Episode Summary: "Bill Belichick as a College Coach, Todd’s Flash Mock, and CFP Prospect Rankings"

Podcast: The McShay Show
Hosts: Todd McShay & Steve Mensch
Release Date: December 12, 2024

In this engaging episode of The McShay Show, hosts Todd McShay and Steve Mensch delve into significant topics impacting the NFL and college football realms. The discussion revolves around the surprising news of NFL legend Bill Belichick potentially transitioning to a college coaching role at the University of North Carolina (UNC), an in-depth flash mock draft by Todd, and an analysis of College Football Playoff (CFP) teams based on their NFL draft prospects.

1. Bill Belichick's Potential Move to UNC

Overview

Todd McShay opens the episode by addressing the groundbreaking news of Bill Belichick’s reported interest in becoming a college football coach at UNC. This move marks a significant shift in both Belichick’s career and the college football landscape.

Key Points

• Belichick’s Demands: Belichick has presented a comprehensive 400-page document outlining his requirements for the coaching and recruitment staff processes at UNC. He also insists on including his son in the program.

  Quote:

  [02:00] Todd McShay: "When I hear that Belichick reportedly has a long list of demands when he takes this job at UNC, including a 400 page document calling for a new coaching and recruitment staff and process, it does not surprise me a bit."

• Motivations Behind the Move: Despite being 72 years old and holding records that could place him as the winningest coach in NFL history, Belichick chooses to transition to college football, potentially to mentor young athletes and leave a lasting legacy.

  Quote:

  [07:45] Todd McShay: "When weighing chasing the record and being number one on that list ahead of Don Shula versus other personal goals at this point in his life, he chose to take this job."

• Industry Insights: Todd shares personal anecdotes and insights from industry connections, illustrating his understanding of Belichick’s strategic mindset and operational style.

  Quote:

  [05:30] Todd McShay: "I look at also kind of the connections… I have some stories and insight into the operation, if you will."

Discussion Highlights

• Steve Mensch’s Perspective: Steve expresses surprise but acknowledges the strategic fit, emphasizing Belichick’s deep understanding of football operations and his potential to elevate UNC's program.

  Quote:

  [08:20] Steve Mensch: "I think that he sees a window now where a lot of colleges kind of scrambling, trying to catch up to this new system… it makes a lot of sense."

• Challenges and Adaptations: Concerns are raised about Belichick’s ability to connect with younger players and adapt his coaching methods to the collegiate environment.

  Quote:

  [09:43] Todd McShay: "How is his recruiting bedside manner? How is he when he's going into the living room?"

2. Todd’s Flash Mock Draft

Overview

Transitioning from coaching discussions, Todd presents his flash mock draft, highlighting the top NFL draft prospects based on his extensive analysis.

Key Points

• Top Prospect: Travis Hunter is declared the top draft prospect due to his versatility and exceptional athleticism.

  Quote:

  [49:41] Todd McShay: "Travis Hunter is a clear cut best football player in this draft, okay? Period."

• Other Top Picks: Will Johnson, Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, and others are discussed, with Todd providing grades and reasoning for each ranking.

  Quote:

  [53:05] Todd McShay: "This draft class is loaded. First, second, third, fourth round. There's a ton of talent."

• Steve Mensch’s Input: Steve challenges some of Todd’s rankings and offers alternative perspectives, particularly on players like Shador Sanders and the offensive tackle class.

  Quote:

  [50:00] Steve Mensch: "Shador Sanders is definitely a top 10 player in this draft, in my opinion."

Discussion Highlights

• Depth of the Draft Class: Both hosts agree on the depth and talent present in the draft class, noting the influence of transfer players and emergent talents.

  Quote:

  [52:28] Steve Mensch: "This is not an elite prospect coming out. So I don't know."

• Positional Needs: Emphasis on how team-specific needs influence draft strategies, with discussions on offensive tackles, defensive linemen, and versatile players.

3. CFP Prospect Rankings and Team Analysis

Overview

The hosts analyze the College Football Playoff teams based on the number of NFL draft prospects each team has, providing insights into potential playoff outcomes and team strengths.

Key Points

• Leading Teams: Ohio State leads with 15 top 250 draft prospects, followed by Georgia (14), Texas (12), and Oregon (11).

  Quote:

  [21:16] Steve Mensch: "No. I mean, you see it on the tape there. The talent is evident."

• Team Comparisons: Detailed comparisons of how each team’s draft prospects could influence their playoff performance, highlighting strengths and vulnerabilities.

  Quote:

  [28:17] Steve Mensch: "Ohio State does have a talent advantage overall, but there's some weaknesses, some vulnerabilities that I'd be worried about if I was going to that game."

• Matchup Predictions: Specific games like Ohio State vs. Tennessee are analyzed, discussing how the offensive and defensive strengths could play out.

  Quote:

  [22:14] Todd McShay: "When you factor in their playing at home like this is Ryan Day's gotta have this one."

Discussion Highlights

• Draft Prospects Impact: The correlation between a team’s number of draft prospects and their likelihood of advancing or winning in the CFP is explored.

  Quote:

  [24:23] Todd McShay: "It's important to know because if you go and track, I think almost every single year the national champion is up there in the top two or three in terms of draft talent."

• Underdog Teams: Analysis of teams like Indiana, Notre Dame, and SMU, questioning their draft prospect-driven expectations and potential to upset higher-ranked teams.

4. Flash Mock Draft and Future Predictions

Overview

Toward the episode's end, Todd and Steve engage in a flash mock draft, predicting the first five picks of the NFL draft based on their rankings and team needs.

Key Points

• Mock Draft Selections: Todd outlines his top five picks, reinforcing his rankings with reasons and player evaluations.

  Quote:

  [53:05] Todd McShay: "Travis Hunter went three to the Patriots. Panthers are on the board. Abdul Carter still there."

• Strategic Choices: The conversation delves into strategic decisions teams might face, such as the Giants considering drafting Shador Sanders or focusing on other positional needs.

  Quote:

  [57:25] Steve Mensch: "You take your guy… It’s too much of a gamble."

• Future Episodes Tease: The hosts hint at upcoming mock drafts, team analysis post-CFP games, and reaction shows.

  Quote:

  [53:59] Todd McShay: "We're excited about where this is all headed and have some exciting announcements in the near future."

Discussion Highlights

• Positional Value Debates: Todd and Steve discuss the relative value of different positions, such as quarterbacks versus defensive linemen, highlighting the strategic considerations teams must balance.

  Quote:

  [63:16] Steve Mensch: "You need assets."

• Mock Draft Dynamics: Emphasis on the fluid nature of draft rankings and the importance of continuous evaluation as the draft approaches.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Todd and Steve reaffirming their commitment to providing in-depth football analysis through regular episodes and special shows during the College Football Playoff. They encourage listeners to stay engaged for upcoming mock drafts and game reactions, ensuring fans remain informed and entertained throughout the playoff season.

Final Remarks:

[70:07] Todd McShay: "This draft class is loaded late. First, second, third, fourth round. There's a ton of talent."

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Todd McShay:

  "Bill Belichick instantly advances the college football landscape. UNC, guided by Bill's program, should quickly become the standard in college football leadership." [02:00]

• Steve Mensch:

  "Shador Sanders is definitely a top 10 player in this draft, in my opinion." [50:00]

This detailed summary captures the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.