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Joel Klatt
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Colin Cowherd
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Joel Klatt
Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon.
Colin Cowherd
To 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific.
Joel Klatt
Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now, let's get this party started.
J. Mac
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Joel Klatt
All right, here we go. Joel Cladden. My mock draft. It is our number two. It is great to have you in. It is the Herd, wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. I don't think the NBA is going to suspend Amen Thompson. I don't, but I, but I'm saying, based on his resume, the violence of that move, Jimmy Butler's a star.
Colin Cowherd
Do you think?
Joel Klatt
I do. I think they'll have a meeting today and talk about it. Yeah. You know, it is what it is. All I know is the NBA is letting guys play and it is a huge edge to the deep Celtics, the deep Thunder, the deep Rockets, the deep Cavs. Like Golden State without Jimmy Butler may not win another game in this series.
Unnamed Analyst
Well, they're not, Come on, they're not going to get dusted without butler.
Joel Klatt
They were sub 500 without him.
Unnamed Analyst
Was sick and he could, he was like over five, Couldn't do anything. They'll, they'll, they'll be fine. I don't know that they'll win the series, but yeah, I would take Rockets in seven if Butler misses a game.
Joel Klatt
By the way, I'm not anti Rockets. I took the Rockets to win the series. I'm just saying the men Thompson's resume, his history, he has been, you know, he grew up legendary stories in Houston. You know, he and his dad, his brother, they'd play all day and they were feisty and fight. And there's all these stories about a men's history. He's a tough kid. I love having guys like that. But Draymond Green was always judged more harshly and I think fairly based on his career resume.
Unnamed Analyst
To your point, what if the league says, hey, you see that Warriors Lakers matchup? Boy, we'd love that. Let's sit Amen Thompson for a game so we can get Curry LeBron next round. Because you know, the executives are, are dancing in the streets over these ratings so far. Wait until they get LeBron Curry in the next round.
Joel Klatt
Yeah, ratings have been good. Okay. Now I, I did a, I do two mock drafts the first one is what I would do, which is just for fun, you can hold me accountable. The second one is this is what I think is going to happen. So I was on the phone last night, yesterday afternoon and this morning. There was a lot of Bears rumors, but the reality is about Ashton Genty. But again, to make a trade work, a lot of teams want things. I'm told the Jags want to go get Travis Hunter. Well, what do we get, right? Like what do we get for it? So there's a lot of conversations, there's a lot of calls. Very rarely do you get moves in your top 10 picks, but there's a lot of calls in it. So here is what I'm hearing. Here is what I believe will happen. 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. Last year, Tennessee's quarterbacks combined for 22 touchdowns and 21 picks. This is a no brainer. Number two, most talented athlete in the draft. I think a historically gifted athlete. Travis Hunter goes to Cleveland. They are getting calls on Travis Hunter and not just one. They're going to, I believe, keep him. He's a very unique, maybe not a Shohei Ohtani, maybe he is, but just not a lot of guys ever like this. So he goes number two. 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. Listen, they've already got a very good defensive line, but what a lot of teams do, best player available. And there's no question at this point he's the best player available. Patriots go offensive tackle Will Campbell, lsu. Reality is they had the worst O line in the league. They can get running backs, tight ends and wide receivers elsewhere. There's only 4 or 5o tackles that people really, really like. Maybe fewer than that. Will Campbell, you got Drake May, now you got to protect him. Number five. The Jaguars go for one of the cleaner players in the draft, Mason Graham. They could not stop the run last year and by the way, they've got Trayvon Walker and Josh Hines Allen. So he's a nice combo in there and their defensive line will be set for years. So I think Mason Graham's a play that I love Mason Graham and a lot of it is. I watch so much Michigan football and Big Ten football. Every game I watched, he won the battle against any offensive lineman he faced. Number six, the Raiders I believe they're going to get Ashton Genteel. Listen, they need a receiver and they need a running back. And Pete Carroll is old school. He likes to create a run game. He had his most success with Marshawn lynch in the pros and Reggie Bush and Lendale White in college. They need him. I think this is a really unique running back. First round talent. Number seven, the jets go for Tyler Warren. Listen, I know they have a defensive coach. They don't have enough weapons, so Garrett Wilson needs some protection. I saw Warren play at USC and catch 17 balls. He's not Brock Bowers, but he's got so much dexterity and so much versatility. I don't think the jets can pass on him. They're just not a very. Jets get no tight end production. He solves it for the next five years. Number six, the Panthers, Jaylon Walker. I mean, again, it's another Georgia pass rusher. He was like a five star recruit. Hype, hype, hype, hype, hype. Sometimes he lives up to it, sometimes he does not. But again, in a super starless draft, he's a good pass rusher from Georgia. They generally work out okay. And number nine, the Saints, they could use offensive line help. I think they go with Mikel Williams from Georgia. Again, they didn't have a good defense last year. They got to rebuild their offensive line. But this feels like best player available. And again, these Georgia guys, it doesn't matter if they underachieve a little or they got some character stuff. They come into the NFL and they can play. And so that's where I think he goes. Number 10. The bears, they would love a star running back. I think the Bears are going to get Will Johnson the corner. Listen, they got Jaylen Johnson on one side. This is a team that spent a ton of money on offense over the last two years. They need to get cheap on defense. I think he's a very good corner. They have to upgrade their secondary. And remember, they spent money. They're spending money right now in their O line and their D line. They're spending money in the trenches. They got wide receivers. You can get a running back later. Go get the best corner. He doesn't run a 4, 3. He's an excellent corner in a division with smart offensive coaches. Number 11, Niners. I think they get Kelvin Banks. Left tackle. Trent Williams is 37. They lost two offensive linemen to free agency. Aaron Banks obviously went to Green Bay and Jaylen Moore went left tackle. Backup actually went to the Chiefs. So listen, if you're going to spend money on Brock Purdy, who's had a couple of injuries already. You got to protect him. I think this, in my opinion, is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Number 12, Cowboys, Omario Hampton. Listen, folks, they don't have enough offensive firepower. Jerry likes stars. He wanted to draft Johnny Manziel at one point and they talked him out of it. This kid is Joe Mixon with a better burst. Why not? I mean, again, if you're gonna spend money on Dak Prescott, you gotta get him weapons. And you got one right now in CD lam. I think they go big. It's exciting, it's explosive, and Jerry will love the attention. I think. Number 13, we have our first trade up. I think the Rams trade up with Miami. Miami moves back. The Rams trade up and get Colston Loveland the tight end. They were. They tried to move up last year for Brock Bowers. It was too rich. So they're just not getting enough tight end production. So the, the feeling with the Rams is they've got Devonte Adams and Puka. They've got Kyron Williams, the running back. The O line is settled. Let's go get a star tight end for Matt Stafford this year and next, his last couple of years with the Rams, they move up, Dolphins move back. Number 14th pick. The Colts will take in their eyes the best player available, Armand Membu from Missouri. Guy's a monster. The reality is, outside of Quinton Nelson, Nobody else played 17 games on the O line for the Colts. Chris Ballard will be patient. He'll let the best player fall to him. And then number 15, the Falcons take Jihad Campbell. Now the Falcons, the last four draft, they've gone offense in the first round. That's why their defense is not very good. So Michael Pennix is fine. The O line's fine. They got Kyle Pitts, they got Drake London, Bijan Robinson. Their offense is fine. They need to be faster and more athletic on defense. And Campbell, Campbell's an underrated player. Most Bama players are not underrated. Guys, an unbelievable freak athlete. Best linebacker in the draft probably. So this is what I think will happen. Okay? This isn't what I would do. This is what I believe will happen. I do think the Rams will move up. I think they'll wait as long as they can. But I think the Colts would take Colston Loveland if he was available, and the Rams know that. So they're going to jump the Colts at the last second to get a tight end who, by the way, everybody loves. If he was Available. I can tell you the Broncos would look at him, the Chargers would look at him, and the Rams would take him. So I do think in. The Rams don't have a lot of need. They need, at some point an offensive tackle, a corner, a tight end, and maybe an inside linebacker. All right. Joel Klatt is in Green Bay. How exciting. How fun. Nicest people in the world are in Buffalo and Green Bay. Nicest people you'll ever meet are there. Okay, so I. You know, everybody's saying it's not a good enough draft to move up, but I tend to believe that these offensive coaches, when they see a unique piece like a Colston Loveland, they're like, oh, that worked. Now a defensive coach, maybe not, but you did a ton of Colston Loveland games. What did you see?
Unnamed Analyst
I love Colson Loveland. I have him as my top tight end in the draft. And the reason. Here's the reason. I really like Tyler Warren as well, but they're different types of players. Warren exploits space that is created through scheme, and he does it incredibly well. He's a creative player, but Loveland creates his own space, and that's difficult to do. And by the way, he produced with subpar quarterback play this last year before getting hurt at Michigan. You know, you look at the way that he runs routes from split out, from inline, all over the place, and he wins. And by the way, there's. There's this misnomer that Tyler Warren is somehow way bigger than. Than Colson Loveland. They're basically the exact same size. I think Loveland might be, like five pounds lighter, but they're the same height. I love Loveland's ability to get open, and to me, at the next level in particular, in the red zone and on third down, from a tight end perspective, can you create your own space and win? And Loveland can do that.
Joel Klatt
Okay, so there's another player that you saw a ton of in the Big Ten, amica Buka, the wide receiver. He's not a burner, but I went to dinner with an offensive coordinator this past weekend. They're not going to draft him because of need. They loved him. He said, total pro starts day one. So, again, this is a guy that, when you looked at a lot of mock drafts, he was top of the second round. I'm sorry, but I have yet to talk to any source who didn't love him. Character, toughness. You did a ton of Buckeye games. What is he? What do you see?
Unnamed Analyst
He's my favorite player in the draft because all the things that you just talked about. He's one of the greatest young men that I've covered just as a person, but he's also incredibly polished as a wide receiver. And this is what you also have to realize, is that you've got to project from college systems into the NFL. And what position group in college football has been more dynamic and more can't miss than Ohio State wide receivers in the last five or six years? Colin it's the best position group in college football in terms of projecting to the National Football League and a mecca. Buca is a great player, he can play in the slot, he's explosive, he runs clean routes, he is a great locker room guy, he catches everything. And here's one of the things and something that I'll share tonight when, when we get on the air. This will just tell you everything about his character and what they believe in at Ohio State in that position room with Brian Hartline as their coach. Jeremiah Smith was going to come in as a true freshman and a mecca. Abuka stayed back and he wanted to play an extra year, not just for himself and to win a championship and so on and so forth, but 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. So that you can say that, yeah, it starts, you know, all the way back. Terry McLaurin and Paris Campbell and then Chris Olave and then Garrett Wilson and Jackson Smith and Jigba and then Marvin Harrison and Ameca Bucha and Jeremiah Smith, he, he understood the links in that chain and wanted to stay back and mentor Jeremiah Smith, who might be better than all of them here in a couple of years. And that's one of the reasons he stayed back in Columbus.
Joel Klatt
So, you know, I've said this before. Dan Marino and Aaron Rodgers famously dropped in the draft and they got Green Bay and Don Shula with nil money. Now, it doesn't bother me at all if I, if I had a son and you told me Cleveland, the Giants or the Steelers, I'd say drop in the draft and go to Pittsburgh. I don't love what they're doing, but they're really well run. They draft and develop players. So if Shador is dropping, he's not going to be a savior in Pittsburgh. They're just looking for a starting quarterback. The Giants in Cleveland are looking for somebody to get him out of messes. What do you make of the reports that he's dropping?
Unnamed Analyst
They're true. First of all, I think it's 50, 50 that Pittsburgh takes him. I know that their visit went really well. And there's also this, this, this. I, I won't call it an issue, but there's this point that no one is making. Everyone's just talking about from the NFL perspective and, and the decision makers perspective. And I will say this. Remember, Shador has only played for his dad his whole life. Yeah, Colin, we, I think sometimes we forget that, like Little League on. Yeah. The only head coach he's known is Coach prime. And so I think that there is some thought in the Sanders camp that it's not only about the organizational fit, but the head coaching fit. And, and I know that they would love to play for Mike Tomlin. So, you know, however that happens, I think that that's probably the place that Shador would like to end up for all of the reasons you were talking about. And this idea of the alpha head coach who's, who's hyper confident and very successful, runs a clean program, I think that that's attractive for the Sanders camp as well. And that's something that not a lot of people have, have talked about.
Joel Klatt
So I had a general manager tell me it's a starless draft and Abdul Carter's a star. Somebody's going to take him high. You had, you did Micah Parsons games at Penn State. You did Abdul Carter games. Is he in that class? Is he as good as Micah?
Unnamed Analyst
I think he can be. Because think about it. Micah, you know, Micah is dynamic and he's creative and he can play everywhere. I think as an off the ball linebacker, you can make an argument Micah is the better player, but I think as a pure edge rusher, I think Abdul Carter is better. I think he's a touch longer and a little bit more explosive in terms of his get off and pass rush acumen. So as creative as Dallas can be with Micah Parsons, as good as he is, there's this in my mind. I think that as a pass rusher and a disruptive force behind the line of scrimmage, that Abdul Carter could maybe even be better than what Micah has been in the National Football League. And, and listen, that that's high praise obviously, because I hold Micah and, and as maybe the best defender in the sport right now. But Abdul Carter has that ability. And I would just remind people he's only played edge rusher for one season. Last year was the first time that he moved down and played edge kind of full time and they moved him around a little bit. But you looked at him getting better and Better and better all year. And then with one arm against Notre Dame in that CFP game, he had seven pressures and was a game wrecker against Notre Dame. You know, to me like this guy is a no brainer. I think that he makes your team better. And I would be shocked if New York doesn't select him at three.
Joel Klatt
So I was saying earlier, it's Georgia players, even if they have character issues, even if they've underachieved a little, the bottom line is they get to the pros and they, they deliver. Ohio State's got some of that where Ohio State guys practice against Ohio State guys and you know, if you draft a corner from Ohio State, he is, he has been covering in practice for three years, first round receivers. So I do look at these Georgia players, some of which have underachieved a little. Do you think teams think about that and go, you know, he's a Buckeye, he competes against world class. I look at Ohio State and Georgia players, I did this with Saban and Bama. I'd be like, well, if Nick trusts him, you know, it's, it's. I mean do you think teams think about that with like a Georgia or Ohio State?
Unnamed Analyst
I think that teams are seeing some of these players and gosh, I'm blanking names off the top of my head, but you're seeing some players right now in the league, you know, go double digit sacks every single year that didn't have much production in their college career. And so when you, when you look at defensive linemen and particular edge rushers in this draft, you've got a lot of guys that you can put into two camps, traits, measurables, you know, potential or production at the college level. So you've got the Mike Greens or the Donovan Ezra who's, who had 17, 16 and a half last year, led the country, led the power four. And you've got that camp or you've got the Shemar Stewarts and some of these other guys that may be underperformed on the stat sheet but have the traits that would suggest that they can come in and be explosive in the National Football League. I think that the trend is towards traits because you're seeing players. Who's the guy? Gosh, he was selected number one overall. Trayvon Walker, right?
Joel Klatt
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Unnamed Analyst
And, and he, he did not have much, he didn't start even much at Georgia and now he's becoming a guy that has I think ten and a half sacks last year. Yeah, I'm hearing a lot of that out of NFL decision makers. But one thing that I would just throw in there, I know it's not specific to this question, Colin, but I think it's. It's an interesting, overarching theme that now we're going to have to deal with when we're talking about the transactional nature of college football. I'm hearing more and more and more of the question marks from these GMs and coaches around the league of does this guy love football? And. And it just strikes me that as college football becomes more transactional around transfer portal and nil, we're teaching kids that the biggest issue or thing that they should be concerned about is their brand and how much money they're making. So then a lot of them make a lot of money in college football, and then they sit in these meetings in the draft process with these assistant coaches that they make ten times more money than, and they're like, I don't like, who are you? And so there's been more of that going on this, this year of, of, hey, this was a bad meeting. This or that. And it's like, hey, there's a lot of bitter assistant coaches in the National Football League that have not made a ton of money and they have not moved up the ladder. And then these kids walk in and they don't kiss their butts. And so then they run around to the next guy that'll write an article for him, and they start talking about how this kid's interviews were terrible. That's. There's a lot of that going on. It's a different nature of the draft process, I think, this year than any other year that I've covered.
Joel Klatt
Okay, finally. I watched Cam Ward at Washington State. I thought he was really talented. I didn't think first overall pick in the draft. I watched them at Miami. I thought, oh, he's really talented. I don't really think he's the number one pick in the draft. And now he is. So is this a matter of he plays the position and the team drafting really needs him? When you watched him in college, when did you ever think, wow, he could be a number one pick? I thought that with Caleb four games into usc. I thought it with Jaden Daniels at lsu. I'm like, this kid put on weight from asu. That kid's a ballerina. I never looked at Cam as a number one pick. Is this just position and need? Did you. Did you see him in college as a dominant player?
Unnamed Analyst
Well, let's, let's, let's reframe it, because we're not grading on a scale of 100 to be the number one overall pick. We're not rating him to be the number one overall pick. We are rating him on a scale, you know, like this. On a curve. Excuse me. And the curve is what else is available? If you're Tennessee, you have to select the best available quarterback, period. Cam Ward is the best available quarterback this year. I happen to believe it's a bad year to be in that position for Tennessee. If you're looking at the 12 guys that were selected in the top, or, excuse me, the six guys that were selected in the first 12 picks a year ago, I think Cam would maybe be fifth or sixth in that class, probably outside of the tops six. And yet this year he's going to be number one. That's not a knock against Cam. It's just. That's the year in which he's coming out. He's got great confidence, great arm strength, a quick release. He can threaten every blade of grass out there. But there's no doubt he's going to have to grow and develop at the next level. And I think that he can. I really do. But. But it's a curve. It's not a scale to 100. It's a curve. And he's got the right year to be at the top of the curve.
Joel Klatt
Yeah, he's got the right year. That's absolutely. Joel, real quick.
Unnamed Analyst
I know you put up your. Your mock draft. Let me just tell you, okay? Genti is going five Jacksonville. Okay, so switch. That Mimboo does not get past the Bears. There's no chance Mimbo is going to be a top 10 pick. Will Johnson is sliding along with Jihad Campbell because of injury issues and medicals. And if the Rams are trading, it would be for Amari on Hampton. And if there's a trade for Lump Loveland, it's likely to be Denver. So watch out for that. Yours is really good. Really good. You're right. You're on the same track as. As most people are very good, informal. Watch out for Mimbo in the top 10.
Joel Klatt
So will Johnson. So the Bears would go offense again. They've done a lot, I think.
Unnamed Analyst
Offensive line.
Joel Klatt
What about the Niners and Kelvin Banks? They need offensive linemen.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah, they do, but they need everything. Remember, like, they're decimated from free agency, so they need to rebuild their roster overall. So I. I believe that they're going to just take the best overall player that they.
Joel Klatt
Hey.
Unnamed Analyst
That they see on the board.
Joel Klatt
If the Rams like Hampton, is that acknowledging that Blake Corum was a miss.
Unnamed Analyst
That's a. That's a good thought. It's. That's a possibility. There's no doubt. It's also an acknowledgment that Hampton is a pretty dynamic player, both catching it and running it. So, like, I think that. That Sean really likes him. I don't know if they're gonna. They're gonna trade because they also love Colston Loveland and they also love a Mecca Abuka. So in. In my mind, I think they would be happy with any of those three, and they feel like they could probably stand pat and get one of those three. They're hoping Omarion drops to them. I don't think that they would release capital to go get them knowing that they love Colston Loveland as well as a Mecca buga.
Joel Klatt
This is so much fun. Joel Klatt, good seeing you, buddy.
Unnamed Analyst
Good to see. Good to see you too, but.
Joel Klatt
All right, Green Bay. Joel Klatt, all over it tonight in the heartland of not only the country, but the NFL.
Unnamed Analyst
Hey, did you see Daniel? Jeremiah did not have Will Johnson in the first round of his final mock draft that he dropped last night. So something weird is going on with Will Johnson. I think He's a top 15 player. He's really good. But the health stuff that Klatt talked about coupled with Jeremiah not having him in his final mock draft first round, little surprising.
Joel Klatt
He's the best corner in the draft.
Unnamed Analyst
I best pure corner. Like, he's amazing. I. I don't know what's going on.
Joel Klatt
Wow, that's draw. That'd be shocking.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah, I would be stunned. Yeah.
Joel Klatt
That is crazy. Now, he did have injury issues at Michigan.
J. Mac
One more herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand, whenever you'd like.
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Joel Klatt
Diana Rossini will be joining us. Last hour, the very latest. So it looks like the RA and the Broncos both are considering a move up to get a special offensive piece. You're hearing that TMac, the receiver from Arizona and Will Johnson, the corner from Michigan, who I love, is moving down. I still think Mason Graham is the cleanest prospect in the whole thing. Not spectacular, but every time I watched him, he was great. J. Mack with the news.
J. Mac
No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the herd line news.
Unnamed Analyst
All right, let's go back to the draft. Colin, it's tonight from Green Bay and everybody wants to know where Shedure Sanders will land. Well, Deion had an interesting take comparing his son's pre draft criticism to that of Lamar Jackson saying we still see some bull junk every year but Lamar was probably the most recent. That was just ridiculous, insulting but God was in that to get him where he needed to go. The city of Baltimore. Now if you remember, I wasn't obviously on the show when this happened but Lamar by some pundits was being told he needs to change positions. Remember that a famous guy who was I think in the Colts front office and then he got shoved off the network right after saying this nonsense. I mean Lamar's won two MVPs. Are people being too critical of Shador? I don't know that he's going to.
Joel Klatt
Win two mvp, but yeah, I mean I didn't agree with that Lamar take it was terrible, uninformed but I mean Lamar was a spectacular athlete. Shador is not. And also there are times like the Lamar draft was a very good quarterback draft and a very good overall draft. So I do think like if Cam Ward was in last year's draft, I think Cam Ward is a second round quarterback. I really do. I don't think, I think there were so many quarterback. I mean I like Michael Penck as a prospect more than Cam Mord. Now Penck is not, is not that athletic. But I, yeah this week Lance Zurline said Cam Ward's Bo Nix. Now I like Phoenix, but I like Phoenix with Sean Payton, he's better than Bonix. Well I, but you're right with Sean.
Unnamed Analyst
Payton to go back to Lamar, I'm fairly certain. I tried to check this up. This, that was the draft where Josh Rosen went to the Cardinals at like 10. Now I don't know if you're. Was that your guy Kaim doing that.
Joel Klatt
Taking Josh Rosen next year they took Kyler.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah. Josh Rosen basically is delivering your Uber eats now. And Lamar's got two MVPs and Josh Rosen went 10 and Lamar went 30 seconds. Nobody knows what they're doing at quarterback.
Joel Klatt
Well, I think people can spot talent but I think what we don't consider enough with quarterback is and people don't like to look in the mirror, is your organization capable of developing this young quarterback? Baltimore is, I mean look at where, look at where the quarterbacks flourish. Baltimore well run Kansas City historically well run. Green Bay, well run. Isn't it funny those organizations always get quarterback. Right? Because the kid as he stumbles early knows like having great parents, I mean. And then look at the places where quarterbacks go to die. The Jets, Carolina. So it's not Chicago. So you know, we always look at. Nobody knows how to draft quarterbacks. Look at the places that regularly hit on quarterbacks. They are better owned and better wrong.
Unnamed Analyst
Sometimes you get lucky. Buffalo post Jim Kelly. Do you remember what those 20 years were like?
Joel Klatt
I remember Tyrod Taylor got to the playoffs when they got Bean and they got McDermott. They were at least a high functioning organization. Plus they got Terry Picula the owner. So you didn't love them. But they had owner, GM and coach in place. They made the playoffs with Tyrod.
Unnamed Analyst
I understand. So Washington made it with QB1 Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights. Basically, Taylor Heinecke, like, come on. Like things happen that are weird. I'm just saying I don't know if Shedeur going to Pittsburgh is the best landing spot. Honestly.
Joel Klatt
No. If I was Shador, there's other places I'd go to.
Unnamed Analyst
Minnesota.
Colin Cowherd
Right.
Joel Klatt
But if you're giving me Giants or Pittsburgh, I'd take Pittsburgh.
Unnamed Analyst
How long is Dable going to be there? Because I like Dable. I mean, listen, we could say Josh Allen's the mvp. He didn't thrive until Dable kind of got coached him up in Buffalo. Right, right. All right, next story. Oh, geez, we got to talk about this guy again. Patrick Mahomes, your favorite quarterback in the league, the Chiefs. You know, listen, they got. How many, how many different adjectives could I use to describe what happened in the Super Bowl? I got their teeth kicked in. It was bad.
Joel Klatt
It is funny when you think about this. The last two super bowl blowouts was Mahomes losing. I mean seriously, we've had a bunch of good Super Bowls. The last two bad ones, Mahomes got crushed. So what does it tell you? Why did he get crushed? They had a left tackle issue. Both Super Bowls, you. It doesn't matter who you are.
Unnamed Analyst
Well, wait, the left tackle was working great with Toonie until the super bowl when the Eagles were like, you got no chance against us. Anyways. Mahomes is now talking about getting back Rasheed Rice and Hollywood Brown and they want to attack the aerial attack the way they used to in the past.
Patrick Mahomes
Everything looks great right now. I mean, getting the guys back healthy. As far as Rasheed and having Hollywood fully healthy and Xavier in year two. I think the offense Has a chance to be really, really good. It's just about keeping building. I'm excited to kind of have these guys again. Just with we've had a lot of turnover in the receiving room and it seems like the core group will be back in its entirety. So the goal is to try to build on it and get even better and try to get back to some of the explosive passing plays that we've done in years past.
Unnamed Analyst
I like that video. You see the regulation sized pool table.
Joel Klatt
In the background with the red felt.
Unnamed Analyst
That's impressive with the Chiefs. Red. Yeah. Listen, well, I like Mahomes. You weren't here but I said the Chiefs were would not make the playoffs.
Joel Klatt
No, I, I there. I don't think that's a crazy take.
Colin Cowherd
I don't.
Unnamed Analyst
It's, it's obviously not a crazy take. It's a great take. That being said, Chiefs fans, right? And if you look at the roster, Colin, I don't see how they go back to the deep passing game when the offensive line's not better and the receivers we don't know. He's talking about Hollywood Brown. Like do we know if he's good?
Joel Klatt
Well, no, he's not great.
Unnamed Analyst
Okay. Rasheed Rice.
Joel Klatt
I like him a lot.
Unnamed Analyst
One good season and then I mean he's had, has any more had more police encounters and touchdowns in the last year.
Joel Klatt
It is now the best division in football and they won 110 and 1 score games. There's no question they're not going to equal last year's record. They're not even sniffing. If you don't have a top eight to 10 offensive line, you're not going to go on long winning streaks. So Joe Tuney worked in the regular season. He got to a Super Bowl. It didn't work. So they, and they got worse on the O line. They lost Tuney, who was their best O lineman and the guy they went and got a backup in San Francisco to be a left tackle.
Unnamed Analyst
He's unproven. I mean, you know, I, I don't know what Chiefs fans are excited about. If you want to tell me. We got Mahomes and Reed.
Joel Klatt
Great.
Unnamed Analyst
What else you got? What else do they have, Colin?
Joel Klatt
Well, Chris Jones, pretty good. One more year. Travis Kelce. I like their defense. I think they're defensive.
Unnamed Analyst
Travis Kelsey in the Super Bowl. Do you remember the stats?
Joel Klatt
Yeah.
Unnamed Analyst
How did he do against.
Joel Klatt
He's pretty good player.
Unnamed Analyst
Buffalo.
Joel Klatt
I'm gonna go with he's a pretty good player.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah, he's had a great career. Final story, Colin. Back to the NBA. Celtics went up 20 last night. Did not cover against the magic, but got the dub. Now Chris Taps Porzingis. Oh, look at that shot.
Joel Klatt
Yeah, that was brutal.
Unnamed Analyst
That light looks like you in one of your barroom brawls that you got into. Look at that. I mean, kind of a dirty elbow. Anyways. He needed five stitches to close the bleeding. But Joe Maula, who says some wacky stuff, he loved it.
Joe Mazzulla
His overall just approach. I think he has an ability, an innate ability to take things very serious and at the same time, you know, have great perspective. And, you know, you see how he. I think he can control his environment really well with how he handles the crowd and how he handles the physicality of it. And he can maintain his kind of his poise. And he just has a great way about him. And I think that that helps us. And like, yeah, I do. I love watching him. I like watching them lead on the court. I think it's important.
Joel Klatt
Yeah. Missoula is a very much a UFC tough guy. He likes all that training and Navy SEAL stuff. So his. He likes his teams not to be cute.
Unnamed Analyst
I like the Navy SEAL stuff. By the way, I've talked with some dads. You know how Cindy down in San Diego, they have that, like, you could do the Navy SEAL training.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Joel Klatt
No, thanks.
Unnamed Analyst
Do you any interest in joining us?
Joel Klatt
Nope.
Unnamed Analyst
We'll get.
Diana Rossini
We got a group.
Unnamed Analyst
They're gonna do it. No, no, it's just like a fun, cool thing where you're clearing.
Joel Klatt
I'll go to Old Navy and get some khakis.
Colin Cowherd
You go to.
Joel Klatt
You go train with Navy seals.
Unnamed Analyst
You don't think that would be fun? You got one life, buddy. Come on. You got a few more years where you could do Navy SEAL truck.
Joel Klatt
I don't want to be submerged in a tank fighting for my life. Sorry. Call me nutty.
Unnamed Analyst
What is this, an officer and a gentleman? Come on.
Joel Klatt
Doesn't sound fun to me. All right. J. Mac with the news.
J. Mac
Well, that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the Herd line. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app draft coverage.
Joel Klatt
Yep, with the first pick.
J. Mac
The biggest names that know about every player in every team. You've got it right here. Listen. As Fox NFL insider Jay Glazer, former New York jets general manager Joe Douglas, college football hall of Famer and former number two overall pick levar Arrington, and Fox Sports League college football report, Jenny Taft delivered a pick by pig coverage.
Unnamed Analyst
This is an exciting night.
J. Mac
Foxtrap Night Live lives right here on Fox Sports Radio.
Colin Cowherd
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Joel Klatt
The number one pick in the NFL draft. Well, there's only one electric SUV worthy of the title.
Colin Cowherd
The ultimate.
Joel Klatt
The all electric BMW ix. What I love about the IX is that it delivers legendary BMW performance, while its sleek design exudes innovative style from the inside out.
Colin Cowherd
Not to mention how much space and utility it provides. Over 75 cubic feet of cargo space. The IX is completely changing the game.
Joel Klatt
With an all electric suv.
Colin Cowherd
The greatest legends of sports never compromise any part of the game. So why would you settle for anything.
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Less from your suv?
Colin Cowherd
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Unnamed Analyst
Tomorrow night we're under the lights in prime time as the Memphis showboats take on the Birmingham Stallions. Fox UFL Friday kicks off at 8pm Eastern.
Joel Klatt
I'm not a believer in you can't do this or you can't do that. When I got into sportscasting years ago, there was always this saying, you can't talk about politics. Yeah, you can. Comedians talk about politics. Sports guys talk about politics. You talk about politics. Everybody talks about politics. Oh, you can't talk politics. Why not? It's a great brand. A lot of people talk politics. I do it infrequently. I've talked it. I'm fine. I don't buy into this. You can't draft this guy here that like people don't want to draft running backs in the first round. A good running back touches the ball 20 times a game. How much does a good defensive tackle touch it? I mean, again, I like Mason Graham Aston Genty is going to average 100 yards a game. Very possibly if he goes to Jacksonville at five or Raiders at six. I mean 100 yards. What, what a team's average every week in offense, 450 yards or something. He gets a quarter of them. Just one guy. Like, I don't, I don't care that he's a running back. If a guy's great, he's great. It's a starless draft. He's a star. I. You can't, you can't draft a kicker. Well, Belichick in the draft ended up drafting a kicker. That was a all time great kicker. Kickers are often your leading scores. You can't draft a Leading score in every other sport. Baseball, hockey, basketball, international soccer. Don't, don't. Wouldn't you draft a leading scorer? So I just don't, I don't buy into rules. Well, you can't do this and you can't do that. Half the companies that are in this country, I mean remember the old saying, you do not get into a car with a stranger. It's called Uber. It's a thriving billion dollar business. So I, you know, I just, my take is you can do whatever feels right. I would never draft a kicker in the first round, but Sean McVay knows what he's doing. They drafted a kicker I think at a Stanford last year. Good kicker. Now the Niners reached on a kicker doesn't necessarily look like a good move. They probably drafted him higher than I would. But I, you know, I mean the only, only thing that appears to be true that in the history of the NFL draft almost every great left tackle is a first round pick. And the reason for that is God only creates so many 6, 7 men with good feet. 6, 7, 320 pound men with good feet. It's the George Young theory who's an old now has passed along. He was a general manager of the New York Giants and he used to call it the planet theory, which is the planet only gives you one or two six foot six men that are over 300 pounds a year with really good feet. You know, it's like in the NBA how many 7ft men can run the floor dribble. That's why Wemby and Kevin Durant are so exceptional. There's just not a lot of guys that size that can do that. And so outside of that, where most of your great left tackles historically are first round picks just because of scarcity of that size and that fluidity and nimbleness for that position. But we got Tom Brady going in the sixth and Brock Purdy in the seventh and Mark Brunel in the fifth and Joe Montana in the third or fourth and Dak in the four. The quarterbacks come from all places, but I have no problem drafting a running. I was a big believer in Bijan Robinson for Atlanta. I don't think they've used him enough. That used to be don't draft a tight end early. I don't know. I watch Brock Bowers now. Kyle Pitts has been disappointing. Brock Bowers is unguardable, uncoverable. So I'm just for. What's the best player in the first 20 picks of the draft? What's the best player of it after that, you can reach a little bit if you have a need in the third round and you need a tight end badly and you know he's. He's not one of the top five or six players you have in that space, but he's eighth or ninth. I'd reach seven or eight, nine picks if I absolutely needed something. When I go to the grocery store, I go buy what I need, not what the best value is. A draft is a little bit like a grocery store. Like you have certain needs. You either have to get them through free agency, and if you don't, you have to get them through the draft and sometimes it doesn't line up and you have to reach for a guy.
Unnamed Analyst
So that's a great point about value. There's this idea in the draft about surplus value. What are the most expensive positions to pay in the NFL? Quarterback, edge rusher, left tackle, and increasingly wide receiver. Right. So if you can draft one of those at the top, in the top 10, you have huge value. Travis Hunter is going to be one of the lowest paid receivers in the league because he's on his rookie deal, but he's got huge value because he's a star. So the idea is running backs, they don't have a ton of value, right? I know Saquon can be added to a contender, but drafting a running back high doesn't make a ton of sense. Because if you're building something, Colin, like, you're going to drive him into the ground on his first deal and then you move on. Like, that's why Genti at 5 doesn't make as much sense as, say, a left tackle or an edge rusher. But Jacksonville has two edge rushers. They have their quarterback. So are they ready for a running back or do they go, hey, we need that left tackle? And I think that's an interesting question. If I'm Jacksonville, I probably go left tackle. Or you could argue Mason Graham, defensive tackle, has. He could be a Christian type player.
Joel Klatt
Okay, let me push back. Genty is transformational. There is no great left tackle in the draft. I think Kelvin Banks is a really good tackle. Very good. So. So again, it depends. Also is this is a starless draft, like, so you're going to make exceptions like Abdul Carter needs surgery and won't get one, but he's one of the four guys in this draft that dominates every game he plays in. So there's a lot of different factors here. But I'm not. I think it's okay. I mean, I'm not turned off by he's small. He went to Boise State. He's a running back. Everybody I've talked, I talked to an exec this morning. He's like, listen, man, that guy's gonna work day one in the pros. That kid is a star and that's what everybody thinks. Then go draft him. If you need a running back, if you have a young quarterback, they all love great running backs.
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The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 2 - Colin's NFL Mock Draft
Release Date: April 24, 2025
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.
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.
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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..."
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."
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:
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.