SI Media Podcast, during a conversation about Jim Nantz’s current negotiations with CBS,
The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis made the point that viewers don’t watch sports just because of the announcers.
Fans are going to watch NFL games, the NCAA Tournament, the NBA playoffs, etc., no matter who is calling the action. This is true for the NFL draft as well.
So with ESPN needing a host for this year’s draft after parting ways with Trey Wingo, the network reportedly has turned to Mike Greenberg.
You’d think the network would want to use someone who has a connection to the NFL or college football, but that isn’t nearly as important as the opportunity for cross-promotion Greenberg provides.