Unknown Speaker (6:28)

Rock Birdie. Is he gonna get a 5?

Colin Cowherd (6:30)

I don't think so.

Unknown Speaker (6:31)

Do you think he's gonna go with a four? He's gonna start with a four.

Daniel Jeremiah (6:35)

Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (6:35)

A high four.

Colin Cowherd (6:38)

No, I think mid four, mid four, a 45. I think so. I mean, I think if he does.

Unknown Speaker (6:43)

That, that'd be smart for him and them.

Colin Cowherd (6:45)

Yeah, I mean, I think he's.

Unknown Speaker (6:47)

He seems like a smart guy.

Colin Cowherd (6:48)

I think he, like, they're still. They have a chance to still be in their window. And I think if.

Unknown Speaker (6:54)

If he goes for a five, that the window closes.

Colin Cowherd (6:57)

Did we send him our transcripts? I love it.

Unknown Speaker (7:02)

Where Colin was wrong.

Colin Cowherd (7:04)

Russell Westbrook can drive me crazy. But I thought he and Jokic won game one, a very tight game. And you got the full Russell Westbrook experience. I mean, you got his energy, you got his rebounding, you got his toughness, you got his defense. I thought know. I mean, he. He's not a flawless player. This three we're showing was huge. But you got to be fair in this business, I don't always love him as a player. I thought he was so valuable. And you can say whatever you want with Westbrook, but it's 6 4. That dude is a great rebounder, and he. He has no problem battling six, nine guys in the paint. He loves it. Good for him. Where Colin was wrong. I'm not a huge fan of Jackson Dart. I think when you put pressure on him, he Becomes a better version of Zach Wilson. I just even went to high school, but, you know, people I like in the NFL who I trust, Rams like him. Reportedly Day Ball likes him. So I've talked to somebody over the weekend that likes him a lot, an executive in the NFL who I have respect for. So, yeah, I, I watched them a lot in college. I watch Ole Miss and SEC football and Lane Kiffin and Jackson Dart a lot. I never looked at it and thought, wow, there's a first round talent now. I think he's better than a Will Levis. I think he's better than Zach Wilson. He's obviously a talented guy. There's a, you know, whatever it is, you know, he can make big throws, but he beat up on a lot of bad teams in College, was 1 and 3 against Bama and Georgia and that one win, he had 13 completed passes. But the league, we'll see. We'll see on Thursday. But the league apparently disagrees with me. Colin, right? Colin wrong on a Monday. And with that, we bring in live Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network. You can watch him through all seven rounds in Green Bay, which by the way, is going to be an experience. I love the NFL movement around the draft. There's nothing like Lambo and the Green Bay Packer fans. Live coverage starts Thursday on the NFL Network at 8 Eastern. I will be absolutely gr. Glued. So let's start with Jackson Dart. I'm, I'm a bigger Shador fan than most. I think Cam Ward's going to be a big hit in Tennessee. So I like two quarterbacks. Jackson Dart's the one I don't get. I, I've said same high school as Zach, same kind of size. I think he's better than Zach. I think he's a stronger kid. Tell me what I'm missing because everybody I talk to likes him. I don't quite see it.

Daniel Jeremiah (9:22)

Yeah, Colin, for me, he ended up being my 34th player. I think like 34, 36, like somewhere in that range. So I had him in that second round grouping. And the way I would sell you on him, you know, in terms of the value there, it reminds me a lot of hurts, you know, just when Hertz was coming out and that you follow the trend line with Hertz. Hertz got better every year. He was, he was a strong, sturdy guy. He's a gym rat who's obsessed with being good. All the intangible stuff's off the charts. The toughness is there, the intelligence is there. So to me, I think you're just buying that that trend line just keeps on going and I look at, you know, the Giants are the team that I think make the most sense. I think he's a little more physical than should do or from that conversation I have should door rated higher than him. But for the Giants specifically, I could see Brian Dabel feeling like he's a little bit better fit for that environment that they're in there. In terms of the weather, you're going to be playing in the wind. All those things.

Colin Cowherd (10:16)

Well, having worked for multiple organization in your career and now doing the Chargers radio, you know, I was talking to an offensive coordinator this weekend who I had dinner with and I was talking about the coach and the decisions made and you know, you can have owners impact. The Raiders are fascinating to me because and I wonder if teams think about this so if Geno Smith and Sam Darnold are a little similar, if they're throwing with decent protection and a run game on third and two, watch out if Geno or Sam are throwing without a run game and the O line protection is not great, they can turn fast. And I look at Geno and I'm like, you know, if Gino, I like the Raiders O line, left tackle, center from Oregon, right tackle for Maryland. I look at the Raiders and I'm like, I can see Pete Carroll saying hey, Geno with a run game is a pretty, pretty B B plus quarterback. Do you think coaches think that way based on. Maybe it's a bit of a. But he makes our quarterback better and in this league that's about 75% of it.

Daniel Jeremiah (11:24)

Yeah. I mean you're talking about Genti, you know there. Yeah, to me. Yeah, Genti. I have him as the third best player in the draft. So from a, from a talent standpoint, absolutely, it makes sense. And usually when you have teams picking up there the, the pushback I have on running backs is, man, if your team's not ready for them, don't take him, you know, because you only have six or seven year run with these backs. So don't waste them on a team that doesn't have a good offensive line or is a bad situation for them because then you've wasted two or three of those, you know, six or seven years. Like you need to have a team that's ready for them. And even though they're picking up there in the top 10, I can make a strong case. The Raiders have some good pieces on that offensive line, you know, continue to add to it. Another interior player would be nice. The Bears have done their best to retool and revamp their group. I think both those teams in the top 10, they would make sense to me for Ashton Genti as teams that are ready to maximize him, you know, right when he gets there. And you're looking at someone to help an older quarterback in Vegas or somebody to come in there and try and, you know, look at the opportunity to help Caleb and get him up and running. So both those make a lot of sense to me.

Colin Cowherd (12:29)

Okay, so what is Genty better at than Omario Hampton from Carolina? Because he jumps through the TV as well. But what, how does Genty separate, separate from another back who by the way, is a home run threat. He's got major burst. I watched him a lot at Carolina. Why is Genti better than Hampton?

Daniel Jeremiah (12:49)

Yeah, and Hampton's like my 13th player. So to me you're talking about two guys who are top 15 talents in this draft class. Now Hampton, you get a bigger body, you get, you know, the durability. Both these guys are incredibly durable. Hampton, you give him the plus side in terms of, you know, polish in the pass game. So that would definitely go to him size and then the value there. But just as a pure runner. Instincts like contact, balance, shiftiness. Man, Genti is such a gifted runner of the football and I think that he can create space when it's not there. I think Hampton's a little more of a crease runner. Just give him a little bit of space and he can, he can really go. But man, I see Genti, that, that game that everybody kind of wanted to hit him on, I go, how will he do against Penn State? And I'm like, well, the five yard runs he had in the Penn State game were as impressive as any five yard runs you're going to see. See, he's fighting, fighting off five guys to get past the line of scrimmage and still found a way to make something positive happen. So I think both those guys are great players.

Colin Cowherd (13:45)

Okay, I, I gotta ask you, it's, it's. You had said earlier, it's not a star draft, it's a starter draft. There are players. I want to give you a player. Colston Loveland from Michigan. So a lot of the picks like 21 or 22 down are offensive coaches and clever guys. Kevin O'Connell, Sean Payton, Sean McVeigh, Andy Reid, Harbaugh, Colston Loveland, to me is interesting. He, he looks like a receiver, you know, but he's like 245. But he carries his weight because he's so tall. And I could see an offensive coach going, yeah, I mean, I could see Harbaugh going, you know what, I had him at Michigan. I can, I can use him. We need a receiver and a tight end. I can use him as both. What do you make of him? I see all these smart offensive coaches at the end of the first round and I'm like, I could see those guys going, he is a day one starter. What do you make of him?

Daniel Jeremiah (14:42)

Well, as you're looking, I just want to make sure I don't say the wrong number here because I don't want to give you the wrong number. So. Colston Loveland is my seventh overall player. Wow. That tells you what kind of grade I have on him. I saw him play live this year, saw him in person, went down there for warm ups. And you're right. Like, he's impressive when you just see him physically, he's an unbelievable athlete. He does things like, I have Warren one spot above him. I think it's a weird draft, right? I've got a running back and two tight ends in my top seven players in this draft class. But when you look at Warren's kind of like the bigger inline physicality. But when you're watching Loved One, this is someone who can win at the line of scrimmage, he can win at the top of the route. I mean, you talk about the Chargers, I don't, I can't imagine that he gets within distance. But I will tell you this, Colin, if you're watching Thursday night and and he's on the board, I do not expect the Chargers to use all 10 minutes. Let's put that way.

Colin Cowherd (15:32)

Yeah, the. Give me a player that I was talking to an NFL executive who just loved Amica Buka, the receiver for Ohio State. He's like, oh, this guy, the routes, he's like, he is going to play day one a total grown up. And he just went on and on he goes. And it was funny because he's like, we don't need a slot receiver and he hasn't played enough on the sideline. But I think in a draft like this, I thought he was overshadowed at Ohio State. So what kind of NFL player is he going to be? What is his comp? Because everybody I talk to loves him.

Daniel Jeremiah (16:16)

Well, I don't think you have to go, you know, far back. I think you go to the same school and look what Jackson, Smith and Jigba, you know, turned into last year when they started to really get him up and running up there in Seattle. Smart, tough, strong. I love the less needed is someone I like talking to about receivers. And we had this conversation a couple years ago, and he talked about the importance of just being grounded through the catch. Like, guys who trust their hands, they run through the ball. They don't. They don't jump, catch the ball on their body. They don't gather step like they can haul right through the ball. And you look at guys they've had success with with cup and with Puka, even go back to like Robert woods, those guys who had real strong, natural hands. To me, a Buca does those things. And it. The other thing you want to run, you want to do some bunch stuff and you want him to dig out a linebacker, you don't have to ask him twice. He has no problem getting in there and doing that. Like, that's. That's a, you know, it's a nice bonus that he brings to the table. And when I tell you that he was impressive at the combine, I'm talking like buddies of mine that have been doing this for 30 years say, this is one of the top five interviews I've ever had. That's how impressive this kid is.

Colin Cowherd (17:19)

Wow. The. I kind of feel like the draft starts with the New York Giants because that's what it feels like to me. What is your gut on what they do at number three?

Daniel Jeremiah (17:34)

Well, I mean, there's. To me, I think Shador goes three or Shador goes 21, that, like, I don't see the Shador team in between those two spots. And maybe you have somebody come back up for him, but I think that's, you know, he's in play there with the Giants. My gut tells me they'd rather have the quarterback as the second person to speak at the press conference. You know, like you get. We tried out Abdul Carter. We got our premier player, premier position. We feel like there's not much risk there. And then now we introduce the quarterback. Maybe not as much pressure on him at this point in time. We believe in him. We don't have to play him right away, but we kind of. You know, to me that that combination makes a lot of sense now, whether that's trading back up for Jackson Dart or whether that's trading back up for Shador. Yeah, we'll see how that all unfolds. But my gut is just feels like, man, you want to get a sure thing up there. And with Hunter we all assume is going to be gone at 2, then that would put Abdul Carter right in your mix.

Colin Cowherd (18:29)

Finally, Nico Iamaliava is the quarterback that played was a high school Phenom goes to Tennessee. I think he's talented. He didn't play great in the biggest games, but it's hard to play great when you're playing Georgia and Ohio State and the like. Then it's very public. It feels like dad had influence. He goes to ucla, which is not the same level of program of Tennessee. Does it matter? I've heard a lot of people say it's going to hurt him in the NFL and I'm like, yeah, maybe at quarterback it does. As somebody that's worked around the NFL and is currently employed by an NFL team, does it hurt him in the NFL year? If he has a good year at ucla, would it hurt him?

Daniel Jeremiah (19:11)

I'll just give you a real simple explanation here, Colin. What's going to happen? Fast forward a year from now or two years from now, whenever he decides to enter the teams that don't need quarterbacks and are picking towards the bottom of the draft will critique and have all types of issues with this situation and the decision that he made. Those that actually need quarterbacks are in a position to actually take. Quarterbacks are not going to give a flying flip about any of this stuff. Like just give me the talented kid who you know is, I can build with and grow with. All these kids have transfer, you know, going into the motivations of why they left and there'll be arguments made. Was the offense and some people will say it was the money. At the end of the day, Colin, just always remember talent over everything.

Colin Cowherd (19:55)

Yeah, I mean, that's it. Daniel Jeremiah, Move the sticks podcast. Thursday, 8 Eastern. That's 5:00 our time here on the West Coast NFL Network. He and the staff over there do a great job on the draft. It's great seeing you as always, my man.

Daniel Jeremiah (20:09)

Good to see you, buddy.

Colin Cowherd (20:10)

All right. Yeah, he does terrific work. So again, he likes Jackson dart too, a little bit. So you know what? It's happened before.

Daniel Jeremiah (20:17)

Yep.

Colin Cowherd (20:18)

Or I'm wrong. You know, it's infrequent, but yeah, I mean, well, I, I don't, I'm not rooting. I hope he works. The league is much better with good.

Unknown Speaker (20:27)

Quarterback play and we haven't had it. We have seen a dearth of good quarterback play the, the past few years. There's, there's, there's not that many. And in this draft, I mean, just.

Colin Cowherd (20:37)

Look at Tennessee, they thought they had it with Marcus Mariota and then they didn't and they will. Levis, Ryan Tannehill. So they've gone the draft, they've gone guy in the league, they've taken big swings on SEC guys. So, like, it would be more fun to watch Tennessee for the next 10 years if Cam Ward's a playmaker. I never root against, first of all, any young person. But in the NFL, good. That 1:00 window by week nine to ten if you. It's the bad quarterback window because the networks are flexing and they want all the good games later in the afternoon. So to make that red zone one o'clock window good, you want Caleb Williams. We said this last year, the Bears are going to be in that 1:00 window. And by the middle of the year, you're like, it's not that much fun to watch. So Tennessee is more of a 1:00 window team in the NFL. Carolina, Bryce Young. More of a 1:00 window team.

Unknown Speaker (21:33)

Yeah. But surging.

Colin Cowherd (21:35)

Yeah. No, Bryce Young, I thought at the end of last year played very, very well. So you gotta root for quarterback play if you really love the sport, not just your own team.

Unknown Speaker (21:44)

How good is the 10am window on the west coast, though? You don't have to wait. You just, you're up and you got football.

Colin Cowherd (21:49)

Yeah. Saturday night, you can go out Saturday nights, party night.

Unknown Speaker (21:53)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (21:53)

Now that's, that's, that's a, that's a bonus. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. 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've 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 and Rich 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 Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast and of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychex 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 stats are as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off at the $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines of your virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualified unlock device, credit service report in 90 plus days device in eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card is no cash access and expires in six months.

Daniel Jeremiah (24:08)

The 40s and free agents Podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Colin Cowherd (24:15)

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

Daniel Jeremiah (24:18)

And how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.

Colin Cowherd (24:21)

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered.

Unknown Speaker (24:23)

Before your favorite team goes on the.

Colin Cowherd (24:25)

Clock, we'll break it all down. Once all 257 picks have been made.

Daniel Jeremiah (24:30)

Listen to the 40s and free agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colin Cowherd (24:41)

We live in a divided country. I am a lifelong Republican with all.

Unknown Speaker (24:45)

Kinds of different people.

Colin Cowherd (24:47)

You know, I'm a mother. I'm a grandmother.

Unknown Speaker (24:49)

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.

Colin Cowherd (24:57)

Anna I'm calling from Las Vegas.

Unknown Speaker (25:00)

Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.

Colin Cowherd (25:05)

Thanks for having me. Jeremy Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle. Thanks for having me. And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues. Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia. And when you subscribe to the Middle.

Unknown Speaker (25:18)

You also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what.

Colin Cowherd (25:32)

We'Re doing in this situation. Listen to the middle with Jeremy Hobson.

Unknown Speaker (25:35)

On the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colin Cowherd (25:39)

Gordon brought his whole family out from the east coast. Guys went to Universal this weekend. Was that fun?

Unknown Speaker (25:44)

It was great. Little Universal action.

Colin Cowherd (25:46)

Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (25:47)

Really?

Colin Cowherd (25:47)

It's a.

Unknown Speaker (25:47)

It's a fun park. A little more family oriented than the Orlando version.

Colin Cowherd (25:51)

Yeah, less.

Unknown Speaker (25:52)

Less big rides, but it was great. Really fun.

Colin Cowherd (25:54)

Yeah, my kids love that. There's. There's a few things to do out here. The weather's always good.

Unknown Speaker (25:58)

Yeah. Dodger's not in town, unfortunately. Wanted to hit a Dodger game. Weather's great. Good food.

Colin Cowherd (26:04)

Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (26:04)

No, they're tough to beat la. Honestly.

Colin Cowherd (26:06)

No, there's a lot to do and it's also, we don't get that kind of stifling humidity. So in the summer you can be outdoors. Yeah. Which is nice. Get a little breeze. Here is Jordan with the news. No, no, no, Turn on the news. This is the Herd line. News calling.

Unknown Speaker (26:22)

The Chiefs are coming off a tough super bowl loss to the Eagles and are looking to bounce back to their championship ways. GM Brett Veatch spoke to the team strategy ahead of Thursday's draft. Take a listen. We always want to surround Pat with playmakers and, you know, the more talented wideouts you can throw on the field at one time is something important to us.

Colin Cowherd (26:43)

And depth at running back.

Daniel Jeremiah (26:45)

And look, this kickoff role too.

Colin Cowherd (26:47)

I mean, ideally, you know, it would.

Unknown Speaker (26:50)

Be advantageous for us to identify a.

Colin Cowherd (26:54)

Receiver and or running back that has.

Unknown Speaker (26:56)

Explosive playmaking ability on both ends. Remedio did a great job, but. But again, we're always pushing the envelope.

Colin Cowherd (27:02)

To get 1% better.

Unknown Speaker (27:04)

I think it's important to mention that Kansas City had significant injuries last year, whether it was Pacheco, Rasheed Rice, Hollywood Brown, and the offensive line was never really able to settle in. But I think you can expect someone as shrewd and crafty as a Brett beach to be aggressive in this draft. Colin. Well, and as a result, go get another weapon or two for Pat Mahomes. One more note. Andy Reid loves his running backs. This is a very deep running back class. I would expect them to target that as well.

Colin Cowherd (27:34)

Yeah, there are two things they really need to upgrade. O line and the running back room. Everything else they're fine. Yeah. Worthy Rasheed Rice. Listen, they like everybody else have missed on receivers. It's the hardest position in the league. There's more of them but there's more drama and ego at wide receiver. So I, I, it's funny. I think the Chiefs will make the playoffs, but I have the Chargers winning the division and I think a lot of this, it's not a knock on them, it's just the reality of they were 110 in one score games and that's historically unprecedented. So. And I also think the division now Jim Harbaugh gets another draft. Harbaugh in year two is when he pops. You know you're Michigan.

Unknown Speaker (28:19)

Sean Payton knows draft too.

Colin Cowherd (28:20)

Yep. And by the way, Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly and Geno Smith, major upgrade for the Raiders. So I think it's now the best division in football. And so just based on that and not going 11 and oh in one score games, I think the Chiefs are a playoff team but I think they pull back in terms of regular season dominance.

Unknown Speaker (28:39)

I think also address offensive line to your point, another weapon or two. And again with the running backs. Andy Reid and Brett Veach always find running back value. Look at Isaiah Pacheco they're going to find again in this draft, especially given how deep it is. Kirk Cousins is still a part of the Falcons for now, but the expectation, Colin, is that he'll be elsewhere at some point this season. Reports indicate that Atlanta has engaged in trade talks regarding the veteran quarterback, but has been asking for too much, wanting teams to pay 20 million of the 45 million in guarantees left on his deal. Colin, do you believe Cousins can still be a contributor in the NFL? Where do you like, like him ending up?

Colin Cowherd (29:19)

Yeah, I mean I, I think Kirk with another off the injury, with another off season has got another season in him. I don't think it's a playoff season. I think he'd be better served probably in the nfc, the conference. He knows it's a weaker quarterback and a weaker overall conference, but I, I don't think there's a huge market. I mean you're seeing him and Aaron getting older. They have major surgery and Aaron was struggling early, Kirk struggled late and there's not a big market for either. Yeah, because they're both still pretty expensive quarterbacks. Aaron said last week I'd play for $10 million. I'll believe it when I see it. But that's kind of what Kirk who's made a fortune. If Kirk wants to play, he's going to take a discount.

Unknown Speaker (30:02)

Yeah, I thought it would be Cleveland. Then they signed Joe Flacco. It could still be Cleveland, Colin. It still could be the Browns if they don't take a quarterback in the draft. But Atlanta is going to have to eat a significant portion of that salary. There's just no other way about it. And it's a dysfunctional environment, Colin, for Kirk to still be there. He's not in the building right now. You got Michael Penix, who you know is the future. I, I don't like the optics of it. So it's going to be a fascinating draft for Atlanta. Also fascinating few weeks moving forward to the NBA where the Celtics took a 1 nothing series lead against the Magic yesterday. Scary moment, though. In the fourth, Jayson Tatum drove for a dunk and was met by Kentavious, Caldwell Pope and Wendell Carter Jr. At the rim before falling hard on a shooting wrist. Now Tatum was in pain, missed the ensuing free throws but was able to stay in the game. Good news. The X rays came back negative. Tatum said, quote, he's all right. Derrick white was terrific. 30 points. I thought Jaylen Brown, even though he didn't score a lot, was good. How about Peyton Pritchard? You are not, not meant to be this deep in today's NBA.

Colin Cowherd (31:05)

They're not.

Unknown Speaker (31:05)

When Derrick White is your fifth best player and he goes for 30.

Colin Cowherd (31:09)

Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (31:09)

That's the depth. And you've really spoken to that all year about Boston.

Colin Cowherd (31:13)

Yeah, I think they're undervalued even as a championship team because they're not flashy, they're just deep, well coached. Yeah. I mean, I just. Nobody else in the league goes eight deep on shooters.

Unknown Speaker (31:27)

No.

Colin Cowherd (31:27)

So they're just different. Cleveland's really good. I mean, Miami didn't have a shot. No. I mean Cleveland's really, really good. Eric Spoelstra, especially opening games of a series. You know, Spolstra playing game. He's such a good coach. His hands are tied. Cleveland's got too many good players.

Unknown Speaker (31:47)

Garland Mitchell and then you got Ty Jerome coming up, bombing three, shooting 47%. Mobley didn't have a huge offensive game. No. Still really good. I want to give a little love to Paolo Banchero, my Seattle boy.

Colin Cowherd (31:58)

He is a. Well, I mean, first of all, we knew he was great.

Unknown Speaker (32:00)

Yes.

Colin Cowherd (32:01)

I really like when Jalen Suggs is healthy. They got to get a shooter. Yes. Like they have to go in the market and go grab a shooter, tie.

Unknown Speaker (32:08)

Jerome or Max Spruce, someone like that.

Colin Cowherd (32:10)

But they, that team gave Boston a fight. That is a good team with some real offensive skill. It's just not perimeter skill.

Unknown Speaker (32:18)

Yeah, they're very young. They will be very good.

Colin Cowherd (32:20)

Is only 22 years old.

Unknown Speaker (32:22)

Ode High School Seattle. Played there a lot. Love to see that. Sticking with the NBA. This is good stuff. Fresh off of winning the Wooden Award as a nation's top player, Cooper Flag has officially declared for the NBA draft. The former Blue Devil and projected first overall pick average 19, 8 and 4 as a freshman. Obviously leading Duke to a 35. 4 record final four appearance. You talked earlier about the Bulls. I know you love to see him in Chicago.

Colin Cowherd (32:48)

Want to see him go to like San Antonio, Utah, Chicago. Because I think those are functional organizations. I'll trust him. With any Danny angel team I would trust him. I think Chicago got a kid last year like with one of the seven or eight, seven or eighth pick and he's actually really good. Chicago played their butt off this year despite limited talent. Josh Giddey, so. And I also think San Antonio would. Would do him well. The Rockets are already so young now. If he went to the Rockets they would have a shooter.

Unknown Speaker (33:18)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (33:19)

So that would be substantial. But there are teams. Listen, it's like I want my quarterbacks to go to functional organizations.

Unknown Speaker (33:27)

Exactly the same in Dallas, ad, Kyrie, Clay. That's exciting. San Antonio here in Fox Wimby. That could work.

Colin Cowherd (33:35)

Let me tell you something. If Cooper Flag went to Dallas. Oh my.

Unknown Speaker (33:40)

That could be fun.

Colin Cowherd (33:41)

Oh, with their center rotation 80 Kyrie, nothing against Luca. That would be. If you could, if you could pick a team that he goes to that just is wild. You would pick Dallas. That would, that would be a wild.

Unknown Speaker (33:55)

Card in the West. I'd like that. Sorry to Chicago.

Colin Cowherd (33:58)

That would be a fun watch. I would. Jordan with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. You know, it's. It's funny when you like in baseball so much about baseball is pitcher and batter. So like pitchers are never just mailing it in. You know, they're. They're. They got bonuses tied to performance and batters similarly aren't mailing it in. You're in the batter's box. Hockey and football, you get hurt. If you take plays off, you just get hurt. But there is something to be said like sometimes in soccer or basketball you can give it about 80% and kind of look the part. NBA's got a problem on their hands with load management. But I thought this week and this weekend, what you really saw. Boston's veterans late in the game. New York Knicks veterans late in the game. Warriors veterans Late in the game. Denver. Denver's veterans late in the game. I mean, you really saw what playoff basketball is, is that. And it's. It's kind of a you problem as an organization if you don't understand this. The Lakers clearly didn't. Playoff basketball is just more physical because the NBA is like, listen, we're not going to ask, have you ever seen like a 6, 9, 610 retired NBA player? They're all hobbled with their back. You're not built to be 6 11. Human beings are not built to be 6 11. And so it beats up in your body. And all this travel. They used to fly commercially back in the 70s. And so, you know, it's. You can't ask guys like jokic to play 82 games both ends of the floor with that body and that weight. Shaq fell apart physically. So, like, when you get to the NBA, the playoffs are a different sport. The intensity, Clippers, Denver. On the first possession.

Unknown Speaker (35:51)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (35:52)

You're like, oh, this is going to be good. I'm going to make some popcorn. This is going to be good for two and a half hours. So I thought what you really saw over the weekend was what really, the NBA is bank on the veterans. I didn't listen to my own advice. I'm like, oh, Houston, Houston in the half court, set three starters playing their first playoff game. Look, they started panicking.

Unknown Speaker (36:13)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (36:14)

In the second half, they started panicking. They're like, what is our offense? So I just thought it was really entertaining to watch. My guess is the Lakers bounced back in game two and even the series. But Minnesota is well coached. They are physical. Ant is, you know, ant special. And they got size and they're pretty. They play smart. So Minnesota loves physical, ugly basketball. They're the Ravens. All right, let's get ugly. A lot of teams are pretty. Like, Miami likes to win pretty. Baltimore is like, it's cold, it's ugly. It's built for us. New England had that ability.

Unknown Speaker (36:54)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (36:55)

It's like, all right, it's snowing. Come on, Peyton. Come on up here in the snow flurries. We're good with it. So Minnesota, I think, likes the games a little inartistic, a little ugly.

Unknown Speaker (37:04)

And I don't think the Lakers want that.

Colin Cowherd (37:06)

No, Lakers can be pretty.

Unknown Speaker (37:07)

They're fluid, shoot threes, driving kick. Minnesota shoot threes. But they'll bang. They are tough. And I thought, Edwards, man, you. You said it. Improving the shooting every year now shooting almost 40% from three. That number for me, when I think about everything else, he does that speaks to the work he's put in. Yeah, and he is. He's got to be one of the two or three best closers in the league.

Colin Cowherd (37:29)

And it's. It's very hard. Like when you're 22 and 23 years old and you are as gifted as Aunt Edwards, think about how gifted he is. He could do anything he wants in court. You know, one of the hardest things to be is patient. And I thought he just showed patience. He didn't rush things. That's real maturity. And now some of this goes to Minnesota and how they've developed him. A lot of it just goes to Aunt Edwards. That three, four years ago, nobody in the league would have taken Ant over Jaw. I mean, we put the stats up earlier. Ja was the better player and he was exciting. Jaw's not as good as he was three years ago, and Ant is significantly better. And Ant Edwards just deserves credit for the time and the work he has put into his game. So the downside to bringing in guys to the NBA at 19 years old, they're not ready to play. You watch Houston, they're not ready to play. But. But, like, look at Jalen Green, who's got tons of talent. Like, what is his game? I don't know what his game is. Offensively, what is his game? You can't put him at point. He's not a shooter. And Edwards is noted. And he was good as a rookie. He is noticeably a much more refined player. And that kid here was LeBron, by the way. After the loss, maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for it and know what the type of intensity, the type of physicality is going to be brought to the game. But that's just the way they play. So we should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday night. He could be right. He could absolutely be right. We'll see. Live in la it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychex 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 as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel. Because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off at the $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines of your virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service report in 90 plus days device in eligible carrier and timely redemption required Card is no cash access and expires in six months.

Daniel Jeremiah (40:16)

The 40s and free agents Podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Colin Cowherd (40:23)

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

Daniel Jeremiah (40:27)

And how teams with new coaches coaches should approach the draft.

Colin Cowherd (40:30)

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered.

Unknown Speaker (40:32)

Before your favorite team goes on the.

Colin Cowherd (40:34)

Clock, we'll break it all down once all 257 picks have been made.

Daniel Jeremiah (40:38)

Listen to the 40s and free agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colin Cowherd (40:49)

We live in a divided country. I am a lifelong Republican with all.

Unknown Speaker (40:54)

Kinds of different people.

Colin Cowherd (40:55)

You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.

Unknown Speaker (40:58)

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.

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Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.

Unknown Speaker (41:08)

Each week we bring together an all Star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle. Thanks for having me.

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Jeremy Neil DeGrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle. Thanks for having me.

Unknown Speaker (41:17)

And hear from ordinary Americans from all.

Colin Cowherd (41:19)

Over the country on the most important issues. Hi, my name is Venkat.

Unknown Speaker (41:23)

I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

Colin Cowherd (41:25)

And when you subscribe to the Middle.

Unknown Speaker (41:27)

You also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

Colin Cowherd (41:42)

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

Unknown Speaker (41:47)

This week, two of the NFL's best face off on Fox Saturday Baseball as Bryce Harper Lisa Phillies against Kyle Tucker and the Cubs or the Rangers battle the Giants. Check local listings for the game in your area. Saturday at 4 Eastern on Fox.

Colin Cowherd (42:02)

The I don't know what it is. There are certain Maybe it's as a kid, I like to build forts or I thought about majoring in architecture. I love the draft. I always have. Have. I just like the way you build teams. It's so much fun to me. So it, the draft to me is I think there's certain teams like the Raiders, very interesting. Like, I know what certain teams are going to do. I know the Chargers are going to get more juice offensively. They're going to go get a receiver, a tight end, a running back, an interior alignment. Everybody in the world knows that. Every mock draft of the Chargers is they're loading up on offense because their defense is good enough. They'll go get a rush end because, you know, Bose has gone now. But by and large, you know what certain teams are going to do. For instance, Denver, I think, wants a running back. What's another tight end? Sean Payton wants more toys, you know, for. For Bo Nix. I think Washington wants to get, you know, they got Debo Samuel and Terry McLaurin. My guess is Washington tries to shore up their offensive and defensive line so they can compete with the Philadelphia Eagles in their division. If I was Washington, I'm like, I got McLaurin and Debo and Jaden Daniels. We're not beating Philadelphia if we don't get a better online and a better D line. So I think Washington's fairly predictable where they're going to go. I think the Chargers are. I think Denver is. So what is interesting is like, what do you do with Jackson Dart? He's obviously talented. He's a draftable player. I don't really see him as a first round player, but I also think he's got a good arm. He played in the sec, he won big games. He learned a lot from Lane Kiffin, who's a very smart offensive coach. And the people that I trust and respect, they like him more than I do. And so here's what Daniel Jeremiah FORMER NFL SCOUT here's what he sees.

Daniel Jeremiah (43:50)

The way I would sell you on him, you know, in terms of the value there. It reminds me a lot of hurts, you know, just when Hertz was coming out and that you follow the trend line with Hertz. Hertz got better every year. He was. He was a strong, sturdy guy. He's a gym rat who's obsessed with being good. All the intangible stuff's off the charts. The toughness is there, the intelligence is there. So to me, I think you're just buying that that trend line just keeps on going. I could see Brian Daboll feeling like He's a little bit better fit for that environment that they're in there. In terms of the weather, you're going to be playing in the wind, all those things.

Colin Cowherd (44:23)

So most teams in the NFL, there are very few teams that aren't good at anything. I mean, just think about this. The Chicago Bears don't win a lot, but actually, offensively, they got good players. I mean, they got interior, O line, right tackle, wide receiver, tight end, running back. Bears could use another running back, but they got good dudes. They got a lot of good dudes. I think Chicago is going to load up on the defensive side. If I was Chicago, I'd get another pass rush from another corner, another linebacker. I would load up on defensive players. They're going to. They're doing it the right way in Chicago. They hired an offensive coach and they're spending money on offense. What they have to do after sweat the defensive lineman is they got to get cheap on defense. That's what Kansas City does. They'll play Chris Jones. It's what the Rams did with Aaron Donald. We'll pay one great defensive player. But in this league now, the. The kind of trend is we're going to buy offense. We'll spend money on. Now the Steelers are the opposite, and the Steelers are no longer super bowl viable. So I think the Bears have shown their hand. Joe Tuney, Drew Dolman, Keenan Allen, DJ Moore. They're going to pay Cole Comet.

Unknown Speaker (45:28)

They paid him. They paid him.

Colin Cowherd (45:29)

Oh, they did. So the bottom line is Chicago's like, hey, we're paying offense. We don't want to be patient. We want to give Caleb William guys that could play. Now let's go get young, twitchy, fast and inexpensive on defense. So I think the Bears go heavy defense. Then you get these teams like the New York Giants where you're like, what are they good at? And what they're good at is the defensive line. And I like their offensive coach. So the Giants could use a lot. They've got a left tackle I love, but it gets hurt. They have a wide receiver I like, but he can be a bit needy. So to me, if the Giants want to compete against the Philadelphia Eagles and they want to make up ground on Washington, you're not doing it with Abdul Carter. You're doing it with a quarterback. So if you want to trade down and get Jackson dart, I'm all for that. That I would. I would take Shador Sanders, and people say, well, you'd be reaching on him. I get it. But it's like, first of all having been in the draft room. When a team is getting ready to draft, let's say it's like the third round, they don't go necessarily in exact order. Right. A general manager's got six guys that are basically, you know, let's say it's five to six guys. You're drafting 113th. Okay. You're in the fourth round and all of a sudden it's like late third round and you're like, we need a tight end. But he is our, he's six players away grade wise from this spot. You take the tight end, it's what you need. When you go to the grocery store, you're not buying value, you're buying what you need. Your kids want milk, they want pancakes. Well, the rake is on sale. We've already got rake. You need milk, you know you're making pancakes at Sunday morning. So to me, I am willing to reach when I'm not a good football operation. And right now I am the fourth best quarterback team in the division. I don't think Abdul Carter is changing the temperature. I think Shador Sanders is. Now if you want to trade back, I got no problem. I think the Giants would absolutely trade back back. But Russell Wilson's not the long term solution either is Jameis Winston. So now they may just think to them. I really, I really believe truthfully the Giants would love to trade back and I think a lot of people would.

Unknown Speaker (47:53)

But if who's coming up, that's the problem.

Colin Cowherd (47:57)

New Orleans. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (47:58)

But New Orleans at 9, from everything I've heard is not going to go quarterback. So if Shador is on the table at 9, I still don't think necessarily he's locked into that pitch pick. So if like Daniel just said, it's either three with with the gman or it's 21 with the Steelers. In terms of Sanders, I don't think they're going quarterback at nine. So who's coming up to get a guy they might not see how that. So this is that type of draft where not a lot of people want to come up.

Colin Cowherd (48:24)

Yeah. Certainly not in the top 10 pick. So here's Daniel Jeremiah, former NFL scout for three teams on Shador Sanders where he could land to me I think.

Daniel Jeremiah (48:34)

Shador goes 3 or Shador goes 21. That like I don't see the shadow team in between those two spots. And maybe you have somebody come back up for him but I think that's, you know, he's in play there with the Giants. My gut tells me they'd rather have the quarterback as the second person to speak at the press conference. You know, like you get. We tried out Abdul Carter. We got our premier player, premier position. We feel like there's not much risk there. And then now we introduce the quarterback. Maybe not as much pressure on him at this point in time. We believe in him. We don't have to play him right away.

Colin Cowherd (49:06)

That's it. That, now that's really interesting in New York that your press conference is much better if we've got an absolute lock. Abdul Carter. Oh, we got, we got Jackson Dart at the top of the second round. That's. That's not in New York. And he doesn't have to play any year. That's not bad thinking. It's.

Unknown Speaker (49:25)

It's really easy to say we got Abdul Carter because nobody's going to criticize taking him at three. Three, he might be the best player.

Colin Cowherd (49:32)

In the draft and you have Russell Wilson as your starter, but if you.

Unknown Speaker (49:34)

Take Sanders at 3, it might be harder to sell that, especially if, you know you can get dart or McCord in the second or maybe third round.

Colin Cowherd (49:43)

I like McCord.

Unknown Speaker (49:45)

I know.

Colin Cowherd (49:46)

I'm told he is more late third, early fourth round. Yeah, I like him. My guys don't like him as much as I. I like him, too. Yeah, he's productive. Paul Pierce. After a really fun opening NBA playoff week, are the Lakers really in trouble? Because I'll tell you this, the Houston Rockets, they are. They are officially in trouble. And so is Memphis. That series is over today. Hour three. Next. 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 leadership leaders.

Unknown Speaker (50:50)

70% of Americans are living from paycheck to paycheck.

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Not black people, not brown people, everybody. And whether you're white, black, red, brown, or yellow, you want to see some more green? Can I get an amen? Hey, this is Financial Literacy Awareness Month. Tune in to money and wealth with.

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John O'Brien, a podcast that breaks down financial freedom in a way that's real.

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From rebuilding your credit to starting your. Your wealth journey, I give you all.

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The tools to rise. I'm going to break down how the modern economy works. This is what they never taught you in school. You're not dumb and you're not stupid.

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It's what you don't know that you don't know is killing you, but you think you know.

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To hear this and more practical wisdom, open your free iHeartRadio app, search money.

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And wealth with John O'Brien and start listening today. If money is a taboo topic and nobody wants to talk about it, how can we be educated on something we're unwilling to talk about?

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Talk about April is Financial Literacy Month and Black Tech Green Money is where culture meets capital. Each week I sit down with black entrepreneurs and leaders to share their blueprint for building generational wealth through tech, innovation and ownership.

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Once we know more, we can have more. One thing we tell our clients is the more that you learn, the more that you earn. But you have to be willing to.

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Learn to hear this and more game changing insight.

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Listen to Black Tech Green Money on.

Colin Cowherd (52:07)

The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

Daniel Jeremiah (52:13)

The 40s and free agents Podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Colin Cowherd (52:20)

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

Daniel Jeremiah (52:24)

And how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.

Colin Cowherd (52:27)

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered.

Unknown Speaker (52:29)

Before your favorite team goes on the.

Colin Cowherd (52:31)

Clock, we'll break it all down once all 257 picks have been made.

Daniel Jeremiah (52:36)

Listen to the 40s and free agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.