Mike Tannenbaum: NFL Draft Recap & The Business of Football In 2026

Apr 29, 2026

Mike Tannenbaum, former Jets GM and current ESPN analyst and founder of The 33rd Team, breaks down the NFL draft landscape. He evaluates team fits like the Jets and Giants, calls out standout and questionable picks, explores NIL’s disruptive effects on recruiting and motivation, and explains how The 33rd Team turned expert insight into real-time data and AI-ready tools for football.

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INSIGHT

Giants Draft Strengthened Line But Nabers Is A Question

Tannenbaum praised the Giants' draft, highlighting Arville Reese and Francis Malinoa as immediate roster upgrades.
He raised availability concerns about Malik Nabers and noted Dexter Lawrence's departure as a negative for the defensive front.

INSIGHT

Bailey Versus Reese Are Different Edge Archetypes

Tannenbaum compared David Bailey and Arville Reese as different pass-rusher profiles: Bailey a traditional speed rusher, Reese more off-the-ball flexible defender.
He predicted both should have very good careers despite stylistic differences.

INSIGHT

Harbaugh Will Improve Giants Game Management

Tannenbaum expects Jim Harbaugh to markedly improve Giants' situational play, especially clock management, penalties, and turnovers.
He called Harbaugh an outstanding signing who brings clear coaching upgrades.

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On this episode of On the Tape, Danny interviews former Jets GM and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum about the NFL Draft, NIL, and his company The 33rd Team. Tannenbaum assesses the Jets’ picks and the Giants’ draft, noting roster fit, concerns about Malik Nabers’ availability, and the impact of new coach Harbaugh on discipline and game management. He highlights Cleveland as a strong draft performer and questions Jacksonville’s early tight end selection after paying a premium in the Travis Hunter trade, while also praising the Raiders’ longer-term roster-building approach. The conversation turns to NIL’s “wild west,” revenue sharing, and how money changes player motivation and scouting, then closes with Tannenbaum explaining how The 33rd Team evolved from expert content to real-time, actionable data products for pro and college football that support AI-driven decision-making.

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