Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: FantasyPros – 3 Players Andrew Erickson Will NEVER DRAFT AGAIN! (Ep. 1952)
Date: February 7, 2026
Hosts: Ryan Warmly & Andrew Erickson
Main Theme:
A lively discussion about three NFL players Andrew Erickson has (almost) fully crossed off his fantasy football draft list, along with thoughtful alternatives to target instead. The episode takes a bold and hyperbolic early-February stance on player value for 2026 drafts and beyond.

Episode Overview

Ryan Warmly and Andrew Erickson dive into a topic rarely tackled this early: fantasy footballers who are not only "off the board" for 2026, but potentially for good. For each “never again” player, Erickson shares his reasoning and suggests better options worth considering, sparking a nuanced conversation on risk, decline, and long-term fantasy value.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christian McCaffrey – The End of an Era?

(Starts ~01:25)

• Erickson’s Rationale:

  • McCaffrey dominated in 2025, finishing as RB1, but he’s 30 in June and coming off a monstrous workload—413 regular season touches, 450 with playoffs.
  • Heavy touches historically correlate with a steep decline for running backs: “...after these kinds of 400-touch seasons, the next year is almost always a disappointment.”
  • Rushing efficiency sharply declined last season; receiving remains elite, but physical wear is mounting.
  • The 49ers already hint at a lighter load and backfield split for 2026—ominous signs.

• Memorable Quote:

  “You don’t have to go back that far to see players like Dalvin Cook...Two years later, they’re gone. Top five pick, then...poof, gone.” (B, 01:55)

• Historical Data:

  • In the past 13 years, only one RB has returned a top-5 season after 400+ touches.
  • Saquon Barkley’s 2025 (RB13 after a 400-touch season) cited as a warning.

• Alternatives Suggested:

  • James Cook (RB, Buffalo Bills): Young, led NFL in rushing yards, three-down skill set, and in a prime Joe Brady offense.

    “All James Cook does every year is prove the haters wrong...I want guys in their prime.” (B, 04:07)

  • Consider WRs like Puka Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase, or CeeDee Lamb at McCaffrey’s ADP.

2. Jalen Hurts – Stepping Out of the Elite QB Tier

(Starts ~05:54)

• Erickson’s Concerns:

  • Eagles on their 6th or 7th offensive coordinator in as many years; new OC Sean Mannion is unusually inexperienced, raising red flags.
  • Coaching instability and possible lack of faith from the organization (rumors of bringing in competition).
  • Hurts’ previous two fantasy seasons: QB8 overall, under 20 points/game—a sign he’s lost his crucial “difference-maker” edge.

• Team Dynamics:

  • Potentially losing key offensive weapons (A.J. Brown looks to be gone, Dallas Goedert’s future uncertain).
  • Lane Johnson’s age and health are a major risk; O-line decline could further sink the offense.

• On the Tush Push:

  “I think this (the Tush Push) is going to get banned at some point...and then if you eliminate that...what is the point of drafting Jalen Hurts?” (B, 08:52)

• Alternatives Suggested:

  • Justin Herbert (“I want way more than Jalen Hurts”), especially with Mike McDaniel coming in as OC and a chance for a healthy O-line.

    “Justin Herbert...I think has a top five fantasy ceiling at quarterback where I don’t see it as much with Hurts.” (B, 15:18)

  • Jackson Dart, Caleb Williams (rookie upside), or waiting for late-round breakout candidates.

• Strategy Advice:

  “The first thing I do...is basically cross off the first couple names in tier 2 at quarterback...I want someone in tier one or I want to wait.” (A, 13:07)

3. Brian Thomas Jr. – A Cautionary Receiver Story

(Starts ~17:36)

• Erickson’s Hesitation:

  • Dramatic sophomore slump after a promising rookie year; limited chemistry or usage in the Jaguars’ system under new OC Liam Coen.
  • Injuries aside, lacked the connection with Trevor Lawrence that other Jags receivers (like Jacoby Meyers or Christian Kirk) have rapidly established.
  • Trevor Lawrence’s tendency to favor other types of receivers and the arrival of new offensive pieces further muddy the waters.

• Future Caveat:

  • If Thomas is traded away from Jacksonville, his outlook could change, but as long as he’s attached to Lawrence there, Erickson will be wary.

• Memorable Quote:

  “As long as Trevor Lawrence is his quarterback, I am very, very concerned about drafting Brian Thomas Jr.” (B, 19:36)

• Co-Host Pushback:

  • Ryan suggests the “never draft again” is extreme for a young talent with ceiling potential, especially now that his ADP has cratered—current WR30, 66th overall.

    “That’s not such a high cost...I think I will probably have some Brian Thomas Jr. in some leagues this year.” (A, 20:59)

• Alternative to Target:

  • Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers):
    • Injuries have limited Pearsall, but he led SF in receiving yards per game when healthy, with major opportunity as the likely WR1 due to roster turnover (Ayuk likely gone, Kittle aging/injured).

      “You could look up and be like, Ricky Pearsall is wide receiver one on the San Francisco 49ers attached to Brock Purdy.” (B, 22:31)

• Bonus Note:

  • Brief mention of Travis Hunter as a true “never” for fantasy drafts, largely due to his defense-heavy role and positional uncertainty.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On running back cliff:

  “We just see this happen with running backs very, very often. Austin Ekeler...top five pick...got banged up and poof, gone...” (B, 01:55)

• On Hurts’ declining upside:

  “He’s going to finish closer to the guys going behind him than...the elite players like he was two or three years ago.” (B, 06:31)

• On QB draft strategy:

  “Just look—Jalen Hurts QB6 right now...Would you rather have him at QB6 or Purdy at QB12, Caleb at QB13...Even if you stick in tier 2, Justin Herbert at QB8...These are all names I’d rather have than Hurts.” (A, 13:07)

• On Pearsall over Brian Thomas Jr.:

  “...going in a similar range to Brian Thomas Jr...you could look up and be like, Ricky Pearsall is wide receiver one on the San Francisco 49ers attached to Brock Purdy, who we’ve already seen him establish chemistry with.” (B, 22:31)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 01:25: Erickson states he’s out on Christian McCaffrey for 2026
• 04:07: James Cook as preferred young RB alternative
• 05:54: Erickson explains why Jalen Hurts is a “never again”
• 08:52: Tush Push and the Hurts rushing value debate
• 13:07: Ryan breaks down Tier 2 QB avoidance strategy
• 16:21: Herbert vs. Hurts and the impact of O-line on Herbert
• 17:36: Brian Thomas Jr. skepticism and lack of rapport with Lawrence
• 22:31: Case made for Ricky Pearsall as a deep-zone value
• 20:59/21:07: Ryan and Andrew debate Travis Hunter vs. Brian Thomas Jr. as a true “never again”

Tone and Vibe

• Vigorous, analytical, and unapologetically bold—driven by detailed stats, recent history, and a willingness to challenge consensus thinking.
• Light-hearted but serious about risk avoidance; nothing is off-limits, and hyperbole is embraced for effect (“never ever ever under any circumstances”).
• Banter between hosts, with Ryan sometimes moderating the strength of Andrew’s stances.

Takeaways for Fantasy Drafters

• Don’t be seduced by big names past their prime, even after dominant seasons.
• Chase value and upside among younger, ascending players—especially those with less risk of physical decline or lost opportunity.
• Move on from falling stars before the market catches up, and be aware of tier drop-offs at key positions.
• “Never again” lists are always flexible—ADP matters, and true never-draft status is rare outside of extraordinary circumstances.