The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - NFL Mock Draft Summary

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In Hour 2 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, aired on April 17, 2025, host Colin Cowherd delves deep into his comprehensive analysis of the upcoming NFL Draft. Filmed live from Los Angeles, Cowherd presents his unique perspective on how he would navigate the draft as a General Manager, offering insights into team needs, potential trades, and player evaluations.

Overview of the Draft Landscape

Cowherd begins by setting the stage for what he perceives as a challenging draft year. He notes the general trend of teams opting to trade down due to a perceived lack of top-tier talent, with the notable exception of the Tennessee Titans.

Colin Cowherd [04:10]: "Everybody wants to trade down. Outside of Tennessee, the truth is it's not a great draft. People want to trade down."

He anticipates approximately six trades, emphasizing that most teams are unlikely to trade up given the limited number of standout prospects.

Top 15 Mock Draft Picks

1. #1 Tennessee Titans – Cam Warden

   • Rationale: Tennessee seeks stability at quarterback after last year’s combined 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Cam Warden fits seamlessly into Brian Callahan's offensive scheme with a reliable receiver group.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [05:00]: "Cam Warden is an easy one. He fits Brian Callahan's offense. They’ve got one go-to receiver. I think he'll win games."

2. #2 Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter

   • Rationale: Cleveland targets Travis Hunter for his versatility on both offense and defense, addressing multiple team needs in a division dominated by the Ravens.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [06:15]: "Travis Hunter can affect both sides of the ball. In a division with the Ravens, you need to catch up."

3. #3 New York Giants – Shador Sanders

   • Rationale: Despite speculations of trading up, Cowherd believes the Giants will select Shador Sanders to bolster their quarterback position, moving on from Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [08:30]: "Shador Sanders is a star. It’s a big market. He’s proven he can correct his game. They’re going to take him."

4. #4 New England Patriots – Abdul Carter

   • Rationale: The Patriots address their defensive weakness by selecting Abdul Carter, an edge rusher, to improve their sack numbers.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [10:45]: "The Patriots had the fewest sacks last year. Abdul Carter is a great athlete who can change that."

5. #5 Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Genty

   • Rationale: Ashton Genty is viewed as the premier running back in this draft class, providing the Raiders with a dynamic playmaker to complement Geno Smith’s play-action strategy.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [12:00]: "Ashton Genty is a home run for the Raiders. He’s a day one 1500-yard guy."

6. #6 New York Jets – Tyler Warren

   • Rationale: The Jets invest in Tyler Warren, a versatile tight end, to alleviate pressure on Garrett Wilson and enhance their offensive playmaking.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [14:20]: "Tyler Warren can split out wide and take pressure off Garrett Wilson. He’s a playmaker."

7. #7 Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young

   • Rationale: With Bryce Young entering his prime, Carolina selects him to lead their offense, addressing the lack of a true number one receiver.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [15:30]: "Bryce Young is a true number one. Carolina needs him to elevate their wide receiver group."

8. #8 New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson

   • Rationale: The Saints bolster their pass defense by drafting cornerback Will Johnson, replacing Marcus Lattimore and improving their overall defensive performance.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [17:10]: "Will Johnson is exceptional. New Orleans needs to replace Lattimore, and Johnson fits the bill."

9. #9 Chicago Bears – Jaylon Walker

   • Rationale: Chicago focuses on defense, selecting edge rusher Jaylon Walker to enhance their pass rush and complement their upgraded offensive line.
   • Quote:

     Colin Cowherd [19:17]: "Jaylon Walker is a dominant pass rusher. The Bears need to upgrade their defense further."

10. #10 San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks

    • Rationale: The 49ers prioritize offensive line protection by drafting Kelvin Banks, aiming to protect Trent Williams and support quarterback Brock Purdy.
    • Quote:

      Colin Cowherd [21:12]: "Kelvin Banks protects Brock Purdy effectively. The old line was a weakness; Banks is the solution."

11. #11 Dallas Cowboys – Amarian Hampton

    • Rationale: Addressing their weak running game, the Cowboys select Amarian Hampton, a powerful running back, to invigorate their offensive strategy.
    • Quote:

      Colin Cowherd [22:30]: "Amarian Hampton is electric and strong. Dallas needs star power in their running back room."

12. #12 Miami Dolphins – Will Campbell

    • Rationale: The Dolphins invest in offensive line protection by drafting Will Campbell, preparing to support Tua Tagovailoa and mitigate past rushing struggles.
    • Quote:

      Colin Cowherd [24:10]: "Will Campbell is a dominant left tackle. Miami needs to protect Tua and strengthen their offensive line."

13. #13 Indianapolis Colts – Armand Membu

    • Rationale: The Colts make a savvy defensive pick by selecting Armand Membu, expecting him to start immediately and provide significant impact.
    • Quote:

      Colin Cowherd [26:05]: "Armand Membu is a physical specimen who will start day one. This is the steal of the draft."

14. #14 Atlanta Falcons – Shemar Stewart

    • Rationale: Atlanta targets edge rusher Shemar Stewart to address their lack of pass rush, aiming to pressure Baker Mayfield effectively.
    • Quote:

      Colin Cowherd [27:40]: "Shemar Stewart can rush Baker Mayfield and improve our pass rush. Atlanta needs to focus on defense now."

15. #15 Detroit Lions – Tyson Smith

    • Rationale: Detroit completes his top 15 by selecting Tyson Smith, a versatile linebacker, to enhance their defensive capabilities.
    • Quote:

      Colin Cowherd [28:00]: "Tyson Smith adds versatility to our linebacker corps. Detroit can build a stronger defense with him."

Guest Analysis and Discussion

Rachel Nichols, joining Cowherd in the studio around [13:16], provides additional perspectives on the draft picks. She expresses strong support for Will Johnson being selected by the Saints and questions the Giants' potential strategy regarding quarterback selection.

Rachel Nichols [13:16]: "Will Johnson is a truly special corner. I love him. At New Orleans at 9. I don't buy that New Orleans is going quarterback at nine."

Throughout the draft discussion, Nichols and Cowherd engage in a dynamic debate over team strategies, player potentials, and the likelihood of trades impacting the draft order.

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Trade Dynamics: Cowherd anticipates limited trading up due to a scarce pool of top-tier talent, emphasizing a trend towards trading down among most teams.

• Team Needs Focus: The mock draft highlights a strong emphasis on defensive enhancements across multiple teams, aligning with Cowherd’s observation that offensive positions are largely addressed.

• Immediate Impact Players: Cowherd stresses the importance of selecting players who can contribute from day one, particularly on the defensive side where impact is more immediate.

• Strategic Depth: Teams like the Patriots and Dolphins are seen as making strategic moves to fix long-standing issues, ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [05:00]: "Cam Warden is an easy one. He fits Brian Callahan's offense."

• Rachel Nichols [13:16]: "Will Johnson is a truly special corner. I love him."

• Colin Cowherd [17:10]: "Will Johnson is exceptional. New Orleans needs to replace Lattimore."

• Colin Cowherd [21:12]: "Kelvin Banks protects Brock Purdy effectively."

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd's mock draft on The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a compelling and detailed roadmap for the upcoming NFL Draft. By prioritizing defensive strength and selecting versatile, impactful players, Cowherd outlines a strategy aimed at immediate team improvement and long-term success. His analysis, complemented by Rachel Nichols' insights, provides listeners with a thorough understanding of the potential moves shaping the future of the NFL.

For those who missed the episode, be sure to catch future editions live on Fox Sports Radio or stream on the iHeartRadio app.