Best of The Herd – April 29, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd brings together insightful discussions on the latest sports happenings, featuring in-depth analyses and expert opinions. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on April 29, 2025, host Colin Cowherd delves into the NBA playoffs and the intricacies of the NFL Draft, particularly focusing on quarterback Shedeur Sanders' unexpected decline in draft stock. The episode also features a special guest, Greg Olson, a seasoned NFL veteran with 14 years in the league, who provides invaluable insights into the draft process and player evaluations.

1. NBA Playoffs Analysis

Dynamic Performance by the Warriors

At [03:12], Colin Cowherd kicks off the discussion by analyzing a recent playoff game where the Golden State Warriors secured a classic playoff win against the Houston Rockets. He highlights the Warriors' strategic execution in the late game:

"It's the NBA playoffs. It was such a classic Warrior playoff win. Draymond's on the floor getting a tee. The game is chippy. Steph's good but lets a teammate step up and dominate the fourth." ([03:12])

Cowherd praises the Warriors' ability to excel without over-relying on Steph Curry, emphasizing the importance of role players stepping up:

"You saw Houston's inexperience on display. Jalen Green, a borderline all-star for them. Zero points in the second half... the Warriors have conceded size and physicality. Nope. You're going to be bigger, stronger, more athletic and deeper. But we're going to shoot twice as many threes." ([04:00])

He commends Jimmy Butler's critical role in the fourth quarter, describing his performance as pivotal to the Warriors' victory:

"Jimmy Butler was just amazing. The rebound at the end was just incredible. The elevation, the force." ([07:20])

Steve Kerr’s Strategic Genius

Colin also highlights Steve Kerr's coaching prowess, particularly his ability to make game-winning decisions:

"Genius stuff from Steve Kerr." ([07:16])

The analysis underscores the Warriors' balanced approach, blending veteran experience with young talent like Pods, who proved essential during the playoff run.

2. NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders' Decline in Draft Stock

Unexpected Fall of a Top Prospect

Transitioning to the NFL Draft, at [26:53], Colin Cowherd discusses the surprising drop of Shedeur Sanders in the draft, a highly touted quarterback who has seen his draft stock plummet unexpectedly. He shares insights from an executive indicating that Sanders is now viewed as a backup option:

"If he doesn't go by pick 37, 38, he's now a backup... Teams want backups to blend in with the furniture." ([26:53])

Colin cites Albert Breer's article, explaining that teams prefer backups who maintain a low profile, contrasting with star quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Tim Tebow:

"Albert Breer says teams generally want backups to blend in with the furniture. It's why guys like Tebow had trouble finding jobs." ([26:53])

Factors Influencing the Draft Drop

The discussion delves into the reasons behind Sanders' fall, including his performance during combine meetings and interviews. Sanders reportedly struggled when confronted with his worst plays, leading teams to question his composure under pressure:

"Teams will install mistakes intentionally planted in the install and they want you to catch them. Shador didn't." ([26:53])

Colin emphasizes the NFL's stringent expectations for quarterbacks, where talent must be accompanied by professionalism and the ability to handle scrutiny:

"You better be really, really talented, especially at quarterback, if we're going to put up with a lot of other attention." ([30:12])

3. Interview with NFL Veteran Greg Olson: Understanding the Draft Landscape

Greg Olson’s Perspective on the Draft

Greg Olson joins the conversation to shed light on the complexities of the NFL Draft. He discusses the inverse relationship between a player's attention-seeking behavior and their desirability as teammates:

"The more attention you seek, the more teams will tolerate it if you're a better player." ([27:50])

Olson elaborates on how modern college quarterbacks are often entangled in systems that prioritize personal branding over team success, complicating their transition to the NFL:

"We've almost created that as a system and as a society. And now teams have to make a decision." ([27:50])

Evaluating Quarterback Prospects

Olson provides an analysis of notable quarterbacks, contrasting historical figures like John Elway and Eli Manning with contemporary prospects. He underscores the importance of balancing talent with personal conduct:

"He's not Elway. And oh, by the way, he's not Eli, who was a much better prospect." ([26:53])

He advocates for a "hard reset" mentality for quarterbacks like Sanders, encouraging them to prioritize their careers over personal accolades:

"He needs to take a good hard reset and say, you know what it's all about Ball." ([30:12])

Cam Ward’s Impact at Miami

Discussing Cam Ward, Olson highlights his transformative impact on the Miami Hurricanes, emphasizing his leadership and positive influence on team culture:

"In all my years at Miami, I'm not sure if we've had a guy like Cam Ward, who changed everything about who we were, our identity." ([30:12])

Olson recounts personal anecdotes, illustrating Ward's exceptional ability to elevate team performance both on and off the field.

4. The Importance of Tight Ends in Modern NFL Offenses

Strategic Value of Tight Ends

Olson delves into the evolving role of tight ends in NFL offenses, particularly in teams with dynamic quarterbacks. He explains how tight ends contribute to both offensive versatility and game management:

"Tight ends mean a lot to young quarterbacks. They bring a lot of value in today's style." ([38:00])

He uses the Chicago Bears as a case study, discussing their strategy to incorporate multiple tight ends to support their young quarterback Caleb Williams:

"The Bears have invested multiple offensive linemen. They're saying we need our number one overall pick to succeed." ([39:47])

Balancing Offense and Defense

Olson emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong offensive foundation before addressing defensive concerns. He suggests that successful teams often begin by optimizing their offensive strategies:

"Organizing offensively can build wins into the roster, and then you can finish up complimenting the defense." ([39:47])

He concludes by highlighting the Bears' potential success through disciplined offensive planning and the strategic use of tight ends to enhance their quarterback's effectiveness.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Shedeur Sanders' Draft Status:

  "If he doesn't go by pick 37, 38, he's now a backup." ([26:53])

• Greg Olson on Attention in the NFL:

  "The more attention you seek, the more teams will tolerate it if you're a better player." ([27:50])

• Colin Cowherd on Jimmy Butler's Performance:

  "Jimmy was just amazing." ([07:37])

• Greg Olson on Tight Ends' Strategic Role:

  "He thinks tight ends mean a lot to young quarterbacks." ([38:00])

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a comprehensive look into the strategic elements that define both the NBA playoffs and the NFL Draft. With expert analysis from Colin Cowherd and insights from NFL veteran Greg Olson, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing team performances and player evaluations. The episode underscores the importance of strategic execution in playoff success and the nuanced considerations that shape draft outcomes, particularly for high-profile positions like quarterback and tight end.

For those who missed the live broadcast, the episode provides a valuable recap of key sports narratives and expert commentary, ensuring they stay informed on the latest developments in the sports world.