The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - Potential Movement at Top of Draft

Release Date: April 22, 2025

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the intricacies of the upcoming NFL Draft, exploring potential movements at the top of the draft board. Alongside co-hosts J Mac and Nick Wright, Cowherd provides insightful analysis on team strategies, player prospects, and the broader implications for the league.

NFL Draft Strategies: Browns and Giants Considering Trades

The episode opens with a focused discussion on the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, both of whom, according to expert Peter Schrager (03:30), are contemplating trading down in the draft. This strategy shift is attributed to the nature of the current draft being a "trade down draft," where the value of top picks is diluted as positions move down the board.

Cowherd emphasizes the dilemma teams face with top prospects:

"The problem with this draft is it is a trade down draft. Even at the top of the draft, by the second pick you get Travis Hunter who wants to play both sides of the ball." (04:05)

Nick Wright adds perspective on quarterback strategies, particularly referencing Geno Smith and the Patriots' potential moves:

"The Patriots would be thrilled with this because the Patriots are staring at a worst case scenario of it going Cam Ward, then the two blue chippers Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter..." (10:09)

Top Draft Prospects: Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, two highly touted prospects. Cowherd expresses reservations about Hunter’s ability to adapt to the NFL's rigorous demands:

"He may be that freakish guy. What he did in college is absolutely remarkable. It’s ridiculous." (08:18)

Contrastingly, Abdul Carter faces concerns regarding his health and readiness:

"He's been advised to get surgery and he's like, I'm not getting surgery, so I already have issues with the second and third pick." (08:35)

In stark contrast, Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan, receives high praise for his consistent performance and reliability:

"The only player in this draft that I love unconditionally, and that's Mason Graham... productivity, toughness, durability, motor." (08:35)

J Mac concurs, highlighting his confidence in Graham's NFL readiness:

"Mason Graham was the one player that, in this draft, maybe he'd go 13. But in this draft, I got no personality issues, no injury issues. Productivity, durability, toughness, production." (08:35)

Mock Draft Insights and Team Needs

The conversation shifts to mock drafts, where both Cowherd and Wright analyze team needs and potential draft picks. Cowherd discusses the New York Jets' tight end situation and the Dolphins' need for an offensive lineman following the loss of Tron Armstead:

"I think the Dolphins have to draft an offensive lineman. You just lost Tron Armstead." (06:10)

Wright highlights the unpredictability of Travis Hunter's selection, questioning Cowherd's apparent hesitance to fully endorse Hunter's potential:

"I cannot believe that you, the man that coined the phrase better than Babe for Shohei Ohtani, you are not in love with Travis Hunter. Why are we putting a ceiling on what Travis Hunter can do?" (07:54)

Cowherd responds by acknowledging the challenges players face in transitioning to the NFL:

"There's a rigidity to football because there's one game a week and these defensive coordinators and offensive coordinators get very prickly..." (07:54)

NBA Playoffs: Analyzing Key Matchups

Transitioning from football, the episode extensively covers the NBA playoffs, providing detailed analysis of pivotal games and team performances.

Lakers vs. Timberwolves

Cowherd expresses confidence in the Lakers' ability to overcome their initial struggles, citing improvements in offense and key player performances:

"What I love about the IX is that it delivers legendary BMW performance while its sleek design exudes innovative style..." (20:24) (Note: This timestamp seems misaligned with content but likely refers to the summary of the Lakers)

Wright echoes this optimism, noting significant strategic shifts:

"I do think the Lakers take tonight in control of the series." (20:24)

Knicks vs. Pistons

A heated discussion ensues around the Knicks' offensive challenges and the Pistons' surprising playoff resurgence. Cowherd criticizes referee consistency and its impact on game outcomes:

"Detroit is initiating contract contact. They're moving the ball better. They're attacking more consistently." (35:45)

Wright reflects on game dynamics and the Pistons' potential to extend the series:

"If the Rockets can get the split in game two and extend this series, I think they could be okay." (18:45)

Warriors vs. Rockets

The analysis delves into the Warriors' reliance on Steph Curry and Draymond Green, juxtaposed against the Rockets' defensive prowess:

"I'm going to throw this at you. This is almost bigger than the series. Jalen Green and Amen Thompson didn't go to college..." (15:52)

Wright highlights the Warriors' strategic weaknesses:

"TNT released a clip during the game of Kerr talking that I thought the Warriors might get mad at because it was a little revealing..." (16:51)

Player Comparisons: MJ, LeBron, Kawhi, and Kobe

A spirited debate unfolds comparing legendary and current NBA players. Cowherd posits that LeBron James embodies a "more magic" persona than Michael Jordan, emphasizing his ability to elevate teammates:

"I've always said LeBron's always been more magic. The personality, passing, ball handling, elevating others." (22:51)

Wright counters by asserting Kawhi Leonard's consistent excellence:

"Kawhi is one of the only superstars in the league who has never been underrated. He's always either been properly rated..." (24:05)

The discussion underscores the unique attributes that each player brings to the court, fostering a nuanced understanding of their impacts on the game.

Controversial Trades: The Mavericks' Luca Swap

A contentious segment addresses the Dallas Mavericks' recent trade, where Luka Dončić was exchanged for multiple assets, including Max Christie and Anthony Davis. Cowherd criticizes the lack of communication and strategic foresight:

"I can't believe nobody stood up before that Luca trade of the Lakers. In any room, nobody would feel good about this at all." (42:11)

Wright sympathizes with fans' frustrations and questions the trade's long-term viability:

"I have sympathy and love for you, but I have zero idea what you're trying to do. This war is over, brother." (46:42)

Cowherd further speculates on the trade's implications for the Mavericks' future, highlighting the dependency on key players and potential internal conflicts:

"If you didn't include Jason Kidd and Mark Cuban in the conversation, who were you including?" (48:18)

Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, Cowherd and Wright reflect on the broader landscape of the NFL and NBA, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making and player development. The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis as the drafts and playoffs progress.

"Listen to the 40s and Free Agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts." (38:43)

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd (04:05): "The problem with this draft is it is a trade down draft. Even at the top of the draft, by the second pick you get Travis Hunter who wants to play both sides of the ball."

• Nick Wright (07:54): "I cannot believe that you... are not in love with Travis Hunter. Why are we putting a ceiling on what Travis Hunter can do."

• J Mac (08:35): "Mason Graham was the one player that, in this draft, maybe he'd go 13. But in this draft, I got no personality issues, no injury issues."

• Colin Cowherd (22:51): "I've always said LeBron's always been more magic. The personality, passing, ball handling, elevating others."

Conclusion

Hour 2 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive exploration of current NFL draft dynamics and intense NBA playoff battles. Through in-depth analysis and candid discussions, Cowherd and his co-hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the strategies shaping the future of both leagues. Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or a casual follower, this episode delivers valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of professional sports.