Hour 2: Are you more compelled by the Guardians or Cavs tonight? + Joe DeLeone
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The episode opens with a spirited debate between hosts Nick Padone and Jonathan Pito on whether to prioritize watching Shohei Ohtani's MLB debut against the Cleveland Guardians or LeBron James' NBA matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, both games airing on the same night. Padone argues for Ohtani, calling him the 'Babe Ruth of our lifetime' and emphasizing the rarity of a once-a-year event where the best baseball player pitches and bats against a team. Pito counters with the emotional weight of LeBron's potential final game against his former team, citing the intrigue of future free agency and the possibility of LeBron returning to Cleveland. The discussion evolves into a deeper analysis of the Cleveland Browns' upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, featuring guest Joe DeLeon from A to Z Sports. DeLeon assesses the weak offensive tackle class, dismisses Caden Proctor as a left tackle fit, and advocates for trading back to maximize value, especially by leveraging Jeremiah Love as a trade chip. He also cautions against overvaluing players like Ty Simpson and Carnell Tate early, emphasizing that the draft class is inflated at the top. The hosts reflect on the Browns’ persistent draft challenges, questioning whether they should stay at pick six or trade down to address needs at left tackle and wide receiver, ultimately concluding that the draft environment is unusually tough and requires strategic flexibility.
Shohei Ohtani’s dual role as pitcher and hitter against the Guardians is a rare, once-a-year spectacle worth prioritizing over a likely meaningless Cavs-Lakers game.
LeBron James’ potential final game against the Cavs carries emotional weight, but the game itself is expected to be a bench-heavy, low-stakes affair due to the Lakers’ back-to-back schedule.
The 2026 NFL Draft features one of the weakest offensive tackle classes since 2015, making early picks risky and increasing the value of trading back.
Jeremiah Love is the top offensive prospect in the class and could be used as a trade asset to acquire significant draft capital.
Teams like the Cowboys, Vikings, and Buccaneers may be interested in moving up to draft elite pass rushers, creating trade opportunities for the Browns.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Ohtani vs. LeBron: The Night’s Big Showdown
“You get that once a year. Otani versus your team, the best player in baseball against your team and he's pitching, he's starting. You get that once a year.”
Draft Strategy Deep Dive: Browns’ 2026 Outlook
“The one thing with this class though, is that they're still premier talent at the top. The issue when we look at the class as a whole and where it starts to like really shift is that after we get past the premier defensive players... it starts to taper off.”
Caden Proctor, Monroe Freeling, and the Left Tackle Conundrum
The hosts dissect the debate around Caden Proctor as a potential top-six pick, with experts questioning his fit as a left tackle due to size, movement, and hybrid role concerns, while also discussing alternatives like Monroe Freeling and Caleb Lomu.
“You get that once a year. Otani versus your team, the best player in baseball against your team and he's pitching, he's starting. You get that once a year.”
“The one thing with this class though, is that they're still premier talent at the top. The issue when we look at the class as a whole and where it starts to like really shift is that after we get past the premier defensive players... it starts to taper off.”
“If you're one of those teams in the teens like I discussed, if you wait... The Bengals and the Chiefs and the Saints all could end up taking pass rushers off the board that you were eyeing.”
Hosts
Guest
Nick Padone
person
Jonathan Pito
person
Shohei Ohtani
person
LeBron James
person
Joe DeLeon
person
Cleveland Cavaliers
other
Cleveland Guardians
other
Caden Proctor
person
Jeremiah Love
person
Ty Simpson
person
Does Todd Monken Already Have a Favorite at Quarterback?
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 16m • 3/31/2026
Are the Browns Trying To Throw Everyone Off the Scent With QB Competition?
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 15m • 3/31/2026
Quick Hits: Aaron Rodgers heading back to Pittsburgh?
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 12m • 3/31/2026
What's more compelling: Shohei Ohtani vs. Guardians or LeBron James vs. Cavaliers
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 16m • 3/31/2026
Joe DeLeone: Browns can leverage the No. 6 pick if Jeremiyah Love is still available; I’d rather wait until No. 24 to draft a WR
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 16m • 3/31/2026
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