Podcast Summary: 3 & Out - LIVE from The NFL Combine Day 3

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, February 27, 2026 | Host: John Middlekauff
Guests: Albert Breer (NFL reporter), Greg Cosell (NFL Films Senior Producer)
Location: NFL Combine, Indianapolis

Episode Overview

This episode features live conversations from the NFL Combine, with host John Middlekauff speaking with renowned NFL reporter Albert Breer and Senior NFL Films Producer Greg Cosell. The discussions dive into the current state of NFL free agency, the upcoming draft class—with special focus on quarterback Fernando Mendoza—and broader league trends. The show further breaks down how the evaluation of quarterbacks is evolving, the strategic moves around prominent veterans like Max Crosby, A.J. Brown, and Trent Williams, and what the future holds for NFL events and the International Series.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The 2026 NFL Offseason and Draft Landscape

[03:49 - 05:46] Albert Breer and John Middlekauff

• Thin Free Agent Market:
  With the rising salary cap, teams are able to retain top talent, leading to a less robust free agent pool and more reliance on trades. The result is a less star-studded market and heightened creative deal-making among teams.

• Draft Class Quality:
  The draft is seen as unpredictable after top prospect Fernando Mendoza, especially at quarterback. There is an absence of "prototype" elite prospects (no “cyborgs” like Calvin Johnson or Miles Garrett). Teams picking early must decide between good but not generational talents or non-premium positions. However, there is perceived solid depth in rounds 2 and 3.

2. Spotlight: Fernando Mendoza

[05:46 - 11:52] Albert Breer, John Middlekauff

• Prospect Evaluation:
  Mendoza is viewed as worthy of the first overall pick in 2026, with traits appreciated by system-focused coaches (accuracy, field vision, decision-making). Comparisons mentioned include Jared Goff, Matt Ryan, and some shades of Tom Brady.

  “He can move and again he’s really accurate. He sees it fast... there are a lot of parallels between him and Brady. Tall, accurate, sees the field well, all that.” – Albert Breer [09:27]

• System Fit:
  Mendoza’s ability to operate within Shanahan/Kubiak-style offenses makes him attractive. His toughness, shown in college, particularly standing up to big hits against Ohio State, is highly valued.

  “I think that’s what Brady is going to look for... he gives the receivers, the linemen, everything an extra second... because he’s willing to take the hit.” — Albert Breer [10:56]

3. Raiders’ Conundrum: Max Crosby Trade Value

[12:10 - 16:20] John Middlekauff, Albert Breer

• Trade Value & Market:
  Although Max Crosby is a coveted veteran, age (turning 29) and recent injuries limit his trade value below two first-round picks, unlike younger stars recently traded. His tradable contract still makes him attractive to contenders.

• Intangibles and Loyalty:
  Off-field aspects like Max’s loyalty to the Raiders and what motivates him (titles, recognition) could keep him in Las Vegas.

  “I know Max is really principled. I know he’s got the loyalty to Mark Davis, the loyalty to the Raiders, the desire to be a one-team guy.” — Albert Breer [14:52]

4. A.J. Brown’s Standing with the Eagles

[16:20 - 18:11]

• Internal Value vs. Public Perception:
  Despite external speculation about Brown being traded, internally he is well-liked and valued by the coaches and players. Cap issues may make a trade tempting if a high offer is received, but the Eagles are not actively shopping him.

5. State of Contending Teams

[18:11 - 20:02]

• Aging Rosters & The Patriots' Strategy:
  Commentary on teams like the Patriots and the risks of roster aging, drawing comparisons to the Commanders’ rapid decline when their roster got older and more injury-prone.

6. Notable Coaching Moves & Trends

[20:02 - 23:35]

• Value of Davis Webb:
  Sean Payton’s choice to hand play-calling duties to Davis Webb shows how much he is valued on staff, indicating he’s a rising coaching candidate.

  “If Davis Webb does a good job, he’s going to be gone... So now what do you do? Go back to Sean calling the plays?” — Albert Breer [20:52]

• Philip Rivers’ Coaching Path:
  Rivers is committed to coaching his sons through high school and possibly at NC State before entering the NFL coaching ranks.

7. Veterans and Contract Nightmares

[23:55 - 25:32]

• Trent Williams & 49ers:
  With tough contract negotiations ongoing, Williams is considered indispensable, with the club expected to do what is necessary to retain him.

8. The Sam Darnold Story: Lessons for QB Market

[25:32 - 28:04]

• Bridge QBs and Roster Flexibility:
  Darnold’s unlikely Super Bowl run in Minnesota shows the value of high-end bridge QBs and the ability to avoid overpaying for mid-tier starters, referencing the Alex Smith model under Andy Reid.

9. NFL Combine & Player Agency

[28:04 - 30:53]

• Future of the Combine:
  With NIL and players’ personal brands, top prospects increasingly skip drills, viewing themselves as commodities. The Combine’s future utility may increasingly center on interviews and medicals.

  “Players are coming into the league... Like, these guys have already made money... so like, how’s a guy like that going to think—well, I’m a commodity too and I have to treat myself that way.” – Albert Breer [29:30]

10. The NFL International Series & Future Expansion

[30:53 - 33:13]

• Global Reach:
  The league continues to push international expansion, driven by viewership aspirations compared to global soccer, and the financial goal of $25+ billion in annual revenue.

  “If his charge was...to grow like a Fortune 500 company or a big tech company—this is the way to do it.” — Albert Breer [32:54]

Deep Dive: Greg Cosell on the Draft, QB Play, and Modern Offenses

[38:23 - 69:23]

The Evolving Quarterback Evaluation

[39:16 - 47:08]

• Traits vs. Nuance:
  Cosell laments the shift toward valuing arm strength and mobility (“a hose and can run around”) over the traditional, nuanced craft of quarterbacking—processing, accuracy, timing, poise under pressure.

  “Bill Walsh taught me the quarterback position... it’s about detail, nuance, the disciplined craft element... Mendoza plays it more like that than the guys who just have a hose and run around.” — Greg Cosell [40:23]

• Coaching Lineages & Systems:
  The DNA of the Walsh/Shanahan/Kubiak system puts a premium on play design and execution over ad-lib improvisation, making QBs like Purdy and Mendoza particularly good fits.

  “In Kyle’s offense, he’s the star. The quarterback is the executor of the play-caller’s play.” — Greg Cosell [48:30]

Modern Quarterbacks: Examples & Controversies

[50:15 - 62:12]

• Quarterback Fit:
  Discussion on Brock Purdy’s abilities and how he exemplifies the right fit for a designer-driven offense vs. a heavy-on-QB-choice scheme (Josh McDaniels). Debate over how other QBs, like Drake Maye, would fare in different systems.

• Dak Prescott’s Growth:
  Dak’s improvement is cited as an example of maturing into a consistently high-level pocket passer—something coaches and legends like Bill Walsh would appreciate.

  “Why has [Dak] become a really good quarterback? Because he executes the nuances of the position.” — Greg Cosell [61:40]

Why Are There Fewer Prototype Pocket Passers?

[62:30 - 63:45]

• Athlete Allocation:
  Best athletes now play QB (not shortstop in baseball), and high school/college coaches increasingly run plays that fit athletic QBs’ skillsets. Hash marks and field width differences amplify these trends in college.

2026 Draft Class Depth and Wide Receiver Evaluation

[64:37 - 69:21]

• Shallow at the Top:
  Only ten true first-round grades by Cosell's reckoning. At WR, there’s no Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson—top prospects are scheme- and team-dependent, and production could be inflated by landing spot.

  “Of the 12 receivers I’ve studied... there isn’t a guy you go, ‘Wow, I have to have him.’” — Greg Cosell [65:10]

• Comping the WRs:
  Zachariah Lemon (USC) comped to “a really good Shakir”—not an elite, every-situation star, but could thrive as a role/scheme fit. Puka Nacua’s surprising rise is discussed alongside the durability of physical YAC receivers.

Timestamp Highlights

• 03:49 – Breer on the “thin” free agent market and rising trade conversations
• 05:46 – In-depth on Fernando Mendoza as the draft’s likely No. 1 QB
• 10:56 – How Mendoza’s toughness parallels young Tom Brady
• 12:34 – Breer on Max Crosby’s trade value and unique situation
• 16:45 – A.J. Brown’s nuanced value in Philly
• 20:52 – Davis Webb’s value to Sean Payton and potential coaching star
• 23:55 – Breer on 49ers/Trent Williams’s contract navigation
• 25:32 – Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl run and the bridge QB concept
• 28:34 – The generational shift in how prospects use the Combine
• 31:26 – NFL’s international expansion strategy
• 40:23 – Cosell on the nuances of quarterback play (“Bill Walsh taught me...”)
• 48:30 – Discussion of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive philosophy; QB as “play executor”
• 61:40 – Cosell: Dak Prescott’s evolution as a model of nuance and high-level execution
• 65:10 – This year’s WR class: As deep, but not as top-heavy/elite

Notable Quotes

• “He can move and again he’s really accurate. He sees it fast... there’s a lot of parallels between him and Brady.” — Albert Breer on Fernando Mendoza [09:27]

• “Bill Walsh taught me the quarterback position… I think about the subtlety of it, the detail, the nuance, the disciplined craft element of it… Mendoza plays it more like that…” — Greg Cosell [40:23]

• “Why has [Dak] become a really good quarterback? Because he executes the nuances of the position. He plays the position… at a high level from the pocket.” — Greg Cosell [61:40]

• “If you’re a top 10 pick, what motivation do you have [to work out at the Combine] other than being a ‘competitor’?” — Albert Breer [30:53]

Memorable Moments

• The contrast between system quarterbacks and the new “traits” fascination, especially as taught by Bill Walsh to Cosell.
• Inside details on why the Combine is losing its on-field centrality (player agency, NIL, commodification).
• Anecdotes about Tom Brady’s early willingness to take hits for his team, echoed in how Mendoza is discussed.
• Reflections on the unique philosophy of the Shanahan tree, where the play designer is “the star” and QB is the executor, not the improviser.

Overall Tone

Casual, conversational, and deeply football-nerdy, with affectionate references to core NFL history, coaching trees, and evolving football culture. The hosts and guests blend detailed football analysis with candid industry talk, catering to serious fans and NFL insiders alike.

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