The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - Playoff Pressure Predictions Release Date: April 10, 2025

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry delve into pressing topics surrounding the NBA playoffs and the upcoming NFL Draft. The episode is enriched with expert insights, heated discussions, and notable guest appearances, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current sports narratives.

1. NBA Playoff Pressure Predictions

Jason McIntyre initiates the discussion by outlining his list of the five NBA players currently under the most pressure as the playoffs approach. This segment highlights the intense scrutiny faced by standout athletes and the expectations placed upon them to lead their teams to success.

• Jimmy Butler
  McIntyre identifies Butler as a key player under pressure due to his recent move from Miami, where he led the Heat to two finals appearances, to Golden State. Butler’s challenge lies in fitting into a team already led by Draymond Green and stepping up when Steph Curry is contained.
  Quote: "Jimmy Butler is under a fair amount of pressure in these playoffs." [02:45]

• Ja Morant
  Ja Morant is scrutinized for his off-court behavior and on-court performance. Incidents involving gestures toward opponents and potential conflicts within the Memphis Grizzlies organization have heightened expectations for Morant to deliver playoff success.
  Quote: "Somebody pitched me the idea that John Morant wants out of Memphis and he's starting to make noise." [02:55]

• Jayson Tatum
  While Tatum is lauded for his consistent performance, McIntyre points out the pressure to solidify his status as an elite top-five player in the league. Past moments, such as not securing the Finals MVP, contribute to the expectations on Tatum.
  Quote: "There's some pressure for him to act and show that he is an elite top five guy in this league." [03:30]

• Karl-Anthony Towns
  Towns faces criticism for his defensive capabilities. Despite being a prolific scorer, his inability to defend effectively has been a point of concern, especially as he joins a high-pressure environment like the New York Knicks.
  Quote: "He was benched in the playoffs last year by the Timberwolves because he can't guard anybody." [04:10]

• Shay Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)
  Ranked as the top player under pressure, SGA is anticipated to win the MVP. McIntyre emphasizes the immense expectations placed on him to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to success.
  Quote: "Shay Gilgeous Alexander is under the most pressure of any player in the upcoming NBA playoffs." [04:25]

2. NFL Draft Analysis with Guest Dane Brugler

The episode features Dane Brugler, an esteemed NFL Draft analyst from The Athletic, discussing his annual draft guide, "The Beast." The conversation focuses on prospective quarterbacks and their potential impacts on their respective teams.

• Cam Ward
  Brugler posits that Cam Ward is a prime candidate for the number one overall pick, particularly favored by the Tennessee Titans. Ward’s evolution as a quarterback, his elusiveness, and arm strength make him a valuable asset for teams seeking a franchise quarterback.
  Quote: "Cam Ward offers a lot of what you want in an NFL quarterback, and he's still just 22 years old." [07:46]

• Shadour Sanders
  Discussing Sanders, Brugler highlights the complexities teams face in assessing his potential. While Sanders demonstrates the skills necessary for an NFL starter, questions about his ability to uplift a franchise and carry a team persist.
  Quote: "There's things about his profile that really, I think you can start in the NFL, but is he really going to uplift everybody around me and carry a franchise?" [10:16]

• Jalen Milroe
  Milroe is described as an explosive athlete with significant potential. However, concerns about his consistency and development requirements might influence his draft position.
  Quote: "Jalen Milroe is an explosive athlete with his legs and he's also explosive with his arm. He was a winner." [16:09]

• Abdul Carter
  Carter is lauded as one of the top edge rushers in the draft, with Brugler expressing confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact. Despite some concerns about work habits and injuries, Carter remains a high-valued prospect.
  Quote: "Abdul Carter is probably the best plug and play player in the draft right now." [22:26]

Brugler also addresses the draft's quarterback landscape, suggesting that teams should prioritize finding a competent quarterback who can help them compete in the playoffs rather than solely aiming for an elite superstar.

Quote: "The goal shouldn't be to find the next Patrick Mahomes. The goal should be to find a guy that's going to help us compete and let it help us get to the playoffs." [09:52]

3. Team News and Updates

Alex Curry provides updates on various teams, focusing on the Detroit Lions and the Denver Nuggets, among others.

• Detroit Lions
  St. Brown’s interview on Kevin Hart's podcast is discussed, emphasizing his ambition to win a Super Bowl. The Lions are portrayed as underdogs with the potential to surprise, especially with new coordinators and a less targeted outlook from other teams.
  Quote: "St. Brown outlined his goal for the Lions this year. He wants to win a Super Bowl." [29:16]

• Denver Nuggets
  The abrupt firing of coach Michael Malone is critiqued, with Jokic taking on additional responsibilities. The uncertainty surrounding the team's offensive philosophy and leadership dynamics is highlighted as a potential vulnerability.
  Quote: "Nikola Jokic talked about the impact of losing his coach, saying that the firing woke the team up." [32:07]

4. Kyler Murray’s Game Change Announcement

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Kyler Murray, where Jason McIntyre evaluates his performance trajectory and recent statements about altering his playing style.

• Performance Evaluation
  Murray’s initial success, characterized by his running ability and dynamic playmaking, is contrasted with recent injuries and a perceived decline in his quarterback performance. McIntyre expresses skepticism about Murray’s ability to consistently perform at a franchise quarterback level.
  Quote: "Kyler Murray started running a ton. The talent is undeniably still there, but he hasn't been making winning plays lately." [35:02]

• Change in Playing Style
  During an interview, Murray mentions his openness to increasing his running in the upcoming season, suggesting a strategic shift to leverage his mobility as a weapon.
  Quote: "I'm open to running more next year just because it's such a weapon." [40:03]

• Comparative Analysis
  The discussion includes comparisons to other quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Jalen Hurts, debating organizational factors versus individual talent in determining success. McIntyre ultimately gives Murray a "second chance," hoping for improved performance.
  Quote: "I'm going to give Kyler, do you...I'm giving Kyler a second chance. I'm going to stop the bombing." [43:42]

5. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Topics

As the episode nears its end, Jason McIntyre teases upcoming discussions, including further analysis on the Dallas Mavericks and the implications of Kyler Murray’s potential changes. The hosts wrap up with a call to action for listeners to tune in to future episodes for ongoing coverage.

Quote: "Coming up next, Kyler Murray said he's making a big change to his game." [35:18]

Conclusion

Hour 2 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a multifaceted look into the high-stakes environments of the NBA playoffs and the NFL Draft. With expert guest Dane Brugler and insightful commentary from hosts Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry, the episode provides listeners with a deep dive into the pressures faced by elite athletes and the strategic decisions shaping the future of professional sports.