Latest news with #Tannenbaum
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NFL GM trashes Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger
In 2027, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And he will go in on the first ballot. Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl Championships, was Rookie of the Year, and led the NFL in passing yards twice. Roethlisberger was almost never the best quarterback in the NFL during his time, primarily because of a guy named Tom Brady who dominated the league. Nevertheless, Roethlisberger is the greatest statistical quarterback in franchise history. But former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum decided, while talking on ESPN First Take, to throw some serious disrespect at Roethlisberger in comparing him to some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Tannebaum said in a group that included Roethlisberger, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Jordon Love. Tannenbaum said that he wouldn't take Big Ben over either of the other four. "I look at more from a GM perspective of if we were drafting them," Tannenbaum said. "I'll give you Eli Manning in '04, but if Ben Roethlisberger was in a group with Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Jordan Love, I'm not sure I'm taking Ben over any of those guys. And that's where I think '04 is a little top heavy." On paper, we can concede if things continue as they are, Hurts and Burrow could both end up with better careers. They both have incredible talent around them, and organizations are committed to winning with them as the focal point. But for Tannenbaum to lump in Herbert and Love is mind-numbing. Then I remembered, Tannenbaum's most memorable pick as a general manager was quarterback Mark Sanchez, whom he took No. 5 overall in a trade up, so take his quarterback analysis with a grain of salt.
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former GM doesn't believe in the Eagles ability to break a two-decade-long jinx
A former NFL GM has his doubts about the Eagles breaking a longtime NFC East curse. It's one of those statements that you have heard so often that, as soon as someone begins its utterance, the natural reaction is to join in and complete the sentence. No NFC East team has repeated as division champion since the Philadelphia Eagles captured the crown four consecutive times from 2001 until 2004. Did you notice that? You did it again, didn't you? Don't worry. Familiar phrases and longstanding jinxes may finally be approaching their expiration date. Not only is Philadelphia expected to claim divisional superiority again. There are whispers of a deep postseason run. If those theories are correct, that also quells discussions about a Super Bowl hangover. Much has happened since Andy Reid's reign as Eagles coach. He has since been relieved of his duties. He moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been coaching there for a dozen seasons and has won three Super Bowls. Sadly, he has done so for many of the reasons he never won one in Philadelphia. Since the 2004-05 season, the NFC East has been most often won by the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Both have triumphed seven times. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders have both earned the division title three times. Odds favor the Birds coming out on top this time around, but a former GM doesn't seem to believe the 20-year trend of alternating champions will end during the coming campaign. Mike Tannenbaum worked for the New York Jets from 1997 to 2012, serving as assistant general manager and director of pro personnel from 2001 to 2005. He was also the general manager and senior vice president of football operations from 2006 to 2012. Tannenbaum is the founder of The 33rd Team and an ESPN mainstay now. Recently, he appeared on the highly popular First Take. He believes the Commanders are the best bet to claim the NFC East title and offers the following as part of his defense. "It's gonna be the Washington Commanders. You have a great young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and they fortified the offensive line... You give me someone like Jayden Daniels with an offseason program, two really good tackles, sprinkle in Deebo Samuel, some more time with Kliff Kingsbury..." Yes, friends, Philadelphia still receives little respect. Tannenbaum believes this is not true regarding his theory; he recognizes something special in Daniels. "I like Philadelphia a lot. This is not an anti-Eagles position. I just think we're looking at an emerging superstar in Jayden Daniels." Okay, let's see. That appears to be another vote from ESPN cast in favor of a 2025 Jayden Daniels takeover. Former Cowboys star Marcus Spears offered one of his own. While it's probably true that the NFC East is a two-team race between Philadelphia and Washington, we're going to hold serve and cast lots in the Eagles' direction. Still, it should be an interesting season. The National Football Conference's eastern division will be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East and should provide fireworks all season.
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum raises eyebrows with apparent on-air Brian Windhorst weight dig
ESPN NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum raised some eyebrows when he cracked a crude joke about NBA senior writer Brian Windhorst on 'Get Up' Friday morning. The moment occurred during a segment, 'Are You Convinced?' when Dan Graziano, filling in for host Mike Greenberg, asked Tannenbaum if he thought Aaron Rodgers would lead the Steelers to their first playoff win since the 2016 season. 'No,' Tannenbaum said as laughter was heard in the background. 'I'm more convinced that Windy is in the cafeteria right now.' Windhorst, who recently made headlines after LeBron James publicly trolled him, was in the studio and appeared on Friday's show — however, he was not involved in that particular segment. 'No idea where Windy is,' Graziano added. ESPN senior NBA writer Brian Windhorst on 'Get Up' Friday, June 27, 2025. YouTube/ESPN Some viewers were curious about Tannenbaum's joke. 'Did Mike Tannenbaum just make fun of Brian Windhorst's weight on national TV?' one person wrote on X, including a clip of the moment. 'Is this inside joke that Windhorst hates the ESPN cafeteria?' another said. ESPN NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum on 'Get Up' Friday, June 27, 2025. YouTube/ESPN Earlier in the show, everyone was busting Windhorst for walking into a live camera shot. Graziano called out Windhorst after he unknowingly walked behind him while on the air. 'Windy is a little lost in the new studio,' ESPN wrote, including a clip of the moment on social media. ESPN's morning shows, including 'Get Up' and 'First Take,' moved from its Seaport Studios home to 7 Hudson Square in Lower Manhattan this month. Tannenbaum, a former GM for the Jets, didn't clarify if his joke was related related to Windhorst's camera mishap. During an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show' in March, James publicly criticized Windhorst, calling him 'weird' and questioning his portrayal of their relationship. 'This guy who says he's like my f–king best friend, these guys are just weird,' James said. Windhorst has extensively covered James' career since his high school days.
New York Post
12-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Ex-Jets GM thinks Aaron Rodgers, Steelers will be ‘irrelevant by Thanksgiving'
Just about everyone seems to have a hot take on Aaron Rodgers signing with the Steelers – and Mike Tannenbaum is no exception. The former Jets general manager didn't hold back when discussing Rodgers' outlook in Pittsburgh on ESPN's 'Get Up' Wednesday morning. 'I think Aaron Rodgers is gonna be irrelevant by Thanksgiving,' said Tannenbaum, eliciting an incredulous response from host Mike Greenberg. Tannenbaum justified his claim by calling the Steelers a 'non-playoff team,' and by pointing to Rodgers' age (41) and the fact that he's a 'legend who's going off into the sunset.' 'Tell me why [the Steelers] are going to be relevant,' Tannenbaum continued. 'Because they're the third-best team in the division, they're going to have to find out about Will Howard, who they drafted from Ohio State, who I think is very intriguing.' 'I don't think they can win this division, and I think by the end of this season we're going to be talking about a massive transition.' 3 Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during minicamp on Wednesday. Getty Images The Steelers signed Rodgers to a one-year, $13.6 million contract after the surefire Hall of Famer was cut by the Jets. Tannenbaum, who was GM of the Jets from 2006-12 and part of the Dolphins front office from 2015-18, said he doesn't believe the new-look Steelers have enough to compete with the high-powered offenses of the Ravens and Bengals in the AFC North. 'This feels personal, Mike,' joked co-panelist Louis Riddick. 'I'm just kidding, but this feels personal.' 3 Mike Tannenbaum said he thinks Aaron Rodgers will be 'irrelevant by Thanksgiving' on ESPN's 'Get Up' Wednesday. @awfulannouncing/X Rodgers has been participating in Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp, going fourth in individual reps after Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Howard. And though Week 1 is still months away, Rodgers has remained plenty relevant for his off-field life. Most recently, the 10-time Pro-Bowler made headlines for wearing a wedding ring during Steelers minicamp on Tuesday – although he did not disclose who he had married. 3 Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks to the media after the first day of minicamp on Tuesday. Archie Carpenter/UPI/Shutterstock He'll look to keep himself and the Steelers relevant — for football reasons — deep into the season as Pittsburgh seeks its 22nd consecutive season without a losing record.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Grok AI has first-round mock draft that goes a little wild
Grok AI has first-round mock draft that goes a little wild Why not add an AI mock draft to the mix? It is draft week and everyone is giving final mock drafts and projections for what will happen in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday. We have shared so many projections from football analysts. But what about artificial intelligence? I asked Grok, X/Twitter's AI bot, to project the first round of the draft. Here is what it came up with: 2025 AI NFL mock draft for Round 1 Tennessee Titans (3-14): Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL) Will Levis and Brandon Allen aren't the answer. Ward's 39 TD passes and pocket movement make him the -10000 favorite for No. 1 (DraftKings), per Reuter. Cleveland Browns (4-13): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado With Myles Garrett's trade request, Hunter's versatility (WR or CB) adds elite ball skills. He can replace Stefon Diggs or start opposite Martin Emerson Jr., per ESPN's Tannenbaum. New York Giants (4-13): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Post-Daniel Jones, the Giants need a QB. Sanders' 73.4% completion and poise fit Brian Daboll's offense, per PFF. New England Patriots (4-13): Will Campbell, OT, LSU Protecting Drake Maye is critical. Campbell's 6'6', 320-pound frame and three-year starting experience anchor the line, per Jeremiah. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-12): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State With Travis Etienne's contract expiring, Jeanty's 2,601 yards and 29 TDs in 2024 are a game-changer for Doug Pederson, per Bleacher Report. Las Vegas Raiders (5-12): Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State The Raiders need pass-rush help post-Maxx Crosby trade rumors. Carter's 10 sacks and 20 TFLs pair with Christian Wilkins, per Reuter. New York Jets (5-12): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas With Tyron Smith's contract expiring, Banks' versatility (Outland Trophy winner) protects Aaron Rodgers, per Jeremiah and PFF. This avoids duplicating Warren (projected later). Carolina Panthers (6-11): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan The defensive front needs a cornerstone. Graham's 8.5 TFLs and motor fit Ejiro Evero's scheme, per Reuter. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia With Demario Davis aging and Derek Carr's injury, Walker's versatility (6.5 sacks) bolsters the defense, per PFF. Chicago Bears (6-11): Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri Caleb Williams needs more weapons. Burden's 1,212 yards and 9 TDs in 2024 complement DJ Moore, per ESPN's Tannenbaum. San Francisco 49ers (7-10): Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M The 49ers prioritize defensive line traits. Stewart's 6'6', 267-pound frame and 4.59 40-yard dash offer upside, per Reuter. Dallas Cowboys (7-10): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Losing Jourdan Lewis creates a nickel need. Barron's five INTs and slot versatility fit Mike Zimmer's defense, per Bleacher Report. Miami Dolphins (8-9): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Tua Tagovailoa needs a big-bodied receiver despite defensive needs (Jalen Ramsey trade rumors). McMillan's 1,402 yards and 8 TDs fit Mike McDaniel's offense, per Bleacher Report and Marc Ross. Indianapolis Colts (8-9): Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State Warren's 88 receptions and 1,057 yards in 2024 make him a safety valve for Anthony Richardson, fitting Shane Steichen's scheme. Bleacher Report and PFF project him here, avoiding duplication from No. 7. Atlanta Falcons (8-9): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan With a weak pass rush (31 sacks), Atlanta pivots to the secondary post-Judon and Carter. Johnson's two INTs and 4.37 40-yard dash pair with A.J. Terrell, per Reuter and Jeremiah. Arizona Cardinals (8-9): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan With top OTs (Banks, Campbell) gone, Arizona bolsters Jonathan Gannon's 3-4 front. Grant (6'3', 339 lbs, 7.5 TFLs in 2024) is a run-stopper with pass-rush upside, fitting needs with Roy Lopez and L.J. Collier as free agents, per Reuter and PFF. Cincinnati Bengals (8-9): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Trey Hendrickson's uncertain future demands pass-rush help. Williams' 4.5 sacks and 6'5', 265-pound frame fit, per Reuter. Seattle Seahawks (10-7): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State DK Metcalf's trade request and Cooper Kupp's injuries necessitate a young WR. Egbuka's 72 catches and 4.42 40-yard dash fit Ryan Grubb's offense, per Adam Rank and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama Lavonte David's age (35) requires a successor. Campbell's 106 tackles and versatility fit Todd Bowles' defense, per PFF and The Athletic's Brugler. Denver Broncos (10-7): Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina Sean Payton needs a workhorse back. Hampton's 1,543 yards and 13 TDs add explosiveness, per ESPN's Tannenbaum. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas A WR2 for George Pickens, Bond's 4.39 40-yard dash fits Arthur Smith's offense, per Reuter. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M Joey Bosa's injuries require edge depth. Scourton's 10 TFLs fit Jesse Minter's front, per PFF. Green Bay Packers (11-6): Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina Jaire Alexander's uncertain future demands a corner. Revel's two INTs in three 2024 games (pre-ACL injury) offer upside, per Reuter. Minnesota Vikings (11-6): Malaki Starks, S, Georgia Brian Flores needs a rangy safety. Starks' 4.45 40-yard dash and 20 PBUs bolster the secondary, per PFF. Houston Texans (11-6): Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon A run-stuffing DT for DeMeco Ryans' front, Harmon's 6 TFLs fit, per Reuter. Los Angeles Rams (10-7): Matthew Golden, WR, Texas Cooper Kupp's injuries and trade rumors necessitate a young receiver. Golden's 4.29 40-yard dash and 987 yards fit Sean McVay's offense, per Reuter. Baltimore Ravens (11-6): Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss Interior line depth is needed. Nolen's 7 TFLs offer upside, per PFF and Detroit Lions (12-5): Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA Depth beyond Aidan Hutchinson is needed. Oladejo's athleticism fits Aaron Glenn's scheme, per CBS Sports. Washington Commanders (12-5): Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State Despite Marshon Lattimore's addition, secondary depth is needed post-Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Thomas' 4.38 40-yard dash fits Dan Quinn's defense, per ESPN's Tannenbaum. Buffalo Bills (13-4): Vernon Broughton, DL, Texas With DaQuan Jones and A.J. Epenesa as free agents, Broughton's 6 TFLs add depth, per CBS Sports. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2): Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia Protecting Patrick Mahomes is key with Trey Smith's potential departure. Milum's versatility fits Andy Reid's scheme, per CBS Sports. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State With Josh Sweat and Milton Williams as free agents, Tuimoloau's 6.5 sacks and combine performance bolster the pass rush, per The Athletic's Brugler. Analysis This mock goes after the first few picks. Abdul Carter going sixth? Mason Graham going eighth? Banks going before Membou is interesting, too, although his experience at left tackle might be the difference. Burden as the first receiver off the board? Also wild. Shavon Revel in Round 1 coming off an ACL? Isaiah Bond in the first round? It's a good thing this is not a person making picks. Some of those picks would get a guy fired. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
