The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-hosts Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, and tackle the ins and outs of roster building. They meticulously follow the details of why we all love this sport and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. You want year-round draft coverage? You'll get that here, too, with draft expert Dane Brugler. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 30, 2026 • 59min
Monday Mailbag: The peak of fandom, breaking losing cycles, Bill and Ted for the NFL, and more
They answer fan mail about when fandom feels best at different life stages. They debate how a struggling franchise can break its losing cycle and what ownership or hires really change. They imagine bringing legendary past players into the modern NFL. They dissect running back depth, tackle-to-guard conversions, and quarterback evaluation and roster-building tradeoffs.
12 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 2min
Which outliers in the 2026 class are worth drafting?
They debate whether the 2026 class is simply unusual or actually weak. Conversation centers on positional oddities like off-ball linebackers, safeties, and a running back rising up boards. They unpack short-armed edge rushers and compact offensive tackles. Several prospects with atypical size or missing tape draw scrutiny and comparisons to past outliers.
Mar 26, 2026 • 1h 1min
Who has the most at stake in the 2026 NFL Draft?
They debate which franchises face the biggest consequences in the 2026 NFL Draft. Topics include how a No. 1 QB pick can reshape a franchise, Miami’s seven top-100 selections and the pressure to hit on volume, and win-now moves for the Rams and Chiefs. They also cover job security angles in Baltimore and Cincinnati, plus Dallas, Minnesota and Chicago’s roster and optics implications.
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 22min
Building the Beast: Tight end draft class breakdown
They break down why the 2026 tight end class feels unusually deep and how pro days and 30-visit strategy shape draft boards. Profiles of top prospects cover athletic upside, blocking traits, contested catching, and red-zone intrigue. Several mid- and late-round targets get spotlights for developmental blocking, H-back versatility, special teams value, and surprise production spikes.
18 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 1h
On the Clock, 2026 NFL Draft picks one through six: Certainty at the very top, and then...
Trevor Sikkema, a Pro Football Focus draft analyst, joins to mock the first six 2026 picks. They debate QB versus defense and whether teams should prioritize tackle or playmakers. Short takes cover trades, fit questions, and which prospects feel like sure things at the top of the board.
12 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 7min
Mailbag: Are Rookie Contracts TOO IMPORTANT To Team Building?
They debate whether rookie contracts truly drive roster construction and draft value. They name players who would look different on better teams and highlight coaching rooms to watch. They discuss what makes a great center and why teams draft offensive linemen early. They weigh Titans draft choices, rookie trade value hypotheticals, and even settle the spiders vs rats pool.
36 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 8min
An Idiot's GUIDE to the 2026 NFL Draft
Dave Helman, conversational draft analyst, and Dane Brugler, longtime prospect scout, break down the 2026 NFL Draft landscape. They debate ‘take the best’ vs positional value. They parse shifting draft narratives, QB and RB scarcity, edge rusher flavors and depth, standout receiver tiers, tight end surge, and Caleb Downs and the deep safety group.
23 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 48min
Lingering questions with the free agency dust settled
Discussion of leftover roster mysteries now that free agency mostly wrapped. Debates over short-term veteran signings versus drafting impact players. Trade market chatter about defensive bargains and quarterback gambles. Team-specific puzzles from edge rushers to offensive line stalemates and backup QB movement. Preview of how these gaps shape draft plans around the league.
19 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 3min
Building the Beast: How free agency affected the 2026 NFL Draft
They debate how free agency upended draft board assumptions and reshaped team priorities. Conversations jump from which teams need edge rushers, corners, or offensive tackles to how multiple first‑round picks alter strategy. They map specific team scenarios — from Miami’s teardown to Detroit’s tackle vs edge dilemma — and preview how trades and signings changed the 2026 draft landscape.
28 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 22min
NEWS: Broncos trade for Jaylen Waddle
A blockbuster wide receiver trade shakes up two rosters and future draft plans. Conversation centers on how the mover's skills fit a quick-release, RPO-heavy offense. The price paid, contract and cap implications are unpacked. The trade's ripple effects on quarterback futures and one team’s deliberate rebuild are explored.
