playnext.fm

Giants Official Podcast Network | New York Giants

Giants Huddle | Field Yates

·17 min·1 clip
Field Yates admits draft analysts only have 50% of the information NFL teams use for player evaluations.
The episode begins with host John Schmelke introducing the show from the Hackensack Meridian Health Podcast Studio and welcoming ESPN draft analyst Field Yates. Schmelke notes Yates' background includes working in the NFL, providing a unique perspective on the draft process. Yates explains that when creating his player ratings, he tries to base them on tape but acknowledges that external analysts only have a fraction of the information NFL teams possess, estimating it around 50%. He describes the exhaustive scouting process teams use, with area scouts visiting schools multiple times a year. Yates discusses how he leans on contacts in the NFL to refine his evaluations, aiming to marry his views with how the league sees players. The conversation shifts to the Giants' draft position at pick five, with Yates analyzing which players might be available, mentioning Fernando Mendoza, Arvel Reese, and David Bailey as likely top picks. He notes that Arizona and Tennessee are wild cards ahead of the Giants. Yates highlights that this draft is complicated because top prospects like Caleb Downs, Sonny Stiles, and Jeremiah Love play non-premium positions, making their draft spots uncertain based on recent history. He explains that safeties, linebackers, and running backs haven't been drafted high recently, affecting their value. Yates then discusses the Giants' roster, noting they have a strong pass rush duo, offensive tackles, a wide receiver, a young quarterback, and a tight end, suggesting they might be closer to contending than their 4-13 record indicates. He emphasizes the Harbaugh factor, as the new head coach is expected to win quickly. Schmelke asks about Harbaugh's likely draft preferences, and Yates leans toward defensive leaders or playmakers, citing Harbaugh's history with players like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith in Baltimore. They talk about potential runs at the end of the first round, with Yates suggesting offensive tackles might not go as early as usual this year due to other positions like pass rushers and skill players dominating the top picks. Yates identifies players with wide-ranging draft opinions, such as Reuben Bain due to arm length concerns and Gaten Proctor due to athletic potential. Finally, they discuss the Giants' second-round pick at 37, with Yates mentioning defensive tackle Kaden McDonald, corners Brandon Cisse and Chris Johnson, and wide receivers as potential value picks.

As heard by us

A pick-five debate where close grades may leave team-building preference to decide the board.

The episode works through a pick-five problem that is less about finding a single obvious answer than deciding what should matter most when the board stays clustered.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a pick-five draft conversation where close grades make preference part of the evaluation.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from Giants Official Podcast Network | New York Giants