The McShay Show: LIVE NFL Draft Full Recap with Ryan Russillo | April 26, 2025

Hosted by Todd McShay of The Ringer, this episode features a deep dive into the third day of the NFL Draft, with analyst Ryan Russillo joining Todd to break down key picks, team strategies, and standout player evaluations.

1. Introduction

• [00:00] Todd McShay opens the show with a humorous anecdote about traveling with Ryan Russillo, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the episode.

2. Cleveland Browns' Surprising Fifth-Round Quarterback Pick

• [02:00] Todd McShay brings attention to the Cleveland Browns drafting Shador Sanders at 144 overall in the fifth round—a move that has left analysts puzzled.
• [02:29] Ryan Russillo shares his initial thoughts, expressing that without the Browns’ earlier pick of Dylan Gabriel, Sanders might have been more acceptable. He states, “Without the Gabriel pick, this might actually work out” ([02:29]).
• [03:37] Todd McShay and Ryan Russillo discuss how nearly every evaluator had passed on Shador Sanders multiple times, even mentioning other quarterbacks like Will Howard and Quinn Ewers who were considered ahead of him.
• [04:13] Mensch (another analyst) adds that taking Gabriel before Sanders was baffling, questioning the strategic reasoning behind selecting Sanders over more evaluated quarterbacks.

3. Evaluating Shador Sanders

• [07:02] Todd McShay highlights the Browns' decision-making process, noting that they might lack sufficient information or have underestimated Sanders’ abilities.
• [08:07] Todd McShay praises Brian Daboll, the Browns’ coach, as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL, suggesting that Daboll’s trust in Sanders could lead to Sanders outperforming Gabriel.
• [09:03] Detailed analysis of Sanders’ performance under pressure, his ability to move the offense forward, and his decision-making in high-stakes moments are discussed. Todd remarks, “He’s moving the offense forward. If there's trouble, he's advancing it” ([09:03]).

4. Broader Draft Evaluations and Team Strategies

• [10:45] Todd McShay and Ryan Russillo delve into the complexities of quarterback evaluations, emphasizing the challenges inherent in predicting a quarterback's success based on college performance and pro-day metrics.
• [11:57] The conversation shifts to other teams and their draft strategies, including the New Orleans Saints and their interest in Sanders, as well as the Rams' apparent move to secure him before falling teams could.
• [16:13] Ryan Russillo criticizes ESPN’s handling of certain interviews, particularly highlighting how glimpses into team front offices reveal conflicting narratives about player evaluations.

5. The Role of Media and Public Perception

• [25:00] Ryan Russillo discusses the influence of media narratives on draft perceptions, using Shador Sanders as a case study for how public and media opinions can shape a player’s draft stock.
• [27:33] Todd McShay offers a life lesson derived from the draft process: understanding one’s role within a team and the importance of accepting feedback and adjusting accordingly.

6. Notable Picks and Player Comparisons

• [37:22] Analysis of Detroit's draft picks, comparing new players like Mason Taylor Ferguson to proven NFL talents, highlighting the creativity and potential mismatches teams are aiming to exploit.
• [46:07] Ryan Russillo and Todd McShay examine the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive selections, praising their strategic focus on defense as a foundation for supporting their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
• [60:10] Discussion about Tyler Schuck, a quarterback drafted by the Saints, is introduced. Todd expresses belief that Schuck “may wind up being the best quarterback from this draft” ([60:10]).

7. The Importance of Team Needs and Player Roles

• [72:58] Ryan Russillo emphasizes the importance of drafting players who fit specific team needs, using examples like the Detroit offense’s reliance on speed and the Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on defensive strength.
• [78:18] The conversation touches on how certain players, like Will Campbell, might need to transition positions (e.g., from tackle to guard) to better fit team strategies and improve overall performance.

8. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

• [88:15] Ryan Russillo and Todd McShay share personal anecdotes and lighter moments, maintaining the show’s engaging and personable atmosphere.
• [91:00] The hosts reflect on the excitement and unpredictability of the draft, concluding that despite some surprising decisions, the draft has provided valuable insights and entertainment.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Russillo: “Without the Gabriel pick, this might actually work out” ([02:29]).
• Todd McShay: “He’s moving the offense forward. If there's trouble, he's advancing it” ([09:03]).
• Ryan Russillo: “The NFL locker room does not want free thinkers” ([26:07]).
• Todd McShay: “Tyler Shuck could... be the best quarterback from this draft” ([60:10]).

Conclusions and Insights

• Strategic Drafting: Teams like the Browns and Chiefs are making strategic choices that reflect their long-term visions, focusing on foundational positions like quarterback and defense.
• Evaluation Challenges: Quarterback evaluations remain the most challenging aspect of the draft, with factors like team fit, coaching philosophy, and media narratives heavily influencing decisions.
• Media Influence: Public perception and media coverage can significantly impact a player's draft stock, sometimes overshadowing their on-field performance and potential.
• Role Clarity: Successful draftees often have a clear understanding of their role within the team, whether as starters or supportive cast members, which can influence their development and contribution.

This episode of The McShay Show offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL Draft's third day, blending expert evaluations with engaging discussions. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a casual observer, Todd McShay and Ryan Russillo provide valuable insights into the complexities and surprises of the draft process.