Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3
Date: December 18, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode of The Herd centers on the intersection of NFL and college football, with a special focus on quarterback evaluation, draft strategy, and the evolving priorities of NFL franchises. Colin Cowherd, alongside guests Todd McShay and Rich Eisen, dive deep into prospect rankings, quarterback development, and the philosophical debates surrounding draft value and player development, while mixing in key college matchups and NFL playoff observations.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Quarterback Prospects – Giants’ Dilemma and Draft QBs [03:28 – 06:48]
- Topic: If the NY Giants get the #1 draft pick, should they stick with Jackson Dart or draft Mendoza?
- Colin’s Framing: Jackson Dart has exceeded expectations, but Mendoza is seen as a bigger, possibly higher-ceiling QB.
- Todd McShay’s Strategy:
- He would keep Jackson Dart and trade the pick for a "ransom" to QB-needy teams, leveraging the unusually deep 2027 quarterback class.
- “Next year could be one of the deepest, best drafts of the quarterback position...since I’ve been doing this.” (Todd McShay, 04:29)
- Maintain flexibility to draft a QB next year if Dart struggles with injuries.
- Memorable Quote:
- “The demand is always higher at the quarterback position than the supply but it certainly will be this year.” (Todd McShay, 05:41)
2. QB Comparisons: Caleb Williams vs. Bo Nix [06:48 – 09:11]
- Topic: Differences and similarities between top QB prospects.
- Colin:
- “Caleb's got a better arm than Bo Nix. Bo Nix is more accurate...you can't love one and not the other.” (06:48)
- Todd McShay:
- Thought Bo Nix was a second-round prospect; Sean Payton “went against the grain” and drafted him higher because of scheme fit.
- “Bo Nix in Denver wouldn’t be the same guy if he was drafted by the Jets or...Browns.” (Todd McShay, 07:53)
- Caleb Williams is simply more talented, with better arm and athleticism.
- “I probably trust Bo Nix a little bit more in Sean Payton’s system because this was a handpicked deal and Sean Payton got this right.” (Todd McShay, 08:49)
- Colin:
3. The Sam Darnold Rollercoaster [09:11 – 12:02]
- Colin: Reminisces about his high hope for Sam Darnold and the fit with the Seahawks.
- Todd McShay:
- Praises John Schneider (Seahawks GM) for being a “scout at heart” and notes Seattle’s smart roster moves have left them younger and more competitive.
- “I just want to see Sam put it all together at the end of the season...when he was 21 and playing for the Jets, who could do that?” (Todd McShay, 12:01)
4. Top 10 Prospects and Receiver Value [12:02 – 15:05, 23:06 – 25:40]
- Focus:
- Draft depth, especially wide receiver.
- Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate are highlighted as standouts; this receiver class outperformed expectations.
- Dante Moore Analysis:
- “He’s the best pure passer in college football...throws the most catchable ball.” (Todd McShay, 12:51)
- Huge potential but should return for more college experience—25 years of data show prospects with fewer starts have lower NFL success.
- “I'd love to see him back in college football next year even though it makes for a less exciting NFL draft.” (Todd McShay, 14:46)
- On Receiver Value in the Draft:
- “If you have Makai Lemon 19th best player to 23rd and your pick’s available, just go [take him]...just go get elite players.” (Rich Eisen, 25:29)
- Debate: WRs are easier to find later in the draft, but a truly unique physical prospect (like Carnell Tate) justifies a first-round pick.
5. Drafting Quarterbacks – The Risk at #1 [25:40 – 26:28]
- Discussion:
- Recent #1 overall QBs often haven’t been the best in their class (Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward).
- Going to the “worst” franchise can be detrimental; sliding in the draft may be better for a prospect’s development.
- “The worst teams continually do the dumbest things at the top of the draft.” (Rich Eisen, 26:28)
6. College Football Playoff & NFL Surprises [20:14 – 22:03, 37:22 – 42:35]
- Key games previewed: Alabama vs. Oklahoma, analysis of Ty Simpson.
- Todd McShay:
- Loves Ty Simpson’s upside but notes Bama’s run struggles.
- Senses “something’s not right” in Tuscaloosa but admits football players can compartmentalize.
- Picks Oklahoma narrowly but predicts a competitive matchup.
- Todd McShay:
- NFL Playoff Surprises:
- AFC less predictable due to injuries (e.g., Mahomes, Burrow).
- NFC depth and coaching/quarterback pairings have led to upsets (e.g., Chicago, Seattle).
- “The NFC is better than the AFC and has become the AFC in previous years.” (Colin Cowherd, 39:40)
7. Receiver Drama & Team Chemistry [31:05 – 35:06]
- George Pickens: Called out for avoiding media and being moody; concerns about his character and consistency raised.
- AJ Brown Trade Speculation:
- Chiefs, Bills, and Patriots named as potential fits should Eagles part ways.
- Wide receiver “diva” culture discussed and how strong locker rooms/coaching are needed to integrate personalities.
8. Rookie QB Watch – Shedeur Sanders & Jackson Dart [35:06 – 37:22]
- Topic: How do rookie QBs stack up?
- Shedeur Sanders: Struggled but gets a pass for being shorthanded.
- Colin:
- Still not crowning Dart, Sanders, or Schuck as high-level franchise QBs yet, but recognizes promise.
- “Jackson Dart has...been pretty good. And he’s tough. Like he doesn’t want to go into the blue tent.” (Colin Cowherd, 37:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It was one of the most onions filled decisions I've seen in a long time. Right. Sean Payton went against the grain...”
— Todd McShay on Sean Payton drafting Bo Nix (07:41) - “I have evidence from 25 years that I’ve gathered that the number of starts that [a QB] has… the chances of him succeeding with another 12, 13, 14 starts next year are significantly higher.”
— Todd McShay urging Dante Moore to return to college (13:19) - “The demand is always higher at the quarterback position than the supply but it certainly will be this year.”
— Todd McShay (05:41) - “The worst teams continually do the dumbest things at the top of the draft.”
— Rich Eisen (26:28) - “If you have Makai Lemon 19th best player to 23rd... just go get elite players.”
— Rich Eisen on draft philosophy (25:29) - “For a rookie with a pretty average offensive roster, I think Jackson Dart’s been pretty good. And he’s tough.”
— Colin Cowherd (37:03)
Important Timestamps
- 03:28 – 06:48: Giants’ draft dilemma with Jackson Dart and Mendoza
- 06:48 – 09:11: Caleb Williams vs. Bo Nix; Sean Payton’s fit
- 09:11 – 12:02: Sam Darnold’s journey and John Schneider’s Seahawks rebuild
- 12:02 – 15:05: Top draft prospects, WR and Dante Moore analysis
- 20:14 – 22:03: Alabama vs. Oklahoma playoff preview, Ty Simpson analysis
- 23:06 – 25:40: Philosophy on receiver value and draft strategy
- 25:40 – 26:28: The pitfalls of drafting QBs #1 overall
- 31:05 – 35:06: WR drama (Pickens, AJ Brown trade fits)
- 35:06 – 37:22: Rookie QB assessments (Shedeur Sanders, Dart)
- 37:22 – 42:35: NFL playoff surprises, AFC vs. NFC strength, observations
Tone and Vibe
- Lively, opinionated, and often humorous with occasional self-deprecation (e.g., tall tales of predictions gone right or wrong).
- Analytical with a draft-nerd edge, but firmly rooted in contemporary football culture.
- Direct, occasionally brash, heavy on first-hand sourcing and illustrative anecdotes.
Useful Takeaways
- QB Draft Strategy: Top pick is a valuable trade chip, especially with a deep next year’s class; don’t force a pick if you have a plausible starter and can collect resources.
- Development Over Hype: Both players and organizations are better served when QBs are allowed to mature with more college starts—NFL risk is higher when skipping steps.
- Drafting Philosophy: Take elite talent regardless of positional convention, but always weigh unique traits and organizational needs.
- NFL Landscape: Recent years have seen more unpredictable results, especially with quarterback injuries and team chemistry becoming decisive factors.
Summary:
If you want deep, layered perspectives on the ever-evolving world of football, especially quarterback scouting and draft theory, this episode is a gold mine. Todd McShay brings decades of data and nuanced insight, Colin and Rich challenge convention, and together they deliver memorable debates on the futures of Jackson Dart, Dante Moore, Bo Nix, and the realities of both college and NFL football in 2025.