The Rams re-signed starting linebacker Nate Landman to a 3yr, $22m deal last week. Besides a fantastic last name, Landman is a “peanut-punch” enthusiast. That’s the popular defensive move of punching the opposing ball carrier with a closed fist and hoping the football gets in the way. Landman has forced 10 fumbles in 47 career games, including 4 in his first season in LA. How did the Rams land the Landman? Rams GM Les Snead credits his assistant GM John Mckay with convincing him to give Nate a 1yr, $1m last offseason. Previously a Falcon, the scouting world (and the Falcons) largely overlooked Landman. But McKay was perhaps tipped off by his father, Rich McKay, CEO of the…Atlanta Falcons. Rich McKay is the son of legendary USC coach John McKay, but he’s also been a Super Bowl winning GM in the NFL. The middle McKay drafted and built the 2002 Super Bowl champ Buccaneers. While his run in Tampa ended after falling out with Jon Gruden, Rich has been in charge of the Falcons since 2008. Whatever you think of that performance, the longevity is impressive. Whatever you think of nepotism, I don’t really care. I think (especially this time of year) it’s nice to see two generations of a family execute a meaningless linebacker transaction that turns into something more. Faith. FAMILY. Football.

The photo above is pulled from an article titled: How SGA Weaponizes His Shoulders. Scary, but I didn’t read it. No need! SGA could very well win another NBA MVP and the Thunder are screaming towards another title. The superlatives for this squad are endless and I’m not going to add to the commentary. If there’s one thing NBA people can’t get it over, it’s this: the Thunder currently own the Clippers’ (5-12) 2026 first round pick. That’s right. Another high lottery selection could find their way to OKC, so let’s at least get into who that could be. Scouts are drooling over the 2026 draft and claiming three if not four potential franchise changing talents. In no order:

- AJ Dybantsa, BYU: Dybantsa showed up in Utah because of a guaranteed $7m NIL deal and it’s probably he’ll end up earning more in exchange for one season. That’s how BYU lands the nation’s top basketball recruit. But this isn’t a NIL article. I could care less about the money.

- Darryn Peterson, Kansas: Jordan comps. Kind of. The early 2000s were obsessed with finding the next Jordan and thankfully we’re past that. But enough time has passed and Peterson has people asking if he’s the next MJ. Or at least the closest we’ve been in awhile.

- Cameron Boozer, Duke: Carlos Boozer’s son. Twin of Cayden. Boozer isn’t likely to challenge for the top pick but his mature game, strength, and pedigree raises his floor.

- Caleb Wilson, UNC: Wouldn’t be fair for Duke to have a lottery pick and not UNC. Even if UNC can’t seem to produce any NBA talent outside of Caleb Love. Wilson is a semi-traditional 4man who will only continue to grow into his 6’10’’ frame.

- Nate Ament, Tennessee: Big Slim. Another freshman. Ament is 6’10’’ and maybe 200lbs, but he’s a downhill scorer with an elevated release on his jumper. In any other draft, he’d be a top 2 pick.

Now you know the names. Let’s get to the games. No better way to scout these dudes than watching them play each other. Details:

- Dybantsa vs Peterson, Jan 26th, 6pm ESPN

- Boozer vs Wilson, Feb 7th, 3:30pm ESPN

Both Boozer and Wilson have already had dates with Peterson. Of course, to really understand who’s going to take Lebron’s throne, you’ll have to watch more than just the two games above and all of March Madness. If you can come up for air from the gravy and football, keep ESPN (and ESPN 2) close. It’s Feast Week across the Networks with huge games all over the tube.