Kennywood Delivers Thrills Amidst NFL Draft Buzz

Steel Curtain Roars, Phantom’s Revenge Soars as Draft Week Kicks Off in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA – The air in Pittsburgh crackled with anticipation this week, not just for the upcoming NFL Draft, but for a surprising resurgence of local pride at the iconic Kennywood amusement park. Amidst the buzz of teams scouting future stars, the Pat McAfee Show crew found themselves experiencing the magic of Kennywood, proving that sometimes, the biggest thrills come on familiar turf.

Kennywood’s Grand Comeback

The show’s hosts, including AJ Hawk, Boston Connor, and Ty Schmidt, were treated to a private day at Kennywood, a stark contrast to the usual weekday closures. “I thought the roller coasters themselves were going to be crap and shite and made out of wood,” admitted Connor, a self-proclaimed Six Flags enthusiast.

“They were made out of wood, but it was still solid. I’m going to put Kenny Wood right up there with it.”

The park’s legendary coasters, like the Racer, Phantom’s Revenge, and the Steel Curtain, did not disappoint. The Steel Curtain, boasting nine inversions, and the Phantom’s Revenge, hitting speeds near 90 mph, delivered adrenaline-pumping rides that impressed even the most seasoned thrill-seekers. “The maintenance crew matters and I think what I remembered is 100-year-old coasters, wooden coasters,” said one host, marveling at the enduring quality of the park’s classic rides.

Coaster Calamities and Culinary Delights

Not every ride went perfectly smoothly. Connor recounted a harrowing experience on the Steel Curtain, admitting, “My entire body just kind of gave out.

My hair was going everywhere. I actually passed out here.” Thankfully, he recovered, but the incident highlighted the sheer intensity of the park’s attractions.

Beyond the rides, the food also received high praise. The famous “Potato Patch” fries, along with pulled pork and other treats, were a hit. “It was top-notch.

A1. A1,” declared one host, cementing Kennywood’s status as a culinary destination as well.

Draft Day Anticipation Builds

As the excitement from Kennywood settled, the focus shifted to the NFL Draft, set to take place in Pittsburgh. Draft expert Shreger joined the show to discuss the latest mock drafts and potential surprises. “Positional value does not matter this year,” Shreger stated, explaining that players at non-traditional top-10 positions, like running back Jeremiah Love, could be selected much earlier than expected.

Shreger also highlighted the unusual depth of the draft after the first 20 picks. “This draft is a little different in that you’ve got your few blue chip players up top, you’ve got your next tier that are first round guys, but it kind of falls off a cliff after 20,” he explained. This could lead to teams looking to trade back to accumulate more picks.

Top Prospects and Team Needs

The conversation turned to offensive linemen, with Minoa Feno and Kaden Proctor emerging as top prospects. Feno, praised for his versatility and leadership, is a strong contender to be the first offensive lineman off the board.

“Feno wear a captain C on his chest at Utah. Can play right, can play left tackle, can also play inside,” Shreger noted.

Wide receiver Jordan Tyson was another focal point, with Shreger suggesting he could be a top-5 pick, despite recent injury concerns. “He’s the most fascinating prospect in this draft,” Shreger said, adding that the New York Giants are showing significant interest. The team’s new coach, John Harbaugh, is expected to heavily influence their draft strategy, potentially prioritizing offensive linemen over receivers.

Looking Ahead

With the NFL Draft poised to kick off, Pittsburgh is buzzing with a unique blend of athletic excitement and local charm. The successful Kennywood outing is a reminder of the city’s vibrant spirit, setting a positive tone as the league welcomes its newest generation of talent.

Source: The Pat McAfee Show Live From The NFL Draft | Wednesday April 22nd 2026 (YouTube)