The McShay Show: Draft-Eligible Defenders To Know for the College Football Season

Episode Release Date: July 28, 2025

In the July 28, 2025, episode of The McShay Show, hosted by NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay from The Ringer, the focus shifts to bolstering the conversation around defensive talents poised to make significant impacts in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the podcast delves into the intricacies of evaluating defensive prospects, listeners gain insider insights into the top defenders to watch, comprehensive assessments of individual players, and the strategic importance of defensive roles in modern football.

1. Introduction to Phase One Wrap-Up

Todd McShay (B) opens the discussion by highlighting the completion of the first phase of their two-phase summer scouting series. With only 269 days remaining until the NFL Draft, Todd emphasizes the significance of defensive prospects in the upcoming season.

“There's something about the violence, the reaction skills, the rallying to the ball and the energy after a play.”
— Todd McShay (01:28)

He acknowledges the extensive work done on offensive positions but notes the necessity of giving defensive players the attention they deserve.

2. Emphasizing Defensive Talent

The hosts agree that defensive players often receive less spotlight compared to their offensive counterparts. Todd asserts the critical role defensive players play in altering the dynamics of the game, especially in the first round of the draft.

“I feel like the defensive guys don't get as much love. Right.”
— Todd McShay (10:01)

He references historical draft trends, pointing out that roughly half of the first-round picks are defensive players, who often make immediate and substantial impacts on their teams.

3. In-Depth Analysis of Top Defensive Prospects

The core of the episode revolves around detailed evaluations of standout defensive prospects. The discussion includes extensive tape analysis, performance metrics, and projections for each player's draft stock.

a. Caleb Downs – Safety, Ohio State

Todd McShay (A) and Mitch (B) discuss Caleb Downs, lauding his versatility and instinctual playmaking abilities.

“He can do it all. If you put him in a position to play over the top, he can do that.”
— Todd McShay (17:58)

They highlight Downs' exceptional instincts and compare his reading ability to legends like Ed Reed, emphasizing his potential to be a transformative safety in the NFL.

“Downs has good ball skills. But Ed Reed was like a receiver, you know.”
— Todd McShay (18:45)

b. Peter Woods – Interior Defensive Lineman, Clemson

Peter Woods receives praise for his versatility on the defensive line, capable of playing both inside and outside, and his prowess as a run stopper with a high ceiling as a pass rusher.

“He just hasn't gotten there yet. But I have no concerns that he will get there and be a very good pass rusher as well.”
— Mitch McShay (22:22)

c. TJ Parker – Edge, Clemson

TJ Parker is commended for his power and ability to bulldoze through offensive lines, reminiscent of players like Jared Verse and Byron Murphy. Both hosts agree that Parker’s development as a pass rusher positions him as a potential first-round talent.

“He wants to run right through you. And you saw that in the Florida State game.”
— Mitch McShay (24:32)

“I think Parker's a little farther along in terms of his development as a pass rusher.”
— Todd McShay (25:41)

4. Additional Defensive Prospects Evaluated

Beyond the top three, the podcast explores several other noteworthy defensive players, providing brief yet insightful assessments.

a. Caleb Banks – Interior Defensive Lineman, Florida

Caleb Banks is highlighted for his impressive size and flexibility, with Todd giving him a high grade of 91-92 despite some concerns about sustaining blocks against double teams.

“It's pretty damn impressive...really flexible for an interior guy.”
— Mitch McShay (29:42)

b. Ruben Bane Jr. – Defensive Lineman, Miami

Ruben Bane Jr.'s explosive power and strong pass-rushing attributes make him a formidable presence on the defensive line. His ability to engage and persist in pass rush scenarios is highly regarded.

“He's a grinder, man. He can wear multiple hats.”
— Mitch McShay (42:32)

c. Gabe Jackus – Defensive Lineman, Illinois

Gabe Jackus is recognized for his versatility and efficiency on the field. His ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and his relentless motor make him an attractive prospect.

“He's like a difference maker that can help them be multiple along the defensive line.”
— Mitch McShay (50:25)

d. Anthony Hill Jr. & Deontay Lawson – Linebackers

Both linebackers are discussed with particular attention to their leadership qualities and on-field productivity. Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas is noted for his exceptional tackling and playmaking abilities, while Deontay Lawson from Alabama is praised for his coverage skills and recovery post-ACL injury.

“He's the top tier leader guy... Slightly more gifted.”
— Mitch McShay (55:13)

“He's aggressive. He will find someone to match up when the routes have been declared.”
— Todd McShay (62:45)

5. Emerging Defensive Talent: The Treetop Prospects

The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment identifying several "treetop" defensive prospects to watch. These players, while perhaps not yet household names, possess the traits and potential to rise significantly in draft rankings.

• Damani Jackson – Cornerback, Alabama: Noted for his length and speed, Jackson is viewed as a press corner with physicality and toughness.

• Keldrick Falk – Defensive End, Auburn: An underclassman with impressive size and development potential, Falk is expected to make a substantial leap in performance.

• Jair Hill – Cornerback, Michigan: Possesses strong instincts and coverage abilities, though needs to overcome early career growing pains.

• C.J. Allen – Linebacker, Georgia: Combines speed and athleticism with solid tackling skills, making him a versatile linebacker option.

• LT Overton – Edge Rusher, Alabama: Recognized for his hands and pass-rushing ability, Overton is seen as a smooth and powerful edge rusher with room to enhance his finishing moves.

• A.J. Harris – Cornerback, Penn State: A former five-star recruit with potential to develop into a mid-round pick, Harris needs to refine his technique to maximize his physical attributes.

• Kamari Ramsey – Safety, USC/Oregon: Acclaimed for his coverage instincts and versatility, Ramsey is expected to excel with further development.

• Dylan Thienaman – Safety, Purdue/Oregon: A dynamic player with exceptional tackling and interception abilities, Thienaman is poised to make a significant impact at Oregon.

6. Conclusion and Forward Look

As the episode wraps up, Todd and Mitch reiterate the importance of defensive players in the draft landscape and preview the next phase of their scouting series. They emphasize the need for fans and scouts alike to keep a close eye on these emerging defenders as the college football season intensifies and the NFL Draft approaches.

“We're building this thing... Keep an eye on these guys as being high impact players for their respective schools.”
— Todd McShay (17:37)

With comprehensive evaluations and expert analyses, The McShay Show delivers an invaluable resource for understanding the upcoming defensive talents that could shape the future of the NFL. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to The McShay Report for extended coverage, mock drafts, and exclusive insights from the world of NFL talent evaluation.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided and are indicative of when specific topics and quotes occur within the episode.