Between the Tackles

Eric "Burg" Burgess, Manish Mehta
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Welcome to Between The Tackles podcast. Join Eric “Burg” Burgess and NFL reporter Manish Mehta for insightful, behind-the-scenes conversations from across the NFL with players, coaches, general managers and media personalities. Like, Subscribe, and Follow @tacklespod on X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Patriots reporter Karen Guregian on fallout of Mike Vrabel & Dianna Russini scandal, AJ Brown trade impact and other news from wild New England offseason

    Check out other recent videos on the 2026 NFL Draft and Free Agency: 1)     Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shares 2026 NFL Draft intel, AJ Brown news, Vrabel nuggets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFT8yZgaRUY) 2)     2026 NFL Draft Round 1: Winners, losers, grades and analysis for every team https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bFiKMnnur4 3)     Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) on owning the New York Jets, growth of Vayner Sports and why kindness every day matters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH85OjB-sHk 4)     2026 NFL Draft: Ranking Top 10 Running Back Prospects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5R0HIPmAqI 5)     Top 10 Best Unsigned Free Agents (https://bit.ly/4lPbp47). Download and Listen to “Between the Tackles” on Apple (https://bit.ly/4s3hZ8Y) and Spotify (https://bit.ly/4dIiVMd). WATCH SUBSCRIBE (for free) to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tacklespod LISTEN DOWNLOAD, COMMENT & LEAVE A 5️ RATING on Apple: https://bit.ly/4s3hZ8Y and Spotify: https://bit.ly/4dIiVMd FOLLOW & STAY CONNECTED IG and TikTok: @TacklesPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishmehta23/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BJj4R8RWZS5CBXZ46EoWRZQ%3D%3D Longtime New England Patriots columnist and reporter Karen Guregian of Mass Live (@KGuregian on X) takes a deep dive into how the New York Post Page 6 story on head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL Insider from the Athletic Dianna Russini will impact the team in the coming months and the 2026 NFL season. Guregian discusses her recent story on MassLive.com about how Patriots legends and Hall of Famers like Rodney Harrison, Vince Wilfork and Devin McCourty think Vrabel will navigate the scandal  (https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/05/why-patriots-legends-believe-mike-vrabel-will-survive-dianna-russini-scandal-karen-guregian.html). How will Vrabel’s action play in the Patriots locker room? Will players forgive and forget or will there be a segment of them that will question the coach who led them to a Super Bowl appearance last season. Guregian conveys a story from McCourty comparing the distinct differences between Vrabel and former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick… and why it will be more challenging for Vrabel to reestablish his connection with his players. Guregian talks about whether “Vrabel-lite” can still thrive at the highest level. Will critics pile on if the Patriots struggle early in the 2026 season? Guregian is the longest tenured female reporter on the Patriots beat. She talks candidly about whether Vrabel’s legacy has been tarnished given his previous comments in an ESPN story about respecting the hurdles that female journalists have to clear covering the NFL. Guregian also is open about whether Russini’s actions made it more difficult for women to gain respect in this industry. Will Vrabel resign if things become untenable? Does Robert Kraft have any desire to part ways with him? After the Vrabel talk, Guregian dives into the A.J. Brown trade and how the soon-to-be former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver can impact Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and the offense. How will offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels feature and work with Brown? The guys wrap up with talk about the Patriots 2026 NFl Draft class highlighted by Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and Illinois pass rusher Gabe Jacas. What does Lomu’s arrival mean for left tackle Will Campbell? Finally, will Kayshon Boutte be traded? A thoughtful conversation with one of the respected voices covering the New England Patriots.   Highlights: (2:53): What Devin McCourty, Vince Wilford and Rodney Harrison said about Mike Vrabel (7:30): What if the Patriots get off to a slow start in the 2026 regular season with a tougher schedule? (19:55): Can “Vrabel-Lite” be successful? (11:30): Difference between Vrabel and Bill Belichick when navigating scandal (14:35): Mike Vrabel is not a victim (19:00): Did Dianna Russini make it harder for female reporters to gain respect now? (21:15): Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot and Shilo Sanders controversy (27:55): Are people going too far with the jokes about Vrabel and Russini? (30:11): Any scenario where Vrabel resigns as Patriots coach? (32:00): AJ Brown trade and impact. Who has leverage now? (40:00): Can Josh McDaniels co-exist with a strong-willed wide receiver like AJ Brown? (42:30): 2026 NFL Draft class analysis: Caleb Lomu and Gabe Jacas. Impact on Will Campbell? (50:45): Kayshon Boutte’s future with Patriots? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  2. 27 APR

    Albert Breer of Sports Ilustrated shares behind-the-scenes 2026 NFL Draft intel, A.J. Brown news, Mike Vrabel update and more!

    Sports Illustrated senior reporter Albert Breer joins the pod to talk all things NFL. He opens the show by breaking down the Los Angeles Rams decision to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 over pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Breer takes us behind the scenes in the Rams thought process and why Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead decided to take Matthew Stafford’s backup instead of a player who can help the Rams get to the Super Bowl in 2027. What is the NFL comp that league decision makers have given Breer about Simpson? Then Breer dives into the Philadelphia Eagles trade for Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard during the draft. Why did Eagles GM Howie Roseman do it? Speaking of the Eagles, Breer explains what Philly’s decision to draft USC Makai Lemon means for the future of star wide receiver A.J. Brown? Breer discusses what the likely trade compensation will be between the Eagles and New England Patriots? Are the Eagles guaranteed to receive a first-round pick in return for A.J. Brown? Breer talks about what Brown really thinks of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts too. The guys turn the discussion to the ongoing saga involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL Insider of the Athletic Dianna Russini. Breer discusses whether an NFL reporter can influence a player’s trade value in the wake of recent information regarding Russini’s reporting on the Julio Jones trade market several years ago that resulted in the Atlanta Falcons dealing Jones to the Tennessee Titans, who were coached by Mike Vrabel at the time. Back to the 2026 NFL Draft, Breer talks about the player that the Rams would have likely traded up for if he had slipped. Breer gives his best picks on Day 2 (second round and third round) of the NFL Draft. He also reveals who his favorite player of Day 3 was. Breer discusses how New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn helped themselves in the draft. He then gives a word of caution on the supposedly deep quarterback class in the 2027 NFL Draft. Breer shares that Oregon quarterback Donte Moore would be his top quarterback prospect right now ahead of others, including Texas quarterback Arch Manning. Breer gives insight why Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs drafted LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier. Then he  discusses Giants general manager Joe Schoen’s future and whether Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux will be traded? Breer wraps up with insight on new Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy, who fell to Day 3, why the Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (and the former NFL star that scouts have compared him to) and of the NFL will actually have replacement officials in 2027.   . Highlights: (2:00) Why the Rams drafted Alabama QB Ty Simpson (17:15) Behind the scenes on the Eagles trade for Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard (19:55): A.J. Brown trade compensation that Patriots will give to Howie Roseman and Eagles (36:00): What’s net for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel? (42:50): Rams interested in trading up for a stud in Round 1 (43:30): Eagles tried to trade up for offensive tackle. (47:18): Best Picks on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft (49:35): Best pick of Day 3 (54:00) New York Jets draft (58:00) Quarterback class in 2027 NFL Draft. Who’s No. 1? (1 hour, 1 min): Future for New York Giants GM Joe Schoen. Kayvon Thibodeaux trade? (1 hour, 6 min): Jermod McCoy (1 hour, 8 min): Why Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (1 hour, 10 min): Replacement officials in 2026? #SportsPodcast #NFLPodcast #NFL #NFLDraft #MockDraft #2026NFLDraft #Vrabel #Russini #MikeVrabel #DiannaRussini #VrabelRussini #NFLMockDraft #NFLCombine #ScoutingCombine #2026NFLCombine #Podcast #NFLFootball #FreeAgency #Patriots #SuperBowl #SportsMedia #Raiders #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #TySimpson #ArvellReese #JeremiyahLove #CalebDowns #KenyonSadiq #JordynTyson #SeanMcVay #AndyReid #DrakeMaye #FreeAgency #SportsJournalism #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #Jets #AFCEast #Bills #BillsMafia #Dolphins #ArchManning #CarsonBeck #Nussmeier #NationalChampions #BrendanSorsby #IndianaFootball #MakaiLemon #Widereceivers #Quarterback #AaronGlenn #Eagles #AJBrown #NotreDame #OhioState #Buckeyes #USCFootball #AlabamaFootball #MiamiFootball #TexasLonghorns #TexasLonghorns #FightingIrish #NotreDameFootball #Gridirontalk #NFLChampions #ProFootballTalk #ProFootballNetwork #PhinsUp #RollTide #TeamStrategies #NFLBreakdown #HowieRoseman #GoIrish #JadarianPrice #DrewAllar #JermodMcCoy #DonteMoore #ArchManning #KayvonThibodeaux #GarrettNussmeier #ZachariahBranch #DAngelo Ponds #NFLProspects #CarnellTate #GoIrish #RollTide #JeremiyahLove #JadarianPrice #NotreDameFootball #MikeVrabel #AJBrown #AJBrownTrade #HowieRoseman #JalenHurts #TySimpson #MaxxCrosby #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #CarnellTate #MakaiLemon #JaylenWaddle #SeanPayton #Broncos #Chargers #JustinHerbert #JoshAllen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1hr 14min

  3. 24 APR

    2026 NFL DRAFT ROUND 1 GRADES & ANALYSIS: Winners, Losers, Steals and Value Picks

    The guys discuss the latest developments in the scandal surrounding New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL Insider for ESPN and The Athletic Dianna Russini. Vrabel will not be with the Patriots for Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to attend counseling and be with his family. Have his recent public statements done more harm than good in the wake of more photos from TMZ and the New York Post? Burg and Manish move on to discuss a wild first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on Thursday night that featured eight trades with five of the final seven picks being dealt. The guys give their winners, losers, surprises, steals and value picks in Round 1. Six teams drafted two players (Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins). The New York Jets traded back into the first round to give them three first-rounders (Texas Tech edge David Bailey, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper, Jr.). Eight teams did not have a first-round pick, including the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals (after trading for Giants DL Dexter Lawrence), Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonsville Jaguars. The Buffalo Bills (traded down three times) and San Francisco 49ers traded out of the first round on Thursday night. How will prospects like Jeremiyah Love, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Monroe Freeling, Omar Cooper Jr., Francis Mauigoa, Reuben Bain, Akheem Mesidor, Spencer Fano, Mansoor Delane, Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, T.J. Parker, Keldric Faulk, Max Iheanachor, Kadyen Proctor, , Dillon Thieneman, Blake Miller, Olaivavega Ioane, Ty Simpson, Jadarian Price, Peter Woods (Clemson), OG Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech), KC Concepcion, Malachi Lawrence, Caleb Banks and Keldric Faulk do at the next level? The guys discuss a pair of value picks before jumping into five winners. Then, it’s time to talk about five losers in the draft. Finally, Burg and Manish give grades for each pick of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Along the way, they discuss the reality that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will likely be traded (to the New England Patriots) after Howie Roseman traded up for USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. And they dive into why the Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson when they could have given reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford some immediate help to make another Super Bowl run. There are also plenty of talented players left for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft like Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood, Denzel Boston, Cashius Howell, Zion Young, C.J. Allen, CB Avieon Terrell, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, DT Kayden McDonald, Edge T.J. Parker, G Emmanuel Pregnon, LB Jake Golday, DT Christian Miller and others.   Highlights: (2:00) Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini updates (15:30): Value Picks (19:00) Winners of the first round (33:20) Losers of the first round (47:00) Grades for every pick and every team #SportsPodcast #NFLPodcast #NFL #NFLDraft #MockDraft #2026NFLDraft #NFLMockDraft #NFLCombine #ScoutingCombine #2026NFLCombine #Podcast #NFLFootball #FreeAgency #Patriots #SuperBowl #SportsMedia #Raiders #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #TySimpson #ArvellReese #JeremiyahLove #CalebDowns #KenyonSadiq #JordynTyson #SeanMcVay #AndyReid #DrakeMaye #FreeAgency #SportsJournalism #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #Jets #AFCEast #Bills #BillsMafia #Dolphins #ArchManning #CarsonBeck #Nussmeier #NationalChampions #BrendanSorsby #IndianaFootball #MakaiLemon #Widereceivers #Quarterback #AaronGlenn #Eagles #AJBrown #NotreDame #OhioState #Buckeyes #USCFootball #AlabamaFootball #MiamiFootball #TexasLonghorns #TexasLonghorns #FightingIrish #NotreDameFootball #Gridirontalk #NFLChampions #ProFootballTalk #ProFootballNetwork #PhinsUp #RollTide #TeamStrategies #NFLBreakdown #HowieRoseman #GoIrish #JadarianPrice #NFLProspects #CarnellTate #GoIrish #RollTide #JeremiyahLove #JadarianPrice #NotreDameFootball #MikeVrabel #AJBrown #AJBrownTrade #HowieRoseman #JalenHurts #TySimpson #MaxxCrosby #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #CarnellTate #MakaiLemon #JaylenWaddle #SeanPayton #Broncos #Chargers #JustinHerbert #JoshAllen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1hr 3min

  4. 21 APR

    Gary Vee on his plan to own the New York Jets, Secrets to growing VaynerSports, No-Fear leadership and Life advice

    Gary Vaynerchuck is an entrepreneur, marketing guru and social media influencer who serves as the Chairman of VaynerX, the CEO of VaynerMedia, Creator and CEO of VeeFriends and a six-time New York Times Best Selling Author. Gary Vee is also a lifelong New York Jets fan, who has endured his fair share of heartache rooting for his favorite team. Gary Vee kicks off the episode by sharing insights on the growth of VaynerSports, a full-service talent representation and sports marketing consulting agency, over the past decade. From representing NFL Pro Bowl players like Detroit Lions superstar Aiden Hutchinson to Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner, VaynerSports has made an impact on the marketing and business side of football. VaynerSports also represents Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, a projected Top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Gary Vee discusses how he competes with more established powerhouse NFL agencies to land top-tier elite NFL prospects. He shares the secret of leveraging his marketing and social media expertise to land coveted college prospects. Gary Vee shares his short-term and long-term visions for VaynerSports, including his strategies for continued growth in a very crowded space. What’s the best way to build the company? Would he add premier NFL agents like Joel Segal, Dave Mulugheta (Athletes First) or Tory Dandy (CAA) if they became free agents? Gary Vee talks about his lifelong chase to own the New York Jets. The influx of private equity firms investing in NFL teams will make it a daunting challenge. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross recently agreed to sell one percent of his franchise that has a $12.5 billion valuation. The San Diego Padres recently sold for $3.9 billion, or three times as much as Steve Cohen purchased for the New York Mets in 2020. Gary Vee shares a funny story about Ross, who is business partners with him. With the value of pro sports franchises skyrocketing, Gary Vee dives into whether he would ever consider buying an NFL team other than the New York Jets. He shares a never-before told story about how he and legendary New York Jets running back Curtis Martin nearly teamed up at Vayner Sports and how the Hall of Famer helped him recruit future NFL Pro Bowler Budda Baker. Gary Vee goes on to his leadership style that is rooted in no fear. He goes on to discuss he has been able to connect with professional athletes like Super Bowl champion quarterback Sam Darnold and Dallas Cowboys (and former New York Jets Pro Bowler) Quinnen Williams. Gary Vee has made an impact and difference in countless people’s lives. He dives deep into why he continues to help others achieve greatness. He leaves little doubt about the impact that his parents have had on his life and why he chooses to see the good in every situation. Gary Vee’s passion, growth mindset and positive and optimistic outlook on life shines through during the episode. His insights on leadership, building business and chasing his biggest dream are fascinating.   #SportsPodcast #NFLPodcast #NFL #NFLDraft #NewYorkJets #NYJets #NewYorkJetsNews #MiamiDolphins #StephenRoss #SanDiegoPadres #NYMets #NewYorkMets #2026NFLDraft #NFLMockDraft #NFLCombine #SonnyStyles #ScoutingCombine #2026NFLCombine #Podcast #NFLFootball #FreeAgency #Patriots #SuperBowl #SportsMedia #FreeAgency #SportsJournalism #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #Jets #AFCEast #Bills #BillsMafia #Dolphins #Widereceivers #Quarterback #AaronGlenn #OhioState #Buckeyes #USCFootball #AlabamaFootball #MiamiFootball #Gridirontalk #NFLChampions #ProFootballTalk #ProFootballNetwork #PhinsUp #RollTide #TeamStrategies #NFLBreakdown #NFLProspects Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

  5. 19 APR

    2026 NFL Mock Draft: Five Trades! Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles make shocking deals

    A wild Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft show includes five trades, including three by one AFC team. Where will future stars like Jeremiyah Love, David Bailey, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper, Jr., Monroe Freeling, Omar Cooper Jr., Denzel Boston, Francis Mauigoa, Reuben Bain, Akheem Mesidor, Spencer Fano, Mansoor Delane, Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, T.J. Parker, Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood, Keldric Faulk, Max Iheanachor, Kayden Proctor, Cashius Howell, Zion Young, Dillon Thieneman, Blake Miller, Olaivavega Ioane, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and others land? Will Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson get picked on Day 1? Will quarterback-needy teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets pull the trigger or wait until a loaded 2027 draft class that includes Texas star Arch Manning, Oregon’s Donte Moore & Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby? Which offensive linemen, safeties, cornerbacks & linebackers will shine? Will Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown be traded? Will the New England Patriots trade their first-round pick to reunite Brown with Mike Vrabel? What will the Miami Dolphins do with the pick from the Denver Broncos in the Jaylen Waddle deal? Highlights: (6:10) Trade No. 1: (9:25) Trade No. 2: (22:10) Trade No. 3: (33:25) Trade No. 4: (37:30) Trade No. 5: #SportsPodcast #NFLPodcast #NFL #NFLDraft #MockDraft #2026NFLDraft #NFLMockDraft #NFLCombine #ScoutingCombine #2026NFLCombine #Podcast #NFLFootball #FreeAgency #Patriots #SuperBowl #SportsMedia #Raiders #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #TySimpson #ArvellReese #JeremiyahLove #CalebDowns #KenyonSadiq #JordynTyson #SeanMcVay #AndyReid #DrakeMaye #FreeAgency #SportsJournalism #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #Jets #AFCEast #Bills #BillsMafia #Dolphins #ArchManning #CarsonBeck #Nussmeier #NationalChampions #BrendanSorsby #IndianaFootball #MakaiLemon #Widereceivers #Quarterback #AaronGlenn #Eagles #AJBrown #NotreDame #OhioState #Buckeyes #USCFootball #AlabamaFootball #MiamiFootball #TexasLonghorns #TexasLonghorns #FightingIrish #NotreDameFootball #Gridirontalk #NFLChampions #ProFootballTalk #ProFootballNetwork #PhinsUp #RollTide #TeamStrategies #NFLBreakdown #HowieRoseman #GoIrish #JadarianPrice #NFLProspects #CarnellTate #GoIrish #RollTide #JeremiyahLove #JadarianPrice #NotreDameFootball #MikeVrabel #AJBrown #AJBrownTrade #HowieRoseman #JalenHurts #TySimpson #MaxxCrosby #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #CarnellTate #MakaiLemon #JaylenWaddle #SeanPayton #Broncos #Chargers #JustinHerbert #JoshAllen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  6. 17 APR

    2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the TOP 10 Running Back Prospects with player comps and team targets, plus recent NFL headlines

    Follow us! IG: @TacklesPod X: @tacklespod YouTube: @tacklespod TikTok: @tacklespod Burg and Manish kick off the show by discussing the latest on the scandal centering on New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former Athletic NFL Insider Dianna Russini after her recent resignation. Is there a double standard at play? Why did Russini resign amid the Athletic internal investigation in the wake of the New York Post Page 6 story? What, if any, repercussions will Vrabel face? Then, the guys take a deep dive in the Top 10 running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. They rank the ball carriers from No. 1-No. 10 with team and scheme fits and which rounds they are projected to get selected in Pittsburgh next week. Which teams have shown interest in each of the top running back in this year’s draft class? Great discussions on projected Top 10 pick Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), Mike Washington, Jr. (Arkansas), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), Nicholas Singleton (Penn State), Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Kaytron Allen (Penn State), Seth McGowen (Kentucky), Roman Hemby (Indiana), Kaelon Black (Indiana), Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma), Adam Randall (Clemson), Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest), Jonah Coleman (Washington). Who will be the next Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey? Some of the running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft class have comparisons to Bucky Irving, Blake Corum, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, Kyren Williams, Isaiah Pacheco and other established players in the league. Teams like the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons have been doing their homework by bringing in running backs for pre-draft visits in the run-up to the 2026 NFL Draft. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min

  7. 8 APR

    Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy, Troy Aikman & Tom Brady NFL loophole and Jalen Hurts bashing

    What should we make of the New York Post Page Six story about the coach and reporter meeting in Arizona? Should Russini’s reporting on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s future and possible trade be called into question? Did Russini’s and Vrabel’s statements refuting the insinuation of an improper relationship change the mind of the public? Will people question Russini’s agenda for future reports connected with the Patriots and Vrabel, who she admitted was a source in her statement? Burg and Manish focus on the fallout from a purely reporting and journalistic standpoint. Is there a conflict of interest? Speaking of conflicts of interest, ESPN Monday NightFootball NFL broadcaster Troy Aikman made news by sharing behind-the-scenes intel on why the Miami Dolphins hired him as a consultant. Aikman made it clear that owner Stephen Ross & Co. were attracted to his ability to get information from other teams’ players, coaches and front office personnel in his role as a broadcaster. New Miami Dolphins G.M. Jon-Eric Sullivan said that Aikman has been a good sounding board. Aikman’s involvement with the Dolphins prompts questions about an obvious conflict of interest similar to the ones people already have about FOX Sports NFL broadcaster Tom Brady’s ownership stake with the Los Vegas Raiders. Brady showed up for the first day of the Raiders off-season program this week, highlighting his involvement with the team. Aikman’s and Brady’s dual roles as broadcaster and NFL team employees/owners opens the door for other teams do hire a broadcaster to be on their payroll to get inside intel from other clubs. The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell does not seem inclined to close this loophole. So why shouldn’t a team hire other NFL analysts and broadcasters like Tony Romo (CBS), Greg Olsen (FOX), Cris Collinsworth (NBC), Kirk Herbstreit (Prime Video), J.J. Watt, Trent Green, Jason McCourty, Adam Archuleta and others? The guys move on to the recent stories about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reports from ESPN and the Philadelphia Inquirer painted a less-than-favorable picture of the former Super Bowl MVP. Is Eagles general manager Howie Roseman trying to send a message to Hurts, who has been criticized via anonymous sources? How will Hurts do in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s Kyle Shanhan-inspired West Coast offense? Hurts is not expected to get a contract extension this offseason. More topics: New Guardian caps that will feature a smaller and sleeker design, the outsized demand for tickets for the first NFL game in Australia (Los Angeles Rams versus the San Francisco 49ers), the Raiders signing Kirk Cousins and Lamar Jackson showing up for the first day of the Baltimore Ravens offseason program under new head coach Jesse Minter. HIGHLIGHTS: (1:30): Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini controversy (17:00): Troy Aikman’s conflict of interest with the Miami Dolphins is similar to Tom Brady’s situation with the Las Vegas Raiders. Should all NFL teams take advantage of this loophole? (23:57): Is this a make-or-break year for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts? (32:00): The new Guardian caps 2.0 version are sleeker and smaller. Will more players wear them in 2026? (34:00): Why are NFL fans in Australia complaining about tickets to the upcoming 49ers-Rams Week 1 game? (37:00): What does Kirk Cousins signing with the Las Vegas Raiders mean for the No. 1 pick of 2026 NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza? (39:50): Lamar Jackson shows up for the first day of the Baltimore Ravens offseason program with new head coach Jesse Minter #NFLPodcast #SportsPodcast #NFLCombine #NFLFootball #SportsMedia #NFLFreeAgency #NFLDraft #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #SportsJournalism #SportsMedia #JalenHurts #TroyAikman #GuardianCaps #KirkCousins #TomBrady #Raiders #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #AustraliaFootball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min

  8. 2 APR

    Miami Dolphins exec Jon Robinson on preparing prospects for NFL Draft interviews, working with Bill Belichick, drafting Gronk & more

    Robinson gives secrets to acing player interviews when questioned by NFL head coaches, NFL scouts, NFL general managers, NFL owners and media at the NFL Combine and in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. Robinson spent the past two years helping players prepare for All-Star Game interviews, NFL Combine interviews and Top 30 Visit interviews. Robinson was working for WIN Sports Group, a sports representation firm founded by Patrick Whitesell that works with stars like Joe Burrow and Nick Bosa, before recently getting hired by Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan to work as a front office and personnel executive for the AFC East team. Robinson also discusses his role in helping head coach candidates like Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the hiring process with NFL teams. Robinson also talks about the challenges for former GMs to get a second opportunity and the growing trend of general managers for college programs in the NIL era. Robinson was still working with WIN Sports Group when he shared never-before-told stories with Manish and Burg about working with legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Robinson shares his humbling beginnings as a scout with the help of friend and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht. Robinson also chronicles his various roles within the Patriots organization, starting with a promotion after the Thomas Dimitroff left to become the Atlanta Falcons G.M. He relays a wild draft story about how and why the Pats (including current Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio and Belichick) drafted future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski. Robinson’s storytelling about Gronk will sure to make you laugh. Robinson talks about how the Patriots drafted reliable wide receiver Julian Edelman and talks about Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, Danny Woodhead and other valuable members of the Pats. Robinson discusses his time with the Bucs when Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans was drafted. He then talks about his time as the Titans general manager when he hired Mike Vrabel, helped revive Ryan Tannehill and drafted future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry. Robinson also recalled the time that his AFC South team beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. An informative and entertaining conversation with a bright NFL mind in this encore episode. (1:55) How Robinson got into scouting (2:45) Working for the Patriots and Bill Belichick (6:25) Rob Gronkowski Draft Story (12:41): Drafting Julian Edelman (16:47): Hiring Mike Vrabel as Titans HC (53:00) Helping Liam Coen and Brock Bowers prepare for interviews Check out our other videos on the 2026 NFL Draft and Free Agency: 1)     2026 NFL Mock Draft, Post-Free Agency (http://bit.ly/3NrdJ4R) 2)     Top 10 Best Unsigned Free Agents (https://bit.ly/4lPbp47). Download and Listen to “Between the Tackles” on Apple (https://bit.ly/4s3hZ8Y) and Spotify (https://bit.ly/4dIiVMd). WATCH SUBSCRIBE (for free) to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tacklespod LISTEN DOWNLOAD, COMMENT & LEAVE A 5 STAR️ RATING on Apple: https://bit.ly/4s3hZ8Y DOWNLOAD, COMMENT & LEAVE A 5️ STAR RATING on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4dIiVMd FOLLOW IG: @TacklesPod TIKTOK: @TacklesPod YouTube: @TacklesPod #NFL #NFLDraft #MiamiDolphins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About

Welcome to Between The Tackles podcast. Join Eric “Burg” Burgess and NFL reporter Manish Mehta for insightful, behind-the-scenes conversations from across the NFL with players, coaches, general managers and media personalities. Like, Subscribe, and Follow @tacklespod on X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!

Information

  • Creator
    Eric "Burg" Burgess, Manish Mehta
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Burg, Joe, and Manish
  • Show Website
    Between the Tackles

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