Detailed Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Episode 3: "Draft Grades, Does it Matter Where You Go to School, Does Shedeur Like the Attention"

Release Date: April 29, 2025

In Episode 3 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the intricacies of NFL draft grades, the significance of a player's college background, and the intense media spotlight on Shedeur Sanders. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of these topics, enriched with expert opinions, listener interactions, and insightful conclusions.

1. The Relevance of Draft Grades

John Middlekauff, the host during the main segment, initiates the discussion by critically examining the validity of draft grades in evaluating NFL prospects.

• Critique of Draft Grades: Middlekauff argues that draft grades lack substantial merit, labeling them as "the dumbest thing in the history of the Internet" ([05:15]). He emphasizes that neither teams, players, nor fans possess complete knowledge to accurately grade draft picks, rendering these assessments largely subjective and inconsequential.

• Comparison to Mock Drafts: He draws parallels between draft grades and mock drafts, stating, "Think how irrelevant mock drafts are" ([07:30]). Middlekauff points out that unforeseen trades and player movements often render both mock drafts and draft grades moot shortly after their release.

2. Analyzing the 49ers’ Draft Strategy

Middlekauff transitions to scrutinizing the San Francisco 49ers' recent draft choices, highlighting both commendable selections and questionable decisions.

• Defensive Line Focus: He lauds the team's emphasis on strengthening the defensive line, noting the selection of players like Solomon Thomas and Nick Bosa as pivotal moves ([10:45]). According to Middlekauff, these picks are "really good players in the NFL" and essential for the team's defensive prowess.

• Quarterback Selection Controversy: The marquee point of contention is the drafting of quarterback Shador Sanders in the fifth round. Middlekauff expresses skepticism about the media's overwhelming focus on Sanders, especially given his father's legendary status. He remarks, "This has been one of the biggest stories in the history of the draft" ([15:20]).

• Impact of High Picks: Highlighting past high draft picks like Trey Lance and Brock Purdy, Middlekauff underscores that high selections don't always translate to success. He contends, "The key to their draft is going to be those two defensive linemen" ([18:10]), suggesting that the 49ers' future hinges more on their defensive additions than their quarterback choice.

3. The Influence of College Programs on NFL Success

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring how a player's college program impacts their NFL draft prospects and subsequent performance.

• Importance of Competitive College Experience: Middlekauff asserts that players from top-tier programs like Ohio State and Georgia are better prepared for the NFL due to the rigorous competition they face in college. He states, "If you're not going to be at one of the quote Unquote Blue bloods. You got to earn the respect of the league" ([20:05]).

• Success of Non-Traditional Programs: He also acknowledges the success of players from less prominent programs, citing Iowa State under Matt Campbell as an example. Middlekauff notes, "Iowa State really has... guys that are ready to come in, contribute and play at a really high level" ([22:40]).

• Evaluating Player Readiness: Emphasizing the role of college systems, Middlekauff explains that players from competitive conferences develop essential instincts and skills that are highly valued in the NFL. This preparation often outweighs the prestige of the college program itself.

4. Shedeur Sanders’s Draft and Media Frenzy

The episode dedicates considerable attention to Shedeur Sanders, exploring the reasons behind the disproportionate media focus on his fifth-round selection.

• Media Amplification Due to Legacy: Middlekauff attributes the intense scrutiny Sanders faces to his father, Deion Sanders's illustrious legacy. He remarks, "He's not Peyton or Eli's son, but when you are a Manning and your last name is football royalty, it feels a little different" ([25:00]).

• Public Perception vs. Performance: Highlighting the disparity between Sanders's draft position and his actual performance, Middlekauff questions the fairness of the media's fixation. He observes, "People are scared, which I get it. If you're friends with Dion, you don't want to crush his kid" ([27:30]).

• Impact on Team Dynamics: Discussing the potential repercussions for the 49ers, Middlekauff speculates on how Sanders's draft and the ensuing attention might influence team chemistry and future draft strategies. He posits, "The night he was drafted, he was at the Dallas club partying and holding a suitcase of money" ([29:10]).

5. Future Draft Predictions and Team Strategies

Concluding the episode, Middlekauff offers predictions and strategic insights into upcoming drafts and team performances.

• 49ers’ Future Prospects: He remains cautiously optimistic about the 49ers, insisting that their defensive additions could solidify the team's standing in the NFL. Middlekauff advises, "The key to their draft is going to be those two defensive linemen. Got to be good and obviously ideally hit on some random guys throughout the course of the third through seventh round" ([31:45]).

• Draft Strategy Recommendations: Middlekauff recommends that teams prioritize versatile and reliable players over high-profile but less proven talents. He emphasizes the importance of coaching and player development in realizing draft potential.

• Long-Term Outlook: Reflecting on the broader NFL landscape, Middlekauff anticipates that the lessons from this draft—particularly the pitfalls of overhyping legacy-driven picks—will influence how teams approach future selections.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides an in-depth exploration of NFL draft dynamics, blending analytical commentary with engaging discourse. John Middlekauff's insights challenge conventional wisdom on draft grades and underscore the multifaceted factors that contribute to a player's NFL success. The discussion on Shedeur Sanders serves as a case study on the interplay between legacy, media influence, and athletic performance.

Notable Quotes:

• "Draft grades are the dumbest thing in the history of the Internet in terms of to take them seriously." – John Middlekauff [05:15]

• "If you're not going to be at one of the quote Unquote Blue bloods. You got to earn the respect of the league." – John Middlekauff [20:05]

• "This has been one of the biggest stories in the history of the draft." – John Middlekauff [15:20]

• "He's not Peyton or Eli's son, but when you are a Manning and your last name is football royalty, it feels a little different." – John Middlekauff [25:00]

• "The key to their draft is going to be those two defensive linemen. Got to be good and obviously ideally hit on some random guys throughout the course of the third through seventh round." – John Middlekauff [31:45]

This episode is a must-listen for NFL enthusiasts seeking a nuanced understanding of the draft process, the weight of collegiate affiliations, and the complexities surrounding high-profile draft picks like Shedeur Sanders.