The McShay Show: An In-Depth Look at Week 10 NFL Prospects and Strategic Draft Insights

Release Date: October 31, 2024

In the October 31, 2024 episode of The McShay Show, long-time NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay, alongside fellow expert Mel Kiper Jr., engages in a comprehensive discussion with Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy. The episode, titled "McShay’s Guys For Week 10. Plus: Jim Nagy on Cam Ward’s Rise and Garrett Nussmeier’s Draft Decision", offers listeners a deep dive into the latest NFL prospects, strategic mock drafts, and the evolving landscape of college football scouting.

1. McShay’s Guys For Week 10

Todd McShay launches the episode with his favorite segment, "McShay’s Guys For Week 10", highlighting standout NFL prospects from the current college football season.

• Kyle Kennard – South Carolina Edge Rusher ([02:22]-[05:23])

  • McShay: "Kennard is the alpha male of South Carolina's defense, consistently creating pressures and wreaking havoc with an impressive 15% pressure rate, 8.5 sacks, and 23 pressures this year." ([04:15])
  • Mel Kiper Jr. concurs, emphasizing Kennard’s versatility and relentless motor, suggesting his draft stock could climb into the top 50 of the next Top 100 rankings.

• Antoine Powell Ryland – Virginia Tech Edge Rusher ([05:23]-[07:23])

  • Kiper Jr. praises Ryland for leading the FBS with 11 sacks, noting his ability to transition from speed to power and likening him to NFL’s Alex Highsmith. ([07:50])
  • Jigy emphasizes Ryland’s snapping capabilities and unrelenting pursuit of quarterbacks.

• Running Backs Jazz Hunter and Amaran Hampton ([07:33]-[12:53])

  • McShay discusses Auburn’s Jazz Hunter, highlighting his 120 carries, 863 rushing yards, and contributions in the passing game.
  • Kiper Jr. selects Amaran Hampton from North Carolina, comparing him to NFL stalwarts like Ramondre Stevenson and Nick Chubb for his size and ability to break tackles. ([09:42])

2. The Running Back Class

The hosts delve into the depth of this year’s running back class, predicting a potentially historic draft run in the later rounds. They mention prospects like Ashton Gentee from Boise State and Caleb Johnson from Iowa, emphasizing the positional value and the abundance of talent available.

3. Where Are the Scouts This Week?

McShay and Kiper Jr. analyze key college football games crucial for NFL scouting:

a. Ohio State vs. Penn State ([14:01]-[25:22])

• Key Focus: Ohio State’s offensive line struggles due to injuries, particularly at left tackle (Josh Simmons). The shift of Donovan Jackson from left guard to tackle introduces vulnerabilities.
• Penn State’s Strengths: Dominant defensive front led by Zane Durant, posing significant challenges for Ohio State’s quarterback Nicholas Singleton.
• Predictions:
  • Kiper Jr. favors Penn State, noting Ohio State’s offensive line issues and Penn State’s defensive prowess. ([25:12])

b. Oregon vs. Michigan ([25:28]-[30:15])

• Key Focus: Michigan’s defensive unit, especially defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, versus Oregon’s offensive line vulnerabilities.
• Player Highlights:
  • Derek Harmon from Michigan: Potential top 50 pick for his defensive capabilities.
  • Dylan Gabriel (Oregon QB): Projected to struggle against Michigan’s robust defense.
• Predictions:
  • McShay predicts Michigan will cover the 14.5-point spread, highlighting their defensive improvements. ([25:22])

c. Texas A&M vs. South Carolina ([32:06]-[34:23])

• Key Focus: Texas A&M’s superior defensive line against South Carolina’s offensive line.
• Player Highlights:
  • Nick Scorton (Texas A&M): Stellar performance, drawing comparisons to NFL talents.
  • Shamar Stewart (Texas A&M DT): Praised for his versatility and power.
• Predictions:
  • Kiper Jr. supports Texas A&M’s chances, citing their defensive dominance. ([34:23])

4. Where Would Todd Be This Week?

In a personal twist, Todd McShay shares his planned scouting and travel itinerary, blending the demands of being an NFL evaluator with his love for culinary experiences. He highlights his visit to Acre in Auburn, Alabama, praising its exceptional menu and vibrant atmosphere. ([35:10]-[40:16])

5. Exclusive Conversation with Jim Nagy

Jim Nagy, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl and a long-time friend of McShay, joins the discussion to provide insider perspectives on the draft process and player evaluations.

a. Garrett Nussmeier’s Draft Decision ([48:07]-[53:14])

• Discussion Points:
  • Nusmeier: Todd and Jim debate whether Garrett Nussmeier should enter the draft or return for another year at the SEC level.
  • Nagy’s Take: Believes Nussmeier has first-round potential due to his talent and football lineage, despite some inconsistencies in game tape. ([50:35])

b. Jalen Milroe and Emerging Quarterbacks ([54:13]-[65:34])

• Jalen Milroe: Analyzes Milroe’s speed and decision-making improvements, comparing him to successful quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts.
• Other QBs: Brief mentions of Dylan Gabriel, Will Howard, and Curtis Roark, discussing their strengths and areas for improvement.

c. Offensive Tackles and Emerging Talent ([58:53]-[64:59])

• Emerging Tackles: Highlights prospects like Gray Zel from North Dakota State and William Campbell from William & Mary, discussing their physicality and potential to elevate their draft stock post-Senior Bowl.
• Small School Contributions: Emphasizes the unique talent emerging from smaller schools, despite the challenges posed by the transfer portal. ([60:36]-[64:59])

d. Senior Bowl Insights and Impact ([63:44]-[64:59])

• Player Elevation: Jim shares anecdotes of players like Terry McLaren from the Senior Bowl who significantly rose in draft rankings after standout performances.
• Process Transparency: Discusses how the Senior Bowl evaluates and supports player development, ensuring a fair and comprehensive scouting process. ([63:44]-[64:59])

6. Culinary Adventures and Final Thoughts

Ending on a lighter note, Todd discusses his favorite dining spots in Mobile, Alabama, particularly Acre in Auburn, lauding its diverse and high-quality menu offerings. Both hosts express gratitude towards Jim Nagy for his invaluable contributions to the draft space and emphasize the importance of personal storytelling in understanding player backgrounds and potential.

Notable Quotes:

• Todd McShay on Kyle Kennard:

  • "[04:15] Kennard is the guy who's out there making plays, always around the football."

• Mel Kiper Jr. on Antoine Powell Ryland:

  • "[07:50] Antoine Powell Ryland is flying under the radar, but his four sacks against BC looked absolutely unblockable."

• Jim Nagy on Garrett Nussmeier:

  • "[50:35] If he does come out, I do think he's going to be a first round pick. He has the highest upside of anyone in this draft."

• Jim Nagy on Senior Bowl’s Impact:

  • "[63:44] There's a handful of guys every year that can jump around two or three rounds in the draft after showing up at the Senior Bowl."

Conclusion

This episode of The McShay Show provides an intricate analysis of current NFL draft prospects, enriched by the expertise of Todd McShay, Mel Kiper Jr., and Jim Nagy. From detailed player evaluations to strategic game analyses and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a holistic view of the factors influencing the upcoming NFL Draft. The blend of technical insights and personal stories underscores the multifaceted nature of talent evaluation in modern football.

For those eager to stay ahead in draft preparations and gain insider knowledge, this episode stands out as an essential listen.

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