The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Building the Beast: Did they stay or did they go now?
Jan 14, 2026
As the NFL Draft looms, the hosts dive into key player decisions, notably Oregon's Dante Moore, who's weighing his options between the draft and staying in college. They evaluate intriguing prospects like Ty Simpson and Monroe Freeling while discussing the impact of NIL on players' choices. The conversation shifts to the exciting CFP National Championship matchup between Indiana and Miami, emphasizing team strategies and standout players. Expect insights on emerging talents and the evolving landscape of college football as teams prepare for the future!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Weigh Priorities Before Declaring
- Evaluate priorities before declaring: decide if immediate draft money or another year of development matters more to career trajectory.
- Consider how team fit, coaching, and NIL offers affect both short- and long-term outcomes.
Quarterback Youth vs NFL Valuation
- NFL teams still value limited-start quarterbacks highly if their floor feels safe, which could push Dante Moore top-three despite youth concerns.
- But returning to Oregon offers development, continuity, and potential NIL pay that reduces the urgency to jump.
Ty Simpson's Value Rises With QB Scarcity
- Ty Simpson appears set to enter the draft despite limited starts, benefiting from quarterback scarcity that could inflate his value.
- Teams may trade up or target him late first round, but his range could span late first to early second depending on evaluations.