Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Top Prospects in the NFL Draft

Episode Details:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Episode: Hour 3 - Top Prospects in the NFL Draft
• Release Date: March 12, 2025

Overview: In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the intricacies of the NFL Draft, analyzing top prospects, team strategies, and significant offseason moves. Joined by NFL insider Albert Breer, the discussion offers keen insights into how various teams are positioning themselves for the upcoming draft and what this means for their future seasons.

1. Player Transfers and Team Strategies

Discussion Highlights:

• Cooper Cup's Future:

  • Colin Cowherd initiates the conversation with the recent move of wide receiver Cooper Cup being released by the Rams.

  • Albert Breer speculates on Cup's potential destinations, emphasizing the Chargers as a likely suitor due to their current needs.

    Notable Quote:

    Albert Breer [04:31]: “Cooper Cup loves it out here and I would not be surprised if the Chargers made a run at him.”

• Niners' Cap Management:

  • The duo examines the San Francisco 49ers' recent decisions to retain key players like Hufanga and Greenlaw while clearing space for Brock Purdy.

  • Breer draws parallels between the Niners' current cap strategies and those of the Rams two years prior, highlighting the complexities of their negotiations.

    Notable Quote:

    Albert Breer [05:14]: “The Niners have shown the ability to draft and develop over the years, and that's what they're going to have to be good at as they sort of move off of the core that got them to two Super Bowls.”

2. Analysis of Specific Teams' Offseason Moves

Discussion Highlights:

• Chicago Bears' Offseason Moves:

  • Colin praises the Bears for bolstering their offensive line by acquiring Joe Tooney and Drew Dullman, which he believes will significantly aid quarterback Caleb Williams.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [07:59]: “I got, you know, Cluso over here, Inspector Clouseau. My take is, I don't know, I think they want another edge rusher. I kind of like, I think there's a defensive need for them more than a running back need.”

• New Orleans Saints' Defensive Reinforcements:

  • The conversation shifts to the Saints' investment in defensive players like Drake Greenlaw and Hufanga, underscoring Head Coach Sean Payton's belief in building a strong defensive unit to complement his offensive strategies.

    Notable Quote:

    Albert Breer [11:12]: “This is Sean Payton's belief in himself that, hey, I can find a joker, as he calls it. I can find a receiver in the draft. They did it last year with the two rookies they drafted, Vale and Franklin.”

3. Draft Prospects Analysis

Discussion Highlights:

• Ashton Genti's Potential:

  • The Bears are rumored to target Ashton Genti, a running back from Boise State, sparking a debate on whether his positional value justifies a first-round pick.

    Notable Quote:

    Albert Breer [09:39]: “If you view Ashton Genti that way, where he's in that class of player, wasn't there a team recently that surprised everybody by taking a running back in the first round and got a really big payoff.”

• Impact of Offensive Line Improvements:

  • Enhancements to the Bears' offensive line are expected to create a more conducive environment for Caleb Williams, potentially elevating the team's overall performance in the forthcoming season.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [33:09]: “I think they filled gaps. Let, let's do our winners and losers. So far, I think there's five or six teams that stick out. I think the Bears adding three key starters on their offensive line, which was ranked 24th, that helps.”

4. Aaron Rodgers' Potential Move

Discussion Highlights:

• Possible Signing with Steelers or Giants:

  • A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future, with speculation about his interest in joining either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Giants.

    Notable Quote:

    Albert Breer [17:25]: “So you have the one opportunity in Pittsburgh where you're really asking him to be the finishing piece... vs. the Giants, you're asking him to be the difference maker.”

• Team Comparisons:

  • The discussion contrasts the Steelers' robust roster and culture with the Giants' dynamic but less established team structure, weighing which environment might better suit Rodgers' aspirations.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [38:01]: “Excellent elite left tackle offensive coach. The only thing I don't like is it feels like you're a savior, which I don't want to be. But you know, Aaron may like the idea of, hey, you better listen to me...”

5. Predictions and Team Evaluations

Discussion Highlights:

• Winners and Losers in the Offseason:

  • Colin Cowherd outlines his assessments of various teams' offseason performances, identifying the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots as clear winners due to their strategic acquisitions and improvements.

  • Conversely, he criticizes the Jets and Steelers for questionable decisions, suggesting potential quarterback swaps and overpayments for certain positions.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [33:09]: “I like the direction. Clearly Ben Johnson now is running the show. I think the jets are a loser. They downgraded at quarterback and paid a lot for it.”

• Strategic Draft Picks:

  • Emphasis is placed on the importance of drafting players who can provide immediate and long-term value, particularly focusing on offensive line and quarterback positions to leverage team performance.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [35:30]: “They had to set a ceiling and say, Stafford, this is what you're making. We're not moving off it. You know, signing both IUK and Debo always felt a little much.”

6. Listener Engagement and Final Thoughts

Discussion Highlights:

• Interactive Predictions:

  • Colin encourages listeners to contemplate their own draft predictions and team strategies, fostering an interactive and analytical approach to understanding the draft's impact.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [27:26]: “Show's going to need a little more J. Mac tomorrow.”

• Closing Remarks:

  • The episode wraps up with Colin summarizing his key takeaways, reaffirming his support for certain teams' strategies while expressing skepticism about others, leaving listeners with thought-provoking insights into the impending NFL Draft.

    Notable Quote:

    Colin Cowherd [35:30]: “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.”

Conclusion: This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL Draft's top prospects and the strategic maneuvers of various teams during the offseason. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these developments could shape the future landscape of the NFL.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Player Acquisitions: Teams like the Bears and Saints are making calculated moves to strengthen crucial positions, positioning themselves favorably for the draft.
• Aaron Rodgers' Potential Move: Rodgers' possible transition to teams like the Steelers or Giants remains a hot topic, with significant implications for both his career and the teams involved.
• Draft Predictions: The importance of drafting players who can offer both immediate impact and long-term value is emphasized, particularly in key positions such as offensive line and quarterback.

For More Information: Listeners interested in staying updated on the latest NFL Draft prospects and team strategies are encouraged to tune into future episodes of The Herd with Colin Cowherd available on the iHeartRadio app or other major podcast platforms.