Podcast Summary: The McShay Show - "Mock Draft 2.0! Talking Top Five Picks, Jaxson Dart’s First-Round Buzz, and More!"

Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction to Mock Draft 2.0

In the latest episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay and co-host Mitch delve deep into the intricacies of the upcoming NFL Draft with their Mock Draft 2.0. They explore potential top picks, team strategies, and the evolving landscape of quarterback selections, particularly focusing on Jaxson Dart's rising prominence in the first-round discussions.

Key Highlights and Notable Quotes

• Mock Draft as a Valuable Tool

  Todd emphasizes the significance of mock drafts, stating,

  "Mock drafts are fun. Mock drafts are challenging. Mock drafts are time-consuming. But above all, mock drafts are a valuable exercise."
  (01:45)

• Insights from NFL Front Offices

  Highlighting that NFL General Managers (GMs) also engage in mock drafts similarly to analysts,

  "NFL GMs do them too... They do them over and over again."
  (03:10)

• The McShay Report Promotion

  Todd promotes their exclusive content,

  "Subscribe to the McShay Report... it’s $4 through this draft, $36 through this draft and next year's draft."
  (04:00)

Analysis of the Top Five Picks

1. Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans (#1)

   Todd asserts Cam Ward as the likely first overall pick for Tennessee,

   "It's obvious everyone's going with Cam Ward to Tennessee at this choice, right?"
   (07:28)

   Mitch agrees, reinforcing the consistency in team needs and player evaluations.

2. Shador Sanders – Cleveland Browns (#2)

   Positioned as a critical selection for the Browns facing salary cap challenges due to Deshaun Watson,

   "I think Shador Sanders is absolutely in play at number two."
   (08:25)

   Mitch concurs, emphasizing Sanders' fit with Head Coach Stefanski's system.

3. Jaxson Dart vs. Abdul Carter – New York Giants (#3)

   A heated discussion surrounds whether the Giants should select quarterback Jaxson Dart or pass-rusher Abdul Carter:

   • Todd advocates for Shador Sanders or Abdul Carter, suggesting,

     "I truly believe a team will move in. I think it will be with the Giants."
     (35:32)

   • Mitch pushes for Dart, highlighting his potential as a top-tier quarterback:

     "Travis Hunter is absolutely worth a top... this is all about scenarios and team needs."
     (16:24)

   The debate underscores the Giants' dilemma in balancing immediate defensive upgrades with long-term quarterback development.

4. Travis Hunter and Tyler Shuck – New England Patriots (#6-#7)

   The Patriots face decisions on enhancing their wide receiver corps versus addressing other needs like offensive tackle:

   • Todd suggests,

     "If you take Sanders in with the second pick, you could still get a good edge rusher in the second round and a good running back in the third round."
     (24:00)

   • Mitch emphasizes the importance of protecting their quarterback, recommending,

     "Nothing is more important than protecting him... you have to find that piece."
     (46:09)

5. Raiders’ Strategic Picks (#6)

   Discussion on whether the Raiders should select a running back early to emulate Pete Carroll's strategies,

   "If you don't get a running back with the first two picks, you're getting... RJ Harvey or Dylan Sampson."
   (23:18)

   Both hosts consider the balance between best available talent and addressing positional needs.

Team-Specific Strategies

Cleveland Browns

• Salary Cap Constraints: With limited flexibility due to Deshaun Watson's contract situation,

  "The cap isn't going to change next year... they're prepared for it."
  (08:25)

• Quarterback Dilemma: Balancing between securing Shador Sanders and potentially selecting Jaxson Dart,

  "If Shador's not there, I believe it's Abdul Carter."
  (35:32)

• Positional Needs: Focus on strengthening the edge rusher position while maintaining depth at quarterback.

New York Giants

• Quarterback Selection: Torn between drafting Jaxson Dart or addressing other defensive needs.

  "If Shador is not there, I truly believe it's Abdul Carter."
  (35:32)

• Wide Receiver Enhancement: Potential to bolster their receiving corps with Travis Hunter or others in subsequent rounds.

New England Patriots

• Protecting the Quarterback: Emphasis on acquiring a strong offensive tackle to safeguard their investment in their current quarterback.

• Wide Receiver Optimization: Discussion on integrating Travis Hunter as a full-time receiver to maximize offensive efficiency.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Running Back Focus: Considering early selection of Ashton Genti to replicate past successful strategies.

  "At six, do you take the running back, knowing that you pick again at 37..."
  (50:19)

• Balancing Talent and Need: Weighing the value of top running backs against the best available talent in later rounds.

Chicago Bears

• Offensive Line Upgrades: Evaluating the need for a left tackle while considering the development of existing players.

  "I think the fit... is what I sat there, I spent... but it makes sense."
  (53:02)

• Running Back Depth: Deciding between securing Omari and Hampton or investing in offensive line enhancements.

Prospects and Scenarios

• Jaxson Dart’s Momentum: Increasing buzz around Dart's eligibility for a top ten pick due to his impressive performances, though concerns about durability and consistency remain.

• Abdul Carter’s Value: Recognized as potentially the best pass-rusher available, making him a coveted pick despite positional not being as advertised initially.

• Edge Rusher Landscape: Several top-tier edge rushers like Nick Scorton and others are expected to move in within the first two rounds, influencing team strategies.

• Running Back Surge: Running backs like Ashton Genti and Omarion Hampton are drawing early attention, reflecting a possible shift in draft dynamics.

Concluding Insights

Todd McShay and Mitch wrap up the episode by reiterating the complexity and fluidity of the draft landscape. They emphasize the importance of scenario planning and flexibility, as unforeseen developments can drastically alter team strategies. The discussion highlights the interplay between team needs, player potential, and market dynamics, painting a vivid picture of what to expect as the NFL Draft approaches.

Notably, Todd shares a mock trade scenario involving the Buccaneers moving back to select Trey Amos at 34, showcasing the strategic depth involved in mock drafting.

"Here's why I get that. And then also the Pete Carroll, the Marshawn lynch, the value of the running back, what they're trying to build."
(55:00)

The episode concludes with a teaser for upcoming discussions and further mock drafts, encouraging listeners to stay engaged through various platforms.

Final Thoughts

The McShay Show provides an in-depth and dynamic analysis of the NFL Draft, blending expert insights with strategic mock drafting. Todd McShay and Mitch offer listeners a comprehensive view of the potential outcomes, team strategies, and standout prospects, making it an essential listen for football enthusiasts gearing up for the draft season.

For more in-depth analysis and exclusive mock drafts, subscribe to The McShay Report.