First and foremost, congratulations to the Barstool Chicago guys for the collaboration with JP Grazianos. It’s a match made in heaven. I am very excited to use it to make my next beef. I don’t know JP Grazianos menu but my sandwich would be a Sesame Hero, Fried Eggplant, Hot Capicola, Fresh Mozz, Roasted Red Peppers and Balsamic.
I was PUMPED to hear the topic this week was going to be Sandwiches. I hold Sandos near and dear to my heart. A sandwich shop is front and center in the dream book. Even just making sandwiches at home I live by the motto, “Don’t Make Sandwiches, Make Memories.” Whether its a simple PBJ or Grilled Cheese to a 9 hour beef or a Chicken Cutlet sandwich, any sandwich can be special. I take my sandwiches very seriously, and it was a joy listening to a veteran of the game talk about them at length. Jim Grazino obviously knows his stuff, but that doesn’t mean he walked away with this draft. The guys put together some stacked boards. Another phenomenal draft. Im hungry.
Order: 1. Carl 2. Jim 3. Chief 4. Eddie 5. WSD
Round 1
Pick 1: Carl, The Italian Beef
Grade- Christen The Draft
Uh, duh. The Beef was the obvious 1.1 here. I figured who ever was first pick would be taking the beef, Carl grabbing first pick really locked it in going first overall. I have made the Barstool Beef recipe two times and it has been an absolute hit each time. I also found a little dive in Westfield, Mass owned by a guy who used to play in a band in Chicago, he serves beef on local sourdough, thing is delicious. This pick is no surprise.
Pick 2: Jim, Italian Sub
Grade- Go To
An italian combo is my go to order when I am not feeling any sort of way about a different kind of hero. Getting a sandwich from a new place and don’t want to test out the chicken? Italian Combo. Variety of meats. Holds firm. Simple yet great toppings. It’s a perfect sandwich.
Pick 3: Chief, Cheeseburger
Grade- Yes….And No….But Yes.
I am on the side of the Jim here. I think Cheeseburgers are a stand alone food. I very much understand it is two pieces of bread with stuff in between. By definition it is a sandwich, absolutely no way it can be vetoed, but like I said, Cheeseburgers are a stand alone food. There is enough variety in the cheeseburger world where they branched out from being a sandwich. I love cheeseburgers just as much as the next guy, in a sandwich draft I don’t want cheeseburgers on my board. Patty Melt is indeed the sandwich form.
Pick 4: Eddie, Grilled Cheese
Grade- OG
You can close your eyes and envision the two triangle cut halves being pulled apart while the melted cheese desperately tries to cling to each side. A grilled cheese is a staple of the sandwich world. In the baseball hall of fame there is a wing for the pioneers of the game, those that paved the way. The Grilled Cheese would be one of the first sandwiches you would see when walking the halls of the Sandwich HoF.
Pick 5: WSD, BBQ Brisket Sandwich
Grade- Here We Go
Dave is blaming everyone but himself for constantly losing drafts and being left off the poll, but it’s picks like this that prove why. If I am preparing for a Sandwich Draft, despite how much I love a nicely smoked brisket, a brisket sandwich is nowhere near the top of my board, let alone a first round pick. Chief was 100% correct. Brisket is better with no bread. Brisket is meant to melt in your mouth. Do I want a side of some mac and cheese and collard greens with my Brisket? Absolutely. Do I want it in between bread with other toppings on it? No. A brisket sandwich is delicious, I would eat one if you put it in front of me. It is not a first round sandwich pick by any means.
Round 1- WSD just clearly behind the 8 ball right off the jump. Chief got a huge name that’s going to play, but I personally don’t love the pick, but that doesnt mean it’s not a good pick to build around. 1 and 2 off the board were no shock. Ed took a risk with Grilled Cheese’s simplicity but it’s a high risk high reward pick.
Round 2
Pick 6: WSD, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Grade- Better
Now we are talkin’ Dave. Juicy piece of fried chicken, tossed in hot sauce and dry rub, add some pickles and slaw. It is a dynamite sandwich. It is superior to any buffalo chicken style sandwich. Dave has work to do to make up for his first round pick but this is a start. His 3–4 wrap around is going to need to be two heavy hitters.
Pick 7: Eddie, Peanut Butter and Jelly
Grade- Brave
Ed is not getting cute with this draft. Ed is drafting what’s in front of him. It is not easy taking Grilled Cheese and PBJ with your first two picks, but when you boil it down those are two important sandwiches in the history of bread and fillings. PBJ may even be before Grilled Cheese in the Sandwich HoF. Two brave picks by Ed, but he does need some gumption on his board now.
Pick 8: Chief, Bacon Egg & Cheese
Grade- Eggcelent
I’m not over exaggerating when I say this is one of the best picks Chief has ever made in a draft. When you are preparing for this draft your mind automatically goes to lunch and dinner sandwiches, but the BEC is the elite, if not the only, breakfast sando on the board. This pick gives Chief such a diversity in his draft that the others will not be able to have, unless they choose to take a far inferior breakfast style sandwich. BEC, Pepper and Hot Sauce, everything bagel (or roll).
Pick 9: Jim, BLT
Grade- Crispy
Where Eds Grilled Cheese and PBJ are two great picks, I think if Ed paired a BLT with PBJ it’s a better 1–2. BLT is still an original 5 sandwich, and brings a lot more to the table than a grilled cheese as an adult. The standard BLT with mayo is a great simple sandwich and there are some great additions you can make that doesn’t turn it into a Club. Add an egg, BELT. Add some Ava, BLAT. Add a couple slices of swiss or havarti. BLTC. It’s a big time sandwich.
Pick 10: Carl, Meatball Sub
Grade- Mushy
I love meatballs. Meatballs are incredible on their own or with pasta. For some reason, I do not care for Meatball subs. If I am going sauce and cheese on a sub it’s going on top of some fried chicken. Chicken Parm Sub always tops Meatball for me. And neither are super high on my list of all time sandwiches.
Round 2- It’s only two rounds in and Ed, Chief and Jim have such different boards, yet all have phenomenal 1–2s. Carl’s 2nd round meatball sub is a disappointing way to follow up the Beef. Hopefully WSD can build on this Nashville Hot Chicken pick.
Round 3
Pick 11: Carl, Philly Cheesesteak
Grade- Yous Draftin like a Jawn
A sandwich that is an absolute must draft with 25 picks out there, but Carl is drafting 3 offensive linemen that are not going to have anyone to block for. If I am in Philly I am most certainly grabbing a cheesesteak, but outside of that I am probably not ordering it anywhere else. Huge name recognition, but the sandwich itself does not stand out on Carl’s board. With the way this draft is going Carl is going to find himself on the outside looking in.
Pick 12: Jim, Combo (Beef with Sausage)
Grade- Woah.
I tried to process a grilled sausage inside a beef and I felt like Steve Bruhle. A beef is a loaded sandwich. A beef with a sausage in the middle of it? Exploding head emoji. I can’t comment on this aside from the fact I would absolutely love to try one. I don’t see how this pick hurts Jim in any way, if anything, it poaches some votes from Carl’s beef pick.
Pick 13: Chief, Pulled Pork
Grade- The Correct BBQ Pick
Pulled Pork is the BBQ meat that is meant to go on a roll. Dave takes this as his first rounder and I don’t bat an eye. A pulled pork sandwich is probably the top BBQ style sandwich out there. Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Brisket, Smoked Sausage, are all best in platter form with sides. Pulled Pork can absolutely make its way to the platter, but it’s the only one of those meats I want on a bun with toppings. Chief has a staple, breakfast, and BBQ and is turning in a well rounded draft so far.
Pick 14: Eddie, Chicken Parm Sandwich
Grade- Better Than Meatball
Carl discovering Chicken Parm Subs were thing was a WILD moment. This is a fine pick by Ed though. I love chicken cutlet heroes, and while I rarely get them in the chicken parm hero form, it is still a good pick. For some reason, just like meatballs, i love chicken cutlet, love mozz and will eat sauce with a spoon, the sandwich just doesn’t do much for me. Still a better pick than meatball sub and I like getting a cutlet on the board.
Pick 15: WSD, Cuban Sandwich
Grade- Single Handedly Keeping Yellow Mustard Alive
Great start to this key back to back for WSD. The Cuban brings a big time name recognition and a sandwich with a little more flare. A cuban is the only time I still eat something with yellow mustard. It just pairs perfectly to the sandwich. A nice pressed cuban, with the crispy outer bread, is a top notch sandwich. Great pick.
Round 3- I was harsh on Chief’s decision to draft cheeseburger, but that doesnt mean Chief is not drafting an awesome board right now. I still am trying to grasp a Combo while simultaneously salivating at the idea of it and Ed is just checking boxes as the rounds go on. Its a 3 man battle right now but WSD’s last two picks have been very solid.
Round 4
Pick 16: WSD, Reuben
Grade- Simon Cowell says Yes
What a wrap around for Dave. Cuban and Reuben are two BIG TIME sandwiches to grab back to back. I agree with Jims little factoid about ‘The Rachel’ over the Reuben, but that is really deep into the details of sandwiches and the Rueben is the correct pick between the two. I dont think your standard voter is going to know the difference between the two and the Reuben is the household name. WSD now has himself with a 5th round pick that could allow him to compete this week.
Pick 17: Eddie, Gyro
Grade- I Can Be Your Gyro Baby
This left me with a reaction similar to Chiefs BEC pick. Just a pick you hear and it perks you up a bit. It’s unique, it stands out, and it’s god damn delicious. The shaved gyro meat off the spinner BANGS. A nice fluffy warm pita, some tzatziki and LOT. Sign me up. Eds board continues to be just a little different than the others, and that is a good thing.
Pick 18: Chief, Turkey Club
Grade- Safe
Very safe pick from Chief here and that is totally fine. Chief is in a spot where can very much win this draft and I think getting a sandwich like a Turkey Club is exactly what he needed going into the fifth round. You aren’t making a huge splash at this stage in the draft and its may be easier to lose yourself in the draft than it is to really separate yourself. Chief got a sandwich that will fill minutes, know its role, and be reliable from the day they join your team.
Pick 19: Jim, Roast Pork
Grade- Rabe One Out
Jim is building a board of sandwiches that would be the best options on a menu if I was going out for sandos. But I don’t know if thats the essence of this draft. I don’t know if this board captures the whole spectrum of what a sandwich is. 4 outstanding sandwichs so far, but sometimes you need role players to win a draft.
Pick 20: Carl, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Grade- Better in other forms
Dave drafted the elite spicy chicken sandwich. As similar as they are, they do have their differences and Dave got the better one. Buffalo Chicken is always great, but in sandwich form, its way down on the list. Give me buffalo wings, tenders, dip, pizza and even nachos, before I am going sandwich. This might steal some votes from WSD because buffalo chicken moves the needle, but Carl needed more here.
Round 4- WSD came storming back in this draft after a questionable first pick. Jims last two picks have been very specific and regional, and although they are delicious picks, sometimes getting too deep does not translate to the poll. Eds gyro pick adds some serious character to his draft. I think I am leaning Chief through 4 though.
Round 5
Pick 21: Carl, Ham Sandwich
Grade- White Trash
Usually WSD gets the “White Trash Pick of the Week”. Sometimes its an endearing grade, sometimes it’s a bad one. This week for Carl, it’s a bad one. Ham Sandwich in the 5th round? Insert Jeff D. Lowe fart noise. There are so so so many better sandos on the board, Ham has no business being drafted. If Carl drafted bologna i’d say it was an infinitely better pick. Going to be hard to get on the poll with Ham Sandwich.
Pick 22: Jim, Cemita
Grade- Tengo un gato en mis pantalones
The same sentiment as Jim got in round 4. His menu is off the charts, but if its going to win him the draft I cant say. Sometimes you need some household names and aside from BLT Jim has some niche picks. But ill say it once more, I want to order off Jims board.
Pick 23: Chief, Caprese Sandwich
Grade- Burrata
Chief earned this pick in the fifth round. Chief has had an awesome draft and if he wants to draft from the heart and add a light and flavorful Caprese Sandwich on the board to close his draft I say you go girl. Are there better options on the board? Sure, at least for me. But when you knock the first 4 rounds out of the park you get to take your passion project in the 5th. A lot of raw potential that you hope blossoms into a late round steal. Don’t let Chief get hot.
Pick 24: Eddie, Ice Cream Sandwich
Grade- Chess
All draft when someone zigs, Ed zags. If his board wasn’t hard of a read through 4 rounds, it just got even harder. Was an ice cream sando even a thought in my mind? Nope. Is it a phenomenal fifth round pick? You betcha. What an out of the box way to finish a good draft for Ed. His draft is going to make choosing a winner V v difficult.
Pick 25(Mr. Irrelevant): WSD, Taylor Ham Sandwich
Grade- Could be Huge
Now I have never had this sandwich. I said that BEC was the only breakfast that really should come off the board. With that being said, this could end up being a massive Mr. Irrelevant for Dave. From what I have learned, those who know this sammy, LOVE IT. They consider it a GOAT level sandwich. With this pick Dave may have landed a large demographic of votes that will vote for him specifically because of this pick.
What a draft. Some absolutely awesome boards that are going to make picking a winner extremely difficult. Right off the bat, I think Carl gets left off the poll. Carl is a 24 winner. Sometimes you just don’t have a great though, you can’t win them all. I don’t doubt Carl has a bounce back next week, but it is a disappointment he couldn’t put together a better list around the Beef. WSD had an incredible recovery after a bad opening round. His Cuban-Reuben back to back was big time, and he locked up a lot of votes with the Taylor Ham pick. With the brisket lead off and not having ever eaten the Taylor Ham, I’m not sure I will vote foro Dave, but I think he had a great draft. Eddies board is such a tough read. Grilled Cheese and PBJ are staple sandwiches. Are they juvenile? Yes, but I would be lying if I still don’t eat them from time to time. The only one Ed picks while I am out getting a sandwich is a Gyro, but the other 4 are without are incredibly important sandwiches. Just like with WSD, I can’t see myself picking Ed, but I appreciate his draft. So now we have Chief and Jim. Jims board is flat out delicious. 5 sandwiches I would order on any given day if that was the menu at the deli. His analysis and insight was next level. But he may have gotten a little too flashy. The Fab 5 made all sorts of noise and made the finals, but they didn’t cut down the nets. Then there is Chief. 5 more delicious sandwiches, a little more of a simpler board, but the diversity jumps off the page. A fat burger, some breakfast, some BBQ, a light change up and a fastball. It is such a well rounded board with 5 sandwiches that it can compete with Jims loaded menu. When it’s this close I need to see the graphic, but the vote will come down to Chief and Jim, and I hope Chief didn’t vilify the cheeseburger is not a sandwich contingent.
Some Honoarable Mentions:
Thanksgiving Sandwich- A lot of delis are starting to offer this a regular option and oh man is it awesome to get you stuffing and cranberry sauce fix at a random time outside of thanksgiving.
Falafel Sandwich- This could have given someone some awesome diversity on their board. A falafel sandwich in a good pita with some pickled radish and yogurt FUCKS.
