THE HERD with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 (Feb 25, 2026)

Main Theme:
This episode dives deep into the latest news and rumors from the NFL Scouting Combine, including how its role has shifted from classic evaluations to league-wide dealmaking. Colin Cowherd is joined by insider Albert Breer to break down which teams might move up in the draft, the changing value of the combine, and key player rumors. There is also discussion on NBA dynamics (particularly Luka/LeBron fit with the Lakers), Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason priorities.

Key Topics and Discussion Points

1. NBA Recap: Luka, LeBron, and the Lakers’ Problems

[02:41 – 07:25]

• Colin’s Take:
  The Lakers had a strong game against Orlando, with LeBron excelling in the first quarter and Austin Reaves playing well. Luka Doncic struggled shooting but still influenced the game—with a catch: his constant confrontations with referees are becoming a real problem, especially since he doesn't provide much on defense.
• Interesting Stat:
  "Luka’s had 99 technical fouls in eight years. LeBron's had 76 in 23 years. And LeBron’s a much better defender." – Colin [05:03]
• Zach Lowe on Luka’s complaining:
  “The whining is back at just peak/nadir Dallas levels. It's every play...are you playing to draw a foul, or are you playing basketball?... It's completely out of control. It's just unwatchable.” – Zach Lowe [04:12]
• Team-Building Insight:
  Colin speculates new front office moves signal the Lakers could move off LeBron because his and Luka’s play styles don’t complement each other anymore.

2. NFL Combine: From Talent Evaluation to League Convention

[07:25 – 08:59]

• Albert Breer on Combine’s New Role:
  The Combine has become less about actual scouting and more a place for executives, agents, and teams to set the market for trades and free agency. Teams are less bought-in to the classic interviews and physicals, with some (like the Rams & Jags) sending fewer coaches.

  “So many businesses now do everything remotely—...the Rams felt these 15-minute interviews can be deceiving and change their view of a player in an undue way... Now, it’s more like ‘NFL convention week’—markets are set here.” – Albert Breer [07:25]

3. Draft Moves and Offseason Rumors

3.1. Will the Chiefs Move Up for a Running Back?

[08:59 – 11:01]

• Colin’s Theory:
  The Chiefs could target Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame) due to their weak running game.

• Breer’s Counter:
  Maybe the Chiefs go after Kenneth Walker (Seahawks) in free agency instead. Their thinking: build around Mahomes, get more “premium” talent at RB/WR, and adapt based on who gets franchise-tagged.

  “I want to do more around Patrick Mahomes...Are we better off drafting a RB early and going after a WR in FA? Or the reverse?” – Breer [09:33] “There's an opportunity here [inside the top 10] the Chiefs don’t expect to have for a while.” – Breer

3.2. Mac Jones’ Market & Trade Scenarios

[11:01 – 13:57]

• Trade Value:
  Mac is cheap, with less than $5M owed, making him attractive as a high-end backup/bridge starter for teams like Minnesota.
  • "It was brilliant of the Niners to get the second year [on Mac’s deal] … Either they have Brock Purdy insurance, or can listen to offers." – Breer [11:53, 41:02]
  • Minnesota is viewed as “the best spot” for reclamation QBs like Mac Jones.

3.3. Vegas Raiders and the #1 Overall Pick

[13:57 – 16:00]

• Odds of Trading Out?
  GM John Spytek said he’ll “take calls,” but Breer thinks “it would take something really off the charts” to pass on Fernando Mendoza. Raiders have lots of picks already, so a massive haul would be needed to consider moving down.
  • “I would be stunned if he [Mendoza] didn’t go number one...But if they got a historic offer, next year’s QB class is great, so it’s not impossible.” – Breer [14:38]
  • Colin notes: too many picks can backfire—you don’t want a too young roster.

3.4. Combine Player Buzz

[16:00 – 17:58]

• Breer’s Names to Watch:
  • Arbel Reese (Ohio State) – athletic “freak”
  • Jeremiah Love (RB, Notre Dame) – elite measurables
  • Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon TE):
    “A tight end built like Shannon Sharpe...if he runs, could be low 4.3s with a 40-inch vertical at 6'3, 240. That would be wild!” – Breer [17:12]
  • Big men: Caleb Lomu (Utah), Kaden Proctor (ex-Alabama)

4. NBA: Stars and Fan Culture

[22:17 – 25:47]

• The Unique NBA Fan Dynamic:
  • NBA fans wear and buy their stars’ shoes and apparel, which fuels “tribal” loyalty even when the on-court fit is off, as is the case with LeBron/Luka/Reaves in LA.
    • “Their net rating’s better when it’s just Reaves and Luka. When it’s all three, one is standing around ... and none are great defenders.” – Colin [24:47]
  • LeBron’s postgame on Luka passing up a final shot:
    “We executed, but we didn’t get the shot that we wanted.” – LeBron [25:47]

5. NFL Deep Dives

5.1. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Future

[26:17 – 30:10]

• Rushing Less?
  New HC Jesse Minter wants Lamar to run less, focusing on “under center, downhill” running schemes and using Lamar's mobility as the second option.
  • "I don't know that he needs to run more. I actually think there's times where he can run less." – Jesse Minter [26:47]
• Financial Squeeze:
  • Both center Linderbaum and Lamar want new deals; could put the roster in a pinch.
    • “You don’t want to be trapped, but when you don’t have to pay your QB, you have so many more options as a GM.” – Colin [27:22]

5.2. Broncos Shift: Sean Payton Gives Up Playcalling

[30:10 – 32:28]

• Sean Payton is turning over offensive playcalling to 31-year-old Davis Webb.
  • “I would only do that if I felt like it would help our team...I think he (Webb) has a gift. I'm glad he's on our staff." – Sean Payton [30:40]
  • Colin’s take: this is only happening because Webb is that good—otherwise, Payton would not give up control.

5.3. Chiefs’ Offseason: RB or OL?

[32:28 – 35:41]

• GM Brett Veach on the Run Game:
  • Wants to be “more explosive,” take pressure off Mahomes.
    • “If we can be more effective in the run game, we take a lot of pressure off Pat…” – Veach [32:49]
• Draft Debate:

  • Colin sees the Chiefs making a move for Jeremiah Love; co-host suggests that with OL issues, the Chiefs should prioritize tackle over RB at pick #9.

  • “In history, you can get RB talent everywhere, but top OTs are almost always 1st or high 2nd rounders.” – Colin [34:53]

6. Combine’s Changing Value & QB Evaluation

[41:28 – 46:31]

• Fewer teams see interviews as decisive now, as prospects are coached up to “win” them and are all in peak physical condition for the combine.
  • “A little bit of the combine is prepared interviews. Everybody’s slick, healthy...that’s not really like the NFL season...A lot is pain tolerance and attrition.” – Colin [41:28]
• On Fernando Mendoza (projected #1 pick):
  • Not viewed as a generational prospect like Lawrence, Luck, Caleb Williams, or Drake May. Could the Raiders trade out if they get a monster offer?
    • "You wouldn't do that with Trevor Lawrence or Andrew Luck, but Mendoza isn't that tier. If someone calls and offers an insane haul, you have to at least listen." – Colin [45:41]
  • But the Raiders already have so many picks; don’t get too young.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Zach Lowe on Luka:
  “The whining is back at just peak/nadir Dallas levels... It's every play, just play, man. It's unwatchable.” [04:12]
• Albert Breer (Combine’s New Role):
  “You’re certainly right. There are fewer head coaches here, fewer assistants...it takes the big trade show feel out of it.” [07:25]
• Sean Payton on giving up playcalling:
  “I'd only do that if I thought it'd help our team. ... I think he (Webb) has a gift.” [30:40]
• Jesse Minter (Ravens HC) on Lamar:
  “I don’t know that he needs to run more...there’s times where he can run less.” [26:47]
• Colin, on the Raiders at #1 overall:
  “You wouldn’t do this with Trevor Lawrence, but you would at least take a call for Mendoza. The GM even says he will.” [45:41]

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• NBA: LeBron/Luka/Lakers Discussion: [02:41 – 07:25, 22:17 – 25:47]
• NFL Combine: Changing Role, Deal-Making: [07:25 – 08:59, 41:28 – 46:31]
• Chiefs’ Draft/RB Targets Debate: [08:59 – 11:01, 32:28 – 35:41]
• Mac Jones Trade Value & QB Markets: [11:01 – 13:57, 41:02]
• Raiders and #1 Pick (Mendoza): [13:57 – 16:00, 45:41]
• Combine Players to Watch: [16:00 – 17:58]
• Lamar Jackson & Ravens: [26:17 – 30:10]
• Broncos OC Shift: [30:10 – 32:28]

Memorable Moments

• Albert Breer organically detailing how the combine “sets the market” for free agency and trades, changing how teams behave.
• Colin’s stats comparing Luka and LeBron, using technical fouls as a lens to measure leadership and focus.
• The lively debate over whether the Chiefs should move for a home run RB (Jeremiah Love) or fix their O-line, given Mahomes’ injury history.
• Jesse Minter’s strategic perspective on how to maximize Lamar Jackson’s longevity.

Takeaways

• The NFL Combine is now the league’s backroom marketplace, not just a talent show.
• The Raiders are listening to calls on #1, but it would take a historic package to move off Mendoza.
• Chiefs are in a rare position to draft early; split between upgrading RB (Love) and addressing OL.
• NBA superstar fit: “star stacking” doesn’t always make sense if their skills/needs overlap.
• Player empowerment and prepared interviews have skewed both NBA team building and NFL draft evaluations.
• Teams are wary of building rosters that skew too young, despite hoarding picks.

For Fans:
If you haven’t listened, this episode is packed with inside NFL intel, big-picture team-building philosophy, and strong opinions on why superstar combos fail. Both the present and the future (in the draft and league dynamics) are up for debate, with detailed reporting and sharp editorial takes.