Just like everything associated with the NFL, the draft keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger.
Last week’s NFL Draft was yet another outstanding success for the league that can seemingly do no wrong.
The ratings were up, the coverage was phenomenal, and Detroit proved to be an excellent host city as they ended up breaking the all-time draft attendance record.
We saw our fair share of twists and turns and surprises.
No surprise was bigger than the Atlanta Falcons shocking decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick despite just signing Kirk Cousins to a massive contract in free agency.
However, the actual draft wasn’t the only thing that provided us with drama and intrigue.
We ended up getting a juicy back-and-forth between two current superstars that certainly raised a few antennas around the football world.
On Bleacher Report’s special NFL Draft Live Show, All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons found himself in a heated disagreement with reigning Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.
The clash ignited when Stroud boldly claimed that the AFC North is the best division in all of football.
Despite playing in the AFC South, Stroud was able to call it like he sees it and gave the nod to the power division which consists of the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns.
Parsons, however, couldn’t disagree more with Stroud’s take and proclaimed that the NFC East is the true toughest division in the NFL.
“On paper, we were the best division in football last year,” Parsons declared.
Stroud didn’t hesitate to call Parsons out on his statement.
“No one on the planet except for Micah Parsons thought the NFC East was better than the AFC North. No one on the planet. You are delusional,” Stroud responded.
Parsons attempted to defend his stance by pointing out the historical success of NFC East teams such as the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders and his very own Dallas Cowboys.
Yet, Stroud countered by highlighting the AFC North’s collective winning record and impressive playoff performances.
“There’s not a weak team in the AFC North. Washington is not better than any of those four teams. I guarantee it,” Stroud said.
The debate intensified as both sides presented contrasting viewpoints on the quality of the divisions.
Parsons emphasized the NFC East’s competitiveness, while Stroud maintained the AFC North’s superiority in terms of overall quality.
While the NFC East is undoubtedly the most prestigious and historic division, it’s hard to argue that from top-to-bottom the AFC North takes the cake if we’re simply talking about which division is the better of the two.
In the bigger picture, it’s an interesting debate.
The AFC West might soon have an argument if Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh work their magic with their respective teams. The Raiders aren’t hurting too bad for talent and the Chiefs are the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, the NFC West consists of a couple power teams with the 49ers and Rams. Although, the Seahawks and Cardinals are both far off from being true contenders.
The AFC East is interesting. Ironically, after two-plus decades of being kings, it’s the Patriots who are by far and away the worst team in the division. The Bills and Dolphins are equipped to possibly make deep playoff runs while a healthy Aaron Rodgers will get take-two with the Jets.
The NFC North is very similar to the NFC East, although the North figures to have a little more depth.
And let’s be honest – we can completely skip over the South in both conferences…
What are your thoughts on the argument between Parsons and Stroud?
Whose side are you on?
Which division is truly the best in the entire NFL???