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.
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
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.
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...
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.
Teams like the Patriots, Colts and Jaguars have been active in free agency. There's no doubt about that. But how much better are they really? That's exactly the question Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen strive to answer on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Patriots Colts Jaguars Titans Jets Bills Broncos Chiefs Dolphins Raiders Texans Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Ap...
Free agency hasn't been fun for everyone. Just ask Cowboys fans, who have watched their team mostly sit out free agency again. Or Bengals fans, who have watched their team make a couple small moves on defense while seemingly antagonizing even further the trio of players on offense that makes them special in the first place. It's safe to say those fanbases are freakin' out, and they aren't the only ones. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss the teams might have their fans a bit on edge on this ...
The Vikings capped off day one of free agency with a couple of big moves, bringing back Byron Murphy Jr. and bringing in Jonathan Allen. They picked right back up on the morning of day two, signing Will Fries and reportedly agreeing to a deal with Javon Hargrave. They were the big spenders on day two of free agency, but they certainly weren't the only spenders. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into day two on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys discuss Dre Greenlaw to the Bro...
Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap the first day of NFL free agency, discussing major moves like the Seahawks' roster overhaul, Davante Adams joining the Rams, and Laremy Tunsil's trade to Washington. They analyze the Patriots' spending spree, the quarterback market, and the trend of linebackers re-signing with their former teams, providing insights and reactions to the day's biggest surprises and strategic team decisions.
Khalil Mack, Jevon Holland and Josh Sweat headline the available free agent defensive players. Add in a likely Trey Hendrickson trade and a potential Myles Garrett trade, and it could be a fun week for teams that need help on defense. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview free agency on the defensive side of the ball on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Then, The Athletic's Lions beat writer Colton Pouncy joins to discuss what it will take for them to get over the hump. Host: Robert M...
Are you ready to tamper? The NFL sure is, with the legal tampering window on the horizon and the new league year beginning next week. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview free agency on the offensive side of the ball on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Who should make a play for Chris Godwin? Where's a logical landing spot for Sam Darnold? What veteran trades could realistically happen? The guys answer those questions, and a whole lot more. Then, The Athletic's Bills beat writer Joe...
