best players in the draft. And then at 10, I thought they were going to take Caleb Downs and really just kind of lock in the defense. I thought that would have been a home run draft. I understand why they took the tackle, although I think he'll play guard for them. They're trying to make sure and support Jackson Dart, their second year quarterback, as much as possible. Now, we know it comes with a little bit of a concern regarding his back, but obviously they've, you know, run through all the tests and they're confident in it. So it's hard to find too much fault with it. Three years ago, they had two top 10 picks and they took an offensive lineman and an edge rusher. So doing it again three years later, hopefully they get better results. But those are two of the top guys in the draft and they should be thrilled.

Speaker 2:
[18:20] And what's different this year, it's John Harbaugh's first draft. How would you look at day one for him?

Speaker 4:
[18:25] Yeah, I think I had an initial reaction of, man, I thought that was going to be Caleb Downs at 10. Like that's the next Kyle Hamilton. That would have been a perfect fit. But, man, you're going to add Maui Noah to the creatine bros of Jackson Dart and Cam Scadaboo. Like, come on now, mentality wise, intensity, physicality. Like, that's what you need. You got to now a core group of young guys that have the same identity and mentality. He wants to maul people in the run game. He will. I agree with you. There's injury concerns, but he's 20 years old. Yeah. Played 42 games at right tackle. Like he is going to be a great guy that can impact the run game, which is going to be their bread and butter as neighbors comes along as he returns from the injury.

Speaker 2:
[19:00] It's early in the morning, but everywhere you go in New York City, people are feeling really good about the Jets and the Giants. We'll get to the Jets in a moment. Dan O, are the Giants now, they built to compete in the NFC East right now after what you've seen?

Speaker 5:
[19:14] Not without a receiver. They better go get a receiver early tonight. That was a pick that for me, I was sitting there and I was with Dom when Arvel Reese at five was getting selected. I was like, give me Jordan Tyson, give me Jordan Tyson. I understand Arvel Reese, super talented, but it feels like the Giants have taken an edge rusher for the last decade in the first round. It's just a very good defensive line or very talented defensive line or front seven. Reese will play on the ball, off the ball, but you better go get a receiver because neighbors coming off of the ACL, when is he going to be not only ready, when is he going to be ready to be Malik neighbors? While I can appreciate the discipline of the draft, you better go get a dynamic receiver early tonight if you're the giant somehow.

Speaker 3:
[19:58] Yeah. I was watching the early portion of the draft with Dan and I'll be, I want to let you guys in on a secret. Everybody needs to draft a receiver at every pick. Every pick that came up, Dan was like, Jordan Tyson, Jordan Tyson, everyone, oh yeah. That's a quarterback. Every single time someone came up, he wanted to get a receiver. I like the fact that they're going to protect that quarterback. I think getting better at the position that you're good at on the defensive side, fighting another edge, I don't find that to be a problem. I think oftentimes the best defenses are really dominant up front. They're really good at something that forces the offense to adjust. If they have all these great pass rushers and edge players, they'll find a spot for them. And we all know Arvel Reese, he started off or he's in college, he played off ball linebacker. So they may even consider doing some of that for him. If a player that good falls to you, I'm sure they were surprised. They were so lucky. You got to draft him.

Speaker 2:
[20:48] I found it interesting, too. A lot of people had Arvel Reese going to the Jets. Instead, he's going to stay in New York, play on the same field. Let's talk about the Jets, because they had two picks coming in. They finished with three of them. They get the edge rusher, David Bailey, number two out of Texas Tech, the best tight end on the board in Kenyon Siddique. And then they traded back to getting Omar Cooper Jr., one of the big stars on that national champion Indiana team.

Speaker 13:
[21:13] All right.

Speaker 2:
[21:14] Jets fans usually have three to seven days a year where they're really happy. And I feel really bad that I'm doing this show and Greeny's not here. Like, like on a day like this, this is like Christmas for Greeny specifically.

Speaker 13:
[21:27] All right.

Speaker 2:
[21:28] What are your takeaways here on what the Jets did? Because I was a big fan. Shout out to Brandon.

Speaker 4:
[21:32] They absolutely nailed it. I love, we had a lot of discussion yesterday about that number two overall. And why they would either take Bailey or why they would take Arville Reese. I'm glad they went with the need for immediate production over talent and projection with David Bailey. He's going to make a day one impact where they need it. Zero interceptions last year. They need somebody that can affect the quarterback. He can do that. And then you go and get maybe the most talented player as far as a mismatch where you can use him as a chess piece in tight end Kenyon Siddique. And then I love jumping back in the first round to get another wide receiver. Think of the skill position that the Jets are now going to present with Garrett Wilson. Those two names up there, Brice Hall. I mean, they have so much young talent around Geno Smith. Now, maybe they address a quarterback day too would be my next little thing. But I love what they did night one.

Speaker 8:
[22:18] Signing Geno Smith means they don't have to draft a quarterback this year. They have three first round takes next year. And the offensive line is in good shape because of how well they've drafted in the first round at that position. So yeah, I think it's an exciting day if you're a Jets fan. I also think like to the extent like Siddique upside is tremendous, right? Maybe a little bit of risk if it doesn't hit. But when you have as many picks as they have, you can take a swing or two. And I think, you know, you're rock solid with Bailia too. I think you rock solid. You know what you got with Cooper later in the round. So I thought everything was great.

Speaker 4:
[22:50] Two tight ends. He doesn't have to be the blocker every time it's in my guy as he develops.

Speaker 2:
[22:54] And in a draft like this, you take the best available specifically at 16. Dan, jump in.

Speaker 5:
[23:00] The Jets overnight became an interesting and exciting destination for their first round quarterback next year. This is a place that has a good solid offensive line now. It's a good solid front five. And we know they have Garrett Wilson, who's a star wide receiver. I remain adamant about that. Once he gets a good quarterback, everyone's going to go, wow, this dude's one of the best receivers in football. Mason Taylor, Sadiq. Taylor Sadiq is going to be Zach Ertz in this offense. Omar Cooper Jr. is going to be Jarvis Landry in this offense. Whoever their pick's going to be next year, Arch Manning, CJ. Carr, one of those young quarterbacks that's going to come out, this now looks like an interesting and exciting place for that player.

Speaker 3:
[23:45] Yeah, and I wouldn't skip all the way to next year and add in quarterback just yet. Like I know Gino had a rough season last year, but he's a talented quarterback. I'd go look at that Colts film and try to copy exactly what they did with Warren and Taylor. They have a good back, a talented young tight end, and an excellent receiver. I'd love to see them make a run this year, and hopefully they could get an interception, one or two turnovers, please. One or two?

Speaker 5:
[24:09] They need a defensive back, not to run 5-3, Dom.

Speaker 2:
[24:13] Just get on the board. By the way, all you want is hope. And right now, this is Christmas morning for many Jets fans. They've got some hope. Also, another team that's feeling really good, the Cowboys. Did they do enough, though, last night to shift the balance of power in the NFC East? And is another move already brewing in Big D? Answers ahead. Plus, check everything else coming your way in a very busy Friday morning. We're coming right back with much more Get Up. We're talking about the Knicks and oh no, what is going on?

Speaker 13:
[24:48] As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner and protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER. Click grainger.com or just stop by.

Speaker 12:
[25:18] Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start? Thumbtack knows homes, so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint finish and satin? Or what that clunking sound from your dryer is? With Thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro. You just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the Thumbtack app. Download today.

Speaker 15:
[25:44] I like things MyWay, My Coffee, My Schedule, and My Treatment. So I talk to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo Pre-Filled Syringe, which contains F-Gartiga Maldalfa and Hyaluronidase QVFC. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space, on my time. It's My Treatment, My Way. Visit vivgardmyway.com. That's V-Y-V-G-A-R-T, myway.com. And talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo. Brought to you by Argenics.

Speaker 2:
[26:16] Back here on Get Up, you know, New York fans happy about their football teams last night. As for their basketball team, not so much. Knicks on the road to face the Hawks in game three. Remember what happened? That guy stole game two at the garden. Halfway through, Dyson Daniels missing. The put back jam. A Kong Wu is right there. They're up by 14, Alan Hon.

Speaker 16:
[26:37] Their athleticism was off the charts. Their energy is well early in this game, off the charts. And this guy, CJ. McCollum, a renaissance.

Speaker 2:
[26:44] Not afraid to take that step back three. They're up by 17. Jalen Brunson to Miles McBride. The triple here. Uh-oh, here comes the come back. They're within four. Four minutes to go. Five point game. Carl Anthony Towns driving. And then Jalen Johnson, access denied. And Inobe has it. Steps back. Corner three. Shot clock expires. Yes. Knicks within two. 147 to go. And Inobe to McBride. McBride. Got it. We're tied at 105. 68 seconds left. And it's Jalen Brunson. Oh, the finish right here. You hear the whistle and one. Knicks up by three after the free throw and feeling good.

Speaker 16:
[27:25] Are they going to steal one on the road?

Speaker 2:
[27:27] Here comes Johnson. Blocked by Towns. He gets it back. Hawks down one now. Same score. And here comes Brunson trying to create separation. Tough shot here, Alan.

Speaker 16:
[27:39] This is after the shot clock. Late in the shot clock, he's got nothing else. His footwork's not working. That's excellent defense from the Hawks. And that's an air ball from the captain.

Speaker 2:
[27:47] Okay, one point game now. Hawks are down. McCollum driving. You know he wants to match up. I mean, are you kidding me?

Speaker 16:
[27:55] What a great play out of the timeout. This is an out of a timeout. An outstanding play gets to his right hand. Knicks got to play better defense than that.

Speaker 2:
[28:02] Ice in his veins and then 10 seconds left. This is what you want. He got your guy with the ball. Down one.

Speaker 16:
[28:07] Look at the defense.

Speaker 2:
[28:08] They don't get a shot.

Speaker 16:
[28:09] No. Look at the defense. They converged. Everybody in the gym knew who was taking this shot, right? So everybody went to Brunson and they took away all options.

Speaker 2:
[28:17] Suddenly, the conversation is no longer the Hawks stunning the Knicks and stealing one. Now they're in control of the series. Two games, the one with game four back at home. Let's bring in Monica McNutt as well. Monica, what was your biggest takeaway from this Knicks loss?

Speaker 17:
[28:37] Good morning, Nogandhi and Han. I thought that the Knicks have struggled to create quality shots. Outside of Deuce McBride and OG. Ananobe, who shot some gutsy threes. Overall, as a team, they have not shot the three ball, and therefore, they've not been able to create space in terms of dribble penetration and to allow sprays. It seems like it's a lot of Isoball because, Han, I heard you mention this, the athleticism and the energy. The Hawks have been content to guard one-on-one, and it has posed some problems in the last two games.

Speaker 16:
[29:05] I'll tell you what, I have been saying this on this show as the playoffs began. There is a Dragon Slayer at the bottom of the East Bracket. The Hawks might be the Dragon Slayer. They are looking at this series now as they stole a game two, and then they avoided a collapse in game three, but they've got control of this series, and Quinn Snyder and CJ. McCollum are dominating this series, because Snyder has been outstanding with his play calling, and McCollum has made all the big shots. This is the vet on a team that doesn't have a ton of playoff experience, and he has certainly led the way. But for the Knicks, execution a major problem. Mike Brown is trying to find combinations that'll work. As I said before, everybody knew who was taking this shot. Jalen Brunson, clutch player of the year last year, and the Hawks went around him, converged with tons of length. He had nowhere to go. He threw the ball away, and the Knicks lose this game. And this is now a dangerous place where the Knicks are, a team that thought they could go on a run. Because when you think about a 1-1 playoff series, there has been 274 1-1 series. The winner of game three has won the past 202 times. That's 74% to you and me.

Speaker 2:
[30:14] With all that information, I've got to ask you guys this. Monica, are the Knicks in danger of losing this series?

Speaker 17:
[30:22] Well, I think you look at the numbers, yeah, but you can counter the game three stat with the game one stat. They did win game one. Here's the thing, Negandi. They have to go back to New York with this thing tied up. I don't think that that is something that they are not well aware of. I agree. Snyder has been great on the calls, and what you thought was going to be a difference maker in terms of this team, having the veteran core experience deep into the playoffs compared to the Hawks. Basically, they've been out matured, if you will, by CJ McCullum by himself in the last two games.

Speaker 16:
[30:49] Out matured, that's a strong word. Now, look, you have a Knicks team that has been here before. This team, as I also said this before on the show, it's only in the Knicks playoffs when it's excruciating. And that's literally what's going on right now. But they are a team that fights, they are a team that comes back all the time. They are hard to kill.

Speaker 2:
[31:05] All right, you talk about a series that's excruciating. Well, it's enjoyable if you're not a Nuggets fan or a Timberwolves fan, because you get to enjoy the entire process. Ant-Man and Company, series title one, hosting the Nuggets.

Speaker 16:
[31:18] This series.

Speaker 2:
[31:19] And then the triple right here. I've said it all week long. It's the spiciest first round matchup. Minnesota up by 19 later in the second year. The lead's at 20. Jaden McDaniels, the block on Christian Brown. Play continues McDaniels. By the way, he talked a lot of talk and he backed it up here in game three.

Speaker 16:
[31:38] They don't like each other, but it almost feels like Minnesota doesn't like Denver more. And Denver's like, why are you so mad? It's the first round. But there's a lot of hate between these two teams.

Speaker 2:
[31:48] All right, the lead's at 21 here. And Rudy Gobert, again, this is another storyline against Nicola Jokic. Look at the block on the three-time MVP.

Speaker 16:
[31:59] This is a great matchup. It's a story we'll talk about in a minute, but he has been a difference maker. Gobert one-on-one with the MVP. Okay.

Speaker 2:
[32:06] Later in the fourth, the emotional top of that building hopped off after that. McDaniels in the lane. Oh, the poster slam right there.

Speaker 16:
[32:16] He told you, bad defenders.

Speaker 2:
[32:18] Look at the reaction from D-Way to Candace Parker. Double digits from McDaniels. Minnesota goes on to win 113 to 96. Your biggest takeaway from what Minnesota did and how they did it.

Speaker 16:
[32:30] Well, I'm telling you, this is about defense. This is literally what McDaniels was talking about, but it's also about the matchup. A three-time MVP, a four-time defensive player of the year. How are you stopping Jokic? Because he's the centerpiece of everything that they do in Denver. He's one-on-one with him in this series, and he has been dominating him the last two games. The numbers tell you he's got Jokic shooting 38 percent from the field. Look at the three-point shooting as well. He is literally the stifle tower, stifling Jokic.

Speaker 2:
[33:02] If you pull up the box score and you look 27-50, that doesn't tell the story. That doesn't tell the story of what Jokic has been.

Speaker 16:
[33:08] He had three assists.

Speaker 2:
[33:09] He's frustrated on the floor. When you look at this, Monica, and the rest of the series, are the Timberwolves in the driver's seat right now?

Speaker 17:
[33:17] It feels that way, Negandi. And I keep thinking back to like origin story, right? Like Tim Connolly literally built the team to beat the Nuggets and it is coming to fruition again, right? And we're still in the era of the league where defense, I think, deserves so much credit. And the Wolves over the Nuggets, especially without Aaron Gordon, are poised to defend.

Speaker 16:
[33:36] Tim Connolly, former Nuggets general manager, by the way.

Speaker 2:
[33:38] He understands the roster buildup in some of these guys, especially the foundational pieces. And right now, the Timberwolves backing up all that talk. Alan, Monica, thank you so much. Let's go back to the NFL. Let's go to the Cowboys. Speaking of the team that likes the talk, they showed that the D in Big D will hopefully now stand for defense. Dallas drafting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the number 11 pick as they moved up a spot. And UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick after allowing a franchise record 511 points last season. Back with our crew here. Dano, did the Cowboys, did they win the first round of the draft last night, holding those picks, also improving and collecting more with a couple fourth rounders?

Speaker 5:
[34:23] Yeah, they had a great first round. I think the NFC East in general had a great first round, candidly. I think when you look at Caleb Downs and you listen to really smart football people talk about Caleb Downs, they will rave about his versatility, his football ability, his intelligence. And this was a defense last year in Dallas. Their safeties were absolutely eight up, 72% completion percentage. They gave up 10 first downs, over 120 passer rating when quarterbacks threw that way. I'll be fascinated to watch Christian Parker, who's their new defensive coordinator, use them. I would imagine they would use Caleb Downs in a similar way that the Eagles did with Cooper Dejean. And then Malachi Lawrence, I was tipped off a little bit just watching Chris Long, the ex-great Philadelphia Eagle in Los Angeles, Ram, or St. Louis Ram talk about him. He raved about his talent. So a Cowboys team that had massive defensive issues got two very, very good defensive players.

Speaker 2:
[35:20] And Graz right here next to me yesterday, we were talking about, the one thing you can say about the Cowboys, they draft really well. And they did a really good job last night. How do you view it, especially moving up one spot, dropping back three?

Speaker 8:
[35:34] So they had a list of guys they wanted on defense. And really by the time, Sonny Stiles went off the board at seven, Downs was the one that was left. So they tried to get up to nine with Cleveland, couldn't do it because they were worried the Giants were going to take Caleb Downs. And then after that didn't happen, they go up one spot just to make sure nobody jumps over them and get to cost them two fifth round picks, which then they get back and more getting two fourths from the Eagles when they trade down later in the round. So they end up getting their guy, the guy that can get things and keep things organized on the back end of their defense. I had a chance to talk earlier this week with Matt Patricia, the Ohio State Defensive Coordinator, asked him about his guys. He said Downs is anything you want him to be. He said he's the best punt returner in this draft. He said he's better in the slot than we used him last year. Like he can do that if you go back and look at like how he covered Tyler Warren two years earlier or the year before. So I think they got the perfect player for them with their first pick and I thought they got good value later.

Speaker 2:
[36:29] When you look at Downs, I think everybody that followed him in college football in Alabama, when he walked on campus, Nick Saban was blown away. I mean, this young man was designing plays as a four year old. He's a savant. I'm not kidding. His mom said that. He was putting together stuff. So we understand. What do you think of this idea and this fit with Downs here?

Speaker 4:
[36:46] Yeah, I was there that first spring. I covered the spring game. I remember talking to Nick Saban and Kevin Steele, the current defense coordinator. They both said the first day he stepped on a football field, he was an alpha leader for us immediately he was the smartest football player on the field. As a true freshman, leaving high school early. So you know the type of player he's going to add to Dallas. I also love what they did with Malachi Lawrence. You got a guy who had the second fastest 10 yard split, right? There's a lot of questions about, you know, what type of product he's going to be, but he is dynamic and explosive off the edge when they needed that. So they have an elite tackler, elite leader in Downs. They address the pass rush. And also something we haven't really talked about either, the timing of George Pickens signing that franchise tag, whatever happens at least gives them flexibility today. And through the window of this draft to decide what that future looks like, if any other teams are entertaining that idea to trade for him.

Speaker 2:
[37:36] Let's get our defensive guide away. And what do you think of what the Cowboys did? Because they had a ton of holes on the defensive side in the off season. They addressing two of them specifically here last night.

Speaker 3:
[37:48] Yeah, we're all talking about how Caleb Downs is like super advanced, Ph.D. level defensive player. But the Cowboys, they got to get their high school diploma. And I think Caleb Downs helps them in that way also, because one of their biggest issues last year was miss tackles. He doesn't miss tackles. Another big issue, blown coverage that led to explosive plays. If he's as smart as we all know he is, he's going to be sure to make sure that defense is in the right coverage in every down and communicate that to everyone on the field. I think there's some things about safeties that go unlike accounted for. It's not necessarily all the big plays that they make, but it's the big plays that they eliminate by making clear tackles in the open field and ensuring that the rest of the secondary is in the right position. I think that's a huge value that we're not necessarily going to see. There's no stat for how many explosive plays that you've eliminated because you're smart enough to keep the defense in position. Then of course, Malachi Lawrence, I think is going to be a great player, particularly on important downs, third and long, third and medium. Make sure he uses that incredible 10-yard split to get off the line and get sacks and create havoc in the backfield. They did an excellent job in this draft.

Speaker 2:
[38:52] Happiest guy in Dallas last night was Christian Parker, the new defensive coordinator coming from the Eagles and he coached the secondary there under Vic Fangio. He gets two critical pieces, so we will see how this plays out with the George Pickens saga over the next couple of days. Coming up, is it too early for Love? Did the Cardinals make a mistake by drafting Jeremiah Love last night at three? Our crew is divided up on this one. That and much more when Get Up rolls off.

Speaker 10:
[39:34] Harry Douglas here. Game Day brings the excitement. Your stay should feel just as memorable. With Marriott Bonvoy, official hotel partner of the NCAA and US. Soccer, you're connected to a portfolio of brands designed for how you travel. Some offer complimentary breakfast, others give you room to spread out, space to stay productive, or extended stay comforts. So whether you're a traveling fan or part of the team, Marriott Bonvoy celebrates the moments that live on before and after the game. Marriott Bonvoy, where Game Day checks in.

Speaker 14:
[40:07] Check engine, ABS, or maintenance light on? Take the guesswork out of your warning lights with O'Reilly VeriScan. The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE certified master technicians. And if you need help, we could recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly VeriScan today.

Speaker 2:
[40:40] Friday morning, Kevin Agandhi here with you back on Get Up, and Arizona we go where the Cardinals ended up keeping the third pick and then drafting Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, making him the first running back drafted in the top five since Saquon Barkley went to the Giants at number two in 2018. This was an interesting conversation, debatable throughout the day yesterday, and let's go to Graz first. Your reaction to this pick.

Speaker 8:
[41:08] You got to make me be the bad guy.

Speaker 2:
[41:10] Not at all. You provide fantastic context, specifically at the number three spot, not so much the player.

Speaker 8:
[41:17] Awesome player. Terrible pick. Like at three, it doesn't make sense to take a running back. Unless you're, like if the Rams had had the third pick, right, then they're ready to go and maybe. But the reason it doesn't make sense is financial. There is a salary cap in the NFL. The rookie contracts are all slotted. The third pick is going to get the same contract no matter what position he plays. In this case, it's $52.5 million over four years, 13.1 a year. That is almost as much money per year as Jonathan Taylor makes from the Indianapolis Colts. Look one pick later, the Titans take Carnell Tate, wide receiver. His annual salary is going to be roughly a little bit less than what Khalil Shakir makes from the Buffalo Bills. What you have there is value. He can outplay his rookie contract. Jeremiah Love really can't. Like if he plays at the top level, he's already getting paid like a top running back. So you're going to have to find some kind of bargain somewhere else as you build your roster out. And that's why a team like Arizona sitting at three, with maybe the three best teams in the league last year, in their division, not ready to win right now. It's not the right pick for them. But I always say the teams that pick in the top five every year are not there because they're good at it.

Speaker 2:
[42:28] Dan, it looks like somebody just gave them a spicy breakfast. Some spice in your food here, Dan. Give us your reaction.

Speaker 5:
[42:37] Oh, Graz, I love you, man. Thank you. Okay, living in the reality of the Cardinals having to choose a pick at three, right? We all know that they were trying to trade back, couldn't find a partner. They have to take a player at three. What is better to take a player that you, unequivocally believe, is the likeliest to become very good at football or try to find better value at a different position? They weren't taking a wide receiver.

Speaker 11:
[43:10] No, it's not.

Speaker 5:
[43:11] The Cardinals are not competing to become champions. That's not a realistic thought process because they're not there. The Cardinals have to, no, it's not. The point of the exercise for like six to eight teams is to win the Super Bowl. Yes, the point of the exercise for the Cardinals is try to get better at football so you can compete and win games. That's realistically where they are. The best way to do that is to add good football players and figure out the salary cap later. They have the most cap space in the NFL in 2027. They got the most cap space in the NFL in 2028. They have two players on their football team making more than $10 million. Take good football players and don't overthink this. That was the right decision.

Speaker 2:
[43:56] Nick, what are your thoughts?

Speaker 3:
[43:58] Yeah, I understand the logic behind what Graz is saying, but I think what it comes down to, the reason why I think it wasn't a good choice was not... No, let me finish. The reason why I think it wasn't a good choice was not because you're paying him a lot of money. I don't mind paying a running back a lot of money if we are in a situation where we're prepared to get the most out of that running back. I think the reason to be critical of this choice is not because he's going to be one of the top running backs paid. The reason to criticize this is because they don't have a good O-line. They don't have a quarterback. Normally, you need these things in order for your running back for you to get the value out of this pick. Now, in their meager defense, I would say that it doesn't matter the order that you put the ingredients into the bowl. So if they go and get a quarterback next year and they build an O-line that works this season and through it to next season, then it all comes to fruition and it's fine. However, you've wasted a year of position that is not very durable at a very high price. So it's a risky maneuver. I don't like it as a choice. I wouldn't have done it, but I have to assume that they have some sort of plan, and drafting good players is the most important thing you can do in a draft, which is dance point. I agree with them there. But there were other good players out there. Rees, he would have been nice.

Speaker 4:
[45:17] I want to show that Dan's going to contradict himself a little bit here, because why I didn't like the pick is because it cost Arizona a franchise quarterback. There was only two franchise quarterbacks in this draft. If Ty Simpson is good enough for the Rams who don't need him at 13, then he is good enough at three for the Cardinals. Why? Because we have raved about Dan and me, Less Need and McVeigh about how this is a perfect fit schematically. Who was the off to coordinator for the Rams the last three years?

Speaker 14:
[45:46] Michael Floor.

Speaker 4:
[45:47] Where's he at?

Speaker 8:
[45:48] He's the head coach of the Cardinals.

Speaker 4:
[45:50] So at three, you should have taken your franchise quarterback. Because if the Rams believe he's their franchise guy and they don't need him right now, you sure as hell need a quarterback. You took Love and not that he's not a great player, but it cost you an opportunity for the future at a position and a guy that fit perfectly.

Speaker 2:
[46:06] Dan, I'll jump in.

Speaker 5:
[46:08] Jordan, I don't all that disagree with that thought. And I, the Cardinals wanted them. I know that. Okay. I don't disagree with that. I have been adamant in saying, listen, taking him in the top five, meaning Ty Simpson, because of the college starts, feels like, all right, you're losing even me. So I think-

Speaker 4:
[46:29] Just like he will.

Speaker 5:
[46:30] But-

Speaker 4:
[46:30] Just like Mendoza might.

Speaker 5:
[46:33] But that I would have been like, this is super aggressive. I don't disagree with that. My only thought is this, I'm guessing they wanted to go back so they could secure Ty Simpson. I think that's one of the reasons why the Rams took him at 13, because they knew the Cardinals and another team or two were coming. Okay, so I would say this, just like the Jets now look attractive for whoever their first round quarterback is going to be next year, as does Arizona. If you tell the Arizona Cardinals fans, hey, you got Marvin Harrison Jr., you got Mike Wilson, you got Trey McBride, and you got Jeremiah Love, whatever quarterback you take in the first round next year, you got some good talent to work with. This is a future pick, not a now pick.

Speaker 2:
[47:24] I'm going to play one scenario. Do you feel differently? They had the second pick tonight. Do you feel differently if they draft Garrett Nussmeyer?

Speaker 4:
[47:31] No.

Speaker 2:
[47:32] You don't feel differently?

Speaker 4:
[47:33] And I love Garrett, but Ty was the perfect fit. And I think Nuss, with the injury concerns, when he was a gunslinger, when he was healthy, like Ty, sit him behind Jacoby for half a year or a year, just like Mendoza's going to do, and you had a perfect fit and you can add talent around him. Because like Dan said, they do have talent, even without Love. Now with Love, they have a ton of talent. Even without him, I just thought the fit, if someone's going to take him at 13, doesn't need him at three, you don't pass him up just because you couldn't get a little bit of cheese to move back a couple, a couple of days.

Speaker 2:
[48:02] Nick, final thought, quick, go.

Speaker 3:
[48:04] Yeah, I just, I was rooting for Dan to wriggle out of that sack, but Jordan got him. I mean, quarterback, if you got a quarterback that you think is going to be really good, and he's at three, who you think is better than Mendoza, you got to drive him, you're right. I wanted you to win. I'm trying to fight for the running back. I'm trying to fight for unorthodox decision-making and taking a risk. But right there, trying to get too cute, you think you're going to get your quarterback later? Dan, talk about position of value.

Speaker 2:
[48:31] Dan's got to go. Dan, I appreciate you joining us here. Appreciate you wearing the tie. Some context to Minshew and Brissetta, the quarterbacks right now in Arizona. We'll see. Dan, thank you.

Speaker 16:
[48:42] Love you, Dan.

Speaker 2:
[48:43] Appreciate you, man.

Speaker 16:
[48:44] Thank you very much.

Speaker 2:
[48:46] Get some spice on the eggs. Coming up, did the Rams make a mistake by drafting Ty Simpson last night? And what does it mean for their Super Bowl window? Our crew all over this one went Get Up continues.

Speaker 1:
[49:00] Hey, sports fans, the ESPN app has all of ESPN all in one place. The ESPN app is your home to thousands of live events, ESPN shows and originals across every ESPN network in service. And now you can check if you already have ESPN Unlimited as part of your TV package for no additional cost. Visit activate.espn.com to learn how to access your account or sign up, then start streaming in the ESPN app. It's all of ESPN all in one place. Sign up or activate now.