Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: The Favorites - NFC Draft Recap
Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In the April 30, 2025 episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Chad Millman and Simon Hunter delve deep into the recent NFC Draft, analyzing key picks, team strategies, and the broader implications for the upcoming NFL season. The episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of each NFC division, offering betting insights and evaluating the potential impact of draft choices on team performances.

Key Storylines and Highlights

1. Shador Sanders’ Surprising Draft Position

A central topic of discussion revolves around Shador Sanders, a quarterback who unexpectedly fell to the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Chad and Simon express their astonishment at this development, emphasizing the historical rarity of fifth-round quarterbacks making a significant impact in the league.

• Simon Hunter [06:03]: "It's never happened in the NFL. So I'm excited for him to prove these teams wrong and write his own story or he's going to fall apart..."

• Chad Millman [08:06]: "There's zero in the fifth round who have ever made the Pro Bowl. This is the craziest storyline of the weekend."

The duo explores possible reasons for Sanders' drop, including questionable character issues and potential self-sabotage, speculating on his future prospects and the challenges he faces in proving himself.

2. NFC Division Analyses

A. NFC East

• Giants:

  • Key Picks: Abdul Carter (Edge Rusher), Jackson Dart (QB backup).
  • Discussion: Chad questions the Giants' strategy of drafting Jackson Dart, fearing he may never develop behind established players like Russell Wilson.
  • Notable Quote [18:16]: "Did Brian Dayball and Joe Shane just draft a guy they'll never get to develop?"

• Cowboys:

  • Key Picks: Offensive Guard from Alabama.
  • Discussion: Emphasis on strengthening the offensive line to recapture past drafting successes. Chad highlights the Cowboys as a team with high potential value.
  • Notable Quote [24:13]: "They are in an interesting spot because Dak will be back, but they still don't have a running back."

• Eagles:

  • Key Picks: Jihad Campbell (Linebacker).
  • Discussion: Focus on defensive improvements, with Chad appreciating Howie’s commitment to enhancing the defense.
  • Notable Quote [27:30]: "They attacked the defensive line, which is exactly what their plan was."

• Washington:

  • Key Picks: Josh Connolly (Left Tackle).
  • Discussion: Critical evaluation of Washington's draft moves, questioning their ability to improve defensively.
  • Notable Quote [28:46]: "They should be closer to +350 to +400 for this division than they are."

B. NFC West

• 49ers:

  • Key Picks: Curtis Rourke (QB), Michael Williams (Edge Rusher).
  • Discussion: Chad interprets the 49ers' seventh-round QB pick as a strategic move to secure a long-term starter, signaling they are serious about rebuilding.
  • Notable Quote [33:36]: "They are going to bring Curtis Rourke into the starting lineup, replacing Brock Purdy."

• Rams:

  • Key Picks: Focus on defensive depth.
  • Discussion: Analysis of Rams' conservative drafting approach, trading down to secure multiple defensive players.
  • Notable Quote [35:59]: "They are building depth at tight end and across the defensive line."

• Arizona Cardinals:

  • Key Picks: Will Johnson (Linebacker), Cornerback from Michigan.
  • Discussion: Viewed as the best value in the division, with a strong emphasis on defensive enhancements.
  • Notable Quote [38:21]: "This draft, they needed to attack the defense just like a couple of teams we’ve already talked on."

• Seattle Seahawks:

  • Key Picks: Sam Darnold, Jalen Milroe (Wide Receiver).
  • Discussion: Focus on offensive line improvements to support quarterback Geno Smith, though concerns remain about overall offensive strategy.
  • Notable Quote [40:14]: "They have a lot of holes to fix and I just don't think they did enough in this draft."

C. NFC South

• Buccaneers:

  • Key Picks: Benjamin Morrison (Cornerback), Mecka Buka (Wide Receiver).
  • Discussion: Positive reception of their defensive picks, aiming to strengthen the secondary.
  • Notable Quote [42:28]: "They attacked their cornerbacks, which was their biggest weakness last year."

• Atlanta Falcons:

  • Key Picks: Multiple Edge Rushers, unproven quarterback prospects.
  • Discussion: Mixed reviews on the Falcons' aggressive defensive drafting against the backdrop of an unstable quarterback situation.
  • Notable Quote [43:50]: "It's really stupid value, especially with an unproven quarterback as their starter next year."

• Panthers:

  • Key Picks: High emphasis on defensive positions, including edge rushers and defensive tackles.
  • Discussion: Viewed as a strong contender with a balanced approach to addressing team weaknesses.
  • Notable Quote [45:44]: "It's never too early for us to show our love on this Panthers team."

• Saints:

  • Key Picks: Alvin Tyler (Left Tackle), Tyler (Quarterback).
  • Discussion: Critical assessment of the Saints' drafting strategy, highlighting questionable quarterback selection.
  • Notable Quote [51:16]: "Very weird pick... someone who can never stay healthy."

D. NFC North

• Lions:

  • Key Picks: Defensive Tackle from Ohio State, offensive linemen, wide receivers.
  • Discussion: Positive outlook based on strategic defensive and offensive line additions, though skepticism remains about coaching changes.
  • Notable Quote [52:00]: "The Lions are the odds-on favorite to win the division, +130."

• Packers:

  • Key Picks: Matthew Golden (Wide Receiver), Devonte Adams.
  • Discussion: Optimism about the receiver additions, expecting significant impact on Jordan Love’s performance.
  • Notable Quote [55:20]: "If Golden hits, he's a Tyreek Hill type, a speedster that can stretch the field."

• Vikings:

  • Key Picks: JJ McCarthy (Quarterback), Donovan Jackson (Guard).
  • Discussion: Mixed feelings about the Vikings’ focus on offensive protection, with concerns about McCarthy’s readiness.
  • Notable Quote [57:05]: "It's too much unknown with JJ. He's got the talent but never had enough reps."

• Bears:

  • Key Picks: LaFleur picks (Wide Receiver and Offensive Lineman), Sam Darnold.
  • Discussion: Positive reception of the Bears' picks, emphasizing the addition of key offensive players to support Caleb Williams.
  • Notable Quote [58:57]: "First four picks really knocked it out of the park."

Betting Insights

Chad and Simon provide detailed betting odds for each NFC division, evaluating teams based on their draft moves and overall potential:

• NFC East: Giants at +28, Cowboys at +7, Eagles at -160, Washington at +220.
• NFC West: 49ers at +145, Rams at +165, Arizona Cardinals at +550, Seattle Seahawks at +6.
• NFC South: Buccaneers at +110, Atlanta Falcons at +230, Panthers at +425, Saints at +800/+750.
• NFC North: Lions at +130, Packers at +275, Vikings at +400, Bears at +450.

The hosts emphasize favoring teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Bears based on their draft strategies, while advising caution with teams like the Saints and Vikings due to questionable picks and uncertainties.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

The episode culminates with Chad and Simon expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming NFL season, driven by the intricate draft strategies and the potential for breakout performances from newly drafted players. They highlight the unpredictability of the draft and its long-term impact on team dynamics, particularly focusing on the Shador Sanders narrative as a key storyline to watch.

Notable Conclusion Quotes:

• Chad Millman [60:35]: "If Sanders proves Mel Kiper wrong, that's going to be a storyline that remains relevant."

• Simon Hunter [60:41]: "It's never too early for us to show our love on this Panthers team."

Overall Impression

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth analysis of the NFC Draft, blending expert opinions with betting insights to provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the draft’s implications. Chad Millman and Simon Hunter effectively navigate through each division, offering both praise and criticism where due, and setting the stage for an exciting NFL season ahead.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Simon Hunter [06:03]: "I can't wrap my head around that part because it's like I get a lot of it. A lot of these people are phonies..."

• Chad Millman [08:06]: "This kid must have just burned a ton of bridges and the league humbled him."

• Simon Hunter [18:16]: "Brian might stick around. It is a question about the GM..."

• Chad Millman [33:36]: "They are going to bring Curtis Rourke into the starting lineup..."

• Simon Hunter [40:14]: "They have a lot of holes to fix and I just don't think they did enough in this draft."

Disclaimer: This summary is intended for informational purposes only. For betting inquiries and responsible gambling practices, listeners are reminded to consult official sources.