Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Jason McIntyre delves into various high-profile sports topics, offering insights, analyses, and engaging discussions with co-host Alex Curry.

1. Breaking NFL Draft News: Shador Sanders and the Cleveland Browns

Timestamp: [03:25] – [06:36]

Jason McIntyre opens the episode with significant NFL draft news, focusing on Shador Sanders and the Cleveland Browns' unexpected moves.

• Shador Sanders' Draft Slide:

  • Summary: Despite a stellar college career at Colorado, where Sanders completed 74% of his passes and revitalized the program, his draft stock has plummeted. The Browns, who were anticipated to draft Sanders second overall, have instead signed veteran Joe Flacco, leaving Sanders' future uncertain.
  • Quote: "Deion Sanders was joking about steering his kid to certain programs or steering them away... Here we are, 13 days to the draft and the Browns decided we're good at quarterback." – Jason McIntyre [05:41]

• Dane Brugler's Analysis:

  • Summary: NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler discusses Sanders' potential, highlighting his intelligence and toughness but questioning his physical traits and decision-making under pressure.
  • Quote: "Does he have the physical traits to get away with that in the NFL?... Maybe mid first round, even in the 20s." – Dane Brugler [05:41]

• Potential Team Fit and Future Prospects:

  • Summary: McIntyre speculates on which teams might still draft Sanders, mentioning the New Orleans Saints and questioning if teams like the Raiders are using Sanders as a developmental asset rather than a starting quarterback.
  • Quote: "Shador has not thrown a pass since December 28, and yet he's tumbling down draft boards." – Jason McIntyre [06:36]

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Offseason Moves and Playoff Predictions

Timestamp: [06:36] – [16:18]

The discussion shifts to the Kansas City Chiefs, focusing on their offseason activities and McIntyre's bold prediction that they will miss the playoffs.

• Chiefs' Offseason Inactivity:

  • Summary: McIntyre criticizes the Chiefs for minimal roster improvements during the offseason, highlighting their ineffective offensive line moves, including trading Joe Tooney and signing Jaylon Moore, a fifth-round pick.
  • Quote: "Their biggest signing was Jaylon Moore, who was a backup in San Francisco. A backup." – Jason McIntyre [09:37]

• Travis Kelce's Performance Decline:

  • Summary: Kelce, a crucial player for the Chiefs, is experiencing a career-low season, raising concerns about the team's offensive capabilities.
  • Quote: "Travis Kelce's Career low, three touchdown catches." – Jason McIntyre [09:37]

• Playoff Predictions:

  • Summary: McIntyre argues that the Chiefs' inability to improve their roster and the wear and tear from multiple playoff runs will likely lead to them missing the playoffs. He engages in a heated debate with co-host Alex Curry, who defends the Chiefs' dynasty status.
  • Notable Interaction:
    • McIntyre: "I'm making the call here. It's mid-April before the draft. I don't think the Kansas City Chiefs are a playoff team next year." [16:18]
    • Curry: "There's still Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid... Chiefs are getting to the playoffs." [15:53]

3. NBA Insights: John Morant's Behavior and Nikola Jokic's Historic Season

Timestamp: [20:29] – [54:27]

The conversation transitions to the NBA, covering topics like John Morant's on-court antics and Nikola Jokic's unprecedented performance.

• John Morant's Controversial Celebrations:

  • Summary: McIntyre discusses John Morant's shift from gun celebrations to grenade celebrations after facing repercussions for his previous actions. He draws parallels to Michael Jordan's coaching strategies, questioning Morant's commitment to the Memphis Grizzlies.
  • Quote: "John Morant bangs the three against Minnesota and then pulls the pin, chucks the grenade and covers his ears. What are we doing?" – Jason McIntyre [20:33]

• Nikola Jokic's Historic Season:

  • Summary: Jokic is having one of the greatest statistical seasons in NBA history, with averages that surpass legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. Despite his individual brilliance, McIntyre highlights the Denver Nuggets' struggles and internal conflicts, including the firing of coach Michael Malone.
  • Quote: "Jokic is tearing up the golden era in the NBA. Averaging a 30 point triple double... he's carrying the franchise." – Jason McIntyre [29:16]

• Impact of Coaching Changes:

  • Summary: The Nuggets' mid-season coaching change raises questions about the team's stability and Jokic's ability to lead without adequate support.
  • Quote: "Now, the Nuggets are looking different. They can lock up the four seed." – Jason McIntyre [54:27]

4. Lakers' Playoff Prospects and Key Matchups

Timestamp: [39:43] – [57:23]

McIntyre and Curry analyze the Los Angeles Lakers' postseason potential, their key players, and upcoming matchups.

• Playoff Seeding and Matchups:

  • Summary: The Lakers are poised to secure a strong playoff seed, potentially facing tough opponents like the Warriors or Timberwolves. McIntyre discusses the strategic strengths and weaknesses of each matchup.
  • Quote: "Ky do the Lakers have three of the four best players on the court in that series." – Jason McIntyre [50:38]

• Team Dynamics and Player Performance:

  • Summary: The synergy between LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic is examined, emphasizing their complementary playing styles and the challenges posed by opponents' defensive strategies.
  • Quote: "Luka's capable... LeBron's the opposite. LeBron likes to pick his spots early." – Macy's Advertiser [46:01]

• Free Throw Merchant and MVP Considerations:

  • Summary: The discussion touches on the competitive MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Nikola Jokic, with McIntyre debating their merits.
  • Quote: "I am leaning Joker... We do this thing where it reminds me of LeBron in his prime." – Macy's Advertiser [53:23]

5. Ongoing Debates and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [57:35] – [59:04]

As the episode winds down, McIntyre engages in final debates and recaps key points.

• Chiefs vs. Patriots Debate:

  • Summary: In a concluding discussion with co-host Alex Curry, McIntyre reiterates his skepticism about the Chiefs' playoff chances, while Curry defends their enduring dynasty powered by Mahomes and Reid.
  • Quote:
    • McIntyre: "Kansas City Chiefs are going to miss the playoffs." [32:13]
    • Curry: "Chiefs are still a dynasty. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are too good." [38:56]

• Final Takeaways:

  • Summary: McIntyre emphasizes the unpredictability of sports outcomes, the impact of player behavior on team dynamics, and the importance of strategic roster decisions in the NFL and NBA.

Notable Quotes:

1. Jason McIntyre on Shador Sanders’ Draft Status:

   • "Cleveland is drafting second overall and for the longest time, I and many others had Shador Sanders penciled in for Cleveland." [05:41]

2. Dane Brugler on Shador Sanders:

   • "I wouldn't be surprised if we're talking mid first round, maybe even in the 20s." [06:36]

3. Jason McIntyre on Chiefs' Offseason Moves:

   • "They have not improved at all." [09:37]

4. Jason McIntyre Predicting Chiefs Missing Playoffs:

   • "I don't think the Kansas City Chiefs are a playoff team next year." [16:18]

5. Macy's Advertiser on Jokic vs. SGA MVP Race:

   • "I'm leaning Joker... It's like Luka and Austin can go mismatch hunting." [53:23]

6. Jason McIntyre on Lakers' Playoff Strategy:

   • "It's basically unguardable." [56:18]

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre provides in-depth analysis of critical NFL and NBA storylines, from unexpected draft outcomes and team offseason strategies to individual player performances and playoff predictions. Engaging in lively debates with co-host Alex Curry, McIntyre offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape, enriched with expert insights and memorable quotes.

Note: For a complete listening experience and more detailed discussions, consider tuning into the full episode on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.