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Colin Cowherd
Thanks for listening to the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon.
Rachel Nichols
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Colin Cowherd
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Unknown Speaker
Now, let's get this party started.
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go, hour two. It is a Thursday. We are live in Los Angeles, and this is the Hurt. Wherever you may be and however you may be watching, thanks for making us part of your day. Okay, so, you know, sometimes I get really worked up and I'm really into stuff. I hope you are, but I'm really worked up. And so sometimes I'm just doing this show for me. So sorry. Rachel Nichols will be joining us in studio in 15 minutes. So I'm going to tell you what I would do. It's not a mock draft. I'm not predicting what the teams are going to do. That's not what I'm doing here. I'm telling you, if I'm gm, this is what I do. So they'll probably be trades. Everybody wants to trade down. Outside of Tennessee. The truth is it's not a great draft. People want to trade down. So that could be six trades. I don't think a lot of people want to trade up. So I don't think there's going to be a ton of trades. Everybody keeps telling me, oh, trade, trade, trade. Who wants to trade up? There's not a great enough player here to trade up. And there's about eight really good players and all those players will go to teams that need them. So here we go. Let's do our top 15 mock draft. This is who I would draft if I was the gm. Number one is Tennessee. You got to get Cam Warden. It's an easy one. Last year, the Titans quarterbacks combined for 22 touchdowns and 21 picks. It's a winnable division. He fits Brian Callahan's offense. They've got one go to receiver. I think he'll win games. I think he'll make him a playoff team. Easiest pick on the board, Cam Ward. Number two, Cleveland. I think they go and get Travis Hunter, the best overall athlete in the draft, and he'll play both sides. Their receiving core is Jerry Judy and a whole lot of meth. They also have quarterbacks all filled out. They got Flacco. They're paying to Sean Watson. They got Kenny Pickett. They've sent the signal they're not getting a quarterback. So I think this is the only player in the draft that can affect both sides of the ball. And In a division with the Ravens, you need to catch up. I think it's the pick number three may surprise you. I do now think the Giants are going to take Shador Sanders. Here's why. I think Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito they'll cut him in camp. I think they're going to go Russell for a year. Even Russell's contract's not that punitive. It's all based on how many games he plays and how well he plays. I've changed my mind. I think they're going to go get him. I think he's a star. It's a star town. I think it's a big market. I Brian Dable has proven a history of you can give him kind of average stuff and he'll correct it. I don't think there's a lot to correct. They've seen him personal workout recently. I think they're going to go get Chador. I think the Patriots are going to get Abdul Carter the edge. Last year the Patriots had the fewest sacks in the league. There'll be plenty of running backs, tight ends and wide receivers later in the draft. They it's Mike Frable. They're going to I mean go look at what they did in free agency. A lot of big uglies, a lot of size and movement. Carter's a great athlete. They don't need to rush Drake Mays development. They can get him help later in the draft. It's a good tight end and running back draft. You can get that second, third, fourth, fifth round. They get Abdul Carter. Jaguars get Mason Graham. Jags defensive lines already talented. I think Graham's really underrated. People say his ceiling is low. All I know is when I watched him, he pushed everybody around the field. They had the second worst total defense in the league last year. They've already got Trayvon Walker and Josh Hines Allen and Mason Graham. And don't worry about the D line for the next five years. The Wolverine big kid from Anaheim area in California. I think he goes number five. I think the Raiders go get Ashton Genty, the running back from Ohio State. Is he worthy of this pick? He's the best running back in this class. Geno Smith is very good on play action. Pete Carroll's career, he was great when he had Reggie Bush and Lindale White in college and Marshawn lynch in Seattle. They had the worst rushing attack in the league last year. Their offensive line is set. They've got an elite weapon in Brock Bowers. I think you give Geno help Ashton. Jenny playmaker at six. The jets get Tyler Warren at number seven, the tight end. This kid can do everything. You can split them out wide. He's a playmaker again. Takes the pressure off Garrett Wilson who gets double teamed. Now Devonte Adams is gone. Super versatile player and they just haven't had any tight end production over the last couple years. They have six tight end, six touchdowns at the tight end position. I watched the USC game. This kid had 17 catches. He is about as viable and has the kind of dexterity. He's a little bit running back, a little tight end. He could throw the football if you wanted. I think the jets finally go get a big time tight end. Panthers get T. Mac wide receiver, Arizona. I like him. He's a little bit of a glider. But they got to get Bryce Young help. This is an organization. This is the year for Bryce Young, who played pretty well last year. Panthers at 8. Take him. The wide receiver group in Carolina does not have a true number one again. I know two GMs that are cool on him and I know one that loves him and it's a GM I respect. So Bryce Young needs more help. This kid's a true number one. Go get him at eight. Number nine, Saints. Will Johnson. They moved off Marcus Lattimore, sending him to the commander. So they need a number one. I think he's great. He was hurt at Michigan. I think he's a great. I think he starts for everybody in the NFL. Denver, he starts. He's just not as good as Patrick Certain. I think Will Johnson is an exceptional player. They had the 27th ranked pass defense in the league. They've got to replace Lattimore. I know you're talking about quarterback, but I don't even know what to make of that Derek Carr story. And I think Shador is going to be off the board and it's too high to draft. Jackson Dart Will Johnson, nine to the Saints, number 10. Bears. Go get edge. Jaylon Walker. Listen, Montez Sweat from the inside. Let him last year in sacks. They could have drafted in the number one spot. And Edge last year. He's a Georgia Bulldog who rushes the passer. Great physical specimen. I think you go get him. They keep upgrading in the trenches. The Bears upgraded their O line this year in free agency. I think they upgrade their D line at the top of the draft. I like Walker. To the Bears at 10, number 11, Niners. I would go Kelvin Banks. Trent Williams is aging at left tackle. He's 37 years old and let's be honest, if you're going to spend money on Brock Purdy. Then you better protect him. Their old line is the weakness of that football team and he's the best player available. I like him better than Will Campbell. I don't know. I watched a lot of Texas football. He was really good in the big games. He mold people. So I like him. Number 12, Cowboys. Amarian Hampton. Running back, North Carolina. I think he's a poor man's Adrian Peterson. Big, strong, just. Just a hard dude to bring down. I mean, look at him run. Look at the legs, look at the burst. And let's. Let's face it, the Cowboys running back room is atrocious. 27th in the NFL. They've already invested draft capital in the O line. They've already paid CD Lamb and Dak. They need star power and there's not a good enough wide receiver to draft in this spot. I think this kid is Electric Starter Day 1 and again, DAX better on play action than sitting back in the pocket throwing 40 times a game. Number 13, Dolphins. I'd go Will Campbell, LSU. I think he's pretty good. Not as good as Kelvin Banks. Again, you're investing in Tua. Tua has that injury concern. Go get an offensive lineman. You also lost a very good tackle in Tron Armstead. So let's just. Just do this. Go get it. I know it's not sexy. You're moving on. You tried sexy with Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill. How's that working out for you? Just go to the trenches and get a good left tackle. Number 14, the Colts. This will be the steal of the draft. Armand Membu from Missouri. Who tore it up. Offensive lineman. Outside of Quentin Nelson, none of the offensive lineman. And Indy played 17 games. People talk about needing a tight end. Loveland's not good enough to draft in this spot. I think this will end up being the steal of the draft. Will Johnson and Arman member. I mean physical specimen. And listen, I think your receivers are good enough. You have Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson. You should probably run more than you do pass anyway. He's a Mauler. I take him at that spot. He's about as good as player. Last year the Colts Chris Ballard waited and got the best pass rusher at like 15th. I think this will be the best player at 14th available. And he'll start day one. And at 15th, Atlanta Shemar Stewart. Edge rusher. Texas A and M. They don't get to the quarterback. Second fewest sacks in the NFL. Do you want to beat Baker Mayfield? You got to rush Baker Mayfield. Put pressure on Baker. And so I think it makes sense. They have used their number first round pick on offense for four straight draft picks. So it's. It's time to pay attention to defense. This, if I was general manager for these teams, I'm not saying this is what they're going to do. This is what I could do. I think the Shador Sanders, I looked at New York over and over and over again and I have come to the conclusion where the best athletes off the board, they've already got a very good defensive line. That's not an area of need. And I think they'll keep Ross for a year. Jameis Tommy DeVito, he can move off those guys in camp. And I do think there's something to be said about Sanders. Deion Sanders, son in New York. It feels big. It feels fun. I mean, the jets don't have a. The future quarterback, do they? I mean, do they really have the future quarterback? So the Giants not want to have the future quarterback? I mean, let's be honest about New York. It's a competitive market. So, Jordan, what do you make of it?
Unknown Speaker
You know, I'm looking at it. I like it a lot. I would say. So Will Johnson, you made a point about him being hurt. He is viewed as a truly special corner. I love him. At New Orleans at 9. I don't buy that New Orleans is going quarterback at nine.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. I don't know. My take is there's too much unknown and I think somebody's going to move up. Come on. Somebody's going to move up before 9 to get Shadour Sanders. There's too many teams that need a quarterback.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah. And I also Tyler Warren at 7 to the jets, it's interesting because it's a whole new regime, but last year they really struggled. Do they want Olu, who they go with from Penn State to big tackle, or do they go Brock Bowers? Now they have an opportunity to get another transcendent tight end in, Tyler Warren, who is fantastic.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, so I didn't do any trades in mind.
Unknown Speaker
Yep.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. So I do believe if somebody called the New York Giants with Jamis and Russ, if somebody called the. I said this the other day. If somebody called the Giants and gave you two seconds, a third and a first next year for Shador Sanders, I think the Giants would take it because I think they're comfortable with Russ. But I didn't want to put trades in and monkey around with all this stuff. Yeah, yeah, I. And by the way, all of these players start immediately for their Teams. I know we have indicated it's not a great draft, but if you're a team and you're bad and you get an instant, young, athletic, inexpensive starter, it does make you a better football team.
Unknown Speaker
I had a GM tell me a couple of days ago that Ashton Genty is being slept on. I said, what do you mean he's going to be a top five, top ten pick? He said, no, no, no, you don't understand. This guy is a superstar. People are talking about him like he's this really good player, maybe a great player. He is a superstar. He is a day one 1500 yard guy. Aston Genty to the Raiders at six. To me, out of every pick here might just be my favorite because we talk so much about Pete Carroll and Marshawn Lynch. Now, I don't know if Pete ultimately in that organization wants to go running back at six, but there is a big contingency within the Raiders building that really likes Genty. And if you really want to build this offense the way that Pete Carroll has had a great offense, it's around the running game and play action. Yeah, that was Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. They just gave Gino the extension. You bring in Astro Genty. I think it's a home run.
Colin Cowherd
Well, I'll give you a team that's interesting. Jacksonville. Jacksonville's got two guys in their defensive line that are already elite. So you could say Mason Graham is not a place of need. But sometimes it's like, who's the best player on our board? And so not like, I don't think Jacksonville needs a defensive tackle. But I think you can't watch Mason. I watched Michigan play 15 times in the last two years, maybe 20. He dominated every guy played against Mesa.
Unknown Speaker
Graham is great. He's also very versatile. And if you think about James Gladstone comes from the Rams who they draft last year. Jared Verse and Braden Fisk. They hit on both Mason Graham because of how dominant and versatile he is. You now compare him with Trayvon Walker and Josh Allen and now you have a truly dominant defensive line. Now, we don't really know where the Jags are thinking because A, it's a new regime and B, they don't do visits. But if you just think about where this organization comes from, both Liam Cohen and James Gladstone come from the Rams line matters. Leslie has built that team around his defensive line. I like that pick a lot. I'm curious, you, you did something interesting here too. You did Carter at 4. Now he visited the Patriots. If he's on the board at three, you really believe the Giants would pass on him for Shador?
Colin Cowherd
Well, so I've gone back and forth. I like Sadur. I've said this. I like him. There's a lot of signals from the Giants. They like him. And I said the other day, I think they're bluffing. But you start looking around at the contracts for Russ, Jameson, DeVito.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
You could move off all of them if you wanted to. I don't think they'd move off Russ because I think Russ, they would bring Shador in and say, listen, this is. This is a pro. Jameis is squirrely. They'd move on. You don't want some young quarterback.
Unknown Speaker
I think they like James a lot, though.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. People say they like him a lot. And he bounces around the league. You ever notice that? Oh, I love him. How come he keeps bouncing around the league? And so I think that the Giants should do or in. The Giants is my toughest pick, but I think there's just a lot of signals, and I think I'm not going to do trades. I. I said it again. If somebody offered them a first and two seconds for Shadour, I think they would absolutely move down.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Because I think the Giants need more help.
Unknown Speaker
I don't think anybody's offering either, do I?
Colin Cowherd
I don't. Everybody keeps telling me a lot of trades who's moving up in this draft.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. I'll tell you the other one, too. I'm just looking at this A. I don't know if Loveland, the Titan from Michigan. Michigan gets past Indy. I don't. I'm not sure, because they do need a tight end, and he's a terrific player.
Colin Cowherd
Great tight end. Draft.
Steve Covino
It is.
Unknown Speaker
It is Will Campbell at 13. I don't think Will Campbell is getting outside anywhere near 13. You know what, Colin? Great mock. I'm going to pick it apart. The one mistake you made. Will Campbell out of LSU is not going to get to 13 in Miami. If he does. That's a gift. The only knock on him is that his arms aren't super long.
Colin Cowherd
I don't like that.
Unknown Speaker
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
That's like saying the only knock on an astronaut is he's afraid of heights. You can't have short arms and beyond dominant. Dominant player with short arms.
Unknown Speaker
Okay, so obviously arm length matters.
Colin Cowherd
At left, it's feet and length.
Unknown Speaker
But I think Will Campbell is a special prospect. A dominant. A dominant left tackle. I don't see him getting anywhere near 13. That's. That's my one nitpick with this. Everything else I like.
Colin Cowherd
Let me tell you, when Miami drafts Will Campbell, Chris Ballard will be celebrating because he's getting a better alignment at 14.
Unknown Speaker
You love Mimbu.
Colin Cowherd
A lot of people love he's a physical monster.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah, he's a beast out of Missou. He is a beast. Yeah. And then you talk about B Shamar Stewart absolutely wrecked the combine. I think he was probably the best dude at the combine athletically, and I like that for Atlanta.
Colin Cowherd
By the way, my staff says Mason Graham to the Jags is good because they didn't defend the run last year.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah, there you go. There you go. Good Mark, good.
Colin Cowherd
I like those Michigan guys. All right, Rachel Nichols around the corner. Nothing is more important than protecting your home and loved ones from harm. Millions of Americans the reassurance starts every day by arming their SimpliSafe home security. Go to simplisafecollen.com get 50% off no safe. Like simply safe. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and.
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Hi everybody. This message is brought to you by the official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward podcast Green River Whiskey as you know, we've been having some fun getting to know Green River Whiskey. Let me tell you, there's a ton of incredible stories to be told in its 140 year history. How's this? For example, Green River Whiskey was once the most advertised whiskey in the world, but just now they've launched their first advertising campaign in more than 100 years. You see, it seems the team from Green river in reviving the whiskey have accidentally also revived its resident ghost. And he's quite a character, spending his days reminding us to keep it simple, focus on the quality, and have a little fun along the way. So if you want to see the ghost of Green river come to Life, check out greenriverwhiskey on their YouTube channel or head on over to greenriverwhiskey.com here's to green River Whiskey. Raise your spirits. Product of Green River Distilling Co. Owensboro, KY Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly.
Colin Cowherd
Covering the NBA for almost 30 years? How is that possible? You're 31 years old. That is unbelievable.
Unknown Speaker
I'm actually only 24, so wow.
Colin Cowherd
It doesn't even make sense math wise. Rachel Nichols, Fox Sports NBA Analyst so I this is probably recency bias, but I watched the warriors and Memphis and Golden State looked so small and so old. And I had said this when Butler you have to be careful about late year winning streaks. A lot of teams are tanking and then other teams are resting players. So the Clippers got red hot and the warriors with Butler honeymoon period. Wow. But they have decided they're not playing Kaminga much, if at all. And Houston's big and long and a great rebounding team and Iman Thompson can guard Steph. Are the warriors in trouble?
Unknown Speaker
It is definitely a series and a matchup I would be worried about if I was Golden State. I mean you talk about Steph Curry and all of the damage he can do. This team still revolves around him as much as Jimmy Butler coming in has helped them. He was held to 1 of 10 shooting three points against Ama and Thompson in the last time these teams matched up. Also, by the way, Steph Curry got into it with Ime Udoka, the Rockets coach. There's been some trash talk since then. So I think this will be a very spicy, very physical matchup. And that's where an older team like the warriors might have some problems as well. We saw Jimmy Butler take a little bit of a bump and bruise at the end of that Memphis game. So they'll have to sort of. We'll have to see how he's doing.
Colin Cowherd
I don't like Houston if there's close games. In fact, there's KD to Houston rumors, which is what they need is a shot maker.
Unknown Speaker
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
That's the problem if the games are close. Nobody manipulates the clock and the refs like the Warriors.
Unknown Speaker
No. And that experience, I mean, one of the big knocks against the Rockets going into this postseason is that they are so young and they really don't have playoff experience. And the warriors have the most playoff experience on their roster in terms of craftiness and everything they can do in that last minute or two of play.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. So let's talk about. I was talking to my friend Jason Timf on this. I'm like, jokic is the best basketball player in the world. Is he gonna get eliminated in the first round? I do like the Clippers. I think they're. They're scoring's more spaced out. They have a coaching advantage that matters.
Unknown Speaker
Absolutely.
Colin Cowherd
Ty lose worth a game in the series. Denver's not a very good defensive team where there are times the Clippers can be very good. I think I like the Clippers. I'm a little leery of their late season surge. Who do you like and why?
Unknown Speaker
Well, yes, they are 18 and 3 in their last 21 games.
Colin Cowherd
Hottest team in the league.
Unknown Speaker
Bonkers. Bananas. But it's not like they were terrible before that. And that's the thing that's so interesting about this Clippers team. They missed Kawhi Leonard for the first half of the season. The scoring load was on James Harden. Harden, who's 35 years old. And yet they still had a respectable team when Kawhi rejoined them. And as you said, Ty Liu, he's on my coach of the year ballot. I think he did a tremendous.
Colin Cowherd
Well, they got off Paul George and they've got. I think it's Derek Jones. They've got some wing defenders. So they, you know, don't Forget they lost 22 a game.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And Kawhi.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
So they lost. They lost their. You know, they have Harden, but for them to be playing that well at the end of the year, it's like that front office deserves some credit.
Unknown Speaker
I would. I would trust that. And listen to that. They are a nasty defensive team. The thing that you worry about, of course, is Nikola Jokic. The Clippers will do everything they can to wall off Jamal Murray. Murray, after coming back from his own injury, little bit, you know, not quite himself yet. So we'll just have to see if Nikola Jokic going nuclear ends up being enough for Denver to win four basketball games. That is asking a lot. But it's Nikola Jokic, as you say, best player on the planet, averaged two triple doubles in one game.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I mean, the Clippers don't really have a legit backup center, so it's one of those do if you're the Nuggets. Do you look at it and say, the way to win. Heavy Jokic around the basket, get the Clippers only legit center and foul trouble, and the Clippers get really small, really fast.
Unknown Speaker
Yes, that.
Colin Cowherd
That's. That's the way to win it. But I'm sure Ty Lewis thought of that. So I think a team that I know Milwaukee hates all of us who have these, like, syndicated shows because every time we talk about Milwaukee, it's about Giannis leaving Indiana. Dangerous, talented, young. This is a team that last year didn't. They got to the Eastern Conference finals. So Milwaukee's at kind of a crossroads. They've been old for two years. They make a move on Dame, got worse defensively, a little better offensively, but it's old Brooke Lopez. You kind of feel like, okay, if they lose in round one, does it go nuclear there?
Unknown Speaker
Look, I think there will definitely be some changes if they lose in round one, but you have to remember, Damian Lillard is not there.
Colin Cowherd
That's right.
Unknown Speaker
And we don't expect him back in this first round. They gave a somewhat encouraging medical update about him the other day in that they did not rule him out for the entire playoffs, but I certainly wouldn't expect to see him anytime soon. So that kind of factors into the Giannis thinking if they do lose in this first round. Last year he was out for the first round of the playoffs. This year, Dame is out for the first round of the playoffs, maybe longer. Is he really going to turn around and say, I have to leave Milwaukee? Which is, by the way, what it would take. It's not like the Bucks are going to put him on the trading block. He would have to ask out, is he going to do that after Dame didn't even play alongside him, the guy that, by the way, Giannis wanted to bring in? I'm not sure that with his temperament and his loyalty, he really has the nature to turn around after losing and possibly in a series that Damian didn't even play in and say I want out of here. It doesn't seem to me like that is what he would do. But let me tell you, every other team in the league is preparing just in case we're not the only ones talking about it.
Colin Cowherd
So we got into this discussion. Sometimes somebody at another network talked about this and I vehemently disagreed. Is I think Conor McGregor from Ireland was the face of the UFC. And I think Shohei is the face of baseball. And Alex Ovechkin, arguably the cyborg scoring. The scoring cyborg is the face of hockey. I made this argument yesterday that European players were always a little polite. They felt international. Luka trash talks.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Berates the refs, yells at fans, has swag taunts players. He is so us.
Unknown Speaker
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
He is so American.
Unknown Speaker
100%.
Colin Cowherd
I think if he plays well and they get to the Finals even if they don't win. But he is fantastic. I think there's an argument he's the new face of the league.
Unknown Speaker
I mean, this trade to the Lakers puts him into a whole new space.
Colin Cowherd
It's also the Lakers which helps face the league arguments.
Unknown Speaker
Absolutely. They just have so many fans around the world and in this country who believe in this team. So putting him in that jersey, it really helps his case over a guy like Anthony Edwards or some of the other guys we've been talking about who will become sort of the face of the league when this older generation leaves. I don't think there's any question he's going to be. I mean, he leads the league in jersey sales at the end of the season. Now, a lot of that is because change teams, your jersey sales go way up. It happens with everyone. But I don't think it's a coincidence. And I think when you look at him in this uniform, you have to see that this is the guy we're going to be talking about for the next five years. I believe that this trade is not only going to affect the Lakers for the next five years. I think it will affect the entire league on par with when KD went to Golden State. I think that the Lakers are going to be such a force once they fix some of that interior defense issue this summer, which they freely say they have to do that not only could they be like the warriors in their prime, where it was sort of just assumed they get to the Finals and probably win it, it's going to change LeBron James legacy. If in the next three or four years LeBron sticks around, because why wouldn't he at this point? He's got Another son who wants to come in. I kind of think he could win two more rings. Courtesy of Luka Doncic. How does that change the Michael Jordan discussion, the Kobe discussion? So Luka going and putting this jersey on affects so many things beyond Los Angeles. I don't think there's any question that kind of influential. You're talking about Caitlin Clark to start the show. That influence that we see from Luca is going to make him that face of the league.
Colin Cowherd
So I want to talk at length about the Caitlin Clark thing, because in individual sports, skiing, Lindsey Vonn, tennis, Serena Williams. In my life, the best team sport for women in North America has been the United States Women's National Soccer Team. Very popular. But team sports have largely, in North America, been dominated by guys. And one of the things, not that we're not nice, but guys are a little more cutthroat when money's involved. And what we found out with guy sports is, don't share. You got a star. Put them on everything. I mean, Dana White. Yeah. I'm not going to pay you guys what you want. Jon Jones and Connor McGregor, you're going to soak up most of the revenue. NFL now doesn't even force you to air every team.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Fox is like, yeah, we're going to run. We're going to air about six baseball teams. It's not our responsibility that Baltimore is not as interesting. I think last year, the WNBA tried to be nice, and they were like, okay, we're going to bring this in slowly. And then all of a sudden you're like, oh, no, no. She is literally Ohtani. She is Conor McGregor. She is changing the financials, and they didn't quite know what to do. So when Time magazine, I think, did the same thing, they name her Athlete of the Year, which you could have given that to a lot of you. Oh, Shohei Ohtani could have gotten that. You could have given that to a lot of people. But the one thing. She is, without question, is the most influential American sports star since MJ or Tiger.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And she's not on the list. And my take is you guys are overthinking it. I've been in radio for 30 years. There's a saying, play the hits.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
She's Taylor Swift and sneakers. Can we stop pretending that. So that's my guy take on it. How do you view it?
Unknown Speaker
No, I. I think all of that is absolutely true. I mean, the irony is she won Athlete of the Year because of her influence. She didn't have the best season.
Colin Cowherd
That's right.
Unknown Speaker
Of all the other athletes, Asia Wilson's.
Colin Cowherd
The best player in the league.
Unknown Speaker
She. She wasn't the best player in the W. Her team didn't get the furthest. She didn't win a championship. It's because of the other stuff that they named her athlete of the year and therefore to not include her here is insane. The thing that I have a little bit of a nitpick with though, in the discussion around this over the last couple days is there has been a lot of pointing to, wait, Nafisia Collier and Brianna Stewart are on this list because of course, they're an unrivaled basketball league. What they started, how that really changed the dynamics of women playing basketball in America. Why are they on the list instead of Caitlin Clark? It's not an instead of. By the way, those are two people on a 100 person list. There's 98 other people that Caitlin Clark could be there instead of. So whether that was a factor in the people making the list, it has certainly been a factor in the public reaction to the list. Maybe someone at Time magazine was like, well, I got away. What starting unrivaled in that league is compared to what Caitlin Clark did. You don't have to compare them. Compare Caitlin Clark to the other 98 people. I guarantee you she gets in.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I haven't seen the list. I'm sure Elon Musk is on it. Isn't he influential? Is he a thumbs up? Yeah, I was guessing that one. That's the only one I knew. Okay, one more thing. So I'm watching. So I told the story earlier. So I bought, as I'm moving some operations to Chicago. I bought Bulls, Blackhawks season tickets. And so my wife's like so excited to go to a playoff game. And I said, okay, just settle down there.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah, yeah.
Colin Cowherd
So, right. She's texting me last night. Or did we buy tickets to a terrible team? And I said, well, if they get Cooper flag, they won't be.
Unknown Speaker
Exactly.
Colin Cowherd
And so I left. But my takeaway was watching the game last night was, boy, KD and Miami, Listen, they've made, I said it earlier, like, they've made the conference finals like nine times in 20 years. Like they're really well run. Yeah, the Dolphins and Marlins maybe not. There's a lot of grifters in Miami. Not in the Miami Heat building. That's like the grown ups in the room. Yes, Rachel. I watch KD and I'm like, they got deal makers in that front office. Oh, yeah, he is exactly what they need. And by the way Cleveland and the Celtics are so good, you can't do. You can't chip it down the fairway. Bring out the big clubs. You need a big swing.
Unknown Speaker
I don't think there's any question the Heat want him. They have the assets to make it done.
Colin Cowherd
They do.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah, they do. I mean, they know what bringing in a guy like KD could do for them. But there are other teams that want him, too. And part of this is going to be in KD's control. Where does he want to go? Nobody wants an unhappy Kevin Durant, especially after what happened in Phoenix, on their roster. So he's going to have a say in all of this as well. And we're just going to have to see what kind of offers people put on the table. The Nets were reported the other day by the New York Post as being a great interest in KD and getting assets ready to bundle them. I don't know whether he'd want to go back there, but you know what?
Colin Cowherd
Say this about kd. Players like him, Budenholzer and him didn't get along, but that's probably more coach than player. Mo even when he left Golden State. Like the guys individually like him, he's a quirky personality. But I think Miami does stars.
Unknown Speaker
And look, I think Miami would be a great choice for Kevin because after being in an organization that frankly in the front office, James Jones didn't know if he was in charge or Matt Ishbio charges in and now he's in charge. And oh, they make this trade and oh, they make that trade and there's been instability in the coaching ranks on that team. To go to a Miami team where everything is, as you say, above board and runs like clockwork in the front office department and the coaching staff, I think he would welcome that kind of structure and I think he'd love to live in Florida just judging on his personality.
Colin Cowherd
Listen to this breaking story. Shams. Yes, Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis.
Unknown Speaker
Wow.
Colin Cowherd
No longer on blood thinning meds, Lillard out for game one Saturday, will have a period of time to resume contact workouts. He could be in the late part of that series, could play. That's big.
Unknown Speaker
That's big. That's a few ifs, by the way, because he hasn't been playing basketball for a few months now. Right. So, I mean, I think that he does have to work his way back in. So whether we see him or not probably depends on how much trouble the Bucks are or aren't Having in that series.
Colin Cowherd
Who's favored in that series? Ryan, who is favored in that series, is Milwaukee's favorite in the series.
Unknown Speaker
I just think that we're going to have to see how he progresses. This is a delicate thing. However, it's obviously great, great news. I mentioned they had a positive medical update the other day, but it wasn't really pointing at something like this. The fact that he's been cleared of the medical issue is huge because, by the way, deep, deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical issue. So for his personal health, that's great. And for the team, that is great.
Colin Cowherd
Pacers are actually favored. Okay. All right.
Unknown Speaker
Give me close, though. That's a toss up one.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I'm, I'm taking the Rockets over the warriors, but, you know, you gotta, you gotta take some swings. You know what else? And I do think the Clippers beat, beat the Nuggets, which is rare because, you know, here's the thing. Memphis and Denver move off. Coaches.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Do you watch the, you watch the Memphis game against the Lakers the other night? They couldn't get the ball in.
Unknown Speaker
No.
Colin Cowherd
Inbounds play was the game. Yeah, it's like, guys, you can't fire a coach if you're going to be a playoff team. You can wait three weeks. It's crazy that literally that inbounds play becomes huge for Memphis.
Unknown Speaker
And when you are coaching against a guy in Tyloo who obviously is so experienced and clever, I think that that will come back to haunt you.
Colin Cowherd
All right, great stuff, Rach. Good to see you as well. Herdline News around the corner. It's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app.
Steve Covino
Hey, it's Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis. And together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we both been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up as they say, I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio. Maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino Enriched Live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe Noanrich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social that's Covino.
Rachel Nichols
And Rich American Public University is the number one provider of education to our military and veterans in this country. They offer something truly unique special rates and grants for the entire family, making education affordable not just for those who serve, but also for their loved ones. If you have a military or veteran family member and are looking for affordable, high quality education, APU is the place for you. Visit Apu Apus Edu Military to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu Military Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results. From recruiting and development to payroll and analytics, paycor connects you with the people, data and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset, your people. Are you ready to become a Better Leader? Visit paycor.com leaders to learn more. That's paycor.com leaders T Mobile's stats are.
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Rachel Nichols
Hi everybody. This message is brought to you by the official Whiskey of the Heard with Colin Coward podcast, Green River Whiskey. As you know, we've been having some fun getting to know Green River Whiskey. Let me tell you, there's a ton of incredible stories to be told in its 140 year history. How's this? For example, Green River Whiskey was once the most advertised whiskey in the world, but just now they've launched their first advertising campaign in more than 100 years. You see, it seems the team from Green river in reviving the whiskey have accidentally also revived its resident ghost and he's Quite a character. Spending his days reminding us to keep it simple, focus on the quality, and have a little fun along the way. So if you want to see the ghost of Green river come to Life, check out greenriverwhiskey on their YouTube channel or head on over to greenriverwhiskey.com here's to green River Whiskey. Raise your spirits. Product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly.
Unknown Speaker
This Easter, the UFL takes over spring's biggest weekend with the Fox Football extravaganza. First, Tomorrow night at 8 Eastern, Memphis takes on Michigan. Then Saturday at 7, Birmingham battles Houston. And Sunday at 5, it's San Antonio versus D.C. all this weekend on Fox.
Colin Cowherd
Jordan Schultz, without further ado with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.
Unknown Speaker
All right, Colin. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers have been leaked all off season with no official deal getting done. One Pittsburgh legend says enough is enough.
Colin Cowherd
If I'm the Steelers, I'm saying, hey, Aaron, I need to know by, like, Tuesday of next week. Right. Like, I gotta know before the draft whether you're coming or not.
Unknown Speaker
He has the right to be like, I'll wait.
Colin Cowherd
And they. The Steelers could say, they could be.
Unknown Speaker
Like, okay, we're moving on.
Colin Cowherd
We're gonna draft a guy. Yeah. And then Aaron could be like, after the draft. Hey, I want to come. And they might still do it. I don't know.
Unknown Speaker
So he just went on TV and said, quote, I'll set it straight from the jump. I'm in a different position on my different phase of my life. I'm 41 years old. Basically says everything's on the table, including retirement.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. That's what it should be. I mean, let's. Let's say he retires.
Unknown Speaker
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
Hall of Famer, Super bowl trophy, 204 time MVP. MVP, first ballot, hall of Famer. And he had two years in New York.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
What? He got hurt in the second one. He played well down the stretch. That's a great career. I don't think you need to go to a third team unless it's absolutely ideal. I. If I was him, I think I would retire.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Unless Minnesota gave me one shot for one year. But I think retirement, it's a really clean break on what has mostly been a really clean career.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah. It's interesting. You talked about the perfect team. He actually was really angry, it seemed like, with the jets, where he said basically flew across the country, talked to Aaron Glenn talked to Darren Muji the new jets regime, and then they told him, you know what, we're going to go in a different direction. So he has a sour taste in his mouth. I understand why he takes taking the time. I certainly believe, Colin. There's still a world in which, before the draft, to Big Ben's point, that he ends up being a Steeler, but obviously there's also a world in which he retires. My question to you is, could you see a scenario in which he waits all the way up until training camp and maybe finds a better option or perhaps, God forbid, somebody gets hurt and then he becomes another option somewhere else?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Yeah. I always think, and maybe this doesn't matter, it's hard to have a clean ending like Derek Jeter or John Elway, Roger Staubach. It's. It's hard to have a clean ending. And I think people tend to lack discipline sometimes. Tom Brady had a pretty clean ending. And I think Aaron, because he's got interest beyond football, it's maybe a little easier for him. And because the jets was a sour taste in his mouth, I think between the fact that he's got a lot of interest. I mean it. I mean, in the end, if you'd have told Aaron, you're going to get a trophy, you're going to get rich, and you're going to play for one of the great iconic franchises for 90% of your career, wouldn't you sign up for that?
Unknown Speaker
What you don't want to be is college.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. I mean, do you really want to ham and egg it the last four years of your career? I think I just called a career.
Unknown Speaker
Right.
Colin Cowherd
Trophy, legacy, money. Yeah. Fame. If that matters to you. I don't know if it matters to him. You're out. It's great.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah. Another former, well, I should say former Giants coach Pat Schermer, now current Colorado offensive coordinator, compared his college quarterback Shador Sanders to one of the last pro quarterbacks he coached, Daniel Jones. Shermer coached the G men during Jones's rookie year and said, quote, I think they're both wonderful human beings. They're both highly accomplished, talented college players that have a chance to make an impact in the NFL. So there's a lot of similarities. Now, Colin, what's interesting about that comp is I think Shermer meant it as a compliment, but it comes across as saying Daniel Jones, Shador Sanders.
Colin Cowherd
I think Shador Sanders is a significantly better prospect. I didn't think Daniel Jones was ever a first round prospect. If the Giants took Shador at number three. I don't think it's a wild reach. I think it's what they need and I think he's good. So I, I, I don't, I don't see it at all. First of all, Shador is not stiff. He's a fluid athlete. Daniel Jones is stiff. Second of all, Daniel Jones isn't very accurate. Shador Sanders is historically accurate. There is no comp. They're both nice guys and they can both move a little. But, but Daniel was always kind of a stiff guy that wasn't always a great anticipatory thrower. Not terribly athletically fluid, not necessarily sort of an engaging personality. I think Shedeur's engaging, accurate, more fluid as an athlete. I don't think there's any, they don't remind me of each other at all. All. Yeah.
Unknown Speaker
What's interesting about Chador is something you said earlier. He may not be Lamar Jackson as a runner, but he is a very good mover. And I've talked about this a lot, including this week. What teams have told me about Shador Sanders is there's a misconception that he's not a good athlete. Being a good athlete and being a great runner are different things, but you can be a good athlete and not necessarily be this electric escape artist. He buys enough time in the pocket. What I think is going to translate for him right away, regardless of where he ends up, is the accuracy. I've said it. The 20 yard handoff. He has it. Shador Sanders, you said this yesterday. I believe his arm may not be Josh Allen, but it's not a problem. It's either a problem in the NFL or it's not. And his is not. You like him with the Giants?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. No, I think I, I mean, I, I could, I think if the Giants were offered picks, they'd move down.
Unknown Speaker
I'm not getting offered picks.
Colin Cowherd
So my take is they're going to take him. Brian Dabel is going to look at him. I don't get the Pat Shermer comp at all. I mean, they're both nice guys.
Unknown Speaker
Well, Pat Shermer didn't last in the.
Colin Cowherd
NFL, so I think Shedeur's a significantly better prospect.
Unknown Speaker
Another great prospect, Ashton Genti, penned a letter in the Players Tribune. Really interesting. It was actually two NFL GMs calling in it. Genti said he watched Saquon run through the playoffs last season and thought, that can be me. Genti said, quote, it's tackle football. I draft the guy they can't tackle. What's what's really cool about Genty grew up in Europe, military kid. He did not get a lot of interest until later on in his career.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Unknown Speaker
When he came to the US He's a game changing back. I love the confidence and Colin, I think his ceiling is potentially five to Jacksonville. His floor might just be 10. He is a generational back. What's the best fit for Ashton?
Colin Cowherd
Gentle Raiders is really good because I like their offensive line. I think the Raiders is good. Dallas would be okay.
Unknown Speaker
I think the Bears too is interesting.
Colin Cowherd
Interesting. But they've. The Bears have spent a lot of money on offense. Okay. Which is by the way. Yeah. I mean in the NFL, spend your money on offense, draft your defense. So my take is Bears, go get an edge rusher. You're in a division with good offensive coaches. Go start loading up. If I was the Bears, this draft would be a defensive draft. I would put six or seven picks on defense. That's what I would do. Your offense is set. Go. You can get a running back in the fifth or sixth round. Go concentrate. And defensive players generally can play sooner than offensive players because defense is largely blow stuff up. Offense is choreography, learning a playbook. That's it.
Unknown Speaker
And in that division too. NFC north, good quarterbacks. Jordan love Jared. You gotta be able to get to the passer.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Jordan with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news. I was very proud. I mean, I think as a, as a show unit, we're very proud of the mock draft 45 minutes ago. I'll show it at the end of the show. Yeah, I think the Bears have to go draft a defense. You got your own line set. You've got a number two back. Go get another back. You got tight ends. I like wide receivers. I like in a quarterback and an offensive coach. Just go load up on defense. That's what the Chiefs and the Rams do. Buy offense, pay offense, draft defense.
Rachel Nichols
American Public University is the number one provider of education to our military and veterans in this country. They offer something truly unique. Special rates and grants for the entire family, making education affordable not just for those who serve, but also for their loved ones. If you have a military or veteran family member and are looking for affordable, high quality education, APU is the place for you. Visit Apu Apus Edu Military to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu Military. Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results from recruiting and development to payroll and analytics. Paycor connects you with the people, data and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset, your people. Are you ready to become a Better Leader? Visit paycor.com leaders to learn more. That's paycor.com leaders we live in a.
Jordan Schultz
Divided country and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe, subscribe to the Middle. You also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Unknown Speaker
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare.
Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked.
Colin Cowherd
Well, not me, but me with someone else's body part.
Unknown Speaker
This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart podcasts Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - NFL Mock Draft Summary
Release Date: April 17, 2025
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.
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.
#1 Tennessee Titans – Cam Warden
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 Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter
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 New York Giants – Shador Sanders
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 New England Patriots – Abdul Carter
Colin Cowherd [10:45]: "The Patriots had the fewest sacks last year. Abdul Carter is a great athlete who can change that."
#5 Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Genty
Colin Cowherd [12:00]: "Ashton Genty is a home run for the Raiders. He’s a day one 1500-yard guy."
#6 New York Jets – Tyler Warren
Colin Cowherd [14:20]: "Tyler Warren can split out wide and take pressure off Garrett Wilson. He’s a playmaker."
#7 Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young
Colin Cowherd [15:30]: "Bryce Young is a true number one. Carolina needs him to elevate their wide receiver group."
#8 New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson
Colin Cowherd [17:10]: "Will Johnson is exceptional. New Orleans needs to replace Lattimore, and Johnson fits the bill."
#9 Chicago Bears – Jaylon Walker
Colin Cowherd [19:17]: "Jaylon Walker is a dominant pass rusher. The Bears need to upgrade their defense further."
#10 San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks
Colin Cowherd [21:12]: "Kelvin Banks protects Brock Purdy effectively. The old line was a weakness; Banks is the solution."
#11 Dallas Cowboys – Amarian Hampton
Colin Cowherd [22:30]: "Amarian Hampton is electric and strong. Dallas needs star power in their running back room."
#12 Miami Dolphins – Will Campbell
Colin Cowherd [24:10]: "Will Campbell is a dominant left tackle. Miami needs to protect Tua and strengthen their offensive line."
#13 Indianapolis Colts – Armand Membu
Colin Cowherd [26:05]: "Armand Membu is a physical specimen who will start day one. This is the steal of the draft."
#14 Atlanta Falcons – Shemar Stewart
Colin Cowherd [27:40]: "Shemar Stewart can rush Baker Mayfield and improve our pass rush. Atlanta needs to focus on defense now."
#15 Detroit Lions – Tyson Smith
Colin Cowherd [28:00]: "Tyson Smith adds versatility to our linebacker corps. Detroit can build a stronger defense with him."
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.
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.
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."
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.