The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode: Hour 1 - Where Will Shedeur Sanders Land?
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

1. NFL Draft Prospects: Shedeur Sanders and Quarterback Evaluations

The episode opens with a deep dive into the NFL Draft landscape, focusing particularly on quarterback prospects and the shifting betting odds surrounding Shedeur Sanders.

Shador Sanders' Draft Slide:
J. Mac [10:25]:
"Travis Hunter has moved ahead of Shador Sanders in the betting odds to be the number three pick. Shador's falling as we approach the draft, and quarterbacks generally move up as the draft nears."

The discussion highlights concerns about Sanders' maturity and lack of standout "wow" factors that scouts look for in top-tier quarterbacks. Comparisons are drawn to past quarterbacks like Eli Manning and Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing that team success in college isn't always indicative of professional potential.

Comparing Quarterback Traits:
J. Mac [11:35]:
"Shador created offense on his own with average teammates, much like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes did. It's not about wins and losses; it's about individual talent and potential."

The panel debates whether teams should prioritize raw talent over team performance, suggesting that Sanders' ability to generate offense independently is a valuable trait despite his current draft position.

2. MLB Analysis: Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers’ Bullpen Woes

Transitioning to Major League Baseball, the conversation shifts to Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen strategies.

Ohtani's Dual Threat:
Joy Taylor [8:15]:
"Every single night, Ohtani does something special. His versatility makes him indispensable, even if the team doesn't always win."

Dodgers’ Bullpen Challenges:
J. Mac [10:08]:
"Once you get to the seventh, eighth inning, you better have a strong bullpen or it's over. The Dodgers have been leading in comeback wins but struggle to hold leads in the late innings."

The panel discusses the Dodgers' reliance on their bullpen to secure victories, noting that while they excel during comebacks, consistency in the later innings remains a concern.

3. NBA Showdown: Lakers vs. Warriors Breakdown

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the highly anticipated regular-season matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.

Key Player Matchups:
Joy Taylor [19:40]:
"Jimmy Butler’s impact on the Warriors is undeniable. Against Luka Doncic, Butler can lock him down, which is crucial for the Lakers' defense."

J. Mac [21:08]:
"With the Warriors going 18-2 when Curry and Butler play, this game is pivotal for the Lakers to secure a better standing in the West."

Strategic Insights:
J. Mac [21:21]:
"If the Lakers win this, they could separate themselves from the Warriors in the standings, positioning themselves strongly for the playoffs."

The hosts analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, focusing on defensive strategies and the influence of star players like LeBron James and Steph Curry.

4. Baltimore Ravens’ Future and Steve Bisciotti’s Vision

The discussion moves to the Baltimore Ravens, exploring owner Steve Bisciotti's long-term vision for the team.

Team Performance and Leadership:
Joy Taylor [22:20]:
"The Ravens have been the best regular-season team in the NFL for three straight years, but translating that into playoff success remains a challenge."

J. Mac [23:11]:
"In the regular season, they've blown out more top 10 teams than anyone else, but the playoff performances haven't matched up."

The panel debates the Ravens' ability to maintain their regular-season prowess while addressing shortcomings in high-stakes playoff scenarios.

5. Cleveland Browns’ Leadership and Deshaun Watson Controversy

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's recent comments about the Deshaun Watson deal spark a conversation about leadership and team culture.

Owner’s Admission and Team Dynamics:
Colin Cowherd [25:06]:
"We've challenged Miles Garrett because we want to see his practice habits improve and him become a real leader of the team. What are we doing by challenging him publicly?"

Impact on Team Morale:
Joy Taylor [25:27]:
"Insinuating that a top player isn't a leader can demoralize the team. Leadership isn't always about being vocal; sometimes it's about leading by example."

The hosts critique the Browns' management approach, questioning the effectiveness of public challenges to star players and its impact on team cohesion.

6. Aaron Rodgers’ Potential Move to the Steelers and Team Implications

Speculation about Aaron Rodgers possibly signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers leads to an analysis of the team's outlook.

Steeler’s Win Projections with Rodgers:
J. Mac [31:03]:
"If Rodgers joins the Steelers, their over/under on wins might adjust from eight and a half to nine and a half, considering Rodgers’ experience."

Joy Taylor [31:08]:
"This move could potentially push the team's win total higher, but integrating Rodgers into an already established system presents challenges."

Comparison with Past Quarterbacks:
J. Mac [31:46]:
"Aaron Rodgers has had a slower regression compared to other great quarterbacks, and his fit with the Steelers could either stabilize or complicate their offensive strategies."

The segment explores how Rodgers' addition might alter the Steelers' dynamics, questioning whether his leadership and skill set align with the team's needs.

7. Chicago Bears’ Offensive Strategy Under New Coach Ben Johnson

The hiring of Ben Johnson as the new offensive coach for the Chicago Bears brings a fresh perspective to the team's strategy.

EPA Metrics and Offensive Improvements:
Colin Cowherd [42:10]:
"We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here?"

Joy Taylor [42:22]:
"With Ben Johnson's expertise in Expected Points Added (EPA), the Bears can better evaluate each play's effectiveness and make strategic adjustments quickly."

Assessing Caleb Williams' Performance:
J. Mac [48:34]:
"Caleb Williams' integration into the Bears' offense will be clear within the first few games. If he doesn't look like a franchise quarterback by early October, the Bears might reconsider their strategy."

The hosts analyze the potential impact of Johnson's analytical approach on the Bears' offensive playbook, emphasizing the importance of early performance indicators to determine the quarterback's future with the team.

8. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts recap the key discussions, emphasizing the dynamic nature of sports drafts, team strategies, and player performances. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for upcoming episodes and continue following "The Herd" for in-depth sports analysis.

Notable Quotes:

• J. Mac [10:25]:
  "Shador moved ahead of Travis Hunter in the betting odds to be the number three pick."

• Joy Taylor [22:20]:
  "The Ravens have been the best regular-season team in the NFL for three straight years."

• J. Mac [31:03]:
  "If Rodgers joins the Steelers, their over/under on wins might adjust to nine and a half."

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers comprehensive insights into current sports dynamics, player evaluations, and team strategies, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the latest developments across the NFL, NBA, and MLB.