Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of the Week on The Herd" Release Date: April 19, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of the Week on The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delivers an engaging analysis of the top sports stories, blending insightful commentary with lively debates. Despite initial interruptions from advertisements, Colin dives deep into various sports sectors, including the NFL, NBA, and the WNBA, offering his unique perspectives and predictions.

1. NFL Insights: Aaron Rodgers and Team Dynamics

Colin kicks off the discussion by addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future in the NFL. With Rodgers potentially considering a move away from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Colin assesses his strategic patience in waiting for the right opportunity post-draft.

• Key Quote:
  • "Aaron Rodgers is just waiting it out. I think it's his last team. So I don't blame him if it's your last job, your last contract, take your time." [02:30]

Colin emphasizes Rodgers' intelligence in navigating his career choices, suggesting he might prefer franchises like San Francisco or Minnesota over Pittsburgh due to cultural and personal compatibility.

2. NBA Breakdown: "Colin Right. Colin Wrong"

This segment evaluates Colin's previous predictions regarding NBA players and teams, highlighting instances where his analysis hit the mark and where it missed.

• Colin Was Right:

  • Nikola Jokic: Colin praises Jokic's unparalleled performance, comparing him to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and acknowledging his authentic gameplay without manipulating stats.

    • "Nikola Jokic after Kareem. Second best center I've ever seen." [04:15]

  • Caitlin Clark and the WNBA: The discussion shifts to Caitlin Clark's significant impact on the WNBA, challenging Time magazine's oversight in not recognizing her as one of the most influential athletes.

    • "Caitlin Clark changed the financial makeup of the league. She is easily the most influential athlete in a team sport since Michael Jordan." [16:59]

• Colin Was Wrong:

  • Golden State Warriors: Colin admits misjudging the Warriors' seeding prospects, attributing their struggles to insufficient offensive support and poor team chemistry.

    • "I thought the Warriors would find themselves with a number two or number three seed, but Jimmy Butler just didn't provide enough offense." [05:50]

  • Los Angeles Clippers: Initially skeptical about the Clippers' playoff chances, Colin acknowledges their resurgence due to Kawhi Leonard's stellar performance.

    • "Clippers are now in the playoffs, so I didn't like all their moves." [06:20]

3. The Influence of Caitlin Clark and the WNBA

A substantial portion of the episode focuses on Caitlin Clark's transformative role in the WNBA, critiquing Time magazine's classification of influential athletes and advocating for Clark's recognition.

• Key Points:

  • Economic Impact: Clark's presence has led to the WNBA experiencing its highest attendance and digital engagement in decades.

    • "Six WNBA teams have already preemptively moved the Caitlin Clark games to bigger venues." [17:01]

  • Media Representation: Colin argues that media outlets undervalue female athletes, using Clark's exclusion from Time's list as a primary example.

    • "Time magazine used the word influential. They did not have Caitlin Clark on the list, but they had two other WNBA players." [11:02]

Colin passionately defends Clark, comparing her influence to iconic athletes like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, and calls for greater recognition of female sports figures.

4. NFL Draft Mock Picks and Analysis

Delving into the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, Colin presents his top 15 mock picks, offering strategic insights into how various teams might enhance their rosters.

• Highlights:

  • Tennessee Titans: Projected to draft Cam Ward to solidify their quarterback position.

    • "Number one is Tennessee. You got to get Cam Warden. It's an easy one." [21:25]

  • Cleveland Browns: Eyeing Travis Hunter for his versatility on both offense and defense.

    • "Cleveland gets Travis Hunter, the best overall athlete in the draft who can play both sides." [22:36]

  • New York Giants: Anticipated to select Shador Sanders to bolster their defensive lineup.

    • "I think they're gonna go get Shador Sanders. He's a star." [23:48]

  • Atlanta Falcons: Targeting Shemar Stewart to address their defensive weaknesses.

    • "At 15th, Atlanta gets Shemar Stewart, an edge rusher from Texas A&M." [30:45]

Colin engages in a detailed discussion with co-host Jordan Schultz, debating the merits of various draft prospects, including quarterbacks Shador Sanders and Jackson Dart, highlighting their strengths and potential challenges in transitioning to the NFL.

• Notable Quote:
  • "Shador Sanders is one of the most accurate college quarterbacks I've seen. He could be a starting quarterback." [35:03]

5. Playoffs Preview: Top NBA Players to Watch

Colin analyzes the top ten NBA players likely to make significant impacts in the upcoming playoffs, assessing their current form and playoff readiness.

• Top Picks:

  • Nikola Jokic: Lauded for his consistent performance and transformative influence on the Nuggets' success.

    • "Nikola Jokic was plus 594 when he was on the floor this year and minus 275 when he wasn't. An 800-point swing." [40:26]

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: Recognized for his defensive prowess and scoring ability, despite concerns over free-throw shooting.

    • "Giannis is two sga. Number three, very good defender with an insane wingspan for a point guard." [42:02]

  • Stephen Curry: Celebrated as the best player without the ball, emphasizing his shooting and leadership.

    • "Steph Curry, best player in the game without the ball. Great free throw shooter, great three-point shooter." [45:33]

  • Jayson Tatum: Acknowledged for his versatility and consistent performance, though lacking iconic moments.

    • "Jayson Tatum does everything very well, though not necessarily everything great." [47:27]

Colin also discusses the evolving nature of playoff basketball, where players like Jalen Hurts blend scoring with athleticism, altering defensive strategies across the league.

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reflecting on the importance of strategic decisions in both coaching and player management, drawing parallels between NFL team dynamics and quarterback responsibilities. He underscores the significance of adaptability and preparation in achieving success, whether on the field or in drafting new talent.

• Final Thoughts:
  • "The difference between the haves and have nots is third and eight and big Fangio knows you're throwing the ball." [51:02]

Colin emphasizes the ever-evolving landscape of sports, advocating for continuous analysis and adaptation to maintain competitive advantage.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Aaron Rodgers is just waiting it out. I think it's his last team." [02:30]
• "Nikola Jokic after Kareem. Second best center I've ever seen." [04:15]
• "Caitlin Clark changed the financial makeup of the league." [16:59]
• "Jalen Hurts, he is just a bucket. He plays real defense." [47:27]
• "Stephen Curry, best player in the game without the ball." [45:33]
• "The difference between the haves and have nots is third and eight." [51:02]

Final Remarks

"The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of the Week on The Herd" offers a comprehensive and nuanced examination of current sports narratives. Colin's candid opinions, backed by detailed analysis, provide listeners with a deep understanding of the intricacies shaping today's sports landscape. Whether discussing the strategic moves of NFL quarterbacks or highlighting the transformative impact of WNBA stars, Colin delivers a compelling episode that caters to both avid sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.