Hr2 - Wes Durham on Falcons Draft Strategy & the Tua-Penix QB Battle
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Dukes and Bell kick off their NFL Draft coverage with a fiery discussion of the New York Knicks' playoff struggles, criticizing their coaching decisions, lack of talent maximization, and poor officiating. The conversation then pivots to the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on the Atlanta Falcons' upcoming 48th overall pick. Guest Wes Durham, the voice of the Falcons, weighs in on draft strategy, emphasizing the wisdom of staying at 48 or trading down to accumulate more picks, particularly a fifth-round selection. He highlights available talent like Christian Miller, C.J. Allen, and Jacob Rodriguez, stressing the need for defensive depth and long-term planning. The duo also dives into the Tua Tagovailoa vs. Michael Penix quarterback competition, with Durham favoring Tua as the likely starter due to Penix’s uncertain recovery timeline. The episode closes with a fun 'Friday 5' segment celebrating sports figures turned actors, featuring cameos from Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and others.
The Falcons should consider trading down from 48 to secure additional draft picks, especially a fifth-round pick.
Christian Miller and C.J. Allen are top-tier prospects available at 48 and could significantly upgrade Atlanta’s defensive line and linebacker corps.
Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be the Falcons' starting quarterback in 2026, with Michael Penix serving as a developmental backup.
The Falcons’ draft strategy should balance immediate needs with long-term roster construction, particularly on defense.
The team’s front office, under new GM Ian Cunningham, is under scrutiny to make smart, forward-thinking decisions.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Knicks' Playoff Collapse and Coaching Failures
“The Knicks are mentally weak. They are. And you're seeing it, and you're seeing some of the expressions on that bench as they're walking down the tunnel.”
NFL Draft Preview: Falcons at 48
“I still want a fifth-round pick. How do you get me a fifth-round pick? Can you back up in the second round?”
Wes Durham on Falcons Draft Strategy
“I think the decision that has to be made tonight... are you going to go what you need defensively, what you may need offensively, or do you just go best available both times?”
Tua vs. Penix: The QB Battle
The hosts and Durham analyze the quarterback competition between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Durham believes Tua will start due to Penix’s uncertain recovery timeline and the importance of stability.
Friday 5: Athletes in Film and TV
A lighthearted segment where the hosts and guests share their favorite sports figures who made successful transitions into acting, including Jim Brown in *Any Given Sunday* and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in *Airplane!*.
“The Knicks are mentally weak. They are. And you're seeing it, and you're seeing some of the expressions on that bench as they're walking down the tunnel.”
“I still want a fifth-round pick. How do you get me a fifth-round pick? Can you back up in the second round?”
“I think the decision that has to be made tonight... are you going to go what you need defensively, what you may need offensively, or do you just go best available both times?”
Hosts
Guest
Atlanta Falcons
other
Carl Dukes
person
Mike Bell
person
New York Knicks
other
Wes Durham
person
Tua Tagovailoa
person
Michael Penix
person
Christian Miller
person
C.J. Allen
person
Jacob Rodriguez
person
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