Hour 2: George Pickens will soon sign the franchise tag and the Cowboys traded with the Eagles in round 1

Shan and RJ48mApril 24, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The second hour of the Shan and RJ podcast dives deep into the 2026 NFL Draft's first round, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys' strategic trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. With the 20th pick, the Eagles selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, a move that stunned the Cowboys and left the Steelers disappointed after they were unable to secure him. The Cowboys responded by trading back to 23rd overall, selecting defensive end Malachi Lawrence, a high-athleticism edge rusher with elite pass-rush potential. The trade brought in two fourth-round picks, which the team may use to bolster depth or acquire veteran players. The episode also highlights the Rams’ controversial first-round selection of quarterback Ty Simpson, a move that sparked controversy due to Sean McVay’s visibly displeased reaction, raising questions about internal team dynamics and leadership. Meanwhile, George Pickens is confirmed to have signed the franchise tag, quelling trade rumors and signaling his commitment to the Cowboys for the upcoming season. The hosts analyze the draft’s ripple effects, player fits, and the broader implications for team building, while also veering into a sensational tangent about the alleged affair between New England Patriots’ Diana Rossini and head coach Mike Vrabel, which has become a viral media storm.

Key Takeaways
1

The Cowboys traded down from 20 to 23 to select Malachi Lawrence, a high-athleticism edge rusher with elite pass-rush potential, gaining two fourth-round picks in the process.

2

The Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson in the first round has sparked controversy due to Sean McVay’s visibly negative reaction, suggesting internal tension between coach and GM Les Snead.

3

George Pickens has signed the franchise tag, ending speculation about a potential trade and signaling his commitment to the Cowboys for the 2026 season.

4

The Steelers are reportedly unhappy after being unable to secure Makai Lemon, who was projected to be their top target, and ended up selecting offensive lineman Max Ihanashor.

5

Malachi Lawrence’s 9.94 relative athletic score (Math Bomb) ranks him in the top 1% of all defensive ends since 1987, highlighting his elite physical profile.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Eagles Select Makai Lemon, Cowboys Trade Back to 23

I was like, okay. I was like, let's do it again. Let's do the trade. Let's trade that again for 23.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Rams' Controversial Pick of Ty Simpson Sparks McVay Fallout

It's worse with the video. His draft call to him. They didn't drag him over there to get on the phone. Come on, man.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

George Pickens Signs Franchise Tag, Ends Trade Rumors

I think the fact that you're surprised by it, like you wanted – you want Pickens here, right? For this season.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Malachi Lawrence: The Elite Athlete and Fit for Christian Parker's Defense

The Cowboys select Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick, a player praised for his elite athleticism, pass-rush ability, and fit with defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s vision. The hosts analyze his film, combine metrics, and the significance of his selection.

40:00
10 min

Draft Aftermath: Cowboys' Second-Round Void and Future Moves

With no second-round pick, the Cowboys must rely on third- and fourth-round selections to address needs. The hosts discuss potential targets like Romello Haidt, Colton Hood, and the possibility of trading picks or veterans using the draft capital acquired.

High-Impact Quotes
This is diabolical. To name your firstborn son. Well, let's not pretend. Oh, but she knew in the moment. She was having the affair.
RJ45:33
Viral: 90.0
They're going to start doing it. The son's name is Michael, by the way. This is... That is diabolical.
Shan45:27
Viral: 88.0
It's worse with the video. His draft call to him. They didn't drag him over there to get on the phone. Come on, man.
RJ5:38
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

ShanRJ

Guest

Malachi Lawrence
Topics Discussed
2026 nfl draft95%diana rossini mike vrabel affair92%dallas cowboys draft strategy90%ty simpson ram selection88%malachi lawrence draft pick87%george pickens franchise tag85%cowboys trade with eagles83%nfl draft aftermath78%
People & Brands

dallas cowboys

organization

45xPositive

malachi lawrence

person

25xPositive

los angeles rams

organization

20xMixed

ty simpson

person

18xNeutral

sean mcvay

person

15xNegative

philadelphia eagles

organization

15xNeutral

george pickens

person

14xPositive

les snead

person

12xPositive

makaile lemon

person

12xNeutral

mike vrabel

person

12xNegative

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