Podcast Summary: The Best of The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Release Date: July 30, 2025

Host: Donations by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with host Danny Parkins stepping in for Colin Cowherd, highlighting the imminent trade deadline and previewing discussions on key sports topics, including the highly anticipated Arch Manning's performance in college football and the Dallas Cowboys' strategic maneuvers.

2. Arch Manning: College Football's Bright Star and NFL Prospect

Danny Parkins delves into the burgeoning hype surrounding Arch Manning, the Heisman Trophy favorite for Texas, emphasizing the unprecedented level of expectation placed upon him.

• Arch's Hype and Expectations:

  • "He is the most compelling story in college football this year." [02:24]
  • Arch Manning, with only 95 career college pass attempts, is projected as the number one overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, largely influenced by his illustrious family legacy.

• Comparisons and Historical Context:

  • Parkins compares Arch's situation to past athletes, noting the rarity of such high expectations without substantial college production.
  • "If his name was Arch Jones, which is kind of a cool name, we wouldn't be talking about him as the number one overall pick." [04:10]

• Cleveland Browns and Speculations:

  • Discussions include the Browns' potential interest in Arch, referencing owner Jimmy Haslam's connections to the Manning family.
  • "They asked Jimmy Haslam about it and he's not exactly a fan in the flames." [06:16]

• Work Ethic and Potential:

  • Arch's dedication is highlighted as a distinguishing factor.
  • "His work ethic is incredible ... Whether it's studying tape, studying film, studying the playbook." [09:32]

Parkins concludes that while the hype is intense, the true measure of Arch Manning will unfold in the coming seasons, keeping fans eagerly anticipating his progress.

3. NFL Contracts: The Trey Hendrickson Saga with the Bengals

The conversation shifts to the complexities of NFL player contracts, focusing on Trey Hendrickson's holdout and eventual return to the Cincinnati Bengals.

• Holdout Dynamics:

  • "He was getting fined $50,000 a day." [06:16]
  • Hendrickson, feeling underpaid relative to his production, initially withheld from camp but ultimately returned, signaling the intricate balance between player leverage and team negotiations.

• Financial Implications:

  • Eric Mangini elaborates on the financial stakes, noting that Hendrickson's holdout could cost the Bengals over a million dollars if prolonged.
  • "Good faith effort to jumpstart negotiations." [08:15]

• Bengals' Strategy and Future Prospects:

  • The Bengals are depicted as aggressively investing in their defense, hiring new coordinators, and drafting talent to bolster their chances in the AFC North and beyond.
  • "They drafted Shamar Stewart. Three of their first four draft picks were on the defensive side of the ball." [10:00]

Mangini remains optimistic about Hendrickson's future with the team, emphasizing his value and the Bengals' commitment to securing their defensive star.

4. Dallas Cowboys: Strategic Maneuvers and Coaching Changes

Danny Parkins and Eric Mangini discuss the Dallas Cowboys' recent hires and internal strategies aimed at enhancing team performance.

• Hiring of Brian Schottenheimer:

  • "Brian is an underrated candidate ... he was willing to incorporate other things into that system." [41:08]
  • Schottenheimer's flexibility and experience are highlighted as key assets for the Cowboys' coaching staff.

• Player-Agent Dynamics:

  • The duo examines Quarterback Dak Prescott's unique contract clauses, comparing his leverage to that of Tom Brady.
  • "Dak Prescott had a no tag clause and a no trade clause ... similar to Tom Brady." [22:45]

• Media Narratives and Team Perception:

  • The Cowboys' media interactions, particularly through figures like Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones, are analyzed for their impact on public perception.
  • "It's a soap opera 365 days a year, his words." [42:00]

The discussion underscores the Cowboys' multifaceted approach to team building, balancing coaching expertise with strategic player management.

5. Travis Hunter: Pioneering a Dual Role in Jacksonville

A standout segment focuses on Travis Hunter's ambitious role as a two-way player for the Jacksonville Jaguars, generating both excitement and skepticism.

• Hunter's Dual Role:

  • "He is one of the most interesting stories of this upcoming NFL season." [44:17]
  • Hunter is tasked with playing both offense and defense, reminiscent of legendary dual-role athletes like Deion Sanders.

• Coaching Perspectives:

  • Ken Rosenthal shares strategies for managing such a versatile athlete, advocating for prioritizing defensive play while utilizing offensive opportunities situationally.
  • "Play him on third down, play him in the red zone ... and play him full time on defense." [44:43]

• Athlete Longevity and Performance:

  • Concerns about burnout and sustaining Hunter's performance over a long NFL season are discussed.
  • "They want him all season long and they want him to have a very long, productive career." [46:58]

Rosenthal remains optimistic about Hunter's potential to revolutionize player roles in the NFL, drawing parallels to current multi-talented athletes and advancements in sports science.

6. Quarterback Rankings: Top 10 Debate

The episode features an engaging debate between Danny Parkins and Ken Rosenthal over a Top 10 quarterback list, highlighting differing opinions on player rankings.

• Danny's List:

  • "Mahomes 1, Herbert 5, Baker 9, Jalen Hurts 10. It looks perfect to me." [47:07]
  • Danny presents a quarterback ranking he believes to be flawless, prompting Rosenthal to offer critiques.

• Rosenthal's Adjustments:

  • "I think Jalen Hurts deserves to be bumped up ... give him credit for what he's done in the biggest moments." [48:17]
  • Rosenthal suggests rearrangements, advocating for Jalen Hurts' eventual rise due to his playoff performances.

• Debate Highlights:

  • The conversation underscores the subjective nature of player rankings, with both hosts acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of their respective lists.
  • "They have to curve based off of performance in the playoffs." [49:10]

The exchange exemplifies the dynamic and often contentious discussions surrounding player evaluations in sports media.

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a teaser for upcoming shows, including collaborations with sports analyst Eric Mangini on "First Things First," and a reminder for listeners to tune in live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app. The hosts reiterate their excitement for future discussions and collaborations, promising more in-depth sports analysis and engaging conversations.

Notable Quotes

• "He is the most compelling story in college football this year." — Danny Parkins [02:24]
• "His work ethic is incredible ... Whether it's studying tape, studying film, studying the playbook." — Danny Parkins [09:32]
• "He was getting fined $50,000 a day." — Eric Mangini [06:16]
• "Brian is an underrated candidate ... he was willing to incorporate other things into that system." — Ken Rosenthal [41:08]
• "Play him on third down, play him in the red zone ... and play him full time on defense." — Ken Rosenthal [44:43]
• "Mahomes 1, Herbert 5, Baker 9, Jalen Hurts 10. It looks perfect to me." — Danny Parkins [47:07]

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports narratives, blending expert analysis with dynamic debates to provide listeners with a rich and engaging experience.