Podcast Summary: "Hour 2 - Shedeur Sanders" on The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Co-Host/Guest: Todd McShay

1. Introduction

The Herd with Colin Cowherd dives into the latest discussions surrounding the NFL Draft, with a spotlight on quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Colin Cowherd welcomes longtime NFL analyst Todd McShay to dissect the current draft landscape and Shedeur Sanders' prospects.

2. Shedeur Sanders and the NFL Draft

The primary focus of this episode centers on Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback prospect from Colorado, and his standing in the upcoming NFL Draft.

• Sanders' Athleticism and Skill Set:

  • Colin Cowherd ([12:33]): "How about this? Lakers warriors, if the playoffs started today, would meet now. ... But the Thunder and the Rockets, especially the Thunder are pulled away from everybody. Man, it is really, really how good?"
  • Todd McShay ([09:04]): Highlights Sanders' passing capabilities despite critiques about his arm strength and mobility. "I watch Jackson Dart and listen, I like Shedeur Sanders a lot. Doesn't have a huge arm, does not have mobility."

• Comparisons to Other Quarterbacks:

  • Colin Cowherd ([12:33]): Compares Sanders to notable QBs like Joe Burrow and Tony Romo in terms of movement and pocket presence. "He moves like Joe Burrow. He moves fine."
  • Todd McShay ([13:26]): Emphasizes Sanders' processing speed and decision-making under pressure, likening him to Josh Allen when avoiding sacks.

3. Draft Strategy and Team Needs

Colin and Todd explore which NFL teams might benefit most from drafting Shedeur Sanders, considering team-specific needs and draft strategies.

• Team Fit and Potential Fits:

  • Colin Cowherd ([35:08]): Discusses the New York Giants and their potential interest in Sanders, noting their need for a reliable quarterback and offensive weapons.
  • Todd McShay ([10:29]): Suggests that teams like the Raiders could find value in Sanders, especially if they prioritize quarterbacks with high football IQs over sheer athleticism.

• Draft Depth and Quarterback Demand:

  • Colin Cowherd ([35:08]): Points out that despite general sentiments labeling the draft as "not great," certain teams can extract significant value based on their unique needs and Sanders' attributes.
  • Todd McShay ([12:33]): Analyzes the quarterback depth in the draft, suggesting that teams requiring a QB might still find Shedeur Sanders within the late first round or early second round.

4. Todd McShay's NFL Draft Insights

Todd McShay provides a broader analysis of the NFL Draft, touching upon the depth of various position classes and how this year's draft might differ from previous years.

• Position Depth:

  • Todd McShay ([09:04]): "Running backs and defensive line. ... It's the best group I've ever evaluated."
  • **He elaborates on the exceptional running back class, highlighting prospects like Ashton Jinty and Omarion Hampton, suggesting this draft is favorable for teams seeking talent in these positions.

• Impact of Run on Team Strategies:

  • Todd McShay ([12:52]): Discusses how some teams may undervalue quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders due to perceived limitations, but their intangible qualities could make them valuable assets.

5. Challenges and Criticisms

The conversation also delves into the criticisms surrounding Shedeur Sanders, addressing concerns about his athleticism and arm strength.

• Athleticism Concerns:

  • Joy Taylor ([51:35]): Questions Sanders' athletic profile compared to other QBs.
  • Colin Cowherd ([51:16]): Compares Sanders' movement to that of Joe Burrow, suggesting he's neither exceptional nor deficient.

• Arm Strength and Mobility:

  • Todd McShay ([12:52]): Acknowledges the critiques but emphasizes Sanders' quick processing and decision-making abilities, which could compensate for perceived physical limitations.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Colin Cowherd and Todd McShay wrap up the episode by reiterating the nuanced nature of evaluating quarterback prospects like Shedeur Sanders. They emphasize the importance of looking beyond physical attributes to assess intangibles such as leadership, decision-making, and adaptability to NFL systems.

• Final Insights:
  • Colin Cowherd ([51:42]): "You know what he moves like. He moves like Joe Burrow. He moves fine... closer to Joe Burrow."
  • Todd McShay ([52:29]): Reflects on historical drafts where quarterbacks fell due to team needs, suggesting Sanders still holds significant potential despite criticisms.

Notable Quotes

• Todd McShay ([09:04]): "Running backs and defensive line. ... It's the best group I've ever evaluated."
• Colin Cowherd ([12:33]): "But the Thunder and the Rockets, especially the Thunder are pulled away from everybody. Man, it is really, really how good?"
• Todd McShay ([12:52]): "I have identical grades on them. I watch Jackson Dart and listen, I like Shedeur Sanders a lot."
• Colin Cowherd ([51:16]): "You know what he moves like. He moves like Joe Burrow. He moves fine."
• Todd McShay ([13:26]): "He's the fastest processor of all these quarterbacks in the passing game."

Key Takeaways

• Evaluating Quarterbacks Beyond Physical Traits: The episode underscores the importance of assessing quarterbacks based on cognitive abilities, decision-making, and adaptability rather than solely on physical metrics like arm strength and mobility.

• Draft Depth and Position Value: While some may label the draft as "not great," the depth in specific positions like running back and defensive line presents opportunities for teams to strengthen critical areas.

• Team Needs Dictate Draft Strategy: Teams with specific needs or strategic visions, such as the New York Giants potentially acquiring Shedeur Sanders, can extract significant value even in a draft perceived as shallow.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of Shedeur Sanders' potential in the NFL Draft, blending statistical evaluation with strategic considerations. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the draft, Colin Cowherd and Todd McShay provide valuable insights into what to expect and whom to watch in the upcoming selections.