David Hellman reveals why he's ready to stop arguing and just pick players two weeks before the NFL draft.
The episode begins with hosts Shan Shariff and RJ Choppy introducing guest David Hellman from The Athletic Football Show as the NFL draft approaches in two weeks. Hellman expresses fatigue with draft arguments and emphasizes just wanting to pick players. He discusses his biggest draft questions, noting concerns about players like pass rushers with short arms and Caleb Downs' positional value. The conversation shifts to the Cowboys' perspective, with Hellman suggesting they might let Caleb Downs fall to them at pick 12 if other teams overthink it. He compares this to strategies used by teams like the Ravens and Eagles. Hellman debates the merits of drafting Hakeem Mesador versus Caleb Downs, citing Mesador's age and medical history as concerns. The hosts and Hellman critique the NFL's tendency to overthink prospects, using Tyler Linderbaum as an example of a player undervalued in the draft but highly paid in free agency. Hellman proposes his ideal Cowboys draft: trading pick 92 for Jordan Brooks, selecting Caleb Downs at 12, and targeting Keldric Falk at 20. The hosts then explore a hypothetical scenario where the Cowboys draft a receiver at 12, rescind CeeDee Lamb's franchise tag to free cap space, and trade for Max Crosby. They analyze whether this would make the team more competitive than keeping Lamb. Later, Peter Schrager's mock draft linking Caleb Downs to the Cowboys is discussed, with Schrager citing defensive coordinator Christian Parker's preference for versatile defensive backs. The hosts review Dane Brugler's top 100 draft board, noting players like Arvel Reese, David Bailey, and Caleb Downs. They debate prospects like Jermod McCoy, Keldric Falk, and Colton Hood, considering their fit with the Cowboys. The episode concludes with discussions on draft trade scenarios, including potential costs for Max Crosby and the value of future picks.
