Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Shedeur Sanders and the Draft

Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Brian Baldinger (NFL Analyst, Former Dallas Cowboy)
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction to Offensive Line Analysis

Timestamp: [03:02]

Colin Cowherd opens the episode by welcoming Brian Baldinger, commending his expertise in offensive line play. Colin highlights Brian's ability to break down offensive techniques, emphasizing that Brian "does it better than anybody" (03:02).

2. Evaluating Offensive Linemen in the Draft

Timestamp: [03:02 – 06:04]

The discussion delves into the quality of the current offensive line draft, focusing on players like Mason Graham and Kelvin Banks.

• Mason Graham:
  Colin expresses skepticism about Mason's ceiling despite Mason's aggressive and productive performances. He states, "I'm just seeing a wildly productive, super aggressive, strong defensive lineman. That's what my eyes see. What do you see?" (03:02).

• Brian's Perspective:
  Brian counters by praising Mason's technique, stating, "He's a great technician... and he stacks and he sheds them and he holds his ground" (04:06). He draws parallels to Leonard Williams, noting how solid technical skills can lead to long-term success (04:25).

• Kelvin Banks:
  Colin questions why Kelvin Banks isn't considered a standout despite his size and dominance in high school and college. Brian attributes this to the increased competition after Texas joined the SEC, explaining, "They got really good competition every week going against those schools" (05:13).

3. Shedeur Sanders and the NFL Draft Strategy

Timestamp: [06:04 – 07:59]

Colin shifts focus to Shedeur Sanders, questioning whether teams are undervaluing him by overlooking his physical attributes and on-field performance.

• Shedeur's Attributes:
  Colin describes Shedeur as "a real man, he's a big body" (06:04) and notes his impressive completion percentage under duress, "74% completion percentage under duress, that's a real number" (06:04).

• Brian's Insights:
  Brian emphasizes Shedeur's ability to win from the pocket and his improved offensive line: "He can win from the pocket. That's the best. He doesn't have to leave the pocket" (07:59). He highlights Shedeur's accuracy and touch on deep passes, suggesting that he has "incredible touch on the deep ball" (07:59).

4. Travis Hunter: The Dual Threat

Timestamp: [07:59 – 10:03]

The conversation shifts to Travis Hunter, a standout linebacker with exceptional versatility.

• Travis's Skills:
  Brian praises Travis Hunter's endurance and versatility, likening his stamina to "Michael Jordan type endurance" (08:21). He remarks, "He's the best corner. He plays cornerback the way a thief does" (08:21).

• Entertainment Value:
  Brian argues that Travis's ability to play both offense and defense adds significant entertainment value, saying, "They're entertainers... they fell in love with him that day, they're going to buy a Travis Hunter jersey before he ever puts it on" (09:22).

5. Concerns Regarding Jackson Dart

Timestamp: [10:03 – 11:40]

Colin expresses reservations about quarterback prospect Jackson Dart, drawing comparisons to Zach Wilson.

• Jackson's Limitations:
  Colin describes Jackson Dart as "not quite the same" as Zach Wilson, citing a lack of "comfort level" and cleanliness in his play (10:38). He mentions hearing mixed opinions about Jackson being a top pick (10:38).

• Brian's Analysis:
  Brian agrees with the concerns, noting Jackson's "emotional roller coaster" and comparing his demeanor to Zach Wilson's, which could hinder his draft stock (10:38).

6. Mock Draft Insights

Timestamp: [11:40 – 16:47]

Colin shares his personal mock draft, seeking Brian's validation and critiques.

• Colin's Strategy:
  Colin presents his draft choices, inviting Brian to agree or disagree with his selections (11:40).

• Brian's Feedback:
  Brian expresses confidence in Travis Hunter being selected early, stating, "They fell in love with Travis Hunter. He's going to Cleveland" (12:01). He also discusses the Giants' potential picks, specifically debating whether they should prioritize Abdul Carter over Shador.

  "Are you going to pass an Abdul and maybe what greatness looks like... wearing Micah's number like that might be unforgivable right there." (12:01)

• Additional Draft Picks:
  The duo discusses other prospects like Ashton Genty for the Raiders, emphasizing his physicality and agility as perfect for Chip Kelly's offense (13:02).

7. Aaron Rodgers' Future and Potential Retirement

Timestamp: [31:22 – 40:07]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future in the NFL.

• Rodgers' Statements:
  Colin highlights Aaron Rodgers' recent comments about being "open to anything and attached to nothing," indicating possible retirement (31:22).

  "He said I'm not waiting on the Vikings," (34:11)

• Jordan's Report:
  A reporter elaborates on Rodgers' interactions with the Jets' management, suggesting that the Jets were not interested in building the team around Rodgers, leading to his contemplating retirement (36:05).

• Brian's Take:
  Brian points out the Jets' strategic decisions to opt for younger quarterbacks like Justin Fields over Rodgers, noting Rodgers' desire to have his "stamp" on an organization (34:59).

• Colin's Analysis:
  Colin theorizes that Rodgers' casual stance on his future complicates his standing with teams, asserting that Rodgers may prefer retirement over not fitting into a team's urgent needs (37:38).

8. Team Strategies and Player Contracts

Timestamp: [16:47 – 26:27]

The discussion covers various NFL team strategies, focusing on contracts and player acquisitions.

• Dallas Cowboys' Running Back Needs:
  Colin and Brian discuss the Cowboys' lackluster run game and the need to acquire a star running back to revitalize the offense.

  "They need it. They're no, you have no run game." (16:47)

• Raiders' Left Tackle Situation:
  The conversation addresses the Raiders' neglect in compensating their left tackle, Colt Miller, who remains underpaid compared to market standards.

  "They have a hundred picks, honestly. Like they should go trade up to get Ashton Genti." (16:54)

• Giants' Draft Decisions:
  Brian warns the Giants against passing on Abdul Carter, emphasizing the importance of securing top pass rushers in the draft. He underscores the potential backlash from Giants fans if Carter excels.

  "If you can get the best of any position, you take them." (21:00)

9. NBA Playoffs Update

Timestamp: [26:56 – 27:35]

Colin provides a brief update on the NBA playoffs, highlighting recent victories by Dallas and Miami and discussing potential trades involving key players like Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal.

• Miami Heat and Kevin Durant:
  Colin speculates on the Heat's moves, suggesting that acquiring Kevin Durant could be beneficial if they can make the right trades.

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

Timestamp: [27:35 – End]

Colin wraps up the episode with reminders about upcoming live shows and other segments within "The Herd."

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd:
  "I'm just seeing a wildly productive, super aggressive, strong defensive lineman. That's what my eyes see. What do you see?" (03:02)

• Brian Baldinger:
  "He's a great technician... and he stacks and he sheds them and he holds his ground." (04:06)

• Colin Cowherd:
  "Are we out thinking the room on this kid? Like we're just picking him apart." (06:04)

• Brian Baldinger:
  "He's the best corner. He plays cornerback the way a thief does." (08:21)

• Colin Cowherd:
  "Aaron is saying I'm not waiting on the Vikings... retirement's a possibility." (34:11)

Conclusions and Insights

Throughout the episode, Colin Cowherd and Brian Baldinger offer in-depth analyses of the current NFL draft landscape, emphasizing the importance of technical skills in offensive linemen and the potential undervaluation of versatile players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. They critically evaluate draft prospects, team strategies, and player contracts, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in team building and player acquisition.

The discussion on Aaron Rodgers highlights the unpredictability of veteran players' careers and the challenges teams face in balancing star power with organizational needs. The NBA playoffs update, while brief, underscores the interconnectedness of sports leagues and the impact of player movements on team dynamics.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of key draft prospects, team strategies, and player futures, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking expert opinions and detailed analyses.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Colin Cowherd and Brian Baldinger.