Chalk Talk Episode #4: It’s NFL Draft Time, and We Have Some Thoughts on How Things Will Play Out
Anxious and hypersensitive to ringing phones. That’s probably the best way to describe how every eligible college football player is feeling right now as we start the official countdown to the 2022 NFL Draft.
How do we know? Well, my Chalk Talk co-host Hale Hentges has been there. As a senior at Alabama, he spent the three days leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft stressed about what was going to happen. Every time the phone range, it set off a range of emotions. “Was this going to be the call with good news?!”
That’s why he offers some sage advice to all of you who know a 2022 NFL prospect: “Unless you’re calling with good news, don’t call until the draft is over!” Even if you’re family. Or perhaps especially if you’re family.
What should you do instead? (Because I know you’re probably a ball of nerves and need a distraction, too.)
I think you should hit play on our latest Chalk Talk episode so you can find out how Hale’s draft experience played out. You’ll also learn some fun facts such as:
[5:33] Why I was constantly emulating Cleveland Browns legends growing up.
[6:27] Who Hale’s favorite team was in the 2000’s and the players he wanted to be when he grew up.
[7:11] The game strategy being used by both players and teams leading up to the NFL Draft, and why Hale likens the draft to a chess match.
[10:43] The way that blockbuster – and back office – moves around the league during the offseason will impact negotiations and dialogues these next few days.
[19:27] How many quarterbacks will get drafted in the first round (based on our official expert opinions).
[23:48] The phone call that ultimately landed Hale in the NFL as a tight end, and why he always kept his options open.
We also provide our two cents on the different bargaining chips being used right now on both sides to get what they want. (For example, some players may be asking for too much money, even if they’re categorized as high-value playmakers.)
Curious how our mock draft shaped up, especially in the first round? We start that debate at the 11:30 mark. So, check it out and tell us if you agree with our picks (and reasoning). You can find me on Linkedin and Instagram or you can connect with Hale on Linkedin if you want to weigh in.
Chalk Talk Episode #4: NFL Draft Preview, Predictions and Past Experiences
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If you’ve just found us, check out our past Chalk Talk episodes now:
Chalk Talk Episode #3: NFL Pros Dwayne Johnson, Jr. and Chris Streveler Just Spent Three Weeks Working at Zebra. Find Out Why (and What It Was Like).
Chalk Talk Episode #2: Did You Know RFID Technology Was Used to Track Player Movements During 2022 NFL Combine Drills? Find Out What That Means for This Year’s Recruits (and Future Scouting Decisions).
Chalk Talk Episode #1: Not Sure Who to Cheer for During Super Bowl LVI? These Next Gen Stats May Help with Your Decision.
An Analysis of the Chalk Talk Commentators What Do You Think? Were Adam Petrus and Hale Hentges Spot On with Their Super Bowl Predictions?
Adam Petrus
Adam Petrus is currently the Business Development and Sales Lead for Sports & Entertainment at Zebra Technologies where he is responsible for growing Zebra’s hardware and software solutions across the world of sports and the entertainment industry. Prior to joining the sales team Adam co-managed Zebra’s game day operation of the NFL’s Next Gen Stats program and served as the project lead for the NFL’s Equipment Tracking Program, Virtual Locker. Adam has more than 15 years of experience within the sports and technology industry and has been working with Next Gen Stats since 2015. Previously, he worked in the front office of an NFL Football Club, served within the United States Intelligence Community supporting special operations to include two and a half years in Iraq and was a licensed and certified sports agent. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University out of Berea, Ohio and attended the International Institute for Management & Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland where he earned a certificate in Business Management and Leadership.
As an active member of the community, Adam serves on the Baldwin Wallace University Carmel-Boyer School of Business Advisory Council, served on the Board of the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary International Club and is a member of the Jacksonville JAXSports Council - a non-profit established to enhance and positively impact the quality of life and community pride, along with generating economic impact and growth through professional and amateur sports. An outdoor enthusiast, Adam enjoys running, paddle boarding, golfing and being an active parent alongside his wife Jenn to their daughters Olivia (7) & Peyton (5) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Gunner and Nash.
Fun Fact:
"My first job in the NFL was at age 16 when I was hired by the Cleveland Browns Groundcrew. This position then led to a promotion into the front office when I was in college and a full-time role upon graduation."
