The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Episode Hour 3 - Greg Olsen Release Date: April 29, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves deep into the intricacies of the NFL Draft, player evaluations, and team strategies in this engaging episode featuring Greg Olsen, a seasoned NFL analyst with 14 years of experience. Joined by guest Joel Klatt, the conversation spans a wide array of topics, offering listeners comprehensive insights into the current state of the NFL and beyond.

1. The NFL Draft and Shadour Sanders’ Draft Position

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about Shadour Sanders, a prominent quarterback whose draft position has sparked debate. Colin Cowherd shares an insider perspective, emphasizing the implications of Sanders falling in the draft.

Colin Cowherd [02:14]:
"I called an executive in the league and he said to me, he goes watch the next six picks and the first six picks in the second round. And he says if those first six picks in the second round, if they don't take Shador, what the league is telling you is we see him as a backup now."

Greg Olson [03:14]:
"I think he needs to take a good hard reset and say, you know what it's all about—ball. It's all about me giving myself a chance to have a career in this league."

Olsen highlights the delicate balance between talent and personality, suggesting that while Sanders possesses the necessary skills, his off-field demeanor may have influenced teams' willingness to draft him higher.

2. Evaluating Cam Ward’s Rise to the Top Pick

Transitioning to standout players, Colin introduces Cam Ward, a zero-star recruit turned top pick, whose meteoric rise is a testament to his performance at Miami.

Colin Cowherd [05:36]:
"When you see Cam Ward’s first start in Miami against Florida, I came away and I don't know if I would have said he's the number one overall pick."

Greg Olson [05:59]:
"In all my years at Miami, I'm not sure if we've had a guy like Cam Ward, who from day one changed everything about who we were, our identity, how we practice, how we met."

Ward’s unconventional playing style and significant impact on Miami’s culture underscore the importance of leadership and adaptability in collegiate football, factors that elevated him to a coveted draft position.

3. The Dual Role of Tight Ends in Modern Offenses

A pivotal segment of the discussion centers on the evolving role of tight ends in NFL offenses, particularly in supporting dynamic quarterbacks.

Colin Cowherd [12:33]:
"You've got tight ends like Brock Bowers who very well could be the best young tight end to come out of college in the last 10 years."

Greg Olson [13:25]:
"Tight ends bring a lot of value in today's style. They keep defenses honest and provide versatile options in both the passing and running games."

Olsen elaborates on how tight ends like Bowers add depth and flexibility to offensive schemes, making them indispensable in contemporary playbooks. This strategic emphasis on tight ends enhances a team's ability to execute complex offensive maneuvers and adapt to various defensive setups.

4. New England Patriots’ Draft Strategy and Selections

The conversation shifts to the New England Patriots, where Greg Olson praises their recent draft picks and overall strategy.

Greg Olson [24:32]:
"Trayvon Henderson out of Ohio State was the most impactful selection for the Patriots. He's a passing game player and a beast in pass protection."

Colin Cowherd [25:14]:
"The Patriots have massively upgraded their roster by identifying talent that complements their offensive schemes. They are poised to become the most improved team in the league."

The Patriots’ focus on building a robust offensive line and acquiring versatile skill players positions them as formidable contenders. Olson commends their ability to find value in the draft, ensuring that each pick contributes significantly to the team’s long-term success.

5. Proposed Changes to the NBA All-Star Format

Expanding beyond the NFL, the episode touches on potential changes to the NBA All-Star Game format, inspired by Colin Cowherd's suggestions.

Joel Klatt [25:39]:
"The NBA is considering a USA vs. World format, which I think would be absolutely thrilling and capture the competitive spirit of the tournament."

Colin Cowherd [26:16]:
"This would be so good. America really cares about stuff once they're not good at it or are threatened if you threaten us. I think this is brilliant and would make for a more engaging All-Star Game."

The proposed format aims to heighten the competitive edge and global appeal of the All-Star Game, potentially increasing viewership and fan engagement by pitting the best American players against their international counterparts.

6. Backup Quarterbacks and Team Dynamics

In a later segment, the focus returns to quarterback dynamics, specifically the challenges and expectations placed on backup quarterbacks like Will Levis.

Colin Cowherd [19:14]:
"You put him in Arizona, a smaller market. This kid started in New York City, played in lousy weather, taking a beating from the press. Zach Wilson's a very capable backup."

Joel Klatt [32:28]:
"Once you're viewed as a backup, it actually becomes more about your personality than it does your play. Tim Tebow and Colin Kaepernick are prime examples."

Klatt emphasizes the intricate balance teams must maintain in managing backups, where performance is intertwined with media narratives and personality perceptions. This segment underscores the broader implications of draft decisions on team chemistry and player careers.

7. College Football Conferences and Playoff Structures

The discussion also delves into the dominance of major college football conferences, particularly the SEC and Big Ten, and their influence on draft outcomes and playoff structures.

Colin Cowherd [36:58]:
"Most of the best players go into the SEC and Big Ten, and the college recruiting rankings reflect that."

Joel Klatt [36:58]:
"The proposal from the Big Ten and the SEC to expand the playoffs is exactly right. It will accommodate the structural strengths of these conferences while allowing other conferences a pathway to inclusion."

Both hosts agree that the dominance of these conferences justifies their automatic inclusion in expanded playoff formats, ensuring that the highest level of competition is maintained while providing opportunities for standout players from other conferences.

8. Quinn Ewers and Quarterback Development

Highlighting quarterback prospects, the episode examines Quinn Ewers’ draft journey and the factors influencing his lower-than-expected draft position.

Colin Cowherd [38:21]:
"Quinn Ewers was once the guy, but his development didn’t align with NFL expectations. Injuries and inconsistent performance affected his draft stock."

Joel Klatt [38:57]:
"Injuries and limited development seasons have made NFL GMs cautious. Ewers’ pitch selection and drive with the football weren’t always up to par."

The analysis points to the critical importance of consistent performance and physical resilience in maintaining high draft prospects, particularly for quarterbacks whose roles demand both technical skill and durability.

9. Future Prospects and Team Predictions

As the episode nears its conclusion, Colin Cowherd and Joel Klatt offer predictions and insights into the future performance of teams like the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears.

Colin Cowherd [43:05]:
"The Patriots have found immense value in their draft picks and free agency, likely positioning them as a nine-win team and a consistent playoff contender."

Joel Klatt [41:47]:
"New England's strategic acquisitions and coaching improvements set them up for a significant turnaround. They’re poised to be a strong playoff team, though not necessarily Super Bowl favorites."

These predictions highlight the tangible impact of strategic drafting and management, suggesting that well-executed team-building efforts can substantially elevate a team’s competitive standing.

10. Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a final emphasis on the importance of strategic decision-making in both player acquisitions and team management, reinforcing the themes discussed throughout the show.

Greg Olsen [43:19]:
"Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the OG formula. It shows that listening to your fanbase and making strategic adjustments is crucial for sustained success."

Colin Cowherd [43:37]:
"Summer is almost here, and with strategic moves like these, teams are positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season."

The hosts reiterate the significance of adaptability and responsiveness, whether it’s in product formulas or NFL strategies, to meet the evolving demands of fans and competitive environments.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [02:14]:
  "If those first six picks in the second round don't take Shador, what the league is telling you is we see him as a backup now."

• Greg Olsen [05:59]:
  "Cam Ward... changed everything about who we were, our identity, how we practice."

• Joel Klatt [25:39]:
  "The NBA is considering a USA vs. World format, which I think would be absolutely thrilling."

• Joel Klatt [32:28]:
  "Once you're viewed as a backup, it actually becomes more about your personality than it does your play."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth exploration of current NFL Draft dynamics, player evaluations, and team strategies, enriched by expert analysis from Greg Olsen and guest Joel Klatt. From the nuanced discussion of backup quarterbacks to the strategic importance of tight ends and the evolving landscape of college football conferences, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping the NFL’s future. Additionally, the conversation extends to potential changes in the NBA All-Star format, underscoring the interconnectedness of major American sports leagues. Whether you're an avid football fan or a casual sports enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights and engaging commentary on the ever-evolving world of sports.