Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out - Mailbag

Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by John Middlekauff, listeners engage in an interactive mailbag session addressing a variety of pressing NFL topics. The discussion ranges from quarterback prospects and scouting department efficiencies to personal insights and Hall of Fame candidacies. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of each segment, including notable quotes and timestamps.

1. Bo Nix vs. Caleb Williams: Pre-Draft Hype and Potential

Timestamp: [07:15]

Question:
Ryan inquires, "Why does Bo Nix seem to be an afterthought compared to Williams and May? Is it purely pre-draft hype or physical attributes?"

Discussion Highlights:
John Middlekauff and his guest delve into the contrasting perceptions of quarterbacks Bo Nix and Caleb Williams. Middlekauff emphasizes the tendency in sports to spotlight more hyped players, often overshadowing equally talented prospects based on narrative momentum rather than pure performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “Sometimes we get really caught up early on with a player that is controversial or polarizing, and even if they have a good season, others with more hype still get talked about more.” ([07:30])

• Guest: “Bo Nix falls under that category where he deserves attention, but teams often focus on players with flashier off-field stories or bigger pre-draft narratives.” ([07:45])

Conclusion:
The discussion concludes that while both quarterbacks exhibit strong potential, media narratives and early controversies can disproportionately influence draft perceptions and valuations.

2. Evaluating Scouting Departments Across the NFL

Timestamp: [13:45]

Question:
"Could you do a breakdown of different factors separating scouting departments across the league? For instance, how do the Eagles' large scouting department compare to the Bengals' smaller team?"

Discussion Highlights:
The conversation explores the variances in scouting department sizes and their impacts on team performance. Middlekauff discusses how financial investment and organizational structure play crucial roles in scouting effectiveness. The Eagles' extensive scouting team is contrasted with the Bengals' reliance on coaches acting as scouts, highlighting potential strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “Every team has some really good people in their scouting departments, but the size and investment can make a big difference in output and the quality of picks.” ([14:10])

• Guest: “The Bengals have utilized their coaches as scouts, which works within their budget, but may limit the breadth of their scouting reach compared to teams like the Eagles.” ([14:25])

Conclusion:
A robust scouting department, adequately funded and staffed, provides a competitive edge in player evaluation and draft success. Teams must balance budget constraints with the need for comprehensive scouting to maximize their draft outcomes.

3. Personal Insight: Getting Married at 40

Timestamp: [20:30]

Question:
"Why do you think it took you until 40 to get married? Did you ever worry about it in your twenties?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff shares a personal reflection on marriage, emphasizing self-acceptance and prioritizing personal happiness over societal expectations. He discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career in sports media with personal life and relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “One strength of mine is I'm very secure about not judging myself compared to others. I truly don't care what others are doing with their personal lives.” ([20:45])

• Middlekauff: “In my 20s, I was dead set on my career in football, so I casually dated without the intention of settling down until my 30s.” ([21:00])

Conclusion:
The segment underscores the importance of personal fulfillment and timing in life decisions, advocating for individuals to follow their own paths rather than conforming to external pressures.

4. Favorite Golfers Among NFL Players and Coaches

Timestamp: [25:00]

Question:
"Who are your pick for golfers among NFL players and coaches, and why?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff discusses his preference for engaging with star quarterbacks on the golf course, viewing it as a strategic networking opportunity within the football community. He mentions Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen as ideal candidates due to their relaxed personalities and enthusiasm for golf.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “There's no easier place to get to know someone than spending a few hours having cocktails in a golf cart.” ([25:15])

• Middlekauff: “Star quarterbacks like Mahomes and Josh Allen would be top picks because they’re not only great players but also golf junkies, making them enjoyable company on the course.” ([25:30])

Conclusion:
Networking through sports like golf can foster meaningful relationships within the NFL, offering both personal enjoyment and professional opportunities.

5. Coaching Careers: Mike McCarthy and Mike Shanahan

Timestamp: [30:50]

Questions:

• "Do you think Mike McCarthy will ever be a head coach again?"
• "Will Mike Shanahan finally receive the Hall of Fame recognition he deserves despite his tenure in Washington?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff explores the career trajectories of Mike McCarthy and Mike Shanahan. Regarding McCarthy, he opines that while it's uncertain, there's always potential for former coaches to return to head coaching roles based on future performance and opportunities. For Shanahan, he debates his Hall of Fame candidacy, weighing his Super Bowl successes against his later career setbacks.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff on McCarthy: “It's a coin flip. I wouldn't bet $1,000 that he's going to be head coach in 2026, but I wouldn't bet against it either.” ([31:10])

• Middlekauff on Shanahan: “Once you get a certain distance away, you'd say Shanahan, who was good in the 2000s... It doesn't feel like he's got momentum that's going to take him to the Hall of Fame right now.” ([31:45])

Conclusion:
The segment highlights the unpredictability of coaching careers in the NFL and the factors that influence Hall of Fame considerations, including sustained success and legacy.

6. Impact of Top Five Draft Picks on Playoff Success

Timestamp: [35:00]

Question:
"Which team with a top five draft pick this year has the best chance of making the playoffs?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff analyzes the correlation between high draft picks and playoff appearances, referencing past data. He discusses the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers as potential candidates, given their draft strategies and team needs.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “Every year for the past five years, at least one team picking in the top five managed to make it to the playoffs in the same year.” ([35:15])

• Middlekauff: “If Trevor Lawrence could have a solid season, maybe the Jaguars could actually fly under the radar.” ([35:40])

Conclusion:
High draft picks can significantly influence a team's postseason prospects, though success depends on multiple factors including player development and team dynamics.

7. Russell Wilson's Hall of Fame Potential

Timestamp: [46:21]

Question:
"Is Russell Wilson a first-ballot Hall of Famer?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff and his guest debate Russell Wilson's Hall of Fame prospects, considering his career statistics and achievements. They acknowledge his notable Super Bowl victories but express reservations due to inconsistent performance metrics in recent years.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “Five years ago, I would have said a resounding yes. Now, when you say first ballot, I gotta hesitate a little bit.” ([46:45])

• Guest: “He had a five-year span where he was a pretty special player, but recent inconsistencies take away from the first-ballot status.” ([46:55])

Conclusion:
While Russell Wilson's career has impressive highlights, varying opinions on his statistical consistency may influence his Hall of Fame induction timeline.

8. Must-See Spots in Philadelphia

Timestamp: [50:30]

Question:
"A listener from Ireland is headed to Philly for the summer. What are some must-see spots, both touristy and non-touristy?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff offers personal recommendations based on his limited time in Philadelphia, highlighting iconic spots like the Art Museum steps, Pat's and Geno's for Philly cheesesteaks, Tony Luke's, and local delis near the stadium. He acknowledges his primarily facility-based time but encourages exploring downtown areas for quintessential Philly experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “I lived right behind the Art Museum, which has the steps where Rocky ran up. Downtown's pretty cool.” ([50:45])

• Middlekauff: “Tony Luke's and the deli near Chickie's had like the best turkey sandwich I've ever had.” ([51:00])

Conclusion:
Middlekauff provides a blend of classic and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for visitors to Philadelphia, emphasizing local favorites and historical landmarks.

9. Commanders’ Draft Strategy: Trey Hendrickson vs. Adam Peters

Timestamp: [54:30]

Question:
"Do you think the Commanders should trade for Trey Hendrickson or give GM Adam Peters a chance to make impactful early-round picks?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff evaluates the potential risks and rewards of trading for veteran Trey Hendrickson versus investing in young talent through Adam Peters' draft strategies. He advocates for the latter, citing the importance of building a sustainable future rather than short-term fixes.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “Trading for Hendrickson feels a little risky at 31 years old. I'd rather have a younger, more dynamic player like Myles Garrett.” ([54:50])

• Guest: “We should prioritize impactful early-round picks over engaging in risky trades that may not yield long-term benefits.” ([55:05])

Conclusion:
Focusing on young, high-potential players through the draft is deemed a more strategic approach for the Commanders' sustained success compared to acquiring older veterans with uncertain future contributions.

10. Future of Commanders, Browns, and Giants’ QB Situations

Timestamp: [58:00]

Question:
"What are your thoughts on the Commanders, Browns, and Giants as they head into the future with their quarterback situations?"

Discussion Highlights:
Middlekauff analyzes the quarterback dilemmas facing the Commanders and Giants, discussing the implications of their divisional challenges and the impact of potential draft decisions. He highlights the competitive landscape with top quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow influencing draft strategies and team performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Middlekauff: “The Browns play in a division with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, which complicates their draft strategy.” ([58:15])

• Middlekauff: “For the Giants, drafting a solid quarterback is crucial to compete in a tough division, especially with players like Jalen Hurts dominating.” ([58:30])

Conclusion:
The quarterback situations for these teams are pivotal, with effective drafting and strategic decisions being essential for navigating highly competitive divisions and achieving playoff success.

Closing Remarks:

In this engaging mailbag session, John Middlekauff provides insightful analyses and personal reflections on various NFL-related topics. From evaluating player prospects and scouting efficiencies to pondering personal life choices and coaching legacies, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the multifaceted world of football. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on team strategies, player evaluations, and the intricate dynamics that shape the NFL landscape.

For a more in-depth discussion and additional insights, tune into the full episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on iHeartPodcasts and The Volume.