Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" - Hour 3: NBA Playoffs
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host: The Volume and iHeartPodcasts

1. NFL Mock Draft and Quarterback Analysis
Timestamp: 02:20 - 07:00

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the NFL mock draft for 2025, focusing primarily on quarterback prospects. Host Alex Curry discusses Cooper Flagg's mock draft predictions available on Fox Sports' website, highlighting key names and their potential draft positions.

• Bucky Brooks' Rankings:
  Bucky Brooks, a seasoned analyst and former football coach, presents his top quarterback prospects. Notably, Caleb Williams tops the list, followed by CJ Stroud, Jaden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Pennix Jr. Brooks emphasizes that while some players like Abdul Carter show immense potential, the Browns' pressing need for a quarterback could influence their draft strategy.
  Quote: "Shador sliding is interesting, but not that bad. [...] You don't want to overreact to Shador sliding." (04:45)

• Quarterback Slide Concerns:
  The discussion touches upon the phenomenon of talented quarterbacks sliding in the draft, drawing parallels with NFL legends like Dan Marino and Aaron Rodgers. Curry expresses cautious optimism, suggesting that late-round quarterbacks can still carve successful careers.
  Quote: "Dan Marino slid in the draft, Aaron Rodgers slid in the draft, Lamar Jackson slid. They all landed in great spots and had amazing careers." (06:00)

• Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' Future:
  Shifting focus, Curry addresses the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback situation, particularly Trevor Lawrence's performance and future prospects under first-year head coach Liam Cohen. The conversation critiques Lawrence's statistics over his last 15 starts and debates whether it's too late for him to evolve into a top-tier quarterback.
  Quote: "Trevor Lawrence has not lived up to the expectations he had when he was drafted." (06:20)

2. Jaguars' Head Coach Liam Cohen on Trevor Lawrence
Timestamp: 05:06 - 07:02

In this segment, the episode features insights into Liam Cohen's approach to coaching Trevor Lawrence.

• Coaching Philosophy:
  Coach Cohen expresses enthusiasm about working with Lawrence, focusing on fine-tuning his skills and reducing the pressure on each play. The aim is to create a balanced offense that doesn't place the entire burden of success on Lawrence's shoulders.
  Quote: "We've gotta create some balance for him so that he can just go play." (05:55)

• Performance Metrics:
  The dialogue critiques Lawrence's passer rating and completion percentage, questioning the sustainability of his current performance levels and whether the Jaguars' front office decisions may have impeded his development.
  Quote: "When you have the ball and you're trying to make it get like a throw and complete a throw, it's just anything you can do at this point to help make him better." (06:41)

3. Jalen Milroe's Draft Prospects and Team Preferences
Timestamp: 08:22 - 09:57

Alex Curry and his co-host discuss the potential landing spots for quarterback Jalen Milroe, assessing various NFL teams' needs and strategies.

• Team Preferences:
  The conversation highlights teams like the Jets, Steelers, Giants, Saints, and Browns as potential landing spots for Milroe. The co-host expresses a preference for the Jets but notes the complexity of draft picks and trades that may influence his selection.
  Quote: "Oh, I would love Milroe with the Jets, just not at seven. That's a little rich." (08:22)

• Milroe's Attributes:
  Milroe's impressive performances in private workouts and pro days are discussed, showcasing his athleticism and dynamic playing style. The hosts commend his speed and throwing motion, projecting a high potential impact in whichever team drafts him.
  Quote: "The guy looks like an Adonis. [...] He's the third fastest quarterback, I think on record after Vick and Lamar." (09:03)

4. NBA Playoffs Insight with Yovon Buha
Timestamp: 09:55 - 32:35

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with Yovon Buha, a Lakers reporter from The Athletic, providing comprehensive analysis on the NBA Playoffs.

• Lakers' Current Performance:
  Buha assesses the Lakers' season trajectory, noting their recent strong performances and strategic plays. He emphasizes that the Lakers are likely to secure the second seed in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  Quote: "I think they're the second best team in the west right now. The only team I would consider taking over them would be Oklahoma City." (12:13)

• Luka Doncic and LeBron James' Synergy:
  The dynamic between Lakers' star LeBron James and Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic is explored, highlighting their complementary playing styles. Buha explains how Luka's early-game dominance pairs with LeBron's clutch performances in the fourth quarter to create a formidable combination on the court.
  Quote: "Luka gets off to these really big first quarters, and then LeBron likes to pick his spots early and go to that extra gear in the fourth quarter." (21:22)

• Potential Playoff Matchups:
  Buha forecasts possible playoff matchups for the Lakers, discussing the challenges posed by teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He argues that the Warriors' switching schemes present a tougher matchup compared to the Timberwolves.
  Quote: "I think the Warriors are... the team to me that is the toughest matchup for the Lakers because they can switch and they have so much athleticism and length in defense." (26:08)

• MVP Race Discussion:
  The conversation shifts to the ongoing MVP race, debating between Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry. Buha leans towards Jokic, citing his consistent performance and leadership, while acknowledging Curry's significant contributions.
  Quote: "I am leaning Joker. [...] His numbers, Jokic's numbers are right there." (28:38)

• Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics:
  Buha comments on Michael Malone's coaching tenure with the Denver Nuggets, analyzing the impact of recent coaching changes on the team's performance and playoff prospects.
  Quote: "The timing shocked me. Not like it had been the worst kept secret in the NBA that Malone and Booth had some beef." (29:48)

• Lakers' Strategy and Player Roles:
  Detailed analysis of the Lakers' offensive and defensive strategies is provided, focusing on player roles like Austin Reaves' ascending performance and the strategic use of LeBron James as a facilitator in critical moments.
  Quote: "Austin and LeBron have a really good two-man game, so he comes up and screens for Austin." (23:58)

5. AFC Playoff Teams Segment
Timestamp: 37:04 - 41:38

In a lighter, interactive segment, the hosts discuss their predictions for AFC playoff teams, engaging in playful banter and debating team strengths.

• Team Predictions and Preferences:
  The hosts exchange views on which teams are likely to make it to the playoffs, with particular attention to the Chiefs and Patriots. The segment includes humorous disagreements and passionate support for favored teams.
  Quote: "Mahomes is going to prove me wrong. He always does. As he super bowl when the Eagles spanked him." (40:18)

• Fan Reactions and Personal Insights:
  Personal anecdotes and reactions to recent games and team performances are shared, illustrating the hosts' deep engagement with the sport and their personal biases.
  Quote: "It's been a phenomenal week. Cowherd's back Monday. Alex, enjoy your weekend. I will enjoy my weekend. And next week off, everybody be safe out there. Go Lakers." (40:59)

6. Conclusion and Closing Remarks
Timestamp: 41:38 - End

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the discussed topics, upcoming shows, and a humorous interaction between the hosts regarding their AFC playoff picks. The hosts encourage listeners to tune in for future episodes and engage with the show on various platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• "Shador sliding is interesting, but not that bad." — Alex Curry (04:45)
• "We've gotta create some balance for him so that he can just go play." — Yovon Buha (05:55)
• "Luka gets off to these really big first quarters, and then LeBron likes to pick his spots early and go to that extra gear in the fourth quarter." — Yovon Buha (21:22)
• "I think the Warriors are... the team to me that is the toughest matchup for the Lakers because they can switch and they have so much athleticism and length in defense." — Yovon Buha (26:08)
• "Mahomes is going to prove me wrong. He always does. As he super bowl when the Eagles spanked him." — Host (40:18)

Key Takeaways:

• NFL Focus: The mock draft discussions provide valuable insights into upcoming quarterback prospects and team strategies, especially highlighting the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback situation with Trevor Lawrence.

• NBA Playoffs Analysis: The in-depth conversation with Yovon Buha offers a comprehensive overview of the Lakers' current form, strategic player utilization, and potential playoff challenges, particularly against teams like the Warriors.

• Player Dynamics: Emphasis on the synergy between star players such as LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and the rising influence of players like Austin Reaves, underscores the evolving dynamics within top NBA teams.

• MVP Race Insights: The debate between Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry for the MVP title highlights the competitive nature of the race and the factors influencing voter decisions.

• Interactive Segments: The AFC playoff predictions segment adds an engaging and entertaining layer to the podcast, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and sports enthusiasm.

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides a balanced mix of NFL and NBA discussions, enriched by expert analysis and engaging host interactions, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking comprehensive coverage of current sports topics.