Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out - Draft Day 2 Reactions: Shedeur Sanders Falls to Day 3, Shough to Saints, Milroe to Seahawks
Release Date: April 26, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 39 minutes
Introduction to Draft Day Reactions
[02:09] Podcast Host:
The episode kicks off immediately following the third round of the NFL Draft, with Colin Cowherd diving straight into the day's most shocking moment: Shedeur Sanders falling to Day 3. Cowherd sets the stage by expressing his surprise and skepticism about the NFL's decision-making, framing the discussion around the broader narrative that could become a future sports documentary staple.
Shedeur Sanders: A Fall from Favor
[02:23] Podcast Host:
Shedeur Sanders, widely regarded as a top quarterback prospect, did not get drafted until Day 3. Cowherd analyzes the possible reasons behind this unexpected slide, emphasizing the NFL's apparent distaste for Sanders.
Key Points:
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Red Flags:
Cowherd points out that Sanders has numerous "red flags," both on and off the field. Despite his athletic prowess and solid performance in college, concerns about his character and behavior during interviews have marred his draft stock.Quote:
"The NFL does not like this guy. They do not like this guy because of the tape, like we've all seen it, we all watched him play football was fine. He was good... the interviews couldn't have been a bigger disaster."
[04:15] -
Interview Performance:
Sanders' aggressive demeanor during interviews, particularly his interactions with Mel Kuiper of ESPN, has raised concerns among scouts and general managers. Cowherd suggests that this behavior may have overshadowed Sanders' on-field abilities.Quote:
"If you're meeting with people and not doing everything possible as a quarterback to just try to impress them and show that you're a good guy, like, I judge you too."
[15:45] -
Comparative Analysis:
Comparing Sanders to other quarterbacks like Tyler Shough and Malik Willis, Cowherd highlights that while these players also have their issues, Sanders' combination of on-field skills and off-field concerns made him a non-preferred choice.Quote:
"Jalen Milroe, Dylan Gabriel... But Tyler Shough felt like a grandpa. This is a cool night, but for Sandford, this is insane."
[18:30]
Other Notable Draft Picks
Shough to Saints & Milroe to Seahawks
[08:50] Podcast Host:
Beyond Sanders, the draft saw Tyler Shough being selected by the New Orleans Saints and Jalen Milroe by the Seattle Seahawks. Cowherd breaks down these picks, assessing their potential impact and the teams' strategies in these selections.
Shough to Saints:
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Team Strategy:
The Saints are looking to bolster their quarterback depth with Shough, who brings a strong arm and field vision but needs development in decision-making and leadership.Quote:
"Mike Tomlin loves Shough. It’s like, yeah, I can see it. Just Tomlin Dion, probably buddies, probably known Shough for a long time."
[12:10]
Milroe to Seahawks:
-
Athletic Prowess:
Milroe is praised for his speed and athleticism, traits that fit well with the Seahawks' dynamic offensive schemes. Cowherd is optimistic about Milroe's ability to connect with the team’s coaching staff and develop into a reliable starter.Quote:
"Jalen Milroe will be the only guy in the league who's faster than Lamar. And this guy is a freak athlete."
[20:50]
Team-Specific Draft Strategies
Chicago Bears:
[10:25] Podcast Host:
Cowherd delves into the Bears' draft moves, highlighting their aggressive approach to strengthen the offensive line and tight end positions. The selection of Luther Burden is scrutinized, with Cowherd speculating on trade possibilities and the impact of Burden's off-field questions on his draft position.
Quote:
"They draft like... he doesn't even have to play. Red flags all over the place. The NFL can't stand this guy and no one can argue that."
[14:45]
Pittsburgh Steelers:
[16:55] Podcast Host:
The Steelers are discussed concerning their potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, creating buzz around their quarterback situation. Cowherd explores the implications of Rodgers possibly signing with the Steelers and how it could reshape the team's dynamics.
Quote:
"Art Rooney actually just did a radio hit and he mentioned if we draft a quarterback, he's definitely not playing this year."
[17:30]
Broader NFL Draft Trends
[25:00] Podcast Host:
Cowherd shifts focus to the broader trends in the draft, particularly the dominance of SEC and Big Ten players. He presents statistics suggesting that approximately 60-66% of the top 100 picks hail from these powerhouse conferences, underscoring the talent concentration in these regions.
Quote:
"The SEC produced 70 to 75% of the draft picks through the top 100 picks."
[27:15]
Impact on Team Building:
-
Experience Over Traits:
Teams are increasingly valuing specific traits and experiences over pure athleticism, leading to selections that may not always align with public expectations but fit within the teams' strategic frameworks.Quote:
"It's not about how talented you are, but about where your traits fit within the team’s system."
[29:40]
Emotional and Human Aspects of the Draft
[35:20] Podcast Host:
Beyond the tactical analysis, Cowherd highlights the emotional significance of the draft for the players and their families. He reflects on the human connections elicited during draft day, from tearful reunions to the joy of seeing young athletes achieve their dreams.
Quote:
"There’s something refreshing and positive and cool and genuine about the draft. There just, there's some human connection."
[36:10]
Family Support:
Stories such as the TCU wide receiver whose brother passed away in a car accident add depth to the narrative, illustrating the personal struggles and triumphs that accompany the professional milestones.
Quote:
"Watching some of the highlights tonight and the family, that was a really touching moment."
[38:50]
Concluding Insights
[39:01] Podcast Host:
Cowherd wraps up the episode by emphasizing respect for all draftees, acknowledging the immense difficulty in reaching the NFL and the perseverance each player embodies. He reiterates the blend of optimism and realism required to navigate the competitive landscape of professional football.
Quote:
"To get yourself there, like, you have to have a body of work. And then to get there and stay, like, you got to be fucking good."
[39:30]
Final Thoughts:
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Respect for Players:
A heartfelt recognition of the players' hard work and dedication, regardless of where they land in the draft.Quote:
"Nothing but respect for all these kids now."
[39:45] -
Optimism for the Future:
Closing on a positive note, Cowherd expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming NFL season and the potential of newly drafted players to make significant impacts.Quote:
"That's a kid. Tyler Schuck feels like a grandpa, but very, very cool night."
[39:55]
Conclusion
In this episode, Colin Cowherd provides a comprehensive and candid analysis of the second day of the NFL Draft, focusing primarily on the unexpected fall of Shedeur Sanders to Day 3. Through a blend of tactical breakdowns, statistical insights, and emotional reflections, Cowherd paints a vivid picture of the current state of the draft and its implications for the future of the league. His adept handling of both the strategic and human elements offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in shaping an NFL team.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "The NFL does not like this guy. They do not like this guy because of the tape." – [04:15]
- "If you're meeting with people and not doing everything possible as a quarterback to just try to impress them and show that you're a good guy, like, I judge you too." – [15:45]
- "Jalen Milroe will be the only guy in the league who's faster than Lamar. And this guy is a freak athlete." – [20:50]
- "The SEC produced 70 to 75% of the draft picks through the top 100 picks." – [27:15]
- "There’s something refreshing and positive and cool and genuine about the draft. There just, there's some human connection." – [36:10]
- "Nothing but respect for all these kids now." – [39:45]
- "That's a kid. Tyler Schuck feels like a grandpa, but very, very cool night." – [39:55]
This detailed summary encapsulates the primary discussions and insights from the episode, providing a thorough overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.