The Herd with Colin Cowherd | Hour 2 Summary

Episode Date: April 8, 2026
Theme: Why the New York Giants are poised for a major improvement next season, and deep analysis on the NFL Draft—with a focus on key prospects, the Giants’ draft strategy, and broader NFL/NBA trends.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Colin Cowherd analyzes why the New York Giants could make a substantial leap next season. There’s a wide-ranging conversation with Dane Brugler (NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic) diving deep into the 2026 NFL Draft class—exploring specific prospects, draft philosophies, and organizational strategies. Colin also dissects NBA load management and tanking issues, and wraps with broader conversations about college basketball coaching moves and late-blooming NBA prospect Jackson Lindeborg.

Key Discussion Points

Tackling NBA Tanking & Load Management Problems

[02:35-04:32]

• Colin’s Take: The NBA’s continued struggle with tanking and load management, despite reforms—flattened lottery odds, 65-game minimums for awards, and the NBA Cup—none have fixed the problem.
• Solution Proposed: Bigger financial penalties for owners, not just players.
  • “Draymond Green said last night, hey, if we’re a players league, you’re always fining us. Why not fine the owners more?” (Colin Cowherd, 03:17)
  • “For most successful men and NBA owners... money and fines cuts through. That’s what matters.” (Colin Cowherd, 04:32)

Dane Brugler Deep-Dives on the NFL Draft

[07:29-19:24] (with Dane Brugler)

Key Prospect Analysis

• David Bailey (Defensive End)

  • Seen as a "safe" high pick with elite pass-rushing but not a full three-down player.
  • “If you want a guy that can just scream off the edge and put pressure on the quarterback, Bailey can absolutely do that.” (Dane Brugler, 08:11)
  • “But in my opinion, Arvell Reese is the best player in this draft.” (Dane Brugler, 08:23)

• Arvell Reese (Hybrid Defender)

  • Brugler emphasizes the value of truly hybrid defenders in the modern NFL, drawing a distinction between “hybrid” and “tweener.”
  • Cites how teams like Detroit want flexible defensive looks: “Listen to Aaron Glenn, what he talked about wanting more hybrid players...I think it really points to what Arvell Reese offers.” (Dane Brugler, 09:17)

• Reuben Bain (Physical Pass-Rusher)

  • Considered an outlier due to short arm length, but Brugler still sees floor as high.
  • “I think what gives me a lot of...makes me feel better about it is how good he is against the run. The motor is nonstop, he’s powerful.” (Dane Brugler, 10:44)

• Wide Receivers

  • Carnell Tate: Seen as a potential “number one receiver very quickly.”
    • “If you’re going to give Shador a chance, you’ve got to get him some players...Tate is a number one receiver very quickly in the NFL.” (Colin Cowherd, 11:48)
  • Makai Lemon: Not a burner, but crafty, physical, reliable, and productive after the catch.
    • “He’s manipulative as a route runner...very quarterback friendly...the ball doesn’t hit the ground.” (Dane Brugler, 13:07)

• Quarterbacks

  • Fernando Mendoza: Colin loves his intangibles and size, calling him a “bigger, thicker, stronger Matt Ryan.”
  • Ty Simpson: Brugler: “Daniel Jones with lesser physical traits… the lack of experience does worry me… I wouldn’t draft him until the second round.” (15:34)
    • “When the running game wasn’t working, more was on the quarterback...he just had a tough time doing that.” (Dane Brugler, 16:02)

• Chris Bell (Louisville WR)

  • Overlooked due to late-season ACL injury but described as an early-starter-level wideout.
  • “He can take a slant and take it the rest of the way or you can win down the field, just big, physical, strong. You like the ball skills—a lot to like about him.” (Dane Brugler, 18:41)

Notable Segment Quotes

• “Owners may eventually want to fire Adam Silver, but I don’t think any owner wakes up in the morning wanting to tank.” (Colin, 05:14)
• “He was my number two receiver coming into the year...He told me at the combine...he just wanted to be there for the football games.” (Dane Brugler, 17:53 about Chris Bell)

The “Top 5 Draft → Playoff Team” Trend & Giants Outlook

[19:25-38:45]

• Colin Dissects the Trend: For seven consecutive years, a team picking in the top five has made the playoffs the following season. Evaluates the five 2026 draft teams: Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Giants.

  • Eliminates Jets and Cardinals as playoff contenders due to coaching/roster issues.
  • Giants Analysis:
    • Only three starters away (right tackle, perimeter weapon, corner/safety).
    • Led by 10+ in five losses last season—a record for a 4-13 team; not as “bad” as their record.
    • “The Giants are a playoff team...I think the Giants have nine wins on this schedule.” (Colin Cowherd, 37:15)

• John Harbaugh speaks on team unity with panel discussion

  • “It’s just a bunch of people coming together to build something together that is a team...If you do that, you have a chance to be the best team, because the best team is the team that plays the best.” (John Harbaugh, 38:20)

Quick Fire Headlines: News & Storylines

[24:31-33:38]

• Jackson Dart (NY QB): New OC Matt Nagy praises his toughness and mentality—“This kid is different that way.” (Matt Nagy, 25:32)
• NBA Lakers Struggles: Injuries and lack of depth have them “kind of screwed right now, Colin.” (John Middlekop, 29:07)
• Michael Malone’s New College Deal: Leaves NBA for UNC; Colin highlights why premier college jobs are highly desirable and lucrative now.
  • “Carolina coaching is one of the ten best basketball jobs in the world. It’s a great job.” (Colin Cowherd, 31:08)

The “Late Bloomer” NBA Prospect & Talent Identification

[42:24-47:58]

• Michigan’s Jackson Lindeborg: A unique NBA draft prospect who came to basketball late; Colin sees significant growth ahead.

  • “You’re just getting a guy...with so much room to grow. All you have to do is look at his shooting — he’s just a way better shooter than the rest of his career.” (Colin Cowherd, 43:19)
  • “He’s so untapped because he’s so new to the game.” (Dusty May, 44:16)

• Colin’s Perspective: Late bloomers are rare in basketball, but Lindeborg’s path could make him a valuable anomaly.

  • “Pastel Siakam is a prime example. He didn’t play organized basketball till he was 17...But he’s the rare basketball player that you couldn’t identify at 16.” (Colin Cowherd, 46:20)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On NBA Fining Owners:

  • “For most successful men and NBA owners... money and fines cuts through. That’s what matters.” (Colin Cowherd, 04:32)

• On “Safe” High NFL Draft Picks:

  • “If you want a guy that can just scream off the edge and put pressure on the quarterback, Bailey can absolutely do that… But in my opinion, Arvell Reese is the best player in this draft.” (Dane Brugler, 08:11–08:23)

• On Giants’ Playoff Potential:

  • “The Giants are a playoff team...I think the Giants have nine wins on this schedule.” (Colin Cowherd, 37:15)
  • “They led by 10 or more in 5 of their losses. That’s an NFL record.” (Colin Cowherd, 36:30)

• On Michael Malone to UNC:

  • “Carolina coaching is one of the 10 best basketball jobs in the world. It’s a great job.” (Colin Cowherd, 31:08)

• On Jackson Lindeborg’s NBA Upside:

  • “He’s so untapped because he’s so new to the game.” (Dusty May, 44:16)

Important Timestamps

• NBA Tanking & Load Management: [02:35–04:32]
• NFL Draft Prospect Panel with Dane Brugler: [07:29–19:24]
• Giants Top 5 → Playoff Team Segment: [19:25–38:45]
• Jackson Dart & Giants Roster Analysis: [24:34–27:30]
• Michael Malone to UNC, College Sports Money: [30:10–33:38]
• Jackson Lindeborg as Late-Blooming Prospect: [42:24–47:58]

Tone & Style

Colin’s signature blend of passion and pointed opinion prevails throughout. The conversation with Brugler is analytical and detailed yet accessible, mixing stats and tape talk with relatable anecdotes. Cowherd oscillates between assertiveness (“The Giants are a playoff team…”) and anecdotal humor (his basketball scouting stories). The show maintains an energetic, fast-paced flow, rooted in sharp sports insight.

Summary Takeaways

• Giants Optimism: Based on their close losses, manageable holes to fill, and division context, Colin pegs the Giants as the best bet to continue the "top 5 pick to playoffs" NFL trend.
• NFL Draft Trends & Talent: Brugler sees major value in certain hybrid defenders and under-the-radar offensive playmakers; injuries and “tweeners” complicate the process.
• NBA’s Systemic Issues: Real fixes for tanking and load management require hitting owners in the wallet—not just tweaking player incentives.
• College Basketball’s Professionalization: Michael Malone’s $50M UNC contract exemplifies the draw (and financial reward) of elite college gigs now rivaling the pros.
• Late Bloomers: Whether in football or basketball, players who develop late (physically or skill-wise) can be hidden gems—but are rare and tough to forecast.

For listeners who missed the show:
This episode is a sports information goldmine—loaded with actionable NFL Draft analysis, bold Giants predictions, sharp NBA critique, and fun detours into the worlds of college coaching and scouting oddities.