The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 – April 1, 2026

Main Theme:
Deep dive into current NFL news and draft rumors, with prominent draft analyst Lance Zierlein joining Colin Cowherd for candid takes on quarterback controversies, top prospects, and team strategies as the NFL Draft approaches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jalen Hurts & The Philadelphia Eagles’ Locker Room Drama

• Jeremy Fowler’s Report: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported via "a dozen sources" that Jalen Hurts is “not well liked” and “hard to coach” (03:11).
• Colin and Lance echo and expand on those rumors, citing previous off-season whispers and the idea that “where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire” (04:26).
• They dissect Hurts' body language and his relationship with A.J. Brown (“You know, he has issues with A.J. Brown—or A.J. Brown has issues with him, I should say”—Lance Zierlein, 04:26).
• Historical Comparison:
  Colin draws a parallel between Hurts and Russell Wilson—both had to transfer in college, fell in the draft due to size, were “very productive in college, very good at the podium, never get in trouble, say the right stuff… but not as popular as you’d expect in the locker room because some see them as a tad inauthentic” (34:50).

Quotes

• “Once you hear something like that, it kind of impacts when I watch games. I watch his body language on the sideline, how he interacts with teammates.” —Lance Zierlein (04:26)
• “You hear things in the locker room with Russell [Wilson]. You hear things in the locker room with Jalen Hurts. These are teammates and respected reporters.” —Colin Cowherd (34:50)

2. Ty Simpson as a Potential Successor in Philly?

• Draft Talk: Colin floats Ty Simpson as a possible Eagles second-round target given Hurts' situation (05:02).
• Lance’s Take: Ty Simpson has potential, but is a nuanced case—one-year starters historically struggle in the NFL unless they’re eased in over time (05:26). He suggests Simpson could learn behind Hurts until 2028, offering “the Aaron Rodgers treatment,” but warns: “Once you draft a quarterback in the first round, they turn the hourglass over on your job if you’re a head coach” (06:14).

Quotes

• "Historically, one-year starters just don’t cut it… you need an organization with a plan. The Jets could be that team… but what about the Eagles?" —Lance Zierlein (05:26)
• “Ty Simpson could sit there for two years and learn under Jalen, there’s not all that pressure… Wouldn't that be an interesting selection there?” —Lance Zierlein (06:14, 36:52)

3. Fernando Mendoza’s Pro Day & NFL Prospects

• Colin’s Enthusiasm: Colin is highly impressed by Mendoza’s physique and tape (“Looks like 245, 6'4 and a half… Like a Justin Herbert thrower. I think he’s an 'A' prospect”—06:46).
• Lance’s Analysis: Lance lauds Mendoza’s size, accuracy, and poise. Notes his lack of mobility but sees red zone performance (39 TD, 0 INT in red zone) as “incredible” (07:38).
• Colin and Lance agree he’s undervalued: “There’s no real airs… I like guys who throw touchdowns and don’t throw interceptions,” says Lance (07:38).
• Later in the hour, Colin praises Mendoza’s pro day results (53/56 completions, 2 drops), calling him “bigger, thicker, better arm, stronger than Matt Ryan coming out” (37:20, 42:02).

Quotes

• "He throws with great placement. A lot of poise and confidence. He checks a lot of boxes.” —Lance Zierlein (07:38)
• “You can almost see a chemtrail when it comes out of his hand. Honest to God, it looks like Boeing’s latest plane.” —Colin Cowherd (21:50)
• “What if he’s a lot closer to Andrew Luck than people think?” —Colin Cowherd (41:51)
• “He is better than Matt Ryan coming out.” —Colin Cowherd (42:16)

4. Cowboys, Giants, and Dolphins Draft Strategies

• Dallas Cowboys:
  Lance mocks Sonny Styles to the Cowboys, calling him “the best inside linebacker in the draft” and a “more explosive version” of Leighton Vander Esch (08:57). He recommends defense-first, noting the depth at linebacker this year.
• New York Giants:
  Colin argues for trading down to amass picks, as the Giants have “multiple needs” (11:28).
  • Lance says Giants lack draft capital and are a likely “trade back” team but may be forced to take a WR early if they don’t want to miss out (12:52).
• Miami Dolphins:
  Colin thinks with “multiple firsts and thirds,” Miami could move up for "best right tackle" or a top receiver (11:28).
  • Lance feels Miami aren’t aggressive right now, but with “so much draft capital,” tweaking the draft board is feasible (12:52).

Quotes

• “Dallas must attack defense… It’s a really good year for linebackers. If you don’t get one in the first round, the second round should offer one up for you.” —Lance Zierlein (09:54)
• “The Giants only have two picks in the first three rounds… They are a potential trade back team, and frankly, they’re one of the tougher teams to try to figure out.” —Lance Zierlein (12:52)

5. C.J. Stroud’s Regression & The Houston Texans

• Issues Identified: Colin asks if Stroud is regressing after a disappointing season that even led to a new haircut as a symbolic “restart” (13:52).
• Lance’s Diagnosis: Stroud is suffering from “a loss of confidence,” with sloppy footwork and shaky accuracy. Missing Case Keenum (now in Chicago) as a veteran mentor is cited as a factor (14:38). No more excuses: O-line upgraded, David Montgomery added, top receivers healthy (15:41).
• **This is a pivotal year; extension depends on this season’s performance.

Quotes

• “It manifests itself in the footwork not always being where it needs to be, which threw off some of his accuracy outside the numbers.” —Lance Zierlein (14:38)
• “The offense coordinators in year two and C.J., this is year four. If you don’t play well, it’s an official regression for C.J. Stroud.” —Lance Zierlein (15:41)

6. League News: Cleveland Browns’ QB Room & Steph Curry’s Return

• Browns: Todd Monken discusses uncertainty at quarterback, indicating Dylan Gabriel “has not been in the building,” while Deshaun Watson is “in early.” Signals possible trade or depth issues (24:41).
• NBA: Steve Kerr updates on Steph Curry’s pending return; discussion turns to the durability of stars, especially contrasting frequent injuries to LeBron James’ longevity (25:46–28:54).
  • Colin: “It is remarkable to think about LeBron James… All these older NBA players are banged up. … LeBron just is Iron Man. It’s incredible.” (28:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hurts/Wilson Comparison:
  “Both can be a little, as the kids say, cringe at the podium... There have been the same criticisms of Jalen Hurts. It’s a little inauthentic, fair, not—you hear it.” —Colin Cowherd (34:50)
• On NFL Quarterback Psychology:
  “Mendoza’s smart. He knows the textbook to be great is: Tom Brady—obsessive, grateful, humble, prepared.” —Colin Cowherd (38:41)
• On Longevity in Sports:
  “LeBron has played 292 playoff games in his career. Think about this: three and a half seasons of playoff games. … It’s crazy. We’re never—That’s why when they don’t play Wemby all the minutes, I think the Spurs are smart.” —Colin Cowherd (27:34)

Highlighted Timestamps

• Jalen Hurts locker room drama: 03:11–04:26, 33:08–34:50
• Ty Simpson as Eagles target: 05:02–06:14, 36:52
• Fernando Mendoza pro day & QB prospects: 06:46–08:39, 21:48–22:01, 37:20–42:16
• Cowboys, Giants, Dolphins draft talk: 08:39–12:52
• C.J. Stroud/ Texans: 13:52–15:41
• Browns' QB dilemma: 24:25–25:08
• LeBron's unprecedented durability: 27:31–28:54

Tone & Style

• Original Tone: Candid, energetic, slightly irreverent, with Colin’s signature mix of opinion and off-the-cuff analysis. Zierlein brings deep draft expertise and measured insight.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode delivers a comprehensive, inside-baseball-style breakdown of the NFL’s hottest pre-draft rumors and spring controversies, zeroing in on the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts situation, emerging draft prospects (especially QBs Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza), and evolving strategies for teams like Dallas, New York, Miami, and Houston. Buried within are frank discussions about locker room chemistry, how psychological factors shape quarterback success, and the broader state of star athletes’ longevity across sports. Colin’s lively rapport with Zierlein ensures both entertainment and insight for diehard football fans and casual followers alike.