The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 2 - Colin's NFL Mock Draft
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus pivots to an in-depth analysis of the upcoming NFL Draft. Hosted by Joel Klatt and featuring expert insights from an unnamed analyst, the discussion delves into mock drafts, team strategies, and player evaluations, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of what to expect in this starless draft year.

Overview of the NFL Mock Draft Segment

The primary segment kicks off around [03:03], where Joel Klatt introduces his two mock drafts: one for fun and another predicting what he believes will actually happen. This dual approach allows for both creative speculation and grounded analysis based on inside information and current rumors.

Detailed Breakdown of the Mock Draft Picks

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward [03:25]

Joel Klatt predicts that the Titans will select Cam Ward as the number one pick. He emphasizes Ward's fit within Brian Callahan's offense and his potential as a significant upgrade over Tennessee's previous quarterbacks.

Joel Klatt [03:25]: "Number one, Cam Ward. This is an easy one. Good fit with Brian Callahan's offense and more than anything, he is a major talent upgrade..."

2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter [03:35]

At [03:35], Klatt anticipates Travis Hunter, the most talented athlete in the draft, going to Cleveland. He highlights Hunter's unique skill set and the high demand surrounding him, suggesting multiple teams are vying for his talents.

Joel Klatt [03:35]: "Number two, most talented athlete in the draft. I think Travis Hunter goes to Cleveland. They are getting calls on Travis Hunter and not just one..."

3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter [04:00]

With New York, the focus shifts to Abdul Carter, who Klatt believes is the best player available in a starless draft.

Joel Klatt [04:00]: "I think the New York Giants are going to go get Abdul Carter. It is a starless draft and he is one of the four or five stars in the draft..."

4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell [04:25]

The Patriots are expected to address their offensive line woes by selecting offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU.

Joel Klatt [04:25]: "Patriots go offensive tackle Will Campbell, LSU. Reality is they had the worst O line in the league..."

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham [04:45]

Klatt predicts the Jaguars will opt for Mason Graham to strengthen their defensive line, citing his consistent performance in college.

Joel Klatt [04:45]: "The Jaguars go for one of the cleaner players in the draft, Mason Graham. They could not stop the run last year..."

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Genteel [05:10]

Addressing the Raiders' need for a dynamic running back, Klatt forecasts Ashton Genteel as their pick.

Joel Klatt [05:10]: "The Raiders I believe they're going to get Ashton Genteel. Listen, they need a receiver and they need a running back..."

7. New York Jets – Tyler Warren [05:35]

The Jets are expected to select versatile tight end Tyler Warren to bolster their offensive weapons.

Joel Klatt [05:35]: "The Jets go for Tyler Warren. They have a defensive coach but not enough weapons, so Garrett Wilson needs some protection..."

8. Carolina Panthers – Jaylon Walker [05:55]

Klatt sees the Panthers selecting Georgia pass rusher Jaylon Walker to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Joel Klatt [05:55]: "The Panthers, Jaylon Walker. He's a five-star recruit and a good pass rusher from Georgia..."

9. New Orleans Saints – Mikel Williams [06:15]

To improve their offensive line, the Saints are projected to draft Mikel Williams from Georgia.

Joel Klatt [06:15]: "The Saints could use offensive line help. I think they go with Mikel Williams from Georgia..."

10. Chicago Bears – Will Johnson [06:35]

The Bears are expected to address their secondary by selecting cornerback Will Johnson.

Joel Klatt [06:35]: "The Bears are going to get Will Johnson the corner. They need to upgrade their secondary..."

11. San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks [07:00]

The 49ers, dealing with offensive line losses, are predicted to draft Kelvin Banks to protect quarterback Brock Purdy.

Joel Klatt [07:00]: "The Niners, they need to protect Brock Purdy. I think Kelvin Banks is the best offensive lineman in the draft..."

12. Dallas Cowboys – Omario Hampton [07:20]

Addressing their lack of offensive firepower, the Cowboys are forecasted to select Omario Hampton.

Joel Klatt [07:20]: "The Cowboys go with Omario Hampton. They don't have enough offensive firepower..."

13. Los Angeles Rams (Trade Up) – Colston Loveland [07:45]

Klatt predicts a trade-up scenario where the Rams secure tight end Colston Loveland to support quarterback Matt Stafford.

Joel Klatt [07:45]: "The Rams trade up with Miami to get Colston Loveland. They need a star tight end for Matt Stafford..."

14. Indianapolis Colts – Armand Membu [08:10]

The Colts are expected to select Armand Membu, the best player available who can bolster their offensive line.

Joel Klatt [08:10]: "The Colts take Armand Membu from Missouri. He's a monster on the offensive line..."

15. Atlanta Falcons – Jihad Campbell [08:35]

To address their defensive shortcomings, the Falcons are projected to draft linebacker Jihad Campbell.

Joel Klatt [08:35]: "The Falcons take Jihad Campbell. He's an underrated player and probably the best linebacker in the draft..."

Expert Analysis and Insights

An unnamed analyst provides further depth to the mock draft, discussing team strategies and player potentials. Highlights include:

• Character and Development ([14:12] – [16:25]): Emphasis on players’ character, particularly focusing on Ameca Bucha from Ohio State, who chose to stay an extra year to mentor younger teammates, showcasing leadership and dedication.

  Analyst [14:12]: "Ameca Buka is a great player, he can play in the slot, he's explosive, he runs clean routes, he is a great locker room guy..."

• Drafting Trends and Team Needs ([21:54] – [27:31]): Discussion on the shift towards valuing traits over college production, especially in defensive positions. The analyst also touches upon the transactional nature of college football affecting player behavior and draft perceptions.

  Analyst [21:54]: "Teams are seeing players who went on to produce at the NFL level despite limited college stats. Traits are becoming more important..."

• Quarterback Landing Spots ([32:48] – [35:23]): Speculation on quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ landing spot, debating between Pittsburgh and other teams, and analyzing organizational fit and coaching styles.

  Analyst [32:48]: "People are being too critical of Shedeur Sanders. He might end up in Pittsburgh, but I'm not sure if it's the best fit..."

• Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ Future ([35:56] – [38:24]): Critique of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line issues despite having star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, questioning their ability to maintain deep passing strategies without a robust O-line.

  Joel Klatt [35:56]: "The Chiefs got their O-line issues nailed, losing Tuney and not replacing him adequately..."

• Value-Based Drafting ([48:41] – [50:30]): Exploration of draft value based on positional scarcity, arguing that selecting high-value positions like quarterback, edge rusher, or left tackle in the early rounds offers long-term benefits.

  Analyst [48:41]: "If you can draft a high-value position like quarterback or edge rusher early, you gain significant advantages over free agency costs later..."

Notable Quotes

• Joel Klatt on the Titans' Pick ([03:25]):

  "Number one, Cam Ward. This is an easy one. Good fit with Brian Callahan's offense and more than anything, he is a major talent upgrade over who the Titans played at quarterback last year."

• Analyst on Ameca Bucha ([14:12]):

  "He wanted to make sure that Jeremiah Smith had a connection to the lineage of the brotherhood of all the guys that are going to the National Football League."

• Joel Klatt on Abdul Carter ([18:43]):

  "Abdul Carter could maybe even be better than what Micah has been in the National Football League."

• Analyst on Draft Trends ([21:54]):

  "Traits are becoming more important because you're seeing players who developed explosively in the NFL despite limited college production."

• Joel Klatt on Porsche Sellers and Giants ([27:36]):

  "How exciting. How fun. Nicest people in the world are in Buffalo and Green Bay. Nicest people you'll ever meet are there."

Conclusion

The episode provides a thorough analysis of the NFL Draft, emphasizing the importance of team needs, player traits, and the evolving nature of draft strategies. Joel Klatt and the analyst present a well-rounded mock draft, backed by observations of current team dynamics and player performances. This comprehensive discussion equips listeners with valuable insights, enhancing their understanding of the complexities involved in NFL team building and the draft process.

Key Takeaways:

• Team Needs vs. Best Available: The mock draft highlights the balance teams must strike between addressing immediate needs and selecting the best available talent.
• Player Traits Over Stats: There's a noticeable shift towards valuing player traits and potential over college statistics, especially in defensive positions.
• Organizational Fit: The importance of fit within a team's existing structure and coaching philosophy is paramount, particularly for high-profile positions like quarterback.
• Value-Based Drafting: Selecting players from scarcity positions early can provide long-term benefits and financial flexibility.

For fans looking to get ahead of draft day, this episode serves as an essential guide, breaking down the potential moves and strategies that could shape the future of the NFL.