1 00:00:01,840 --> 00:00:05,400 Speaker 1: Hey everybody, and welcome to a new Dave Pash podcast. 2 00:00:05,440 --> 00:00:09,200 Speaker 1: I'm your host ESPN and Arizona Cardinals broadcaster Dave Pash. 3 00:00:09,320 --> 00:00:11,200 Speaker 1: After a couple of months off, we are back and 4 00:00:11,240 --> 00:00:14,440 Speaker 1: in a big way with first year Arizona Cardinals general 5 00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:17,880 Speaker 1: manager Monty Austen. For I think after you listen to 6 00:00:17,920 --> 00:00:21,840 Speaker 1: this conversation with Manti, you'll really learn a lot about 7 00:00:21,880 --> 00:00:25,040 Speaker 1: what it's like in the draft room on Draft Night. 8 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:28,680 Speaker 1: In particular, we're going to talk in depth about how 9 00:00:28,720 --> 00:00:31,960 Speaker 1: the Cardinals ended up trading down from number three and 10 00:00:31,960 --> 00:00:35,040 Speaker 1: then trading back up to number six to grab Paris 11 00:00:35,159 --> 00:00:38,199 Speaker 1: Johnson from Ohio State, and how close it came with 12 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:42,159 Speaker 1: the pressure on and the clock ticking on the Cardinals 13 00:00:42,240 --> 00:00:44,879 Speaker 1: to make that deal with Houston to move down from 14 00:00:44,960 --> 00:00:45,440 Speaker 1: number three. 15 00:00:45,760 --> 00:00:47,760 Speaker 2: It was intense. It was good, But I would have 16 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:49,680 Speaker 2: to go back and look at the tape. I don't 17 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:52,280 Speaker 2: think anybody in our room was panicking. I think we 18 00:00:52,320 --> 00:00:54,480 Speaker 2: had a plan and the time was ticking, and time 19 00:00:54,560 --> 00:00:56,280 Speaker 2: was of the essence, and you know we were able 20 00:00:56,480 --> 00:00:58,480 Speaker 2: to finally get and push it across the goal line. 21 00:00:58,720 --> 00:01:03,760 Speaker 1: Monty is the talk nationally amongst the media members about 22 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:07,480 Speaker 1: Draft Knight three trades with three teams in the first 23 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:11,120 Speaker 1: thirty four picks, the acquisition of a first round pick 24 00:01:11,160 --> 00:01:13,920 Speaker 1: for twenty twenty four, and two third round picks for 25 00:01:14,000 --> 00:01:17,240 Speaker 1: next year as well. Manni was very busy, and he 26 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:21,000 Speaker 1: goes deep into all of those decisions on draft night 27 00:01:21,040 --> 00:01:23,240 Speaker 1: and what it was like for him in his first 28 00:01:23,319 --> 00:01:27,240 Speaker 1: year in the big chair making the decisions to make 29 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:30,119 Speaker 1: trades into draft players. We're also going to talk about 30 00:01:30,120 --> 00:01:32,080 Speaker 1: some of the guys who've been on the roster, the 31 00:01:32,160 --> 00:01:36,800 Speaker 1: latest on DeAndre Hopkins, Buddha Baker, Isaiah Simmons, and the 32 00:01:36,800 --> 00:01:40,600 Speaker 1: health of Kyler Murray. We'll also talk with Mani about 33 00:01:40,640 --> 00:01:44,080 Speaker 1: his history spending all those years with the New England Patriots, 34 00:01:44,120 --> 00:01:46,480 Speaker 1: his time with Tennessee. We'll even go back to his 35 00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:50,560 Speaker 1: playing days in college at Minnesota Morris, where for a 36 00:01:50,600 --> 00:01:53,440 Speaker 1: brief period of time he was a radio show host. 37 00:01:53,520 --> 00:01:56,000 Speaker 1: All that and more coming up with Arizona Cardinals General 38 00:01:56,040 --> 00:02:00,080 Speaker 1: manager Monte assin Ford. We are presented by BETTMGM, the 39 00:02:00,120 --> 00:02:03,240 Speaker 1: official sports betting partner of the Arizona Cardinals, and by 40 00:02:03,280 --> 00:02:07,360 Speaker 1: Heila River Resorts and Casinos. Sign up today with BETMGM, 41 00:02:07,440 --> 00:02:11,080 Speaker 1: the official partner of the Arizona Cardinals use code cards 42 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:13,880 Speaker 1: one thousand and get back up to one thousand dollars 43 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:15,840 Speaker 1: in bonus bets. If you don't win your first bet, 44 00:02:16,080 --> 00:02:19,679 Speaker 1: visit BETMGM dot Comference Terms and conditions twenty one years 45 00:02:19,680 --> 00:02:23,000 Speaker 1: of age or older to wager Arizona only. New customer offer. 46 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:27,560 Speaker 1: Please gamble responsibly. Gambling problem call one eight hundred, next step. 47 00:02:27,840 --> 00:02:30,399 Speaker 1: All right, Time for our sit down with Arizona Cardinals 48 00:02:30,400 --> 00:02:39,080 Speaker 1: General manager Montiasinfo. So, MANI I got a chance to 49 00:02:39,080 --> 00:02:42,600 Speaker 1: meet you briefly maybe two months ago, three months ago 50 00:02:42,639 --> 00:02:45,160 Speaker 1: the last podcast actually did, which was with Michael brought 51 00:02:45,160 --> 00:02:46,839 Speaker 1: me up and introduced me to you, But I haven't 52 00:02:46,880 --> 00:02:48,720 Speaker 1: really had a chance to get to talk to you much. 53 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:50,320 Speaker 1: So first time we've had a chance to really sit 54 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:53,520 Speaker 1: and chat. I'm curious, first of all, what's this whole 55 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:56,040 Speaker 1: process been like? Because you get hired and you're all in, 56 00:02:56,080 --> 00:02:58,200 Speaker 1: you're going one hundred miles an hour. What's it been 57 00:02:58,320 --> 00:03:01,080 Speaker 1: like personally? What's it been like professionally for you? 58 00:03:01,560 --> 00:03:04,000 Speaker 2: Well, professionally that you know it all culminated in these 59 00:03:04,080 --> 00:03:06,200 Speaker 2: last last few days, it was, you know, it was 60 00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:08,000 Speaker 2: a lot of a lot of work here from a 61 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:10,360 Speaker 2: lot of fronts, a lot of people from the scouting department, 62 00:03:10,360 --> 00:03:14,360 Speaker 2: to the coaching staff, to trainers and all all facets 63 00:03:14,360 --> 00:03:17,800 Speaker 2: of football operations contributed to this past weekend. So it 64 00:03:17,840 --> 00:03:20,920 Speaker 2: was a nice just ending to just a lot of 65 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:23,320 Speaker 2: work that have went in. You know, it's it's been 66 00:03:23,480 --> 00:03:26,520 Speaker 2: it's been a challenge. You know, the when when you 67 00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:29,520 Speaker 2: have this type of transition, it's you're away from your family. 68 00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:32,320 Speaker 2: A lot of people are away from their families, you're 69 00:03:32,360 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 2: living in a hotel, you're living in temporary housing. But 70 00:03:35,920 --> 00:03:39,040 Speaker 2: you know what, it's also it's also a blessing because 71 00:03:39,040 --> 00:03:40,840 Speaker 2: you can you can just focus in on the job 72 00:03:41,360 --> 00:03:43,480 Speaker 2: and you know, because there is a lot to do. 73 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:45,720 Speaker 2: There's a lot to do when when that transition comes 74 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:49,200 Speaker 2: in and you know, there's uh, you know, there was 75 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:51,000 Speaker 2: a lot of things that we wanted to to focus 76 00:03:51,080 --> 00:03:53,400 Speaker 2: on with the draft and just getting the right types 77 00:03:53,440 --> 00:03:56,040 Speaker 2: of people from the All Star Game process, through the 78 00:03:56,080 --> 00:03:59,040 Speaker 2: combine and then through our thirty visit process. So that 79 00:03:59,120 --> 00:04:01,640 Speaker 2: was that was a big funcus of ours and you know, 80 00:04:01,680 --> 00:04:03,200 Speaker 2: there was a lot of things to juggle, but a 81 00:04:03,200 --> 00:04:04,960 Speaker 2: lot of people stepped up and a lot of people 82 00:04:04,960 --> 00:04:07,800 Speaker 2: contributed to you know, what we hope was a winning 83 00:04:07,840 --> 00:04:08,880 Speaker 2: effort this past weekend. 84 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:11,760 Speaker 1: You talked about being away from your family as a dad. 85 00:04:11,960 --> 00:04:14,839 Speaker 1: You know, how challenging has that been for you? How 86 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:18,800 Speaker 1: what's it been like communicating with your kids, who this 87 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:21,120 Speaker 1: is probably the first time you've been gone this long. 88 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:24,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's been it's been a challenge for all of us. 89 00:04:24,279 --> 00:04:27,360 Speaker 2: And you know, we came to a pretty good routine 90 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:29,599 Speaker 2: here over the last couple of months where you know, 91 00:04:29,920 --> 00:04:33,280 Speaker 2: I'm an early morning guy, and so on my drive 92 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:36,560 Speaker 2: in Nashville is back on Central Time, and so on 93 00:04:36,600 --> 00:04:38,799 Speaker 2: my drive in it was really breakfast time. The girls 94 00:04:38,800 --> 00:04:41,919 Speaker 2: were getting ready for breakfast for school, and so my 95 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:44,560 Speaker 2: fifteen minute drive in to work was a great time 96 00:04:44,560 --> 00:04:46,840 Speaker 2: for us just to chat over the phone and get 97 00:04:46,839 --> 00:04:49,919 Speaker 2: connected for Hey, what's going on today, and what's the 98 00:04:49,960 --> 00:04:52,800 Speaker 2: plan anything special at school today? And then you know, 99 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:55,479 Speaker 2: FaceTime has been a lifesaver. That's been great to just 100 00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:58,760 Speaker 2: connect and see faces and you know, but it's been tough. 101 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:01,479 Speaker 2: Missed a few sporting events this past weekend. My oldest 102 00:05:01,520 --> 00:05:04,800 Speaker 2: daughter had a had her last volleyball tournament in Birmingham. 103 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:07,400 Speaker 2: But you know, thank god technology, I was able to 104 00:05:07,760 --> 00:05:10,719 Speaker 2: pull up the iPad and watch her games, you know, 105 00:05:10,800 --> 00:05:13,000 Speaker 2: so I could. I wasn't there, but I tried to 106 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:16,000 Speaker 2: connect as much as possible. So I'm excited gonna take 107 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:17,400 Speaker 2: a couple of days and get home to see him, 108 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:19,400 Speaker 2: and but excited for them to get out here to 109 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:20,719 Speaker 2: the valley and call this home. 110 00:05:21,040 --> 00:05:24,000 Speaker 1: So your daughter's playing volleyball? Is it club volleyball? So 111 00:05:24,040 --> 00:05:26,800 Speaker 1: she must be pretty good if she's traveling at pretty 112 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:27,599 Speaker 1: young age. 113 00:05:27,680 --> 00:05:31,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, so you know, so her her mom, my wife, Shannon, 114 00:05:31,160 --> 00:05:33,960 Speaker 2: she she was a collegiate volleyball player, and you know, 115 00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:37,440 Speaker 2: the my oldest is involved in club volleyball and she's 116 00:05:37,680 --> 00:05:40,240 Speaker 2: she's really enjoyed that. So you know, I've it's it's 117 00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:42,240 Speaker 2: been tough missing out on that, but you know, I know, 118 00:05:42,320 --> 00:05:44,320 Speaker 2: my my wife has been there to to support her 119 00:05:44,400 --> 00:05:46,920 Speaker 2: and and to help her out. My wife actually coached 120 00:05:46,920 --> 00:05:50,560 Speaker 2: her school team this past year at at our school, 121 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:52,400 Speaker 2: and so you know, but my wife took a step 122 00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:54,960 Speaker 2: back for the club season, and uh, but that's been great. 123 00:05:55,320 --> 00:06:00,279 Speaker 1: You were an athlete too. You played quarterback Minnesota Morerus 124 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:03,880 Speaker 1: which is where and I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, 125 00:06:03,920 --> 00:06:05,680 Speaker 1: and I don't know where Minnesota. 126 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:08,960 Speaker 2: Or Yeah, allegedly an athlete I would say that, No. 127 00:06:09,560 --> 00:06:12,520 Speaker 2: Morris is in the middle of nowhere. It's in about 128 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:15,520 Speaker 2: as far west part of the state of Minnesota, but 129 00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:19,440 Speaker 2: right in the middle, so west central Minnesota. Tiny little town. 130 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:22,200 Speaker 2: It's a tiny school when I when I was there, 131 00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:24,320 Speaker 2: we were a Division two school. They've since dropped down 132 00:06:24,360 --> 00:06:27,720 Speaker 2: to Division three. But you know, hey, we had a 133 00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:29,599 Speaker 2: lot of fun, met a lot of friends there. We 134 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:32,120 Speaker 2: we we weren't a good team. We Uh, that's kind 135 00:06:32,120 --> 00:06:34,279 Speaker 2: of an insult to to say we were a bad 136 00:06:34,320 --> 00:06:37,040 Speaker 2: team to bad teams. So we but we had a 137 00:06:37,080 --> 00:06:39,000 Speaker 2: lot of fun and we we worked hard, and uh 138 00:06:39,279 --> 00:06:40,760 Speaker 2: it was it was a good experience for me. 139 00:06:41,279 --> 00:06:44,160 Speaker 1: And so I'm trying to find information about you other 140 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:47,760 Speaker 1: than you know, what's obviously been out there and through 141 00:06:47,800 --> 00:06:49,760 Speaker 1: either the Cardinals or the Titans. Are going back to 142 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:52,400 Speaker 1: the Patriots. And one thing I caught on Wikipedia, and 143 00:06:52,400 --> 00:06:54,480 Speaker 1: I always have to ask, because Wikipedia is the worst. 144 00:06:54,480 --> 00:06:56,480 Speaker 1: There's been things on me that are that are not 145 00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:58,359 Speaker 1: correct on Wikipedia that I've had to tell people like 146 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:02,640 Speaker 1: that that's not true. So you were a radio show 147 00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:05,760 Speaker 1: host in college? Is that is that accurate? 148 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:06,159 Speaker 2: Man? 149 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:08,840 Speaker 1: Did you think is that true? Did you think about 150 00:07:08,839 --> 00:07:09,279 Speaker 1: going into. 151 00:07:09,160 --> 00:07:13,640 Speaker 2: Broadcasting you're digging deep. You're digging deep. No. So at 152 00:07:13,640 --> 00:07:16,080 Speaker 2: my at our tiny little school, there was a student 153 00:07:16,160 --> 00:07:18,200 Speaker 2: run radio station that I you know, I'm not sure 154 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,640 Speaker 2: that the signal went out much further than the force 155 00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:24,680 Speaker 2: the four blocks of campus. But uh, yeah, there was 156 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:26,760 Speaker 2: a Saturday I can't remember. No, I think it was 157 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:29,360 Speaker 2: a Sunday morning show for two hours that you know, 158 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:31,680 Speaker 2: you just filled blocks of time, and so, you know, 159 00:07:31,760 --> 00:07:34,280 Speaker 2: me and a couple buddies we were screwing around and uh, 160 00:07:34,480 --> 00:07:36,480 Speaker 2: you know, hey, well this would be cool. And you know, 161 00:07:36,560 --> 00:07:38,480 Speaker 2: I think it lasted for a few months, but I 162 00:07:38,480 --> 00:07:40,640 Speaker 2: think they ran us off. I don't think listenership was 163 00:07:40,680 --> 00:07:41,120 Speaker 2: real high. 164 00:07:41,240 --> 00:07:43,800 Speaker 1: So so broadcasting was not going to be part of 165 00:07:43,840 --> 00:07:44,320 Speaker 1: your future. 166 00:07:44,400 --> 00:07:45,720 Speaker 2: Nah, I got out of that click. 167 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:48,720 Speaker 1: But scouting was what what? When did you make the 168 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:51,800 Speaker 1: choice to go down this road knowing you know how 169 00:07:51,800 --> 00:07:53,800 Speaker 1: hard it is to work your way up. You're already 170 00:07:54,600 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 1: you talked about being away from your family now, but 171 00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:58,960 Speaker 1: that's something as a scout, traveling over the years, you've 172 00:07:59,160 --> 00:08:02,240 Speaker 1: learned to get you to what made you decide to 173 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:05,400 Speaker 1: go this route in terms of staying involved in football? 174 00:08:05,640 --> 00:08:08,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, when my when my playing career was over. I 175 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:10,400 Speaker 2: I kind of was at a little bit of crossroads, 176 00:08:10,440 --> 00:08:12,080 Speaker 2: didn't quite know where I was going to go, and 177 00:08:12,480 --> 00:08:16,000 Speaker 2: thought about going in the coaching coaching realm. And you know, 178 00:08:16,040 --> 00:08:21,120 Speaker 2: it's something always about personnel, the personnel. I'd always was 179 00:08:21,160 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 2: interested in the draft and kind of when I was young, 180 00:08:24,360 --> 00:08:27,200 Speaker 2: reading up on on personnel moves and trades and things 181 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:29,600 Speaker 2: like that, and and so you know, I didn't didn't 182 00:08:29,600 --> 00:08:32,320 Speaker 2: think coaching was was the right path for me. And 183 00:08:32,320 --> 00:08:34,200 Speaker 2: and so I decided, hey, this is this is an 184 00:08:34,240 --> 00:08:36,120 Speaker 2: avenue that I I kind of wanted to go try 185 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:38,480 Speaker 2: going down. And and so when I when I left 186 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:42,719 Speaker 2: under undergraduate at from Morris and decided to go to 187 00:08:42,800 --> 00:08:45,120 Speaker 2: graduate school at Ohio University for a couple of years 188 00:08:45,160 --> 00:08:47,640 Speaker 2: and and they have a sports administration program there and 189 00:08:47,679 --> 00:08:50,200 Speaker 2: so went there for a couple of years, and through 190 00:08:50,360 --> 00:08:52,720 Speaker 2: through the connections from Ohio University, I was able to 191 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:56,680 Speaker 2: land an internship. My first job in the NFL down 192 00:08:57,080 --> 00:08:59,480 Speaker 2: you know, actually first I had a training camp internship 193 00:08:59,520 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 2: with the Minister the Vikings, hauling mattresses around a dorm room, 194 00:09:03,559 --> 00:09:07,800 Speaker 2: installing window air conditioning units. Uh you know, real glorious stuff. 195 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:10,320 Speaker 2: And uh so that was my first exposure to the NFL, 196 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:12,920 Speaker 2: and then after my two years in Ohio, found a 197 00:09:13,280 --> 00:09:15,520 Speaker 2: year long internship down in Houston with the Texans in 198 00:09:15,559 --> 00:09:18,600 Speaker 2: personnel and and at that point I was hooked and 199 00:09:18,600 --> 00:09:21,439 Speaker 2: and just had a real fortunate along the way to 200 00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:24,000 Speaker 2: meet some great people and learn and and to have 201 00:09:24,040 --> 00:09:25,920 Speaker 2: a bunch of things break my way for me to 202 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:27,560 Speaker 2: kind of just move up the ranks. 203 00:09:27,920 --> 00:09:30,560 Speaker 1: Was Mike Tice, the head coach of the Vikings. Then 204 00:09:30,559 --> 00:09:32,200 Speaker 1: it wasn't Denny, was it? 205 00:09:32,200 --> 00:09:35,200 Speaker 2: It was? Man That's a great question at that point, 206 00:09:35,320 --> 00:09:39,319 Speaker 2: it was what year was it? It was two thousand 207 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:39,840 Speaker 2: and one. 208 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:42,560 Speaker 1: I think it might have still been Denny. 209 00:09:42,600 --> 00:09:44,520 Speaker 2: I think it was. I think it was Denny. It 210 00:09:44,559 --> 00:09:46,840 Speaker 2: was it was Moss's rookie year. 211 00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:49,640 Speaker 1: Yeah, Yeah, it was Masny. 212 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,280 Speaker 2: Then, Yeah, it was Denny, it was. It was actually 213 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:53,880 Speaker 2: unfortunately it was it was the summer that that Corey 214 00:09:53,920 --> 00:09:56,480 Speaker 2: Stringer passed away. Yeah, it was that. Then. That was 215 00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:59,800 Speaker 2: a that was a tough, tough situation there in Mankato. 216 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:02,920 Speaker 2: We had training camps. So that was that was the year. Yeah. 217 00:10:02,960 --> 00:10:05,480 Speaker 1: And so you were with the Patriots obviously for a 218 00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:08,640 Speaker 1: long time, most recently with the Titans, but fifteen years 219 00:10:08,840 --> 00:10:13,959 Speaker 1: overall in New England. What was your biggest takeaway when 220 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:16,080 Speaker 1: you look back and think, hey, this was something that 221 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:19,160 Speaker 1: I held on to that I learned from Coach Belichick 222 00:10:19,240 --> 00:10:21,520 Speaker 1: or one of the many other personnel guys who've gone 223 00:10:21,559 --> 00:10:23,439 Speaker 1: on to be GMS like Jason Light. 224 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:26,400 Speaker 2: Yeah. Boy, we could be here for two hours talking 225 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:29,559 Speaker 2: about that, because you know, I just extremely fortunate to 226 00:10:30,280 --> 00:10:32,880 Speaker 2: have that experience of being there. But you know, I 227 00:10:32,880 --> 00:10:34,880 Speaker 2: think I think the biggest thing for me is just 228 00:10:35,360 --> 00:10:37,560 Speaker 2: taken from there is just the importance of building an 229 00:10:37,679 --> 00:10:41,600 Speaker 2: entire football program. That there's nothing that can stand alone 230 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:44,199 Speaker 2: and be on its own. Everything is connected, whether it's 231 00:10:44,720 --> 00:10:48,320 Speaker 2: the coaching or the scouting, but even to the strength training, 232 00:10:48,360 --> 00:10:52,560 Speaker 2: to training, to nutrition, to how the team travels, to 233 00:10:53,360 --> 00:10:56,680 Speaker 2: you know, the PR group. Everything is every everything is 234 00:10:56,720 --> 00:10:59,920 Speaker 2: on the same page. Everything is pointed in one direction, 235 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:03,760 Speaker 2: and that's to winning. And so you know that's something 236 00:11:03,760 --> 00:11:07,600 Speaker 2: out There's really no secret sauce. Everybody always brings up, 237 00:11:07,679 --> 00:11:10,600 Speaker 2: oh the Patriot Way and there's some you know, magical 238 00:11:10,600 --> 00:11:13,480 Speaker 2: formula or some secret pill like that. There really isn't 239 00:11:13,559 --> 00:11:17,199 Speaker 2: other than you know, people knowing what their job is 240 00:11:17,400 --> 00:11:20,079 Speaker 2: and how they contribute to a winning effort and doing 241 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:21,240 Speaker 2: it at a high level. 242 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:25,880 Speaker 1: Do you have any particular interactions with Coach Belichick that 243 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:27,640 Speaker 1: you recall. I don't know if you've had a chance 244 00:11:27,640 --> 00:11:30,000 Speaker 1: to get to know Ron Wolfley at all, who I 245 00:11:30,120 --> 00:11:32,920 Speaker 1: do the Cardinal Games with with. Wolf was the special 246 00:11:32,920 --> 00:11:37,360 Speaker 1: teams captain for Bill in Cleveland and still talks to 247 00:11:37,400 --> 00:11:39,520 Speaker 1: him like they still have a relationship. He's had him 248 00:11:39,520 --> 00:11:42,160 Speaker 1: on his radio show and he's got great stories that 249 00:11:42,600 --> 00:11:45,280 Speaker 1: really tell you all you need to know that basically 250 00:11:45,360 --> 00:11:48,000 Speaker 1: Bill hasn't changed, Like he's the same now as he 251 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:50,760 Speaker 1: was then in terms of how he interacts with players, 252 00:11:50,760 --> 00:11:52,840 Speaker 1: how he interacts with people on his staff. Is there 253 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:55,520 Speaker 1: anything that you recall, like, man, that was a great 254 00:11:55,559 --> 00:11:59,240 Speaker 1: conversation or one that was like embarrassing where he riptures. 255 00:12:00,160 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 2: Well, I mean, I you know, I'd say I'd say this. 256 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:06,720 Speaker 2: I mean Coach Belichick is He's He's always been. You know, 257 00:12:06,760 --> 00:12:09,079 Speaker 2: he's been a person that I've warn't an immense amount 258 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:11,920 Speaker 2: from And you know, he's been extremely generous with his 259 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,160 Speaker 2: time here since I since I got this job, just 260 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:18,880 Speaker 2: being a sounding board for me and and just being 261 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,080 Speaker 2: being there to to talk through some things with. And 262 00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:23,920 Speaker 2: he's He's been tremendous with that. You know, I think 263 00:12:24,400 --> 00:12:27,560 Speaker 2: my first, uh, when I was a lower level scout 264 00:12:27,600 --> 00:12:31,080 Speaker 2: in New England one year we were prepping for the draft, 265 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:33,880 Speaker 2: and and at the time I was living in Colorado, 266 00:12:33,960 --> 00:12:35,920 Speaker 2: so I wasn't even in the office, but you know, 267 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:38,480 Speaker 2: I had had I had a project to do, and 268 00:12:39,480 --> 00:12:42,080 Speaker 2: for some reason, I got on a project of looking 269 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:45,880 Speaker 2: at special teams players for the draft, and so you know, 270 00:12:45,960 --> 00:12:48,400 Speaker 2: there was a there was a It was the year 271 00:12:48,559 --> 00:12:51,800 Speaker 2: that Matt Slater was coming out of UCLA, and so 272 00:12:52,160 --> 00:12:54,160 Speaker 2: Matt Slater was one of the guys that I happened 273 00:12:54,160 --> 00:12:58,080 Speaker 2: to look at. And you know, I looked at ten twelve, 274 00:12:58,280 --> 00:13:01,199 Speaker 2: ten twelve players, and you know, Matts, Matt Slater stood 275 00:13:01,200 --> 00:13:04,240 Speaker 2: out as just a guy that an out outstanding special 276 00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:07,360 Speaker 2: teams player. And so you know, I, as a lower 277 00:13:07,440 --> 00:13:09,200 Speaker 2: level scout, you didn't have a lot of interaction with 278 00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:12,079 Speaker 2: coach Belichick. And so you know, I completed this project 279 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:14,880 Speaker 2: and and sent it in and and you know, passed 280 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:18,160 Speaker 2: it up to to Scott Pioli, to Nick Cassario, some 281 00:13:18,200 --> 00:13:21,280 Speaker 2: guys that I had worked for, and you know, I 282 00:13:21,320 --> 00:13:23,599 Speaker 2: woke up one morning with the time change in Colorado 283 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:27,439 Speaker 2: and you know, I checked my phone and I had 284 00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:31,160 Speaker 2: an email from Coach Belichick and like kind of groggy 285 00:13:31,160 --> 00:13:33,760 Speaker 2: even snap up and like, oh, I got to read 286 00:13:33,800 --> 00:13:35,960 Speaker 2: this one, you know. So it was it was it 287 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:39,000 Speaker 2: was Coach Belichick, and it was him asking me about 288 00:13:39,280 --> 00:13:42,040 Speaker 2: the project that I did and specifically about Matt And so, 289 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:45,240 Speaker 2: you know, that's something that that really was my first 290 00:13:45,280 --> 00:13:48,400 Speaker 2: like real direct interaction with Coach Belichick on a on 291 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:50,680 Speaker 2: a one to one basis, and just you know that 292 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:53,559 Speaker 2: he had taken the time to to read what I 293 00:13:53,600 --> 00:13:56,520 Speaker 2: had had put before him. You know that that was 294 00:13:56,600 --> 00:13:58,680 Speaker 2: kind of something that's always going to stick with me. 295 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:01,960 Speaker 1: I remember, I think it was called the Two Bills. 296 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:04,160 Speaker 1: It was a thirty for thirty with him and Bill 297 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:10,280 Speaker 1: Parcells and watching Coach Belichick's reverence for Coach Parcells and 298 00:14:10,320 --> 00:14:14,200 Speaker 1: again hearing from Wolf other guys that played for Bill. 299 00:14:16,080 --> 00:14:18,240 Speaker 1: I know it's all business with him, but at the 300 00:14:18,240 --> 00:14:21,800 Speaker 1: same time, like I feel that he respects and appreciates 301 00:14:21,880 --> 00:14:24,120 Speaker 1: guys that went to war for him, whether it was 302 00:14:24,160 --> 00:14:27,200 Speaker 1: a player or somebody in your position. Is that something 303 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:28,080 Speaker 1: that you found as well? 304 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:30,720 Speaker 2: Absolutely, I think I think that's absolutely fair. I mean, 305 00:14:30,760 --> 00:14:34,920 Speaker 2: Bill is an extremely focused individual, and he is focused 306 00:14:34,920 --> 00:14:37,280 Speaker 2: on He's focused on winning and doing what's best for 307 00:14:37,280 --> 00:14:40,040 Speaker 2: the football team. And I think when he sees he 308 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:42,480 Speaker 2: sees you know, other people he I mean, that's his 309 00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:45,920 Speaker 2: goal is to surround the rest of his organization with 310 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:48,920 Speaker 2: people that have that same mindset, and he has a 311 00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:52,080 Speaker 2: real appreciation for people that can can really put the 312 00:14:52,120 --> 00:14:53,200 Speaker 2: team before themselves. 313 00:14:53,880 --> 00:14:57,040 Speaker 1: So you'd talked to after the draft in your press 314 00:14:57,080 --> 00:15:03,480 Speaker 1: conference about the rush of everything you did. And I'm curious, 315 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:05,440 Speaker 1: because you know, we're not in that room. We have 316 00:15:05,520 --> 00:15:07,960 Speaker 1: no idea what it's like to be in that room. 317 00:15:09,080 --> 00:15:12,000 Speaker 1: What was it like to be the GM on draft night. 318 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:14,440 Speaker 1: You've been in the rooms before, but you've not been 319 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:17,600 Speaker 1: that guy making all the calls, having the final say. 320 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:19,040 Speaker 1: What was it like? 321 00:15:19,960 --> 00:15:23,320 Speaker 2: It was different? It was certainly different, you know. I 322 00:15:23,320 --> 00:15:26,320 Speaker 2: I think that that kind of dawned on me in 323 00:15:26,360 --> 00:15:28,280 Speaker 2: the in the couple of days leading up to the draft. 324 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:30,360 Speaker 2: And you know, in the in the past, you prepare 325 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:32,080 Speaker 2: for a draft and you're like, man, you know, I 326 00:15:32,400 --> 00:15:34,440 Speaker 2: hope this happens, and I you know, you know, if 327 00:15:34,440 --> 00:15:36,600 Speaker 2: this happens, I think we should do this. But now 328 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:38,960 Speaker 2: it's there's no more. I think we should do this. 329 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:41,960 Speaker 2: It's we're going to do this, and you know, alter 330 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:44,400 Speaker 2: that's that's uh, you know, that's a that's a big 331 00:15:44,400 --> 00:15:47,680 Speaker 2: mantle to take on, you know, and so you know that, uh, 332 00:15:47,840 --> 00:15:49,760 Speaker 2: that's something that I did, you know, think about. It 333 00:15:49,800 --> 00:15:52,080 Speaker 2: did cross my mind going in. But you know, I 334 00:15:52,120 --> 00:15:54,880 Speaker 2: think for me personally, like I think the thing that 335 00:15:54,920 --> 00:15:58,160 Speaker 2: really helped me over that that first hour of the 336 00:15:58,240 --> 00:16:00,880 Speaker 2: draft where there was there was so much action, is 337 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:03,800 Speaker 2: is we were prepared and that the team are our 338 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:07,600 Speaker 2: group of individuals upstairs. We were ready and you know, 339 00:16:07,840 --> 00:16:10,160 Speaker 2: it could have things could have shook out a different 340 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:12,200 Speaker 2: way and we would have been fine. We would have 341 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:14,240 Speaker 2: been fine with that too. I just I just think 342 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:17,360 Speaker 2: that the time that we prepared and the scenarios that 343 00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:20,600 Speaker 2: we tried to walk through, you know, things didn't happen 344 00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:23,640 Speaker 2: exactly the way we thought they would, but we had 345 00:16:23,680 --> 00:16:27,400 Speaker 2: also talked at nauseum about different ways that things could happen, 346 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:30,160 Speaker 2: and we were ready. We reacted, and you know, ultimately, 347 00:16:30,240 --> 00:16:32,720 Speaker 2: I think I think we made decisions that were good 348 00:16:32,720 --> 00:16:33,160 Speaker 2: for the team. 349 00:16:33,440 --> 00:16:35,520 Speaker 1: How much of what you're talking about right now in 350 00:16:35,600 --> 00:16:39,360 Speaker 1: terms of things didn't go exactly how we thought or 351 00:16:40,280 --> 00:16:41,960 Speaker 1: we weren't sure what was going to happen. It felt 352 00:16:41,960 --> 00:16:44,840 Speaker 1: like the world wasn't sure based on it just seemed 353 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:47,600 Speaker 1: like everything was coming down to number two. Like I 354 00:16:47,680 --> 00:16:50,520 Speaker 1: kept hearing they don't like CJ. Stroud in Houston, and 355 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:53,040 Speaker 1: clearly was subterfuge, right, It clearly was put out there. 356 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:54,640 Speaker 1: Were you guys hearing that as well? Like, were you 357 00:16:54,640 --> 00:16:57,680 Speaker 1: guys unsure? Hey, is it going to be Stroud? Is 358 00:16:57,720 --> 00:16:59,080 Speaker 1: it going to be Will Anderson? Are they going to 359 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:00,960 Speaker 1: look to trade down? Is going to be somebody else? 360 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:03,080 Speaker 2: Yeah? And I think we looked at all those scenarios day. 361 00:17:03,160 --> 00:17:05,720 Speaker 2: I think you know, we didn't. We had no idea. 362 00:17:05,800 --> 00:17:07,760 Speaker 2: We had no idea. I mean, we felt we felt 363 00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:09,320 Speaker 2: pretty good about what was going to happen at one. 364 00:17:10,240 --> 00:17:12,040 Speaker 2: Number two we had no idea. So we had to 365 00:17:12,040 --> 00:17:14,440 Speaker 2: talk about all those scenarios that you just said, we 366 00:17:14,440 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 2: we hey, if they take this quarterback or a different quarterback, 367 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:20,040 Speaker 2: or do they go a position player? And we had 368 00:17:20,080 --> 00:17:22,520 Speaker 2: to talk through all those scenarios about who may or 369 00:17:22,520 --> 00:17:24,520 Speaker 2: may not be interested in moving up based on what 370 00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:27,800 Speaker 2: happened at number two. So we worked through those, and 371 00:17:28,359 --> 00:17:30,840 Speaker 2: you know, you could drive yourself crazy going going with 372 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:33,920 Speaker 2: there's a million different scenarios, and you well, what if 373 00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:36,479 Speaker 2: this happens, Well, that would never happen. Oh really, like 374 00:17:36,880 --> 00:17:38,600 Speaker 2: you just don't know with the draft, you know. So 375 00:17:39,560 --> 00:17:42,359 Speaker 2: we worked through those and we we felt good about, 376 00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:44,919 Speaker 2: you know, just working through those different scenarios, and we 377 00:17:44,920 --> 00:17:47,720 Speaker 2: were as surprised as ever as anybody when when number 378 00:17:47,720 --> 00:17:48,600 Speaker 2: two came off the board. 379 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:51,560 Speaker 1: Okay, so number two comes off the board? Is it 380 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:54,400 Speaker 1: right away? Okay, we've worked through these scenarios, so scenario 381 00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:57,640 Speaker 1: X has happened. Let's execute that plan correct. 382 00:17:57,640 --> 00:17:59,560 Speaker 2: And I think, you know, I think I think the 383 00:17:59,560 --> 00:18:03,680 Speaker 2: discussion on this the number three pick, they really they 384 00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:06,720 Speaker 2: really started back at the combine and you know, hey, 385 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:10,000 Speaker 2: you know at that point it was more I don't 386 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:11,600 Speaker 2: know if we're going to pick at number three, but 387 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:14,159 Speaker 2: if we don't pick, or would you be interested in 388 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:17,719 Speaker 2: coming up? So you know, we started those conversations back then. Uh. 389 00:18:17,960 --> 00:18:19,720 Speaker 2: And then I would say the week leading up to 390 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:23,160 Speaker 2: the draft, and specifically the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday before the draft, 391 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:26,600 Speaker 2: those talks really started to get more concrete. And so 392 00:18:26,960 --> 00:18:29,520 Speaker 2: it was a goal of mine is to have I 393 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:32,200 Speaker 2: wanted to go into Thursday with parameters of what was 394 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:34,720 Speaker 2: going to happen, so that no matter what happened at 395 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:37,879 Speaker 2: number two, I didn't want a cold call to come 396 00:18:37,920 --> 00:18:40,040 Speaker 2: out of the blue and number three and us start 397 00:18:40,040 --> 00:18:43,359 Speaker 2: from ground zero. So we had multiple teams that we 398 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:46,280 Speaker 2: had talked to Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. You know, hey, 399 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:50,040 Speaker 2: if if this happens or if our guy's there, you know, 400 00:18:50,440 --> 00:18:52,000 Speaker 2: this is what it would look like. This is what 401 00:18:52,040 --> 00:18:54,639 Speaker 2: we'd be interested in. Okay, all right, I'll you know, 402 00:18:54,760 --> 00:18:57,640 Speaker 2: we'll see what happens. And and so then when number 403 00:18:57,680 --> 00:19:00,840 Speaker 2: two did come off the board, you know, there were 404 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:03,159 Speaker 2: some teams that weren't interested anymore. And coming up to 405 00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:05,480 Speaker 2: number three, there were some teams that were still interested 406 00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:08,240 Speaker 2: in coming to number three. But there was no at 407 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:12,040 Speaker 2: no time was there. We weren't starting from zero. We 408 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:13,960 Speaker 2: we kind of had a ballpark of what we were 409 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:16,560 Speaker 2: trying to do, and you know, ultimately we were able 410 00:19:16,560 --> 00:19:18,520 Speaker 2: to work through and come up with a deal that worked. 411 00:19:19,320 --> 00:19:22,800 Speaker 1: So we're watching the draft and it feels like the 412 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:26,159 Speaker 1: trade is made as we're coming down to the wire. 413 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:28,520 Speaker 1: Was it like that for you in the room or 414 00:19:28,640 --> 00:19:32,679 Speaker 1: was it calm? Were the conversations very typical of what 415 00:19:32,720 --> 00:19:35,040 Speaker 1: you expected? And it just took time to kind of 416 00:19:35,280 --> 00:19:37,439 Speaker 1: get it to the league so they could announce it. 417 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:40,960 Speaker 2: I would say it did. It did come down that 418 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:43,360 Speaker 2: the time was taken down, and that was a product 419 00:19:43,440 --> 00:19:47,080 Speaker 2: of you know, when when the number two pick, When 420 00:19:47,080 --> 00:19:49,880 Speaker 2: the number two pick goes in, the clock starts immediately right, 421 00:19:49,920 --> 00:19:52,639 Speaker 2: so that there's no lag to Hey, let's walk up 422 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:55,119 Speaker 2: there and announce it like it it's it's going. And 423 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:57,480 Speaker 2: so there's some time to Hey, we got to check 424 00:19:57,560 --> 00:20:00,360 Speaker 2: back with all the teams that we've had discussions with, Hey, 425 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:03,160 Speaker 2: are you still interested? No? Are you still interested? Yes? 426 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:04,960 Speaker 2: And then so you go down the line and so 427 00:20:05,080 --> 00:20:07,160 Speaker 2: then you go through that process. All right, so now 428 00:20:07,160 --> 00:20:09,719 Speaker 2: we're down to x number of teams that are interested 429 00:20:09,760 --> 00:20:12,679 Speaker 2: in coming up. Okay, so this team, we know that 430 00:20:12,760 --> 00:20:14,680 Speaker 2: this team was here on the deal. This team was 431 00:20:14,720 --> 00:20:17,000 Speaker 2: here on the deal. Okay, which one do we like 432 00:20:17,040 --> 00:20:18,920 Speaker 2: better out of the two? All right, we like this one. 433 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:21,000 Speaker 2: Let's go back and see if we can talk. And 434 00:20:21,040 --> 00:20:24,280 Speaker 2: so as we are going through that, you know, it 435 00:20:24,800 --> 00:20:28,200 Speaker 2: helped that I have a personal relationship with with Nick 436 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:30,920 Speaker 2: Cassario and Houston have a lot of respect for Nick 437 00:20:30,960 --> 00:20:33,399 Speaker 2: as a as a person. He's been a mentor to me. 438 00:20:33,440 --> 00:20:35,320 Speaker 2: He's been a friend of me. Our families are close, 439 00:20:36,640 --> 00:20:38,800 Speaker 2: you know, I say that other than to say just 440 00:20:39,119 --> 00:20:43,199 Speaker 2: the conversation was easy between Nick and I, and you know, 441 00:20:43,280 --> 00:20:45,560 Speaker 2: so it got to a point where, hey, you know, 442 00:20:45,640 --> 00:20:49,480 Speaker 2: this is this is what we're offering, and you know, Nick, 443 00:20:49,520 --> 00:20:51,840 Speaker 2: I need it to include this. And then Nick can 444 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:53,520 Speaker 2: tell me, yeah, you know what, I'm not doing that, 445 00:20:53,680 --> 00:20:56,280 Speaker 2: and so I don't take offense to that. I know Nick. 446 00:20:56,359 --> 00:20:58,480 Speaker 2: I have that relationship with Nick, and he can tell me, no, 447 00:20:58,560 --> 00:21:00,960 Speaker 2: I'm not doing that. And so eventually there were some 448 00:21:01,080 --> 00:21:03,679 Speaker 2: back and forth there and the top clock's going, the 449 00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:06,320 Speaker 2: clock's going, and I think it was around I don't know, 450 00:21:06,440 --> 00:21:10,000 Speaker 2: two and a half minutes maybe where you know, we 451 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:12,119 Speaker 2: got the got the couple of deals written up on 452 00:21:12,119 --> 00:21:15,760 Speaker 2: the board, and a couple of teams, and so then okay, Nick, 453 00:21:15,840 --> 00:21:18,120 Speaker 2: I think we're at a spot where we're close. Here 454 00:21:18,560 --> 00:21:21,639 Speaker 2: it's this and this for this, this and this. Uh 455 00:21:22,320 --> 00:21:24,600 Speaker 2: are you in? Yep? I'm in. I'm in. Okay, great, 456 00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:26,159 Speaker 2: call it in. And so at two two and a 457 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:29,280 Speaker 2: half minutes, we both hang up the phone and our 458 00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:32,080 Speaker 2: cap guy, Matt Harris, then has to call the league 459 00:21:32,480 --> 00:21:35,560 Speaker 2: and repeat the trade terms of them. On Nick's end, 460 00:21:35,680 --> 00:21:38,040 Speaker 2: their cap guy or whoever is handling trades for them 461 00:21:38,080 --> 00:21:40,040 Speaker 2: has to call the has to call the league and 462 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:43,040 Speaker 2: turn their pick in or turn turn their the terms 463 00:21:43,040 --> 00:21:44,640 Speaker 2: of the trade. We both have to say the exact 464 00:21:44,680 --> 00:21:47,119 Speaker 2: same trade, so the league knows that nobody's trying to 465 00:21:47,119 --> 00:21:49,919 Speaker 2: pull something here. And then so once that happens, the 466 00:21:50,080 --> 00:21:53,000 Speaker 2: trade becomes official. And now Houston's got to take another 467 00:21:53,040 --> 00:21:55,840 Speaker 2: step and call the player in this case, Will Anderson 468 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:58,679 Speaker 2: get him on the phone and make sure he's okay. 469 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:02,000 Speaker 2: And so all that happened, I would say, give or 470 00:22:02,040 --> 00:22:04,240 Speaker 2: take in span a two two and a half minute. 471 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:09,600 Speaker 2: So it was it was, uh yeah, it was. It 472 00:22:09,640 --> 00:22:13,040 Speaker 2: was intense. It was good. But again I I would 473 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:15,119 Speaker 2: have to go back and look at the tape. I don't. 474 00:22:15,280 --> 00:22:17,680 Speaker 2: I don't think anybody in our room was panicking. I would, 475 00:22:17,920 --> 00:22:19,800 Speaker 2: you know, football people always got to go back and 476 00:22:19,800 --> 00:22:21,800 Speaker 2: look at the tape. Sorry, right, but I think, you know, 477 00:22:21,880 --> 00:22:23,399 Speaker 2: I think again, I think we had a plan and 478 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:25,720 Speaker 2: the time was taken, and time was of the essence, 479 00:22:25,760 --> 00:22:28,400 Speaker 2: and but you know we were able to finally get 480 00:22:28,440 --> 00:22:29,680 Speaker 2: and push it across the goal line. 481 00:22:29,680 --> 00:22:31,919 Speaker 1: First of all, it's fascinating and I think for the 482 00:22:32,359 --> 00:22:34,320 Speaker 1: people that are listening to this that that gives them 483 00:22:34,320 --> 00:22:36,480 Speaker 1: some inside knowledge as to what it's like. And there's 484 00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:37,840 Speaker 1: a lot of stuff you said there that I didn't know. 485 00:22:37,840 --> 00:22:39,920 Speaker 1: I didn't know that you have to actually get Will Anderson, 486 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:42,359 Speaker 1: the player that's going to get picked, on the phone 487 00:22:42,400 --> 00:22:44,399 Speaker 1: to let him know exactly what's going on. Sure, I 488 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:46,760 Speaker 1: didn't know how that information was relayed to a guy. Hey, 489 00:22:46,760 --> 00:22:48,840 Speaker 1: you're going to get picked, but the team that is 490 00:22:48,840 --> 00:22:50,960 Speaker 1: picking at number three is no longer picking at number three. 491 00:22:51,040 --> 00:22:54,480 Speaker 2: Correct. Yeah, And that's and and really we are ahead 492 00:22:54,480 --> 00:22:57,080 Speaker 2: of we are what you guys are watching on TV. 493 00:22:57,680 --> 00:23:00,679 Speaker 2: We're ahead of that. And so you know, maybe it 494 00:23:00,720 --> 00:23:03,359 Speaker 2: was different for Will being in the green room, but 495 00:23:03,680 --> 00:23:07,439 Speaker 2: for for most guys like they they they're sitting there 496 00:23:07,480 --> 00:23:10,080 Speaker 2: watching on TV, and we were probably like two picks 497 00:23:10,080 --> 00:23:12,639 Speaker 2: ahead of them. So we call somebody and tell him, hey, 498 00:23:12,640 --> 00:23:14,239 Speaker 2: we're gonna you know, your name is gonna be coming 499 00:23:14,280 --> 00:23:15,720 Speaker 2: across here. It's going to be in a few minutes. 500 00:23:15,760 --> 00:23:17,040 Speaker 2: So there is a little bit of a lag. 501 00:23:17,040 --> 00:23:21,639 Speaker 1: There was Paris Johnson always the guy, meaning if you 502 00:23:21,680 --> 00:23:23,639 Speaker 1: had to pick him at three, would you have? And 503 00:23:23,720 --> 00:23:26,600 Speaker 1: if so, you know him being the guy for you. 504 00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:29,400 Speaker 1: When did you know? When did you guys make the decision, Hey, 505 00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:30,840 Speaker 1: this is the guy we want. 506 00:23:31,080 --> 00:23:33,400 Speaker 2: M Yeah, I mean I think we had. I think 507 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:36,000 Speaker 2: we had multiple options at various points. I mean, I 508 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,320 Speaker 2: think Paris was in the discussion, you know, wherever we 509 00:23:39,320 --> 00:23:42,359 Speaker 2: were going to end up picking. You know, I think 510 00:23:42,400 --> 00:23:46,320 Speaker 2: for me personally, we we did. We spent a lot 511 00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:49,600 Speaker 2: of time with Paris, starting at the Combine with him. 512 00:23:49,640 --> 00:23:51,240 Speaker 2: We had a formal interview with him there. He was 513 00:23:51,280 --> 00:23:54,679 Speaker 2: a very impressive kid there. But really what solidified it 514 00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:56,399 Speaker 2: for me is when he when Paris came in for 515 00:23:56,440 --> 00:23:58,800 Speaker 2: his thirty visit and he got we had a chance 516 00:23:58,800 --> 00:24:01,040 Speaker 2: to spend the entire day with him and just to 517 00:24:01,080 --> 00:24:03,680 Speaker 2: see the type of kid that he was. And really 518 00:24:03,720 --> 00:24:06,800 Speaker 2: those thirty visits have nothing to do with his ability 519 00:24:06,800 --> 00:24:08,800 Speaker 2: on the field. It's all about the person and how 520 00:24:08,800 --> 00:24:12,679 Speaker 2: he interacts and how smart is he and how mature 521 00:24:12,720 --> 00:24:16,040 Speaker 2: and dependable is he. And so my meeting with Paris, 522 00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:18,439 Speaker 2: my meeting with all the prospects is really at the 523 00:24:18,480 --> 00:24:20,320 Speaker 2: end of the day, after we spent you know, kind 524 00:24:20,320 --> 00:24:22,200 Speaker 2: of put them through the ringer and gone through things, 525 00:24:22,240 --> 00:24:24,439 Speaker 2: and my meeting with Paris, with that was at the 526 00:24:24,480 --> 00:24:26,639 Speaker 2: end of the day, and you know when by the 527 00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:29,320 Speaker 2: time my meeting with him was done, he walked out 528 00:24:29,400 --> 00:24:31,919 Speaker 2: and and I knew that that Paris was made up 529 00:24:31,920 --> 00:24:34,359 Speaker 2: of the type of stuff that we would want to 530 00:24:34,359 --> 00:24:37,320 Speaker 2: add to our program. And you know, you there's but 531 00:24:37,640 --> 00:24:39,600 Speaker 2: there's a lot of people that you can say that about. 532 00:24:39,640 --> 00:24:42,080 Speaker 2: And so sure, I hope that we would get a 533 00:24:42,119 --> 00:24:45,280 Speaker 2: chance to add Paris, and you know, ultimately we did so, 534 00:24:45,440 --> 00:24:46,399 Speaker 2: and we were happy with that. 535 00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:48,640 Speaker 1: So you trade down and then you trade back up 536 00:24:48,680 --> 00:24:51,640 Speaker 1: obviously to make the selection at six to get Paris. 537 00:24:53,359 --> 00:24:56,160 Speaker 1: How did you know when to move back up? Did 538 00:24:56,200 --> 00:24:58,119 Speaker 1: you know when you made the trade with Houston, Hey, 539 00:24:58,160 --> 00:24:59,960 Speaker 1: we're going to move back up. Part of this, dear, 540 00:25:00,200 --> 00:25:02,360 Speaker 1: is we're going to use what we just got or 541 00:25:02,520 --> 00:25:04,720 Speaker 1: some of the other picks we had to move back up. 542 00:25:05,119 --> 00:25:06,560 Speaker 1: And when did you pull that trigger? 543 00:25:06,760 --> 00:25:11,280 Speaker 2: Yeah? That was that was definitely a part of any 544 00:25:11,359 --> 00:25:14,880 Speaker 2: of our trade down discussions, is that we wanted any 545 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:18,119 Speaker 2: any trade where we were bouncing back or moving back, 546 00:25:18,480 --> 00:25:22,520 Speaker 2: we wanted to have enough currency in that trade to 547 00:25:22,640 --> 00:25:26,199 Speaker 2: claw back up but still come out net positive on 548 00:25:26,280 --> 00:25:29,240 Speaker 2: the first trade. And so didn't know if we were 549 00:25:29,240 --> 00:25:30,560 Speaker 2: going to be able to pull that off like that 550 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:33,760 Speaker 2: all sounds great, but you need you need the other 551 00:25:33,800 --> 00:25:35,520 Speaker 2: side of the trade to work out as well. And 552 00:25:35,560 --> 00:25:38,320 Speaker 2: so you know, as we were talking through the scenarios 553 00:25:38,440 --> 00:25:41,080 Speaker 2: leading up to the week, we knew that, hey, if 554 00:25:41,160 --> 00:25:44,120 Speaker 2: the further you jump back up, it's going to cost more. 555 00:25:44,200 --> 00:25:47,000 Speaker 2: And so you know, so those were things that that 556 00:25:47,080 --> 00:25:49,679 Speaker 2: we had considered. We were we were ready at We 557 00:25:50,040 --> 00:25:51,960 Speaker 2: made several calls. As soon as we went back to 558 00:25:52,040 --> 00:25:54,959 Speaker 2: number twelve, we immediately made it, started making calls at 559 00:25:55,240 --> 00:25:59,240 Speaker 2: various levels, and you know, we had to wait for 560 00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:02,520 Speaker 2: what the number, the number four pick to go went across, 561 00:26:02,920 --> 00:26:06,520 Speaker 2: and so then we were making calls and finally we 562 00:26:07,040 --> 00:26:09,439 Speaker 2: came to a team that was willing to or that 563 00:26:09,560 --> 00:26:11,359 Speaker 2: was willing to take the deal that we were offering, 564 00:26:11,800 --> 00:26:14,320 Speaker 2: and and then we just went ahead and made that move. 565 00:26:15,440 --> 00:26:19,199 Speaker 1: Second round. You take bj Ojalai from LSU, who I 566 00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:20,800 Speaker 1: did not have l s U this year, but had 567 00:26:20,840 --> 00:26:23,600 Speaker 1: them two years ago. So a little familiar with him, 568 00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:27,600 Speaker 1: familiar with his brother. What do you think he can be? 569 00:26:27,720 --> 00:26:31,000 Speaker 1: I think there were some people. Look, you guys got 570 00:26:31,160 --> 00:26:34,880 Speaker 1: praised by everybody in the media for the moves you made. 571 00:26:34,960 --> 00:26:36,800 Speaker 1: There were some people I just remember the time seeing 572 00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:38,840 Speaker 1: it that were a little surprised at the pick. What 573 00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:41,480 Speaker 1: do you think BJ can be and why did you 574 00:26:41,520 --> 00:26:43,119 Speaker 1: guys take him at that spot? 575 00:26:43,240 --> 00:26:46,399 Speaker 2: Yeah? Sure, So you know, with BJ, we saw, you know, 576 00:26:46,440 --> 00:26:49,120 Speaker 2: a player that has played at a high level in 577 00:26:49,160 --> 00:26:51,040 Speaker 2: one of the best conference in the in the country, 578 00:26:51,080 --> 00:26:55,320 Speaker 2: the SEC. We see a guy that has a good 579 00:26:55,359 --> 00:26:58,879 Speaker 2: get off. He's he's fast off the edge, he can bend, 580 00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:01,800 Speaker 2: he can he's got a good mix of speed to power, 581 00:27:01,840 --> 00:27:05,920 Speaker 2: of quickness of counter moves, you know. And the thing 582 00:27:05,960 --> 00:27:09,359 Speaker 2: that the thing that really impressed us about BJ is 583 00:27:09,480 --> 00:27:11,720 Speaker 2: not only meeting with him at the combine, but then 584 00:27:11,800 --> 00:27:14,879 Speaker 2: also you know BJ wears the number eighteen jersey at LSU, 585 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:17,360 Speaker 2: and the number eighteen jersey is a you know, it's 586 00:27:17,359 --> 00:27:20,560 Speaker 2: a pretty big honor that they give out that the staff, 587 00:27:20,600 --> 00:27:23,640 Speaker 2: the coaches there, they vote on and and really that's 588 00:27:23,680 --> 00:27:28,200 Speaker 2: given to a player that exhibits the top program characteristics, 589 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:31,040 Speaker 2: not not necessarily the best player, but the best the 590 00:27:31,080 --> 00:27:33,480 Speaker 2: guy that works hard, does things right, that goes about 591 00:27:33,480 --> 00:27:35,800 Speaker 2: things the right way, and that that was really important 592 00:27:35,840 --> 00:27:38,919 Speaker 2: to us. So, you know, not only BJ's ability on 593 00:27:38,960 --> 00:27:41,120 Speaker 2: the field to rush the passer, to set the edge 594 00:27:41,640 --> 00:27:44,760 Speaker 2: to do multiple things in our defense, but also the 595 00:27:44,840 --> 00:27:47,719 Speaker 2: makeup of BJ was really attractive to us at that point. 596 00:27:48,440 --> 00:27:51,919 Speaker 1: John Gains. You, guys, taking the fourth round, how important 597 00:27:52,040 --> 00:27:54,879 Speaker 1: was it for you to really address the offensive line 598 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:55,760 Speaker 1: in this draft? 599 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:58,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, And I think I think line of scrimmage players 600 00:27:58,080 --> 00:27:59,919 Speaker 2: are always going to be important to us. You know, 601 00:28:00,080 --> 00:28:02,280 Speaker 2: I think I think the game, the game starts up 602 00:28:02,320 --> 00:28:05,399 Speaker 2: there on both sides of the ball, and you know, 603 00:28:05,480 --> 00:28:07,399 Speaker 2: so I think I think that was definitely an area 604 00:28:08,119 --> 00:28:12,800 Speaker 2: that that we wanted to address. You know, with John 605 00:28:12,920 --> 00:28:16,280 Speaker 2: an interesting guy. You know, played played mainly guard at 606 00:28:16,359 --> 00:28:18,280 Speaker 2: U C. L A, but also saw time at center. 607 00:28:19,160 --> 00:28:21,680 Speaker 2: And then when when he went to the the All 608 00:28:21,680 --> 00:28:24,280 Speaker 2: Star Game, he played at the East West All Star 609 00:28:24,320 --> 00:28:26,880 Speaker 2: Game that was in Vegas, he he worked even more 610 00:28:26,920 --> 00:28:29,960 Speaker 2: so at center. So, you know, those interior guys that 611 00:28:29,960 --> 00:28:33,000 Speaker 2: that have that versatility to play multiple positions, that's always 612 00:28:33,000 --> 00:28:36,000 Speaker 2: going to be intriguing. And then our ability to meet 613 00:28:36,040 --> 00:28:38,520 Speaker 2: with him, our scouts to meet with him in Las Vegas, 614 00:28:38,520 --> 00:28:41,200 Speaker 2: and then also for us to continue the process through 615 00:28:41,240 --> 00:28:44,920 Speaker 2: the from the combine through the through the Zoom process. 616 00:28:45,800 --> 00:28:48,080 Speaker 2: You know, Zoom has has allowed us to reach out 617 00:28:48,080 --> 00:28:51,760 Speaker 2: and and just logistically be more efficient with our time. 618 00:28:52,200 --> 00:28:55,160 Speaker 2: But John did an extremely good job with our coaches 619 00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:58,000 Speaker 2: on the zoom. Just liked his makeup and his intellect 620 00:28:58,040 --> 00:29:00,800 Speaker 2: and his ability to handle the hand, the center position, 621 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:04,080 Speaker 2: handle the guard position. You know. So that was attractive 622 00:29:04,080 --> 00:29:05,360 Speaker 2: about Adam John to our group. 623 00:29:05,600 --> 00:29:07,560 Speaker 1: So you look at the quarterback room. Look, no, nobody 624 00:29:07,560 --> 00:29:09,920 Speaker 1: in the NFL is like Kyler. But you know, Colt 625 00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:13,360 Speaker 1: and Kyler are pretty different. They're they're on different ends 626 00:29:13,360 --> 00:29:15,520 Speaker 1: of the spectrum. Where where do you think Clayton Tune, 627 00:29:15,520 --> 00:29:17,160 Speaker 1: who you guys took on the fifth round from Houston? 628 00:29:18,000 --> 00:29:20,240 Speaker 1: Where does he fit there? What did you guys see 629 00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:22,320 Speaker 1: in him that you think? You know, at some point 630 00:29:22,320 --> 00:29:24,080 Speaker 1: if we had to play this kid, we think he 631 00:29:24,120 --> 00:29:25,440 Speaker 1: could go in and win. 632 00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:27,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, I mean, and we'll we'll see how that 633 00:29:27,680 --> 00:29:29,200 Speaker 2: all shakes out. I mean, we got we got a 634 00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:31,280 Speaker 2: long way to go here. We got to get Clayton 635 00:29:31,320 --> 00:29:34,040 Speaker 2: here and and you know, get him, get him in 636 00:29:34,120 --> 00:29:36,280 Speaker 2: doctrine to our offense and and get him in the group. 637 00:29:36,320 --> 00:29:39,200 Speaker 2: But you know, with Clayton, we we did have an 638 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:43,160 Speaker 2: interesting perspective with him, you know, are he he was 639 00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:45,360 Speaker 2: a participant down at the Senior Bowl this year and 640 00:29:46,320 --> 00:29:48,960 Speaker 2: at the time, are who are our current quarterback coach? Now? 641 00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:51,280 Speaker 2: Is he? Wolfwork was with Cleveland at the time, and 642 00:29:51,320 --> 00:29:52,920 Speaker 2: he had a chance to coach down in the Senior 643 00:29:52,960 --> 00:29:56,080 Speaker 2: Bowl and one of his Clayton, was on his team, 644 00:29:56,160 --> 00:29:59,360 Speaker 2: so we had we had a positive impression. Is he is? 645 00:29:59,400 --> 00:30:01,680 Speaker 2: He talked very highly of Clayton coming out of there, 646 00:30:02,080 --> 00:30:04,760 Speaker 2: and you know, Clayton was a highly productive player. And 647 00:30:05,080 --> 00:30:07,960 Speaker 2: you know, I think with a guy like Clayton, you know, 648 00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:10,520 Speaker 2: he's put up good passing numbers and and he's obviously 649 00:30:10,600 --> 00:30:14,760 Speaker 2: got a throwing talent, but it's he's also got good 650 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:17,040 Speaker 2: athleticism for a for a bigger quarterback. I mean, he 651 00:30:17,120 --> 00:30:20,160 Speaker 2: ran well at the Combine. He ran for I want 652 00:30:20,160 --> 00:30:22,880 Speaker 2: to say, over five hundred yards this year in Houston's offense. 653 00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:25,000 Speaker 2: And so, you know, I think he does bring some 654 00:30:25,120 --> 00:30:27,680 Speaker 2: versatility that he's not just a he's just not a 655 00:30:27,720 --> 00:30:30,160 Speaker 2: pocket passer, that he can do some things outside the pocket, 656 00:30:30,200 --> 00:30:34,560 Speaker 2: play extension, some r P RPO type stuff. So we're 657 00:30:34,600 --> 00:30:36,800 Speaker 2: excited about adding him to our group and we'll see 658 00:30:36,800 --> 00:30:37,640 Speaker 2: where that shakes out. 659 00:30:37,960 --> 00:30:39,800 Speaker 1: Just a few more rapid fire, we'll get you out 660 00:30:39,800 --> 00:30:43,520 Speaker 1: of here. I really appreciate the time money Kyler's recovered. 661 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:47,280 Speaker 1: You guys have a sense yet of when Kyler's going 662 00:30:47,320 --> 00:30:48,680 Speaker 1: to be available to play? 663 00:30:49,120 --> 00:30:51,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean Kyler's here every day. Kyler's grinding, he's 664 00:30:51,800 --> 00:30:55,360 Speaker 2: working hard, he's getting better, he's improving every day. You know, 665 00:30:55,480 --> 00:30:57,320 Speaker 2: I don't I don't have a timeline. I don't have 666 00:30:57,360 --> 00:31:00,320 Speaker 2: an update on that. You know, Kyler is We're We're 667 00:31:00,320 --> 00:31:01,960 Speaker 2: going to put him out there when he's ready, and 668 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:05,240 Speaker 2: he'll He's doing everything he can now. He's in meetings, 669 00:31:05,240 --> 00:31:07,360 Speaker 2: he's learned, he's trying to take in the new offense 670 00:31:07,400 --> 00:31:10,040 Speaker 2: and doing what he can on that front. He just 671 00:31:10,080 --> 00:31:11,680 Speaker 2: can't be out on the field right now and he's 672 00:31:11,760 --> 00:31:13,880 Speaker 2: he's just physically not ready to do that. But when 673 00:31:13,880 --> 00:31:16,000 Speaker 2: he I know, he's doing everything he can, and when 674 00:31:16,040 --> 00:31:17,840 Speaker 2: he's ready, we'll get him out there and we're excited 675 00:31:17,840 --> 00:31:18,760 Speaker 2: to get him back out there. 676 00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:21,120 Speaker 1: This obviously is not the first time that you've been 677 00:31:21,960 --> 00:31:24,520 Speaker 1: part of an organization where you've got veteran players that 678 00:31:24,600 --> 00:31:27,520 Speaker 1: are unhappy. They either want to be traded or they 679 00:31:27,560 --> 00:31:30,480 Speaker 1: want a contract extension, or you've got players like d 680 00:31:30,600 --> 00:31:32,960 Speaker 1: Hop that have a huge cap number. I'm talking about 681 00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:35,920 Speaker 1: Buddha and de Hop in particular, Now that you're in 682 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:38,560 Speaker 1: the chair and you're making the call, how have you 683 00:31:38,760 --> 00:31:42,320 Speaker 1: managed those request slash situations? 684 00:31:42,680 --> 00:31:44,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, And I think the key to to to both 685 00:31:44,480 --> 00:31:48,000 Speaker 2: those situations is communication. And both both d Hop and 686 00:31:48,200 --> 00:31:50,880 Speaker 2: Buddha have been great with communicating with me back and 687 00:31:50,920 --> 00:31:54,760 Speaker 2: forth with their you know, their representation. So I think 688 00:31:54,840 --> 00:31:59,000 Speaker 2: you know understanding that that players have opinions and ideas 689 00:31:59,040 --> 00:32:01,440 Speaker 2: and things that go through their head. Hey, that's that's 690 00:32:01,480 --> 00:32:03,480 Speaker 2: human nature. We all have that that that happens for 691 00:32:03,520 --> 00:32:05,520 Speaker 2: all of us. But I think just continuing to have 692 00:32:05,600 --> 00:32:08,720 Speaker 2: those conversations and and keeping them informed and in our 693 00:32:08,720 --> 00:32:11,040 Speaker 2: thought process and and the things that we have going 694 00:32:11,080 --> 00:32:13,640 Speaker 2: on here. I mean, there's it's it's exciting here right now. 695 00:32:13,680 --> 00:32:15,480 Speaker 2: There's a there's a good energy in the building. And 696 00:32:15,480 --> 00:32:17,480 Speaker 2: and you know, I think the guys that are here 697 00:32:17,480 --> 00:32:19,680 Speaker 2: that have been working are seeing that and seeing some 698 00:32:19,720 --> 00:32:21,680 Speaker 2: of the things that we're doing and and some of 699 00:32:21,720 --> 00:32:24,120 Speaker 2: the changes that we made. So so we're excited about that, 700 00:32:24,240 --> 00:32:25,840 Speaker 2: and I think we're just going to continue to keep 701 00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:27,680 Speaker 2: those lines of communication open, all right. 702 00:32:27,760 --> 00:32:30,960 Speaker 1: Last one, Isaiah Simmons, you guys deciding not to pick 703 00:32:31,040 --> 00:32:32,960 Speaker 1: up the option. What all went into that? 704 00:32:33,520 --> 00:32:35,520 Speaker 2: Sure, Yeah, yeah, so you know, I think I think 705 00:32:35,560 --> 00:32:39,000 Speaker 2: those are discussions. You know, I wouldn't read anything other. 706 00:32:39,080 --> 00:32:41,280 Speaker 2: And then you know that that just probably wasn't the 707 00:32:41,320 --> 00:32:43,520 Speaker 2: best decision for us to do right now. Just as 708 00:32:43,640 --> 00:32:46,440 Speaker 2: as a team, you know, we're excited about working with 709 00:32:46,520 --> 00:32:49,840 Speaker 2: Isaiah we and we think he's extremely talented and has 710 00:32:49,880 --> 00:32:53,400 Speaker 2: a lot to offer versatility in our defense. But just 711 00:32:53,640 --> 00:32:56,000 Speaker 2: right now, I think that that the decision to not 712 00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,040 Speaker 2: pick up that option right now is just probably the 713 00:32:58,040 --> 00:32:59,240 Speaker 2: best for the team right now. 714 00:32:59,600 --> 00:33:01,600 Speaker 1: Hey, Man, I really appreciate this. I think if you're 715 00:33:01,800 --> 00:33:03,360 Speaker 1: a Cardinal fan, you got a lot out of this 716 00:33:03,600 --> 00:33:05,080 Speaker 1: and you get to know MANI. Awesome for it a 717 00:33:05,080 --> 00:33:06,720 Speaker 1: little bit more so, appreciate you stupping by. 718 00:33:06,600 --> 00:33:08,560 Speaker 2: Man, Dave. Thanks for the time, Appreciate it. Thank you. 719 00:33:10,400 --> 00:33:14,640 Speaker 1: Terrific stuff for MANI. My biggest takeaway, and I'm hoping 720 00:33:14,680 --> 00:33:17,200 Speaker 1: this is yours as well, is just how good of 721 00:33:17,240 --> 00:33:22,840 Speaker 1: a guy MANI is very personable, professional, polite, and I 722 00:33:22,840 --> 00:33:25,920 Speaker 1: think for you guys out there and for me as well, 723 00:33:26,160 --> 00:33:29,960 Speaker 1: it's just great to get brought inside that draft room 724 00:33:30,360 --> 00:33:33,840 Speaker 1: and what it's really like when the pressures on the 725 00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:36,120 Speaker 1: clock is ticking, you've got to make a deal. And 726 00:33:36,160 --> 00:33:40,000 Speaker 1: the relationships that these guys have with one another, it's 727 00:33:40,040 --> 00:33:43,520 Speaker 1: a very tight knit community in the scouting world, and 728 00:33:43,720 --> 00:33:46,160 Speaker 1: to be able to make deals with guys you know, 729 00:33:46,280 --> 00:33:50,160 Speaker 1: is very helpful. And because there's honest conversations going on 730 00:33:50,280 --> 00:33:53,560 Speaker 1: about players and draft picks that you can get and 731 00:33:54,360 --> 00:33:57,200 Speaker 1: when you're in that fifteen minute time window and you've 732 00:33:57,200 --> 00:33:59,960 Speaker 1: got to pull the trigger, just the kind of press 733 00:34:00,320 --> 00:34:02,040 Speaker 1: that you're dealing with. And also the fact too, I 734 00:34:02,080 --> 00:34:05,720 Speaker 1: thought was really interesting was that just like us, even 735 00:34:05,800 --> 00:34:08,800 Speaker 1: Moni and the rest of the league wasn't sure exactly 736 00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:10,600 Speaker 1: what Houston was going to do at number two, and 737 00:34:10,640 --> 00:34:13,279 Speaker 1: then how that triggered so many different scenarios for the 738 00:34:13,320 --> 00:34:17,319 Speaker 1: Cardinals and for other teams in the NFL. So great 739 00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:19,000 Speaker 1: to catch up with Mani on a lot of things. 740 00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:21,360 Speaker 1: Hope you really enjoyed that. One of the things we 741 00:34:21,400 --> 00:34:24,360 Speaker 1: didn't get a chance to talk about is the new uniforms. 742 00:34:24,880 --> 00:34:27,880 Speaker 1: And with all the excitement around the Cardinals surrounding the 743 00:34:27,960 --> 00:34:32,960 Speaker 1: draft picks and all the trades, the uniform unveiled was 744 00:34:33,520 --> 00:34:35,920 Speaker 1: recent and was obviously a big story. We're going to 745 00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:39,040 Speaker 1: go behind the scenes with the latest Cardinals flight plan. 746 00:34:39,560 --> 00:34:42,560 Speaker 1: It airs Thursday for the first time at noon on 747 00:34:42,640 --> 00:34:47,480 Speaker 1: the Cardinals YouTube channel. You can go inside what happened 748 00:34:47,480 --> 00:34:49,840 Speaker 1: on that night and also what went into the Cardinals 749 00:34:49,880 --> 00:34:53,879 Speaker 1: making the decision to go with the new uniforms. Really 750 00:34:53,880 --> 00:34:57,040 Speaker 1: good stuff. My favorite the all white. If I had 751 00:34:57,040 --> 00:34:58,840 Speaker 1: to pick, I love them all, but the all white 752 00:34:58,840 --> 00:35:02,040 Speaker 1: to me was was the coolest uniform the Cardinals I 753 00:35:02,040 --> 00:35:03,960 Speaker 1: have ever had. I can't wait to see the Cardinals 754 00:35:04,520 --> 00:35:07,040 Speaker 1: and bust those unis up. Maybe week one, depending on 755 00:35:07,360 --> 00:35:09,840 Speaker 1: the schedule obviously that comes out May eleventh, we'll know 756 00:35:09,880 --> 00:35:12,560 Speaker 1: for sure who the Cardinals are playing week one. We're 757 00:35:12,560 --> 00:35:15,120 Speaker 1: presented by BETMGM, the official sports betting partner of the 758 00:35:15,120 --> 00:35:18,600 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals in by Hila River Resorts and Casinos. You 759 00:35:18,600 --> 00:35:21,399 Speaker 1: can follow us on Twitter at pashpod. You can also 760 00:35:21,520 --> 00:35:23,400 Speaker 1: rate us tell us what you think by going to 761 00:35:23,480 --> 00:35:27,760 Speaker 1: your podcast platform. Thanks to you for listening to another 762 00:35:27,880 --> 00:35:30,400 Speaker 1: edition of the Day Pash Podcast, and thanks again to 763 00:35:30,480 --> 00:35:34,360 Speaker 1: our guest, Arizona Cardinals General manager Manias and Forth.