The latest installment of the NFC North Division Show, “Who Will Be Kings,” opened with a warm welcome from the host, June, accompanied by B Foster. Their energetic greetings set the tone for the riveting sports discussion that would follow. The duo then proceeded to introduce their fellow co-hosts, Dave Stefano and Pay, each prominent figures in their respective teams’ communities.

Unraveling the Exciting Draft Day Results
As the introductions concluded, the conversation naturally gravitated towards the highly anticipated 2024 NFL Draft results. Each host was asked to share their insights and opinions on their respective teams’ performance during the draft.

Pay, for the Chicago Bears, was brimming with excitement as he discussed their selection of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. He confidently stated, “Caleb Williams, the best quarterback, best player on the board. Easy choice, easy choice.” He also mentioned Rome Odunze falling into their laps, adding that “That’s where it got spicy.” His comments reflected the high hopes the team has for these two players and their potential impact on the squad.

Foster, representing the Detroit Lions, was equally pleased with the Lions’ choices during the draft. He particularly highlighted their selection of Terrion Arnold, whom he described as the “number one corner” and a “steal” at number 24. Foster’s analysis suggested that the Lions had made some strategic choices, which he believed would positively impact their future games.

Dave, a Minnesota Vikings enthusiast, had a lot to say about the Vikings’ strategic picks of J. J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. He enthusiastically stated, “We have a quarterback now with a winning attitude. That winning means everything to him, not just the stats.” Dave’s comments revealed his admiration for McCarthy and Turner and the importance of their roles in the team’s future success.

The Green Bay Packers’ Unexpected Draft Choices
The discussion took an interesting turn when Dave, despite being a Vikings fan, was asked to comment on the Green Bay Packers’ draft. Maintaining a diplomatic stance, Dave described their draft as functional and well-rounded. He pointed out their focus on the offensive line and defense, which he believed were crucial areas for the team to strengthen. Commenting on their draft, Dave said, “They focused on the offensive line and some on the defense. It was a well-rounded draft for the Packers.”

Looking Ahead: Future Predictions
Dave, in particular, highlighted the youth of the teams in the NFC North, suggesting that this could potentially set up the North to be a powerhouse in the coming seasons. However, he light-heartedly added, “The only problem is we’re going to be beating up on each other on the way to the playoffs.”

New Draft Picks: A Game Changer for the NFC North
The focus of the conversation revolved heavily around the potential impact of new draft picks on the teams, particularly considering the division’s increasingly pass-happy style of play.

Foster, representing the Detroit Lions had nice things to say about the Minnesota Vikings, discussed the team’s picks with a notable mention of Dallas Turner, “I’m not familiar with a lot of the Vikings players, but when we talk about the dream pick, Dallas Turner was definitely the first name I mentioned.” He further highlighted his optimism about Turner’s potential impact, stating, “I definitely like that pick for them. He’s definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North.”

June sparked a debate when he commended the Chicago Bears for their new picks, “Speaking of which, I have to commend the Bears for their picks. We all knew that the number one pick was going to be Caleb. That’s just obvious. But I like the number nine pick” [Rome Odunze].

Confidence in the Teams and Players
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, there was a strong sense of confidence among the representatives in their teams and new draft picks.

Dave, expressing his confidence in Khyree Jackson, the new pick for the Vikings, stated, “He’s already come out. He promised the coach that he’s gonna be the best corner in the league. Cool. Confidence. He has the physical tools, yes.”

Pay, discussing the Bears and their potential this season, asserted, “I think the gap between my team, the Bears, and the division winning Lions has greatly shortened.”

NFL Draft 2024: Falcons’ Surprise Pick at Number Eight Stirs Reactions
The NFL Draft is a critical event that often sets the tone for the upcoming football season. This year, the draft was marked by a series of unexpected moves, none more surprising than the Atlanta Falcons’ selection at number eight.

Shocking Selections Shake Up Draft Expectations
While the draft is always filled with surprising decisions, the Falcons’ choice of Michael Penix Jr. was particularly unexpected. This move has left many observers scratching their heads and questioning the Falcons’ strategy. As commentator June noted, “While we’re on the topic of head scratchers, there was a pick at number eight that I think everybody can agree that was kind of weird.”

Kirk Cousins’ Position Under Threat?
The Falcons’ decision to pick Penix Jr. has raised questions about what this means for the team’s existing quarterback, Kirk Cousins. “He’s [Cousins] has not had a threat of anybody being able to take over his job. He never has. He made it clear while he was in Minnesota [for the team not to draft competition]…he made it perfectly clear, he does not play as well when he thinks somebody’s after his job, and Atlanta did just that,” explained commentator Dave.

League Reactions Vary
The response from other teams has been mixed, with several teams finding humor in the Falcons’ surprising decision. “We weren’t the only team that busted up laughing over it. The New Orleans Saints…were just busting up. Because they can’t wait for that cluster of disfunction to hit the Atlanta Falcons,” Dave shared, capturing the sentiments of many.

Uncertain Future for Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ decision to draft Penix Jr. has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s future, especially concerning Cousins’ current role. Foster, another commentator, suggested, “They must not be trying to win right now, because why would you place a top 10 pick on a guy that’s not going to play immediately after spending that much money on Cousins.”

Draft Grades Paint a Mixed Picture
The varied reactions extend to how commentators have rated the overall draft. While the first day was viewed as a success by some, the subsequent days were met with mixed reactions. Dave explained his viewpoint, stating, “The Day 3 guys are a dime a dozen. Right. Not those premium first rounders, though.” He gave his team an A for the first day but an overall grade of C.

In contrast, Foster and June gave their teams an A minus. Foster explained, “I think that those picks alone kind of do it for me. But overall, I think we got great value.” June concurred, adding, “I would say, you know, definitely an A minus for the Lions. Good pick.”

Looking Forward: An Exciting Season Ahead
With the draft over and the new season on the horizon, the teams are optimistic about the upcoming games and are looking forward to seeing how the new draft picks perform. As June summarized, “This season is going to be one for the ages as far as the division is concerned.”

The conversation ended on a high note, with a sense of anticipation and excitement for the next season. As the representatives discussed their strategies and new draft picks, one thing was clear: the NFC North is gearing up for a season of intense competition and high-stakes games.

Listen here:

FAN WITH US!!!
Pay @TheRealPayday, host of Da Bear Claw Podcast, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.

Catch “Two Old Bloggers” Sunday at 5 Central where Darren and Dave continue the conversation, but before that, catch our reaction to this draft from two old Vikings die-hards: