Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (April 30, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on April 30, 2025, Colin Cowherd, along with guests Greg Cosell and J. Mac, delves deep into pressing topics within the NFL and NBA, offering insightful analysis and spirited debate. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, complete with notable quotes and appropriate attributions.

1. NFL Draft Analysis: The Quarterback Conundrum

Discussion on Shedeur Sanders and Pittsburgh Steelers' Draft Strategy

The episode opens with a heated discussion surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent draft decisions, particularly their avoidance of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Greg Cosell critiques the Steelers' approach, emphasizing that teams typically prefer first-round quarterbacks to ensure long-term success.

• Greg Cosell [10:00]:
  "The Steelers by not drafting Shedeur Sanders... they were looking at backups like the LA Rams."

Cosell argues that the Steelers, along with teams like the Rams and Browns, are not prioritizing starting quarterbacks in the current draft, which could have significant implications for their future competitiveness.

Evaluation of Current NFL Quarterback Drafts

Colin Cowherd raises concerns about the overall quality of quarterbacks available in the draft, listing top prospects and questioning whether they meet the elite standards required for first-round picks.

• Colin Cowherd [09:55]:
  "First round quarterbacks currently in the NFL... Baker Mayfield, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams... that's not even counting the Pro Bowler Tua."

Greg Cosell expands on this by highlighting the challenges teams face in evaluating young quarterbacks, noting the slow maturity rate of young men compared to their female counterparts.

• Greg Cosell [11:30]:
  "Boys mature more slowly than girls. It's hard faming young men at 18, 19, 20..."

Comparisons with Historical Quarterback Selections

The conversation includes comparisons with legendary quarterbacks who were not first-round picks but achieved greatness, such as Joe Montana and Aaron Rodgers, to underscore the unpredictability of quarterback development.

• Greg Cosell [12:15]:
  "Joe Montana went in the third round, but he doesn't win those Super Bowls without the greatest offensive coach in history, Bill Walsh."

Conclusion on Quarterback Evaluations

Both hosts agree that while the draft class may be uneven, the success of quarterbacks often depends on the surrounding coaching and team environment.

• Colin Cowherd [12:30]:
  "It's hard to find great players. Even Michael Jordan on the second three-peat..."

2. NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Pistons vs. Celtics Showdown

Performance Analysis of the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons

Transitioning to the NBA, the podcast scrutinizes the surprising competitiveness of the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons against the Boston Celtics. Colin Cowherd expresses his initial expectations versus the actual performance of these teams.

• Colin Cowherd [14:00]:
  "I thought the Knicks would win in five... but look at the box score, field goal percentage, rebounds... these are pretty even teams."

Greg Cosell examines the strategic trades, such as the Knicks trading five first-round picks for Mikhail Bridges, and questions whether these moves have truly strengthened the team.

• Greg Cosell [15:10]:
  "They gave up five first-round picks to get Mikhail Bridges... but Boston exploded with Jayson Tatum and Peyton Pritchard."

Impact of Boston Celtics' Star Players

The rise of Jayson Tatum and Peyton Pritchard is highlighted as a game-changer for the Celtics, overshadowing the Knicks' improvements.

• Colin Cowherd [16:45]:
  "Jayson Tatum's been an A minus player for years. Now he's playing with the confidence we were all hoping he would."

Strategic Failures and Future Prospects

The hosts discuss the implications of these performances on future trades and team strategies, suggesting that the Knicks might need to reconsider their roster and focus on building around their core players.

• Greg Cosell [17:20]:
  "The Knicks built this pot. You don't give away five first-round picks unless you think that's going to get us right up next to the Celtics."

Conclusion on the Playoff Dynamics

Colin Cowherd concludes that while the Knicks and Pistons have shown promise, the Celtics' enhanced roster makes them a formidable opponent in the playoffs.

• Colin Cowherd [18:00]:
  "Jason Tatum's a different player. He plays with the confidence we were all hoping he would three and a half years ago."

3. Luka Doncic Trade: Analyzing the Fallout

Critique of Luka Doncic's Performance and Trade Impact

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the trade involving NBA star Luka Doncic. Colin Cowherd criticizes the decision to trade Doncic, comparing it unfavorably to legendary trades in sports history.

• Colin Cowherd [23:10]:
  "Why do you have to get humiliated at the beginning of every single playoff series before you show the world like, yeah, I can actually put in a little bit more of an effort on defense."

Greg Cosell supports Colin's stance, adding that Doncic's declining performance metrics make the trade understandable from a strategic standpoint.

• Greg Cosell [24:50]:
  "Luka's rookie year he had 25 dunks... there's a decline and a lot of it is he's just not in great shape."

Historical Comparisons and Future Predictions

The hosts draw parallels with past sports legends who were traded but went on to achieve greatness, questioning whether Doncic has the potential to follow a similar path.

• Colin Cowherd [25:30]:
  "Kareem in his prime got traded. So did Babe Ruth and Wayne Gretzky and Wilt. Joe Montana got traded."

Conclusion on the Trade's Rationale

Ultimately, the conversation underscores that while trades of iconic players are rare, the strategic benefits for the team may justify such decisions, even if they are controversial among fans.

• Greg Cosell [27:00]:
  "It's hard to find great players. Even Michael Jordan on the second three-peat."

4. NFL Player Highlights and Team Strategies

Travis Hunter: Cornerback vs. Receiver Potential

The discussion shifts to standout NFL players, with a focus on Travis Hunter's versatile skills as both a cornerback and receiver.

• Greg Cosell [42:27]:
  "As a corner, he doesn't really play with any technique because he's never had to. I think in the NFL he'll have to."

Cowherd probes into Hunter's adaptability and potential future as a Pro Bowler, debating which position he is more likely to excel in based on his college performance.

• Colin Cowherd [43:31]:
  "If you had to guess based on your film study, which side would you predict?"

Ashton Gentry's NFL Transition

Ashton Gentry's transition from college to the NFL is analyzed, highlighting his "contact balance" as a critical trait that will aid his adaptation to professional play.

• Greg Cosell [44:06]:
  "His best trait is contact balance, and that's something that is absolutely essential."

Draft Decisions and Player Evaluations

The hosts evaluate various draft picks, including Damian Martinez and Zach Charbonnet, discussing their potential impact and the reasoning behind their draft positions.

• Greg Cosell [45:11]:
  "I really like Damian Martinez. I was really surprised he went in the seventh round."

5. Additional Insights and Closing Remarks

Eli Manning's Interest in the Giants

Colin Cowherd brings up former quarterback Eli Manning's potential investment in the New York Giants, praising the Manning family's decision-making prowess.

• Colin Cowherd [30:20]:
  "They need a fresh set of eyes and ears. And the Mannings, they make really good decisions."

Final Thoughts on Team Management and Player Development

The episode concludes with reflections on effective team management and the importance of aligning player development with organizational strategies to ensure long-term success.

• Greg Cosell [35:50]:
  "In the right system, he could actually be a feature back."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg Cosell [10:00]:
  "The Steelers by not drafting Shedeur Sanders... they were looking at backups like the LA Rams."

• Colin Cowherd [09:55]:
  "First round quarterbacks currently in the NFL... Baker Mayfield, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams... that's not even counting the Pro Bowler Tua."

• Greg Cosell [11:30]:
  "Boys mature more slowly than girls. It's hard faming young men at 18, 19, 20..."

• Colin Cowherd [16:45]:
  "Jayson Tatum's been an A minus player for years. Now he's playing with the confidence we were all hoping he would."

• Colin Cowherd [23:10]:
  "Why do you have to get humiliated at the beginning of every single playoff series before you show the world like, yeah, I can actually put in a little bit more of an effort on defense."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis of critical sports narratives shaping the NFL and NBA. From the strategic missteps in the NFL draft concerning quarterback selections to the evolving dynamics of the NBA playoffs, the discussion is both comprehensive and thought-provoking. The inclusion of expert opinions from Greg Cosell and perspectives from J. Mac enriches the conversation, providing listeners with nuanced insights into the complexities of team management, player development, and the unpredictable nature of sports performance.

Whether you're a fan keen on understanding the intricacies behind draft decisions or an NBA enthusiast following the high-stakes playoff battles, this episode of The Herd offers valuable takeaways and engaging discourse to enhance your sports knowledge.