The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL - podcast cover

The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

The Athletictheathletic.com
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-host Derrik Klassen dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, tackle the ins and outs of roster building, follow the details of why we all love this sport, and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Episodes

Offseason Buy or Sell: Teams in Transition

With the 2025 NFL Draft firmly in the rear-view mirror, we are now in full-on offseason mode on The Athletic Football Show. With that comes one of our favorite offseason staples...are we buying or selling what each of the 32 teams did to improve their teams for the 2025 season? We start the series with what we're calling the Teams in Transition, which includes the Titans, Browns, Giants, Patriots, Jets, Raiders, Saints and Panthers. Do we buy or sell what those teams have done since the Super Bo...

May 06, 20252 hr 34 min

Draft fallout and James Cook's future lead the return of the TAFS mailbag

The draft is over, which means Mailbag Mondays are back! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen tackle questions about quarterbacks improving their accuracy, the most electric recent draft moments, James Cook's future in Buffalo and more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Which teams bet in the draft on their ability to develop players? Are the Steelers the most unlikely team to win a SB in the next five years How easy is it for a QB to improve accuracy? Which past draft moments woul...

May 05, 20252 hr 35 min

Biggest questions remaining after the draft

The coaching carousel has stopped spinning. The free agency frenzy is in the rear-view mirror. The 2025 NFL Draft is done. All 32 teams as currently constructed are essentially what they are going to be when they take the field in Week 1. So what are the weightiest questions we still have? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen ask, and try to answer, those questions on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Who's going to catch passes for the Cowboys? Is the Bills pass-catcher anxiety warr...

May 01, 20251 hr 22 min

The messages teams sent in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Field Yates

Robert Mays and Field Yates analyze the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on the messages teams sent through their selections. They discuss the Bills' defensive focus after criticism, the Steelers' avoidance of quarterback desperation, and the Raiders' emphasis on player development. The conversation also covers the Cardinals' defensive overhaul, the Patriots' investment in Drake May's support, and several other team strategies, highlighting the draft's role in injecting hope into franchises.

Apr 29, 20251 hr 22 min

2025 NFL Draft day three recap and overall takeaways

And that's a wrap on the 2025 NFL Draft. Who did good work on day three? Who did good work the entire weekend? Why did the Browns go back to the quarterback well to grab Shedeur Sanders? Which teams had good plans, and which ones surprised us? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen With: Dane Brugler Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Bell...

Apr 27, 20252 hr 33 min

2025 NFL Draft second and third round recap

Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dane Brugler recap the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting favorite picks, surprising falls, and best team hauls. They analyze team strategies, player fits, and potential impacts, offering insights into draft decisions and future team dynamics. The experts also discuss draft surprises and the factors influencing player selections.

Apr 26, 202558 min

2025 NFL Draft first round recap + best day two picks

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. What were our favorite picks? What were the biggest surprises. Who do we feel different about because of his landing spot. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, Dane Brugler and Bruce Feldman answer those questions, and also take a look ahead to night two, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Favorite picks of the night Biggest surprises Biggest head-scratchers Best fits The guys you see differently because of where he landed The be...

Apr 25, 202554 min

Biggest remaining questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft

Friends, the 2025 NFL Draft has arrived. All our questions will finally be answered. But, for the time being, we still have questions! How many quarterbacks will go in the first round? Who, if anyone, will make a big move up the board? How will the receiver and corner positions shake out? Will any veteran players get traded? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler ask the questions that still have them flummoxed on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown All things quarterback W...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 20 min

The very good, but maybe not great, 2025 NFL Draft offensive line class

A great comedy movie isn't going to win any Oscars, but it's a fun two hours at the movies. That's the offensive line class in the 2025 NFL Draft. It may not be stocked with potential future All-Pros, but it does have more than its fair share of players who project as quality starters. Dane Brugler and Brandon Thorn from the Trench Warfare Substack join Robert Mays to break down the class on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen With: Dane Brugler ...

Apr 23, 20252 hr 39 min

On the Clock, picks 26-32: The top-tier Super Bowl contenders make their moves

We're back On the Clock on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Mike Renner from CBS Sports joins Robert Mays to wrap up the first round and make picks 26 through 32 in the 2025 NFL Draft. That covers first round picks for the Rams, Ravens, Lions, Commanders, Bills, Chiefs and Eagles. The Ravens go for traits at pass rusher! The Lions get some oomph in the middle of their defensive line! The Eagles replace Josh Sweat! Come and join the draft fun. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen ...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 1 min

Monday Mailbag: The NFC North's head coach stardom, the best drafting teams, remembering some running backs, and more

Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the mailbag one more time before the 2025 NFL Draft on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Can one division support as much head coaching talent as the NFC North has? Should teams be wary about giving out top-of-the-market extensions to players at non-premium positions? Who were your favorite running backs to watch play? The guys answer those questions, and a whole lot more. Rundown NFC North loaded at head coach What's the easiest position for a w...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 17 min

The 2025 NFL Draft pass-catcher class blowout!

Three receivers went in the top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft. That isn't likely to be the case this year, but we could see 10 come off the board by the end of the second round. The tight end position might give us our highest-selected pass-catcher this year, with both Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland getting top-10 buzz. No matter what, the pass-catchers are going to give us plenty to talk about draft weekend. They also give Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler plenty to talk about on this ...

Apr 18, 20252 hr 52 min

The 2025 NFL Draft's mid-round gems, with Dane Brugler and Daniel Jeremiah

Bucky Irving...125th overall in 2024. Nick Herbig...132nd overall in 2023. Kerby Joseph...97th overall in 2022. Teams can, and do, find themselves difference makers on the second and third day of the draft. Who might be those players this season? Dane Brugler and Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network join Robert Mays to highlight the potential mid-round gems in the 2025 NFL Draft on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Get The Beast: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/the-beast/2025/ Host: Rober...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 12 min

On the Clock, picks 19-25: The playoff teams have entered the chat

We're back On the Clock on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Trevor Sikkema from Pro Football Focus joins Robert Mays to make picks 19 through 25 in the 2025 NFL Draft. That brings us our first batch of last season's playoff teams, including the Buccaneers, Broncos, Steelers, Chargers, Packers, Vikings and Texans. The Buccaneers make a statement at EDGE! The Steelers and Chargers grab receivers! The Packers add a corner! Come and join the draft fun. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Kl...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 19 min

Monday Mailbag: Coordinator hires, the Steelers' QB situation, draft day shockers, and more

One of the many things we love about the TAFS mailbag is that it reflects the conversations real football fans are having in the moment. As such, it should come as no surprise that this edition of the mailbag is heavy on draft questions. What are some plausible draft day surprises we could see this year? Why do certain players seem to have dramatic climbs or tumbles down draft boards in March and April? Should teams recalibrate how the think about premium positions in a draft like this one? Robe...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 29 min

Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, and a loaded defensive line draft class

Dane Brugler has been telling us for months that this is a good draft to need defensive players. That's exemplified by a defensive line class that features 28 players inside the top 100 of The Beast. Dane and Fran Duffy from the ALLCITY Network join Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to break down the DL class in the 2025 NFL Draft. Rundown Abdul Carter Mason Graham Mykel Williams Jalon Walker Walter Nolen Derrick Harmon Shemar Stewart Mike Green James Pearce Jr. Kenneth G...

Apr 10, 20251 hr 20 min

The most polarizing players in the 2025 NFL Draft

Everyone likes Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. There's a widespread consensus that Cam Ward deserves to be the top quarterback on the board. After that, though, opinions vary more so than in most drafts in recent memory. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler dig into the players driving that disagreement on this episode of The Athletic Football Show, breaking down the most polarizing players in the 2025 NFL Draft. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen With: Dane Brugler Executive Prod...

Apr 09, 20251 hr 19 min

On the Clock, picks 13-18: Teams chasing needs, teams chasing dreams

We're back On the Clock on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Ben Solak from ESPN joins Robert Mays to make picks 13 through 18 in the 2025 NFL Draft. That covers first-round picks for the Dolphins, Colts, Falcons, Cardinals, Bengals and Seahawks. The Dolphins and Bengals get some offensive line help! The Falcons take another swing at ending the John Abraham bit! The Seahawks bring in another receiver for Sam Darnold! Come and join the draft fun. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klasse...

Apr 08, 20251 hr 10 min

Monday Mailbag: Head coach trades, the case against Travis Hunter, the most fun trade-up scenarios in the first round, and more

The TAFS mailbag is once again chock full of great questions from all of you out there. This time around, the mail carrier brought us questions on head coach trades, GM job security, the Lions' approach to the regular season, the most fun trade-ups that could happen in this year's draft, and a whole lot more. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify YouTube Follow Robert on Blues...

Apr 07, 20251 hr 16 min

Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and the deepest running back draft class in years

You know Ashton Jeanty. You know Omarion Hampton. You know Kaleb Johnson and TreVeyon Henderson. And if you know all of them, chances are you know that this is the deepest running back draft class in years. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler dig deep into that class on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Fill out The Athletic's listener survey. Three people will win $100 in vouchers at Amazon: theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen With: Dan...

Apr 04, 20252 hr 31 min

The teams with the most at stake in the 2025 NFL Draft

The draft matters for all 32 teams in the NFL...but it matters for some teams more than others. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen identify the teams with the most at stake in the 2025 NFL Draft on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Fill out The Athletic's listener survey. Three people will win $100 in vouchers at Amazon: theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football ...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 22 min

On the Clock, picks 7-12: The Panthers and 49ers swing our first trade!

We're back On the Clock on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Danny Kelly from The Ringer joins Robert Mays to make picks seven through 12 in the 2025 NFL Draft. That covers first-round picks for the Jets, Panthers, Saints, Bears, 49ers and Cowboys. The Panthers and Niners make a deal! Ashton Jeanty comes off the board! The Saints have us confused! Again!! Come and join the draft fun. Fill out The Athletic's listener survey. Three people will win $100 in vouchers at Amazon: theathletic....

Apr 01, 20251 hr 19 min

Monday Mailbag: Draft day trade charts, aesthetically pleasing players, rebuilding vs. retooling, and more

Once again, the TAFS mailbag was jam-packed with great questions from all of you out there. On this edition of the mailbag, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen tackled questions on what a draft day trade chart looks like in a "down" year, prioritizing pass-catchers or pass protection for an elite quarterback, the best way to rebuild a scuffling team, current players who would've thrived in an earlier era, and more. Fill out The Athletic's listener survey. Three people will win $100 in vouchers at Ama...

Mar 31, 20251 hr 17 min

The best-case scenarios and biggest flaws for the 2025 quarterback draft class

We've enjoyed two straight drafts with star-studded quarterback classes. This year's class...is not that. Still, it provides its fair share of intrigue. The Titans seem to have settled on Cam Ward as the top pick in the draft. Shedeur Sanders could go with the second pick, or in the second round. Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe all could find themselves in advantageous spots this summer. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler dig deep into the 2025 quarterback class on this epis...

Mar 27, 20252 hr 45 min

How much does college production matter for edge prospects?

We're likely to see six or seven edge players selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some of them, like Abdul Carter, were wildly productive in college. Others, like Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart, weren't. That reality naturally leads to this question...how much does college production matter for edge prospects when it comes to their effectiveness at the NFL level? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Justis Mosqueda from Acme Packing Company dive deep into that question on this episo...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 2 min

On the Clock, picks one through six: A quarterback goes first...and second

Welcome to the debut of On the Clock, a new draft exercise on The Athletic Football Show. Every week, a draft analyst will join Robert Mays to cover six or seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, considering a trio of potential decisions for each of the teams in question. By time we get to the end of it, we'll have built an entire first round mock and had some interesting discussions along the way. Jordan Reid of ESPN is Robert's guest for the maiden voyage of On the Clock. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host:...

Mar 25, 20251 hr

Monday Mailbag: Rule change proposals, 'can't-miss prospects' that miss, the shifting dynamics of fandom, and more

With free agency fully in the rear-view mirror, we're back to our normal schedule on TAFS. And that means we're back to opening up the mailbag on Mondays! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into questions about the recent rule change proposals, why it's hard to find difference-making off-ball linebackers, supposed can't-miss prospects who end up missing, building through the draft vs. making big swings, and a whole lot more. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael B...

Mar 24, 20251 hr 23 min

Biggest remaining team needs after the first wave of free agency

Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen analyze the most pressing team needs remaining after the initial wave of NFL free agency, focusing on areas like left tackle for the Patriots, wide receiver for the Chargers, and defensive line improvements for the Bengals, among others. They assess whether teams can address these needs through free agency signings or if they must turn to the upcoming draft. The hosts also discuss potential veteran signings versus drafting young talent for long-term solutions.

Mar 20, 20251 hr 8 min

How the moves made in free agency this year affected the draft, with Dane Brugler

The effects of free agency are felt long before teams take the field in September. Hopes are up in certain fanbases. Not so much in others. Teams are making plans that they couldn't consider a few weeks ago because of this player or that one. And, of course, teams can now plunge headlong into the draft knowing exactly what their needs are. So how did free agency affect the draft? Dane Brugler joins Robert Mays to dive into that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 14 min

How much better are these NFC teams really?

Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen analyze NFC teams' offseason moves, evaluating improvements after free agency. They discuss extensions for Chase, Higgins, and Stingley, plus potential impact of new acquisitions. The hosts also debate team-building strategies and future prospects.

Mar 17, 20252 hr 41 min