THE HERD - Hour 3 - More on the upcoming NFL Draft

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 (April 8, 2026)

Main Theme

This episode centers on the upcoming NFL Draft and the evolution of both NBA and NFL talent pipelines. Colin Cowherd hosts former NBA All-Star Michael Redd and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, discussing player development, international vs. domestic talent, and key prospects for both the NBA and NFL drafts. The hour also includes sharp commentary on NBA team dynamics and a spirited debate about notable MLB brawls.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Michael Redd on College Basketball, NBA Fit, and the Evolution of Talent

• Yaxel Annenberg’s NBA Ceiling

  • Colin asks about Yaxel Annenberg, praising his late start and rapid improvement
  • Michael Redd emphasizes that Annenberg, despite his age and lack of early experience, has significant upside:

    “He’s really, in basketball years, still an adolescent... the sky is still the limit for him, and he’s going to continue to improve.” (04:00)

  • Both agree the trend in college and pro basketball is older, more developed players excelling.

• Cooper Flagg’s Ascent and Comparison to Tatum

  • Colin compares Cooper Flagg’s aggressiveness and upside to Jayson Tatum, suggesting Flagg could surpass Tatum.
  • Michael Redd agrees dramatically:

    “And put emphasis on plus. I really do... His IQ is underrated. His ability to read the game is unusual for a 19-year-old.” (05:19)

• The Lakers’ Roster Needs Without LeBron

  • Colin calls out the team's lack of athleticism and young defenders and asks Redd what Luca Doncic and Austin Reaves need around them.
  • Redd:

    “Size for sure. Athletic size... 3&D guys. Younger, that’s an important factor.” (07:10)

    • Points to OKC and San Antonio as models for building with youth, defense, and length.

• The Giannis/Milwaukee Rift and Trade Speculation

  • Colin: Milwaukee’s improved city/arena, but Giannis situation is now irreparable per reporting.
  • Redd:

    “Blame is strong language... both parties win out of the situation, and it may be time for both parties to part ways... Giannis will have his jersey retired... Make it more peaceful than it has to be.” (08:34)

  • On Giannis’ possible destinations:

    “Golden State is a desired place... I think you look at New York, there’s been speculation... I think he would be content going with a winner.” (09:33)

  • Discussion on New York as a fit: proximity to Greece, global appeal, and how his “tough as nails” play fits the city (14:33).

---

2. NBA Talent Pipeline: International vs. Domestic Development

• Shift in NBA Star Demographics

  • Redd reminisces about the early 2000s: Dirk Nowitzki, Sabonis as the rare top-tier European players (15:53).
  • He credits European developmental systems:

    “Europe has a tendency to work on development. I think in America we need to make sure... we hone in more on development... The Europeans have seemed to master that.” (16:36)

    • Cites over-use and injuries for American stars like Zion and Morant as a downside of the traditional U.S. system.

• Personal Story: Path from Second-Round Pick to NBA All-Star

  • Redd explains he always believed in his scoring, even in high school:

    “You almost have to be delusional about who you are... I knew that I belonged there, and so if you don’t feel that way, you probably don’t belong there.” (17:59)

• His AAU Philosophy

  • Michael Redd’s “Mr. 22 Elite” focuses on holistic player development, echoing his European-influenced critique. (18:45)

---

3. NCAA Freshmen, Aging Trends, and One-and-Dones

• Cooper Flagg vs. Con Knippel: Rookie of the Year Race

  • Cooper Flagg’s versatility and higher ceiling noted; Knippel praised as a shooter.
  • Cowherd:

    “There’s a difference between all NBA and making an all-star game. I think Cooper Flag is all NBA seven times that kind of player.” (20:28)

  • Analyst compares Flagg to Grant Hill’s immediate collegiate impact (22:30).
  • Cowherd: Flagg’s early stats match those of Bird, Michael Jordan, and Luka Doncic (22:44).

• Duke & Arizona: The Double-Edged Sword of Reloading with Freshmen

  • Colin notes:

    “It’s hard to crush Duke because what’s happening in college football and basketball, everybody’s leaning into age. And Duke’s like Arizona, by the way. Same thing. Well, Duke and Arizona can get five-star guys that play immediately. You get one year with them. Are you supposed to not recruit them if you can get them?” (21:28)

---

4. NFL Draft Talk with Dane Brugler of The Athletic (The “Beast” Guide)

• Edge Rusher Prospects: David Bailey vs. Arvell Reese

  • Brugler:

    “I think there’s a big difference between being a hybrid and being a tweener... Reese is very much a hybrid player compared to being a tweener.” (28:38)

  • Bailey’s production acknowledged, but Reese’s upside as “best player in this draft” highlighted, despite positional ambiguity.

• Hidden Gems: Chris Bell (Louisville)

  • Colin singles out Bell as a mid-round receiver who could become a star, calling his tape “eye-opening.”
  • Brugler:

    “Ask Miami about Chris Bell and they'll tell you best receiver they faced this year... He would be a first round player if not for the ACL... I think once you get to the second round, more than a few teams looking at Chris Bell.” (30:06)

• Raiders Draft Strategy and Trade-Back Scenarios

  • Cowherd maps out how the Raiders could target WR Omar Cooper if they move up in the early second round to support a rookie QB, using extra draft capital:

    “I do think the way to do it, when you have a young quarterback, get an offensive coach preferably... protect him and get him a weapon.” (34:46)

• War Room Dynamics

  • Analyst:

    “By the time you get to the middle of next week... everyone’s board is more or less set. But this is a big week... Sometimes their position coaches and coordinators push guys up dramatically right now.” (32:31)

---

5. Brief News Segment — NFL and MLB Highlights

• NFL: NFC North Coaching Job Security

  • Debates over perceived hot seats for Dan Campbell (Lions), Kevin O’Connell (Vikings); consensus is both are safe because of recent franchise turnarounds (22:56–24:11).

• MLB: Notable Baseball Brawls

  • Colin and analyst recount famous MLB fights, from 1980s chaos to Bryce Harper’s helmet throw, highlighting how rare such brawls are today and reminiscing about the infamous 1984 Padres-Braves bench-clearing melee (25:33–27:23).

---

Memorable Quotes

• “Sometimes you need a really bad day at work. It creates clarity... It’s actually great for the new Laker owners. Guys, you need about 4. Jaden McDaniels 3. And these catch and shoot, you’re not close. You’re old and unathletic.”
  — Colin Cowherd on the Lakers’ urgent need for youth and defense (06:00)

• “He’s a baby, right. In basketball terms. So the sky is still the limit for him...”
  — Michael Redd on Yaxel Annenberg (04:00)

• “And put emphasis on plus. I really do [think Flagg is Tatum plus]. ...His IQ is underrated. His ability to read the game is unusual for a 19-year-old.”
  — Michael Redd on Cooper Flagg (05:19)

• “Both parties win out of the situation, and it may be time for both parties to part ways... Giannis will have his jersey retired.”
  — Michael Redd on the Bucks/Giannis breakup (08:34)

• “Europe has a tendency to work on development. I think in America we need to make sure that we hone in more on development.”
  — Michael Redd on why European players are excelling (16:36)

• “You almost have to be delusional about who you are... if you don’t feel that way, you probably don’t belong there.”
  — Michael Redd on mindset for NBA success (17:59)

• “There’s a difference between all NBA and making an all star game. I think Cooper Flagg is all NBA seven times that kind of player.”
  — Colin Cowherd on Cooper Flagg’s upside (20:28)

• “If you want a guy that can just scream off the edge... Bailey can absolutely do that. But in my opinion, Arvell Reese is the best player in this draft... I think Reese is very much a hybrid player...”
  — Dane Brugler on draft edge rusher debate (28:38)

• “Ask Miami about Chris Bell and they'll tell you best receiver they faced this year. He would be a first round player if not for the ACL...”
  — Dane Brugler on Louisville WR Chris Bell (30:06)

---

Selected Timestamps

• NBA: Yaxel Annenberg’s upside – 04:00
• Cooper Flagg’s Tatum+ ceiling – 05:19
• Lakers’ roster/LeBron future – 06:00
• Giannis/Milwaukee: fallout and trade talk – 08:34, 09:33
• International talent’s NBA takeover – 16:36
• Second-round NBA success stories – 17:59
• Cooper Flagg vs. Con Knippel, NBA prospects – 20:28
• Dane Brugler: Edge rusher draft debate – 28:38
• Dane Brugler: WR Chris Bell as draft sleeper – 30:06
• Cowherd on Raiders’ draft scenarios – 34:46

---

Structure and Flow

Listeners are treated to a fast-paced, opinionated discussion blending in-depth sports analysis with broader themes about how basketball and football talent are nurtured, selected, and projected. Colin Cowherd’s signature blend of sharp takes and respectful engagement with guests provides both entertainment and tangible insights for hardcore and casual fans.

---

This summary offers a comprehensive look at Hour 3, mapping the key personalities, prospects, and philosophies driving today’s college and pro sports worlds—without the distraction of commercial breaks or off-topic chatter.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Apple Card Advertiser]

Guaranteed Human this message is brought to you by Apple Card Apple Card members can earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases wherever they shop. This means you could be earning daily cash on just about anything, like a slice of pizza from your local pizza place or a latte from the corner coffee shop. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app to see your credit limit offer in minutes subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more at applecard.com the March tournament brings

[Webull Advertiser]

volatility upsets and momentum shifts. With Webull predictions, you can trade strategic positions on college basketball outcomes, react to matchups and assess probabilities as the tournament unfolds. Whether your bracket is busted or you're on the way to the top of your leaderboard, bring your strategy to your trades in real time. Get started by downloading the Webull app today or visiting webull.com event Contract trading is speculative and may not be suitable for all investors. Customers should carefully consider the associated risk before investing. Visit webull.com disclosures everyone deserves to be

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

connected T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Our networks are coming together, bringing more T Mobile coverage all over the country. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com Switch and now T Mobile is available in the US Cellular Store in Pasco. Bigger network the combination of T Mobiles and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage savings versus comparable Verizon plans plus the costs of options, benefits plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third free line free via monthly bill credits. Credits stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required

[Colin Cowherd]

and Doug, there's nowhere

[Fox Sports Analyst]

I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty

[Geico Advertiser]

Mutual, even if it means sitting front

[Colin Cowherd]

row at a comedy show.

[Podcast Host]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh no.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty

[Colin Cowherd]

Liberty Liberty Liberty thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. This party started.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

[Colin Cowherd]

I have my mock draft tomorrow. I just turned it in to the guys. Had to consult with some people. I just love the draft is so much fun. Well, he averaged 20 points a game in the NBA, was an All Star, played 11 years with Milwaukee. I think in the end, he may have gone to Phoenix, you know, warmed up a little bit. The former Buckeye probably pains him to watch Michigan win a natty. Michael Red is joining us live in the herd. That probably was just a tad painful. Just. Just a little painful.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Yeah,

[Michael Redd]

it was. And I got calls that night, obviously, from Michigan fans and friends. So, yeah, I mean, the rival spills over to basketball, obviously, in all things.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, the. It's interesting. We were talking earlier about Yaxel Annenberg, and I said, okay, the guy didn't play high school. He didn't play high school basketball till his senior year. Everybody tells me he's old. He is. I mean, the fact that he just started playing at like 17 or 18 and he's this good, I'm like, I don't care that he's older. I don't care that he doesn't have hops. Like, that's incredible. I think the NBA, Michael, you were built for today's NBA. To be honest with you, you were perfect. Smart, spacing speed, shooting scheme fit. Honestly, I could argue you got to the NBA about six years too soon. When you watch yax, I know he was a Wolverine. I think he works in today's league. Do you?

[Michael Redd]

Totally, Totally. I watched him intently, you know, throughout the season. To your point, he's really in basketball years, still an adolescence. He's a baby, right. In basketball terms. So the sky is still the limit for him, and he's going to continue to improve. I thought he had a terrific year this year. Michigan clearly the best team in the country throughout the year along Arizona, but clearly Michigan was the best and they proved it in the championship game. And I think that the trend from here on out is obviously continuing to have older teams do well in the tournament in basketball and football.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep, that's what Indiana did in football. You know, I got to tell you, I remember a year ago when Cooper Flagg came out, I said, listen, he's not going to be as good as Jayson Tatum. First year, probably not. Second, I said, but he is so aggressive. I said, he is. And I said, I love Tatum. Sometimes with Jason, I feel like Jaylen Brown's like, nah, I'm gonna run it. And you know, Kobe wouldn't allow that. Michael wouldn't Bird like, there is something to be said about sometimes being almost obnoxious in wanting the ball. And that's not Jason's personality. Cooper Flagg is a dog. I can't believe how good he is as a teenager. I do think his ceiling is Tatum Plus. Does that sound ridiculous to you?

[Michael Redd]

And put emphasis on plus. I really do. I watched him again this year and obviously the hype from high school to college was there, but to watch him at this level do what he's done has been nothing short of impressive. I think he has an edge to him. To your point, a dog. He's competitive. His IQ is underrated. Really smart basketball players. His ability to read the game is unusual for a 19 year old. And to have 99 points or 90 points in two games, it's historic. So I think give credit to coach Kidd as well for how he's used them this year as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I, you know, it's interesting with, with the Lakers, I had said on the show, Michael, I said, sometimes you need a really bad day at work. It creates clarity, like, you know, because we all want to believe we're doing great and some days just a disaster at work. And you're like, yeah, I'm not quite there yet. The Lakers going to okc, the injuries stink, but the fact they couldn't compete for three minutes. And you're like, you knew okc. With Luca coming into towns like, no, this one counts, but we're going to. And I said, that's actually great for the new Laker owners. Like, guys, you need about 4. Jaden McDaniels 3. And these catch and shoot, you're not close. You're old and unathletic. A lot of people are talking about they have a chance going forward to go get another great player. So let's take LeBron out of the equation because my guess is unless he takes a pay cut, he's gone. What would you surround Luca and Austin Reeves with if you ran the team? Like, like, like, what do you think they need? Because it is an attractive market. Still now they have second richest owners in basketball. What's attractive to you around Luca?

[Michael Redd]

Well, I think size for sure. Athletic size. Luka thrives off lobs with bigs. Right? But also defensively, someone who can protect those two when they beat off the dribble. Not that they can't get better defensively, but I think you said it best. 3&D guys Younger. That's. That's. That's an important factor, getting younger. Right? So you look at the model of what OKC has done, you look at the model of what San Antonio has done, right? Kind of shaping and forming their roster into that elk. And so for me, you've got Two stars. Take LeBron out of it. To your point, you got two stars in Austin, Reeves and Luka. Now surround them with guys who could defend at a high level, that have length and who are young.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. All right, let's get into the ugly stuff. Milwaukee, you played 11 years there. You love Milwaukee. The other day, when LeBron threw shade at Akan Memphis in Milwaukee, I was like, bro, you. You can throw shade where you want. Milwaukee actually spent, you know, five and a half billion dollars downtown. It's actually beautiful now. It's really nice. Yeah, the honest thing's a mess. Shams. I read the sham story. Apparently, it's been a mess for years. Shams has tried to be. Go private with it. Like, I'm ready to move. Start with this. Who messed up? Who do we blame? Where's the finger get pointed here? Wow.

[Michael Redd]

I mean, blame is strong language. But I will say there's two stories, right? Two sides. You have Milwaukee's perspective, and you have Giannis's perspective. This could have ended amicably. Unfortunately, I don't think it will. And from my perspective, I think you look at what Giannis has brought to Milwaukee. He brought him a championship, obviously, with Jrue Holiday and Chris Middleton hadn't had one since Kareem. Right. Obviously, having played there, I know how challenging it was to win in Milwaukee. But Milwaukee provided a platform believed in Giannis, and Giannis becomes an international superstar. So in my opinion, both parties win out of the situation, and it may be time for both parties to part ways going forward and just move on and not let this two be too, too nasty of an ending. Giannis will have his jersey retired. He's going to have all the love and adulation from the city. It's just time to move on and make it more peaceful than it has to be, then making it more nasty.

[Colin Cowherd]

Where would you like to see him go? Where does he fit?

[Michael Redd]

Well, I know he wants to win. Right. So obviously, Golden State is a desired place, obviously, playing with Steph and that team up there. I think you look at New York, obviously, there's been some speculation that he wants to play in New York. How does he get there? What moves need to be made? I don't know, but I think he would be content with going with a winner. Does he move to the West Coast? Does he move to the East Coast? Right? Is it more easier of a road in the east, in the West?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Michael Redd]

Things that he's going to have to consider.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Fox Sports Radio is taking over YouTube and you can be a part of just go to YouTube and search Fox Sports Radio. Hit that subscribe button and smash that notification bell and catch all the videos from your favorite shows. Two pros and a cup of Joe Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Stu Gotz and company Live, Covino and Rich, the Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, the Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon and the Ben Maller Show. Fox sports radio on YouTube subscribe hit

[Colin Cowherd]

that thumbs up icon and comment away

[Webull Advertiser]

the March tournament brings volatility upsets and momentum shifts. With webull predictions, you can trade strategic positions on college basketball outcomes, react to matchups and assess probabilities as the tournament unfolds. Whether your bracket is busted or you're on the way to the top of your leaderboard, bring your strategy to your trades in real time. Get started by downloading the Webull app today or visiting webull.com event Contract trading is speculative and may not be suitable for all investors. Customers should carefully consider the associated risk before investing. Visit webull.com disclosures we're lost and kickoff's coming up.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't want to miss the lineup. I'm gonna ask that man for directions. Hi there. We're trying to get to the stadium.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree at this here road.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Nah, I'm just kidding.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Let me get my phone out.

[Colin Cowherd]

How is there signal out here?

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

T Mobile and US Cellular are coming together so the network out here is huge. We get the same great signal as the city, saving a boatload with benefits. And there's a five year price guarantee too. Okay, here's the turn Actually, can you

[Colin Cowherd]

pull up the way to a T Mobile store?

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available at US Cellular stores in Hermiston Best Mobile Network Based on analysis by OKLO Speed test intelligence data second half of 2025 bigger network the combination of T Mobile's and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage, price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.

[Geico Advertiser]

Geico presents a 30 second podcast between your podcast Today's story is shared by one of our listeners. It's called Betrayed by Bill. It was in that moment I caught who was staring back at me in betrayal or more like what, my insurance bill. With trembling hands, I grabbed my phone and switched to Geico, saving about $900 in the process and never to be betrayed again. Now that was bloody riveting.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

It feels good when the story ends with savings.

[Colin Cowherd]

It feels good to Geico.

[Podcast Host]

On the Serving Pancakes podcast, conversations about volleyball go beyond the court. Today we have a little best friend compatibility test. Okay, how long have we been best friends for?

[Colin Cowherd]

Since the day we met.

[Podcast Host]

As the League1 volleyball season heads towards its final stretch, there's no better time to tune in. We really are like yin and yang, vodka and tequila. You'll hear unfiltered analysis, behind the scenes stories and convers with leaders making an impact across the sport. Today we have Logan Lednecki.

[Colin Cowherd]

I feel like our fan base in

[Podcast Host]

general is very connected.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's like a comforting feeling getting to play at home.

[Podcast Host]

Whether you're following the final push of Love season or just love the game, Serving Pancakes brings you closer to the action and the people shaping the future of volleyball. Jordan Thompson had that microphone. Oh, God forbid we make mistakes or cuss at our coach like one time or two times. Open your free iHeartradio app search serving Pancakes and listen. Now this has been Serving Pancakes and we'll catch you on the flip side. Okay? Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, like, I think New York fits because Jalen Brunson, you've got your quarterback and Jalen can also shoot mid range and beyond. You'd have to give up OG Bridges. You have to give up a lot. But I think, you know, it's closer to Greece that matters. New York's our most global city. I kind of feel like, go. It'd be one thing if he played at Miami, which is cosmopolitan. But I think one of the, and this is not a knock on Milwaukee. I think one of the feelings is Milwaukee's not global. I remember years ago, Chicago tried to get the Olympics and I remember reading a story. They're like, well, Chicago's not global, it's just our best domestic city. I was like, oh, okay. And I think, yeah, I remember reading that story. So I can see him going, okay, I like Milwaukee, but I need A bigger stage. And that to me feels like New York, does it not?

[Michael Redd]

It's the biggest stage. And his play resembles the city. Right. He's tough as nails. The question going forward with Giannis is, as he continues up in age, will he be able to avoid injuries? He's been injury plagued over the last four or five years. Right. Still young enough, obviously, but that calf Achilles area. Right. Has been plaguing him. Different knickknack injuries. Right. So I think him being healthy in a New York roster. Right. I don't know who they give up to your point, but it fits the dynamic of that city and that culture in New York. I agree with you on that.

[Colin Cowherd]

So when I was a kid, the NBA draft, I swear to God, had like seven rounds or something. Now it's got two. You were a second round pick. Draymond was. Jokic was. I watch college basketball. I watch the NBA now. It is so international. I watch college basketball. Well, the Nil, they're buying all the European players. Go back to your. I just. This is just instructive for me. Go back to your rookie year in the NBA. It was still very much a domestic league. Who was the best Euro in the NBA. Who was the best. Non. I mean, because Akeem played in the States. Right. At Houston. Who was the best Euro in the NBA your first year in the league. Do you remember?

[Michael Redd]

Well, you look at Dirk, probably Dirk was ascending at that time in 2000, 2001, obviously continued to ascend. But I would say Dirk, you look at Sabonis coming from overseas. Yep. In Portland, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep.

[Michael Redd]

Most skilled at that time, probably. So you look at those two guys who were the prototype of what we see now 25 years earlier. So those two guys, when I came into the league, probably stood out the most at that time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Why do you think the last six or seven MVPs, non domestic. What do you think's happened? I don't think it's necessarily a problem. I think it's a reality. But what I mean, the European players are the top of the league. Do you have a guess why? What do you hear? What do you think?

[Michael Redd]

I think the developmental system over in Europe works well. It's proven itself. I think when you have so many games played in the AAU level, high school level. Right. Kids tend to burn out or be more injury prone. We've seen that with Zion, we've seen that with Ja over the last couple years. They were the next wave of American stars. Injuries have played them. I think that stems back to playing so Many games in high school through aau. Europe has a tendency to work on development. I think in America we need to make sure that we hone in more on development. I have an AAU program myself, but we practice more than we play, actually, and we work on the fundamentals of the game. The Europeans have seemed to master that. But I think there's another wave shifting towards America. Again with Cooper flag, obviously, and then this rookie class that's coming in. I think you got some real potential stars coming in.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, Con Knippel was a nice player at Duke. I'm like, wow, that's surprising. You know, it's funny, you were a second round guy. You popped pretty early in your career, if I recall. Year two or three. Did you know as we get ready for the draft, how long did it take? Can you get drafted? Second round Ohio State, how many practices? Maybe it was a combine. When did you know? Oh, no, bro, I'm going to score in this league. Like, I'm not going to make the league. I'm going to be an all star in this league. Did you know? Opening camp.

[Michael Redd]

I knew in high school, I knew in high school my core competency was to be able to score the basketball at high level. That travels with you at every level. So it showed itself, obviously, in college. I think I averaged the same amount of points in college that I did in the NBA. So ironically. So I knew from the day one I got to training camp my rookie year that I could play at this level and play in this league. And you almost have to be delusional about who you are. Right. And I think for me, I had veterans who encouraged my game when I was there. They encouraged me a lot. But I knew that I belonged there. And so if you don't feel that way, you probably don't belong there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, you look great, Michael. 12 years in the NBA, you got your AAU. What's your AAU team called?

[Michael Redd]

Mr. 22 Elite. And we are on the Adidas side of things. And all I do this time of the year is pour into these young men and we try to develop them holistically, beyond even the court. We want them to be solid citizens as well as great players. And so it's been fun. But we do bore them with a lot of developmental work in our practices.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, that's why I bring on the show, smart guy. Great seeing you, Michael.

[Michael Redd]

Good to see you too, sir.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Michael. Red Olympic gold medal in Beijing. Just a quality dude. Yeah, it's. I like his approach to aau. And I think I asked him that question and I kind of knew the answer, but I wanted him to say it. Which is, and this is the knock Steve Kerr has said, you know, a lot of the AAU is getting, I think better when you get the quality people in it. But you know, the system in Europe at about a 1012 year run where it was just superior to our system and you see what's happening. Although I will say Con Knippel and Michael Cooper Flagg are wow. And this draft's going to have 8 to 12 more WOWs domestic players. John Middelkoff with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

This is the herd line news.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Well, speaking of aau, I would imagine Cooper Flagg didn't have many troubles on that circuit. He continues to dominate the league. He had an unreal dunk last night. Things have flipped now. Colin in the rookie of the year odds it was Con Caniple. But over the last three or four games Cooper cup has looked like the white Michael Jordan here. What do you think is this, is this thing a wrap now? Just Cooper Flag going to win?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I mean Flag's game is different. Knipple's a really good shooter. He's a really good player. When you watch the two and I think they're both going to age well. Cooper Flag is just more dimensional. He can just do more stuff. I think he's a better player. I think Con Knippel can make an all star team. He's a very, very good player. And it's awesome that, you know, Charlotte now's kind of got the ball rolling like they're kind of interesting. I think Cooper Flag's different. There's a, there's a difference between all NBA and making an all star game. I think Cooper Flag is all NBA seven times that kind of player.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

You know, when I look at those two guys and obviously we just had the NCAA tournament, I know John Shire, they lost on that devastating, you know, basically 30 foot shot to not win a championship with those two players. I mean Cooper cup could win MVPs. And con canipple, I mean, is there a chance he's a 78 time all star. I mean that's, that's. And they, they had a lead in the final four against Houston. That, that one could hurt just as bad as the crazy shot against Yukon for John Shire.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it's, it's hard though because you know, at Duke, because they recruit at such a high level, you say, oh, Duke blew that lead with UConn. Well, they got a bunch of 18 year olds and UConn's got a bunch of men. The only downside to being Duke is that you're. It's like when Calipari was at Kentucky. Your whole roster's freshman. You may have one junior and he's like a late second round pick. And so it's hard for me to. I thought I didn't like the loss to UConn. I didn't get again, I guess they practice it when they inbounds the ball. It's like, dude, just hold the ball. Don't try to pass it. Hold the ball. But it's in real time and the player makes a mistake. It's a turnover. But it's hard to. It's hard to crush Duke because what's happening in college football and basketball, everybody's leaning into age. And Duke's like Arizona, by the way. Same thing. Well, Duke and Arizona can get five star guys that play immediately. You get one year with them. Are you supposed to not recruit them if you can get them?

[Fox Sports Analyst]

You think there are some similarities with Flag and Grant Hill 30 plus years ago. I mean, it was pretty clear right away. You're like, whoa, Grant now Grant Hill I think was there for four years. But Flag, immediately, they look like an all around, you know, star of the league.

[Colin Cowherd]

Rookies to average 21. 6 rebounds and 4 assists since the NBA merger. Bird, Michael Luca and Flag, decent list. Yeah, yeah, it's pretty impressive.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Okay. To the NFL. The NFC north has become obviously one of the toughest divisions top to bottom in the NFL with success now of the Bears entering this season. There's an NFL analyst who believes that Dan Campbell and Kevin o' Connell are entering the year somewhat on the hot seat and could be looking over their shoulder when the season starts. Colin, that one for me. Kevin o' Connell would get a job yesterday and Dan Campbell, most jobs that open are dumpster fires. He would get hired immediately, too, because he resurrected the Detroit Lions. I think they're both pretty safe.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm trying to think. I think Brian Schottenheimer. You got to keep your eye on Aaron Glenn, obviously. I mean, Aaron Glenn's the obvious one. He could. It just doesn't work at all. I mean, being a defensive coach and you didn't garner a single interception on the year. That's ridiculous.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Well, to me, if Dan Campbell became available, which I don't necessarily see, he'd get hired quickly. I think the jets would be the Cowboys. He played there, you know, he would make some sense.

[Colin Cowherd]

Taylor, you've Got to get Joe Burrow to the playoffs this year. Aaron Glenn, Zach Taylor, Brian Schottenheimer a little bit.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

I think the Cowboys are going to be good. I mean, I see 10 wins for the Cowboys.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Wow.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

I do. Their offense is fantastic. I think Dak is. He's really become a solid player.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, absolutely.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

You know, and Schottheimer is a good play caller. Their defense was just atrocious last year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Okay. Last but not least, we had, I mean, just a great baseball brawl you had. Guys. You know the story here, Colin, is Solaire owns this pitcher. He's gone 14 for 23 with five home runs and three doubles in his career. He had a two run home run in the first inning. So then he got plunked in the, you know, his next ab and then he got up and in in his third ab. So this thing's been brewing anytime in baseball, you know, somewhat still the unwritten rules about showing someone up when you had some ownage over them. But I, I kind of agree with Solaire here. Just because I only strike me out or walk me or something, you can't just throw at me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, that was. That's pretty intense. You know, you don't. Baseball fights. I mean, this guy, this is. Yeah, that's pretty intentional.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

You have a favorite baseball fight.

[Colin Cowherd]

Apparently they were teammates in Atlanta.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Yeah, watch. I, I think Walt Weiss comes out and makes a tackle here. The, the, the manager, you know, the baseball. I'm a sucker for some of like the, the Will Clark 80s. If you just go to YouTube and watch 80s brawls, it kind of looks like what Dana White's running now. We don't get these as often as we used to, do we?

[Colin Cowherd]

No. God, there. I remember. I can remember. And folks, look this up. This is 35 years of memory. I remember an Atlanta Braves. I think it's Padres brawl in Atlanta.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

That poured into the out. I swear to God. The Braves are in it. I think. Is it Giants?

[Fox Sports Analyst]

I think it's the Padres because Bruce Bochi was a backup catcher on that team and I think he was kind of roaming around. It is an all. Don't they go into the oh God stands Braves, Padres.

[Colin Cowherd]

Go back, Google YouTube it and see if it shows up. I'm just going on memory. I just remember it being insane. It looked like if pro wrestling was real, it was just spilling out into the like almost felt almost dugouts crowd, whatever.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

One of my favorites is probably less than 10 years ago, Bryce Harper and the Giants. A guy named Hunter Strickland threw at Harper and Harper just. Here it is. Harper just had enough and he misses with the helmet. Not, not a great helmet throw. But then we have just a crazy collision coming up because often the first baseman and third baseman, you know, come flying in like safeties. And the collision here, I think the first baseman gets knocked out and Harper just had enough.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love Bryce Harper. Same John Middelkoff with the news.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by. The Herd line news.

[Colin Cowherd]

So it was way to go. 1984. Memory still intact. Hey, that switch never turns off. Padres Braves in Atlanta. It was called the Bean brawl. And I know my staff will find the video next segment. It was brutal. Even the pictures, the still photos of it were like, yeah, that's not great. Good stuff.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific,

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Saturday night baseball night on Fox. This week we've got Roman Anthony in the Red Sox versus the Cardinals. Or it's Rafael Devers and the Giants against the Orioles. Baseball night in America, Saturday at 7 Eastern only on Fox.

[Colin Cowherd]

So a couple hours ago we had Dane Brugler on. He works at the Athletic and he has something called the Beast, which a couple of weeks before the draft, every year he unveils and it's really great. Receivers, edge rushers. I mean, it tells you every position and if you love the draft, it's just like a bible and you just go to it and we wait for it every year. We brought him on today. The really interesting one is there's a bunch of good edge rushers. Ruben Bane at Miami could end up being as good as any of them, but his measurements are noticeably kind of red flag. David Bailey may have a lower ceiling. I like him a lot. Plug and play. Arvell Reese is considered to have the highest ceiling, but he doesn't have a singular position yet and I don't trust him with the Jets. Last hour he talked about the Bailey Reese debate with a number two pick by New York.

[Dane Brugler]

I think it's fair to say it's close. I mean, yeah, you can't ignore what Bailey did this year. I wouldn't say that he's, you know, necessarily the most complete defensive end where I'm going to put that quote, unquote safe label on him. But if you want a guy that can just scream off the edge and gonna put pressure on the quarterback, Bailey can absolutely do that. But in my opinion, Arvell Reese is the best player in this draft. And I, I get there's some worries about okay, is he in between positions? Is he. But I think there's a big difference between being a hybrid and being a tweener. And I think Reese is very much a hybrid player compared to being a tweener.

[Colin Cowherd]

And the other thing about the draft that is great is that this draft always gives you there's going to be somebody drafted in the fifth round that's, that's a really good player. I mean George Kittle, 5th round Niners have a couple of six 7th round guys that Jennings and Brock Purdy. And now I think a guy that could be a star in the league like. And I'm, I'm not going to give the comp being Antonio Brown because I don't. Antonio's got so many things going on. But the kid, the Chris Bell, the receiver at Louisville. I was reading draft preview months ago and then I started googling him and I was like what? And then he, he was great against Miami. So if you told me who's the dark horse in the draft, who's going to go in the third round potentially and you're going to look up and he's a pro Bowler, I think it's this guy on the TV screen and Dane talked about him.

[Dane Brugler]

Ask Miami about Chris Bell and they'll tell you best receiver they face this year. He would be a first round player if not for the acl. Had the ACL late in the year in November. So a little bit of a discount sticker on his tag. But no, I'm with you. I mean even going back to the summer, he was my number two receiver coming into the year. Big physical, the accelerations outstanding. But I think that once you get to the second round there's going to be more than a few teams looking at Chris Bell and saying okay, this, this is maybe that guy we're missing because yeah, he can take a slant and take it the rest of the way.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just YouTube it and watch the game against Miami. It's an interesting draft in terms of receivers. We have it on the screen here. Tate's an obvious number one that anybody knows that Lemon, Jordan Tyson's banged up but he's good. KC Concepcion again A and M guy. I think Omar Cooper. I, I've thought about this. If you're, if you're the Raiders, Mendoza number one pick, they have a second round pick. They thought they had another number one with the Max Crosby deal and then that got rescinded. And so you're, you're. And because a Cooper is one of those bubble guys somewhere from 27 to the third pick. Are the Raiders top of the second round yet? Check that. I could see the Raiders saying, listen, we need a receiver anyway. Let's just go get Fernando Menoza, his favorite receiver at Indiana. And Cooper's really good. Cooper's going to be a starter day one in the league. He's a really good player. It just does everything pretty well. Sideline, you can put him in a slot. He's just a really, really good player. Yeah, Raiders have the 36 pick. So that I'm really interested to see. With the Raiders first pick, it's the quarterback. And what do they do with the second pick? I. They need a right tackle. They have one. But I. Do you want to upgrade? I could see them moving up a little bit. Like after the first round, everybody. The night, that night you get on the phone and the Raiders move up to the first pick of the second round and give somebody a. You know, they've got three fourths. I could see the Raiders doing that and saying, let's just get Fernando Mendoza. They already went and got a couple nice receivers. One from the Vikings, their number three receiver. But that, to me, that's interesting. The. You know, John, when you were working in the NFL, two weeks out from the draft, did the Eagles have it all lined up, knew what they were doing?

[Fox Sports Analyst]

I think you're kind of in the, I would say the home stretch, maybe like the seventh inning. Seventh. But you're working, you know, every day meeting start eight. You're there eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. Really kind of honing the board. I think by the time you get to the middle of next week, everyone's. Maybe early next week. But this is a big week because all the coaches have watched all the players. They're coming in with some takes. Colin. I mean, they, you know, they got their buddies. You know what Lincoln Riley called me, you know, Sark called me or. It's not even that. Sometimes it's the position coach, the court. Because all these coaches know the other coaches and they got opinions and depending like you, we talked about all day. Well, a lot of these organizations. Who has the juice? The head coach? Well, who do they listen to? Sometimes their position coaches and coordinators. So this is. Boards can change dramatically right now. You know, the GMs have been working on this for a year. And you got the linebacker coach flying in. All of a sudden a fourth round kid makes his way up to the second round. And you get some. You get some big swings, big late swings.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here's. So here's the top of the second round. So you're the Raiders and you have Fernen Mendoza. And you know what, what did Ben Johnson do when he got to the Bears? Help his young quarterback. Help my guy. So, I mean, what did Washington do year two get him Debo. So, you know, they want to help Fernando Mendoza so that, you know, the offensive coach, Clint Kubiak helps the quarterback. So the jets have two first round picks. I could see Aaron Glenn banging the table for defensive guys. And the first round where the jets pick one through 16. Lot of good defensive players, more defensive players. So I could see the jets at 33 wanting a receiver and the Titans at 35, who get Arvl Reese in the first round wanting a receiver. So if you're the Raiders at 36, you have to, when the first round ends, buy somebody a bottle of wine. Let's go, let's go chat and have a couple apps down. Down the street because the Raiders, to get Cooper, who I think would be a great pick, I think the Raiders would have to move up, probably have to give up a fourth, a fifth, something like that. That, that to me is an interesting one because I do think the way to do it, when you have a young quarterback, get an offensive coach preferably, or a whiz kid at coordinator, protect him and get him a weapon. And he's really good with Cooper.

[Fox Sports Analyst]

Yeah, I agree.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. I can't wait two weeks. As of tomorrow, I'll unveil my mock draft. I've already sent it to friends and a lot of eye rolls coming back. Okay, sure. Masters this weekend too.

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.