The Cowboys DESERVE To Be Favorites In The NFC East

Aki believes the Dallas Cowboys have a 65% chance to win the NFC East, citing their returning top offense and significant defensive improvements. He highlights the hiring of a new defensive coordinator and the addition of approximately six new defensive starters, including Abania, Wyers, Gary, Caleb Downs, Jaylen Thompson, and Kobe Durant, which he expects to create a 'whole new revamp defense' better suited to their players' skills.

Aki states, 'I'm giving them a 65% chance. Wow. Very high. That's high right there. I'd say it's done. It's over. We won.' and 'The defense was terrible, but you got to address the defense. I think they did address the defense. It started with a defensive coordinator.' He then lists several new defensive starters. (00:04:55, 00:05:49)

Gerald McCoy and Cody Kesler predict the Philadelphia Eagles will win the NFC East for a third consecutive year, giving them a 60% chance. They emphasize the Eagles' consistent ability to win, strategic offseason acquisitions like Enrique Woolen and Gard, and drafting top offensive players Kyle Lemon and Eli Stours. They also note the Eagles have the easiest strength of schedule and a new offensive coordinator, Shawn Manion, expected to implement a Shanahan-McVay influenced scheme.

Gerald states, 'all Philly do, they just know how to win. And did Philly get worse? No. I would say they got better.' He details additions like 'Enrique Woolen, he's a former Pro Bowler' and 'two offensive players who skip you agreed was the best at their position at wide receiver and tight end.' Cody adds, 'This year they have the easiest strength to schedule and I believe they roster got better.'

Skip Bayless argues that the Dallas Cowboys overpaid for Caleb Downs in the draft, suggesting they were negotiating against themselves. He believes Miami, holding the pick, was simply waiting to extract more value, as no other teams were actively bidding for Downs. Skip highlights that Miami's vague responses to initial offers led the Cowboys to believe there was competition, prompting them to increase their offer to two fifth-round picks.

Skip states, 'Miami is just waiting waiting trying to wait out Jerry because in in the end... he's he's he's ne he doesn't know it, but he's negotiating against himself there because nobody else wants that pick.' He adds, 'nobody went up or or even offered Miami anything or they would have taken it because Jerry's only offering at first a fifth or Steven [snorts] to to go up one spot.'

Aki and Cody are bullish on Arch Manning's NFL potential, predicting he will be a day one starter and a top draft pick. They point to his significant improvement in the latter half of his first starting season at Texas, particularly against tougher competition, and his decision to stay another year for development under Steve Sarkeesian. They also emphasize the 'DNA factor,' believing his Manning family bloodline provides an unparalleled advantage in football knowledge and rapid correction of mistakes.

Cody notes, 'he looked better the last eight games than he did the first five games. And those last eight games were against better competition.' Aki adds, 'your DNA is real, man. You you you just best believe my son going to know what to look at in cover two and cover three and cover four. He's going to know how to play technique because it's in his DNA.'

The panel unanimously agrees that the Houston Texans should pay CJ Stroud, despite a regression in his performance and struggles with injuries and a depleted supporting cast in his third year. They argue that Stroud has proven his franchise quarterback capabilities, leading the team to the playoffs multiple times and demonstrating exceptional pocket presence in his rookie year. Delaying a contract, they contend, would be a mistake, as his value will only increase, and he is crucial for the team's Super Bowl window with its strong defense.

Aki asserts, 'Hell yeah. You you come in the league. You've been in the league for three years. Your team's been in the playoffs for three years. You put together three solid years.' Skip adds, 'I can't believe they paid Will Anderson before they paid CJ.' and 'The longer you wait on CJ, the worse it's going to get.'

Patrick Mahomes is on track for an exceptionally fast recovery from a torn ACL and LCL, expected to participate in OTAAs just five months post-surgery and play Week 1. This rapid timeline is attributed to his immediate surgical intervention (the day after injury), the expertise of Dr. Dan Cooper, and Mahomes' intense personal drive. The Chiefs organization is noted for its careful management of his return, prioritizing mental reps and limited 7-on-7 drills over full-speed contact to prevent setbacks.

Gerald states, 'If he touches that grass, they've done their due diligence.' Skip adds, 'on December 15th, he's in Dallas, Texas with Dan Cooper, the cowboy team doctor... getting this repaired when, to your point, it's high risk to do it the next day because it's a mess.'

Despite an undeniable college career, including SEC Offensive Player of the Year and a Heisman runner-up finish, Diego Pavia went undrafted due to concerns about his NFL-translatable play style (lack of traditional pocket presence, reliance on 'backyard football') and his off-field behavior (social media posts, association with Johnny Manziel). While Skip Bayless believes Pavia's 'willpower' could lead to wins as a backup, Aki and Cody emphasize the NFL's demand for professionalism and prototype size, which Pavia lacks.

Skip states, 'I've never seen anything in college football quite like Diego Pavia.' and 'I believe he behaved himself out of a potential NFL job because he right after he finished second to Mendoza and the Heisman, he goes to social and posts f the voters.' Aki adds, 'He give me Johnny Manzel vibes... you at the club with the [expletive] Indiana. Then before the draft, you at the strip club with videos.'