Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – Episode: Day 2 NFL Combine Reactions: Defensive Line Winners and What to Make of Abdul Carter’s Injury

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host/Author: Todd McShay, The Ringer

Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, Todd McShay delves deep into the second day of the NFL Scouting Combine, focusing primarily on the defensive line performances and discussing the significant injury update concerning Abdul Carter, the top prospect in the draft class. The conversation is enriched with insights from fellow analyst Chris Mortensen, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the day's events, standout performances, and their implications on the upcoming NFL Draft.

Abdul Carter’s Injury Update

Timestamp: [02:18] - [06:05]

The episode begins with Todd McShay addressing the turmoil surrounding Abdul Carter from Penn State, currently the number one overall prospect in the draft class. Early in the day, news breaks out about Carter suffering a stress fracture in his right foot, initially leading to speculation about potential surgery. However, further updates clarify that the injury is less severe and is expected to heal without surgical intervention.

• Todd McShay [03:35]: "Maybe it seems like a near miss, like a scare, but all should be good."

• Chris Mortensen [04:01]: "I get it on that end. But if the medical comes back and he's all right and teams are comfortable with the medical..."

Despite the initial concerns, Carter is slated to participate in Penn State's pro day on March 28th, aiming to alleviate any lingering doubts about his availability and draft stock. McShay emphasizes the importance of Carter working out to provide a clear evaluation for NFL teams:

• Todd McShay [04:27]: "I want him to work out his pro day to put this to rest."

The discussion highlights the delicate balance teams must maintain in assessing Carter's readiness while considering his potential impact as the top pick.

Edge Group Performances

Timestamp: [09:07] - [27:02]

The conversation shifts to analyzing the performances of edge rushers at the combine. McShay and Mortensen discuss various prospects, spotlighting standout athletes who excelled in their workouts despite challenges and offering insights into their potential NFL trajectories.

Landon Jackson

• Timestamp: [11:23]
  Landon Jackson from Arkansas impresses with a remarkable 40.5-inch vertical jump, positioning him among the elite performers since 2003.

  • Todd McShay [11:23]: "At 6, 6, mind you. 264 pounds, 33 and a quarter inch arms. He had a 40 and a half inch vertical..."

  • Todd McShay [11:54]: "Officially a sub 4.7 at 6'6", 264 pounds with a 40.5-inch vertical showing that lower body explosion."

Shemar Stewart

• Timestamp: [12:26]
  Shemar Stewart delivers a solid performance with a 40-inch vertical, though his weight adjustment to 267 pounds raises some questions.

  • Chris Mortensen [13:11]: "It's a prototype, right? Not elite, but prototype."

  • Todd McShay [13:36]: "Trayvon Walker has a similar arm length and running speed, making him another top contender."

James Pierce

• Timestamp: [21:56]
  James Pierce from Tennessee emerges as another top performer, running a 4.56-second 10-yard split and showcasing exceptional athleticism.

  • Chris Mortensen [21:56]: "He had a 1,5,6,10 yard split, which is ridiculous to run."

  • Todd McShay [22:29]: "If you're a defensive line coach in the NFL, you are dying to get a chance to work with this kid."

Additional Highlights

Other notable edge rushers include:

• Mike Green (Marshall): Opted out of workouts due to a hamstring injury, creating opportunities for other prospects.

• Jalen Walker: An undersized off-the-ball linebacker with exceptional tape performance and leadership qualities.

• Tyler Barron (Miami): Demonstrates versatility and strong on-field presence, making him a sleeper pick.

Interior Defensive Line Highlights

Timestamp: [50:52] - [78:45]

The discussion transitions to the interior defensive line, where McShay reflects on the depth and talent present, comparing the current class to the historic 1992 draft.

Comparison to 1992 Draft

• Timestamp: [50:52]
  McShay notes that the current class is one of the deepest since 1992, boasting around 20-24 top-tier interior defensive linemen.

Standout Performers

• Derek Harmon (Oregon): Delivered a solid performance, positioning himself as a potential late-first or early-second-round pick.

• Darius Alexander (Toledo): Rising rapidly with an outstanding combine day, McShay predicts he could become a top-50 pick.

• Aeneas Peebles: Exhibits excellent movement and technique, making him a notable contender.

• Ty Robinson (Nebraska): Showed impressive explosiveness with a 4.60-second 10-yard split, marking him as a valuable third-round prospect.

• Jared Harrison Hunt (SMU): Runs a 4.86-second 10-yard split and showcases effective movement skills, making him a compelling mid-round pick.

Challenges and Opportunities

McShay expresses frustration over several top interior linemen not participating or underperforming, creating a chaotic environment but also opening doors for emerging talents.

• Todd McShay [53:01]: "But I can't stand when I tune in to shows or I listen. ... These old guys are sitting there complaining that the young guys aren't working out anymore."

Despite the setbacks, McShay remains optimistic about the opportunities presented by standout performances from athletes like Jared Harrison Hunt and Ty Robinson.

Linebacker Group Analysis

Timestamp: [74:25] - [78:45]

The linebacker group receives significant attention, with a focus on versatile players who can impact the game both in pass rushing and coverage.

Jalen Walker

• Timestamp: [32:01]
  Jalen Walker is highlighted for his exceptional tape performance, despite being undersized for the position. His ability to change directions swiftly and maintain a high motor makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking versatile linebackers.

  • Todd McShay [32:01]: "I want you to understand he's the second most complete prospect and player on the field of all these guys."

Femi Oladejo (UCLA)

• Timestamp: [41:56]
  Femi Oladejo is praised for his leadership and effort, making significant strides after transitioning to an edge rusher role.

  • Todd McShay [42:00]: "He's an off-the-ball linebacker who can play and unlike Jalen Walker, who's in the lower percentiles, get the lights back on."

Chris Campbell

• Timestamp: [75:03]
  Chris Campbell stands out with a 4.52-second 10-yard split and exceptional versatility, making him a strong candidate for early first-round selection.

  • Chris Mortensen [75:03]: "I wouldn't be surprised because his miles per hour is 22.6."

Defensive Backs Preview

Timestamp: [74:25] - [79:43]

Looking ahead, McShay and Mortensen hint at an upcoming detailed analysis of defensive backs, emphasizing the critical role of measurable performance in positional evaluations.

• Todd McShay [75:44]: "No position, I'm telling you, no position that's affected more when it comes to draft than the cornerbacks and what they run."

Implications for the NFL Draft

Throughout the episode, McShay and Mortensen discuss how the combine performances, particularly the standout athletic metrics like vertical jumps and 10-yard splits, will influence NFL teams' draft strategies. The impressive workouts from several edge rushers and interior defensive linemen are likely to bolster their draft positions, especially in a draft class considered one of the best in recent history.

• Todd McShay [28:07]: "That 10-yard split of under 1.60 seconds signals to them in their research that they have a different level of speed."

• Chris Mortensen [34:46]: "For every one of these guys, there's 10 others that washed out and didn't make it. So it is."

Conclusion and Future Episodes

As the day wraps up, McShay and Mortensen express both excitement and exhaustion from the day's intense evaluations. They tease upcoming episodes that will continue to dissect the combine performances, especially focusing on defensive backs and linebackers, ensuring listeners remain informed about the evolving draft landscape.

• Todd McShay [79:43]: "We're really excited about the next couple of days. And then on Saturday, we're right back on for another show."

• Chris Mortensen [79:44]: "Thank you."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to The McShay Report for comprehensive draft access and to stay tuned for continuous updates throughout the remainder of the combine.

Notable Quotes

• Todd McShay [04:27]: "I want him to work out his pro day to put this to rest."
• Chris Mortensen [21:56]: "He had a 1,5,6,10 yard split, which is ridiculous to run."
• Todd McShay [32:01]: "He's the second most complete prospect and player on the field of all these guys."
• Chris Mortensen [34:46]: "For every one of these guys, there's 10 others that washed out and didn't make it. So it is."
• Todd McShay [75:03]: "His 10-yard split is his path to success."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The McShay Show offers a thorough examination of the defensive line performances at the NFL Combine, underscored by the potential impact of Abdul Carter’s injury on the draft landscape. Todd McShay and Chris Mortensen provide valuable insights, balancing statistical analysis with anecdotal observations, making it an indispensable resource for NFL enthusiasts and fantasy football strategists alike.