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Inside Coverage: Will Cam Ward transform the Titans into a perennial winner?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

In all likelihood, the Tennessee Titans will select Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. But ... will Ward transform the Titans into a perennial winner?

Jason Fitz, Jori Epstein, and Frank Schwab discussed that on the latest episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast.

Epstein compared the Titans' interest in Cam Ward to a dating scenario, suggesting that while the Titans are interested in him, they still want to confirm he's the right fit through additional evaluations, much like collecting more data points in a relationship before making a commitment. She mentioned that the Titans haven't finalized their decision yet because they are still gathering information from various pro days and visits.

"Do I think that the Titans are going to draft Cam Ward? Yes," Epstein said. "Do I think they think they want to draft Cam Ward?"

Fitz highlighted concerns about whether Cam Ward being the first overall pick equates to the same enthusiasm that other teams had with quarterbacks like Joe Burrow or Caleb Williams in previous drafts. He noted that historically, top picks display an aggressive, undeniable excitement from the drafting team, which seems a bit less robust in this case from the Titans. 

"I think this whole thing to me feels like, well, we're together and I need a quarterback and you need a team," Fitz said.

Schwab added that while he believes the Titans are on track to select Ward, the way they are handling the decision process indicates they want to be sure of their pick without prematurely committing before all evaluations are complete.

In summary, while Ward is likely the pick for the Titans, there are reservations about whether he will completely transform the team, as the Titans' approach seems more calculated and reserved compared to the usual fervor seen with No. 1 overall draft picks.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Garrett Crochet's extension with the Red Sox is a bold bet on his ace potential

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman delved into the news of Garrett Crochet's six-year, $170 million extension with the Boston Red Sox, a contract that raised some eyebrows given Crochet's limited track record as a starting pitcher. 

The extension, which comes just a few months after Crochet was traded from the Chicago White Sox, reflects Boston's bet on Crochet's potential to evolve into a top-tier ace, even given his somewhat spotty injury history and unconventional pitching trajectory.

Drafted in 2020, Crochet's journey to the majors was fast-tracked due to the pandemic-canceled minor-league season that year, but then his emergence as a bullpen weapon was interrupted by Tommy John surgery. So when Crochet was named the White Sox's Opening Day starter a year ago, the news shocked most of the baseball industry.

"At the time, on this very podcast, we laughed at that," Mintz said.

Added Shusterman: "Everyone else was like, what are they thinking? What is going on?"

But then, as the hosts noted, Crochet was "simply marvelous" in his first year as a starter in 2024, arguably the lone bright spot on a historically horrible White Sox team. And once the deal with the Red Sox happened in December, it was clear that an extension between Crochet and Boston was the desired outcome on both sides.

However, as Shusterman pointed out, given Crochet's injury history and single season as a starting pitcher, the details of an extension were probably tricky to figure out.

"This is betting on a small sample of what he did last year and the fact that he is only 26 years old, and even though he's been in the big leagues now for half a decade, because he debuted immediately, we don't really know what we're getting," he said. "And yet the Red Sox clearly believe in what they're getting and were willing to commit a serious amount of money to a pitcher who has really only done it for one season."

Added Mintz: "They're betting on the package here. They're betting on the traits, they're betting on the fastball, they're betting on the work ethic, they're betting on the athleticism. They're betting that it will continue to be difficult to acquire aces."

The hosts also noted that the extension comes with significant financial nuances, including an opt-out clause after 2030, performance-based incentives and some injury contingencies, all of which underscore the team's reservations about Crochet's injury risks. On the flip side, Crochet's short track record could be seen as a positive thing.

"You could also spin it that way and be like, listen, we're getting him in his prime years, and he hasn't really thrown that many innings in his early 20s," Shusterman said. "So I have to imagine that was probably part of the calculus, too."

Ultimately, no matter how this deal turns out, the fact that the Red Sox are spending on young players and emerging talent is a good thing. 

"The Red Sox are spending. I think that's what's significant," Mintz said. "I think there's been frustration within the fan base ... that they haven't been willing to push the chips in. They're doing that now."

To listen to the full episode and more, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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7 takeaways from the NFL owners meetings

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The NFL owners meeting wrapped up Tuesday. Here are seven takeaways, as discussed by Jason Fitz, Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson on the latest episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast:

The Dallas Cowboys are handling negotiations directly with Micah Parsons rather than his agent. This approach is typical for them, but it frustrates agents who prefer traditional negotiations. Jerry Jones is reportedly offering Parsons the largest non-quarterback deal in NFL history.

The hosts discussed how Jerry Jones has built the Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise globally. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys brand remains incredibly strong because of Jones' business acumen and strategic deals.

Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, candidly admitted to making a mistake with the Deshaun Watson contract, calling it a "big swing and a miss." This public acknowledgment might help the team move forward and focus on rebuilding.

Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets, dismissed the NFL Players Association report cards, calling them "totally bogus." This response contrasts with other owners who have used the feedback to improve their organizations, reflecting poorly on the Jets' adaptability.

The vote on the controversial "tush push" play was pushed back to May. The play is criticized by some for its potential danger and fairness issues, yet no evidence supports it being more dangerous than other plays.

The NFL adopted the playoff overtime format for the regular season — each team will get a chance to touch the ball, regardless of if a team scores a touchdown on the opening possession — but with a compressed 10-minute period. This change could lead to more ties and raises questions about the fairness of possessions.

The NFL announced a triple-header for Christmas Day, intensifying competition with the NBA for viewership. The move marks a significant shift as the NFL aims to dominate holiday sports broadcasting.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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NFL Draft: Who should the Panthers consider at No. 8? How about a fantasy football-friendly tight end?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The Carolina Panthers are embarking on a journey to elevate their offensive game, and there's a particular gem in this year's draft that could help them achieve just that: Penn State tight end prospect, Tyler Warren. As highlighted in a recent discussion between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast, Warren seems to be an ideal fit for the Panthers. So, why should the Panthers consider Warren with the eighth overall pick? Let's delve into the compelling reasons discussed on the show.

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First and foremost, Warren offers a versatility that is simply hard to overlook. Operating as a dynamic piece in any offensive formation, Warren's ability to move around — from tight end to even quarterback roles — can open up a myriad of strategic possibilities. The Panthers, who already have solid yet upgradeable wide receiver and tight end rooms, could greatly benefit from Warren's flexibility, allowing them to switch things up and keep defenses guessing.

Moreover, Warren's proficiency in multiple roles could be particularly crucial for quarterback Bryce Young. The podcast highlighted how Young improved in the latter half of the past season once he became more confident in the downfield options available to him. With Warren's capacity to create plays up the seams and even engage in screens and runs, Young would have a consistent and reliable target to help maintain and escalate his impressive midseason surge.

Considering the makeup of the Panthers' current roster — a blend of experience in players like Adam Thielen and untapped potential in younger talents such as Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker — adding a player of Warren's caliber could bridge gaps and enhance the overall effectiveness of their passing game.

Additionally, with renowned blocking ability mixed with his offensive prowess, Warren aligns perfectly with Carolina’s ambition to bolster its run game. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, ready to shoulder the rushing responsibilities, would benefit from having a tight end who can work with the offensive line.

While it might seem bold to consider Warren at the eighth overall pick, he fits the mold of a player who can make a difference immediately. As the Panthers try to not only improve their offense but transform the unit heading into next season, Warren stands as a compelling prospect who aligns with their goals effectively.

For fantasy purposes, we've seen rookie tight ends pay immediate dividends for managers the past two seasons. Sam LaPorta was the overall TE1 as a rookie in 2023 and Brock Bowers accomplished the same feat en route to rewriting the record book last season. Could Warren be the next tight end to make a splash as a rookie in both fantasy and reality?

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NFL Draft: RB prospect Omarion Hampton, Broncos would be a match made in fantasy football heaven

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Based on the insightful conversation between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, there are compelling reasons why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting North Carolina Tar Heels running back prospect, Omarion Hampton.

Firstly, both Harmon and Pizzuta agree that the Denver Broncos boast arguably one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Not only were they ranked first in both pass block win rate and run block win rate last year, but they also have demonstrated a solid foundation that sets the stage for significant offensive improvements. The Broncos' offensive line can create ample opportunities for a talented running back like Hampton to excel and elevate the ground game.

The Broncos' running game is a key area that stands to benefit significantly from a dynamic presence like Hampton. With Hampton's strength in breaking tackles and generating yards after contact, he possesses the explosive potential that the Broncos currently lack. Pizzuta emphasizes that Hampton only averaged 1.5 yards before contact per rush last year but still ranked sixth in yards after contact per rush, showcasing his ability to turn poor conditions into positive plays.

With Sean Payton as the head coach, the Broncos have an offensive mind that can effectively utilize a powerful and explosive runner. By adding Hampton, the Broncos can maximize his capabilities and fully leverage the offensive line’s strengths. This potential addition would not only give Denver an edge in the run game but also add another layer of depth and versatility to their offensive playbook.

Furthermore, the complementary role that Hampton can play alongside the existing offensive talent — led by Bo Nix coming off a successful rookie season — provides a seamless fit for the Broncos. Having a back who can make a defender miss five yards past the line of scrimmage rather than at it means more big plays and a consistent offensive threat.

Hampton's skills and the Broncos' already strong offensive line provide a formula for him to succeed if he lands there — and for fantasy football managers to have another intriguing back with opportunity and upside to consider come draft season.