The McShay Show Episode Summary: "News or Noise, and Todd’s Final Big Board! Plus, Talking Draft Day With Richmond Spider Legend Joe Douglas"
Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this eagerly anticipated episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay delves deep into the latest draft rumors, presents his final big board of top 300 prospects, and engages in a compelling conversation with Joe Douglas, the legendary general manager of the Richmond Spiders. The episode, released on April 23, 2025, sets the stage for an intense draft season with insightful analysis and insider perspectives.

2. News or Noise: Analyzing Draft Rumors and Potential Trades

Lack of First-Round Trades
Todd McShay kicks off the episode by addressing the unprecedented situation where no trades have occurred in the first round of the NFL Draft up to the first night. At [02:48], he remarks,

"It's the longest in NFL draft history without a trade being made in the first round before we got to the first night of the draft."

Potential Movement Around the Number Two Pick
McShay discusses the swirling rumors about teams attempting to move up for Travis Hunter, one of the top prospects. He notes the increasing "noise" not just from the media but within NFL front offices as teams like Dallas and Cleveland show interest.

"There's a lot of noise... Calls are being made... it's like something's about to happen." [03:55]

Team-Specific Analysis

• Dallas Cowboys: McShay speculates that Dallas, led by Jerry Jones, might be maneuvering to trade up, stating,

  "It just screams Dallas to me." [06:05]

• Cleveland Browns: He expresses skepticism about Cleveland moving up, questioning,

  "Why would Cleveland even entertain?" [09:06]

• Other Teams: McShay analyzes the draft positions of teams like Buffalo, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle, assessing their potential to trade based on their current picks and needs.

3. Todd’s Final Big Board: Top 300 Draft Prospects

Overview of the Final Rankings
Todd McShay proudly presents his finalized top 300 draft board, emphasizing his confidence in its accuracy and depth. He shares,

"This board is my baby. My baby." [40:09]

Quarterbacks and Defensive Prospects
McShay highlights key quarterbacks like Jackson Dart and Shador Sanders. He explains his preference for Dart, stating,

"If all things were equal, schematically, I'm taking Jackson Dart over Shador Sanders." [43:33]

Offensive Linemen Evaluations
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on offensive tackles, with McShay predicting that three tackles will be selected in the top 13 picks. He praises prospects like Will Campbell and Josh Simmons for their athleticism and potential, while also addressing concerns about arm length and versatility.

"Will Campbell from LSU tackle, maybe moving into guard... he's an absolute dog of a football player." [65:22]

Tight Ends Analysis
McShay contrasts two tight ends: Mason Taylor and Elijah Arroyo. He favors Taylor for his durability and reliability, despite recognizing Arroyo's upside.

"I absolutely love Elijah Arroyo... but with Mason Taylor, there's more upside." [48:14]

Controversial Picks and Surprises
He discusses unexpected rankings, such as Ted Arroyo McMillan ending up at 50 and Mason Taylor at 28, reflecting on the tough decisions made to fit his board's integrity.

4. In-Depth Analysis of Draft Prospects

Quarterback Decision-Making
The debate between selecting Jackson Dart or Shador Sanders is central to McShay's final board. He argues that Dart better fits the systems of teams like the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns, while Sanders would be ideal for coaches like Kevin Stefanski.

"If all things were equal, schematically, I'm taking Jackson Dart over Shador Sanders." [43:39]

Offensive Line Strengths and Weaknesses
Discussion revolves around the depth of the offensive tackle class, with emphasis on players' physical attributes and adaptability to different team schemes. McShay underscores the importance of versatility and blocking ability in prospects like Will Campbell.

"He can dig all of his cleats in the ground against the bull rush." [65:43]

Tight End Preferences
McShay explains his strategic choice between Mason Taylor and Elijah Arroyo, balancing consistency with potential upside.

"Mason Taylor is durable, consistent, and reliable... There's more upside with Arroyo." [48:53]

Defensive Linemen Insights
While the focus is primarily on offensive positions, McShay touches upon the strong defensive tackle class, expressing high regard for prospects like Walter Nolan.

"The defensive tackle class is one of the best and it's going to be very impactful." [51:20]

5. Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Live Stream with Joe Douglas
Todd McShay announces an upcoming live stream featuring Joe Douglas, scheduled for draft day, where they will provide real-time analysis and reactions.

"Join us Thursday night for an absolute blast with a great guest coming." [05:26]

Final Mock Draft Reveal
McShay emphasizes the importance of his final mock draft and encourages listeners to tune in for the reveal, promising an enriched experience with insider information.

"Final mock draft tomorrow. Don't forget about that." [55:29]

6. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Conversation with Joe Douglas
A significant segment features an engaging discussion between McShay, Mitch, and Joe Douglas. They reminisce about their time at the University of Richmond, sharing humorous and heartfelt stories about teammates like Elio and Jasper Wyman. Douglas reflects on the challenges and camaraderie during their college days, highlighting the unique personalities that shaped their careers.

"Elio refused to conform... we were all trying to figure out what we were going to do in life." [72:21]

Joe Douglas’s Career Insights
Douglas provides valuable insights into the role of a general manager during draft season, explaining the strategic groundwork involved in trade negotiations and player evaluations. He details the meticulous process of preparing for trades and ensuring team needs are met without compromising on key positions.

"You're walking ownership through that... making sure there's no surprises." [58:38]

Humorous Exchanges and Bonding
The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as McShay and Douglas share amusing anecdotes about their past experiences, including Douglas’s cameo in a Keanu Reeves film and their adventures in Richmond. These personal stories add depth to the discussion, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect between the guests.

"We could do a whole series, like years of it." [73:12]

7. Conclusion

Todd McShay wraps up the episode by reiterating the excitement leading up to the NFL Draft, urging listeners to stay tuned for the live stream and final mock draft reveals. He expresses gratitude towards Joe Douglas for sharing his invaluable perspectives and shares a heartfelt farewell, looking forward to the upcoming draft events.

"We're gonna have a good time... Can't wait to see what you're doing next." [79:28]

Notable Quotes:

• Todd McShay:

  • "It's the longest in NFL draft history without a trade being made in the first round before we got to the first night of the draft." [02:48]
  • "This board is my baby. My baby." [40:09]
  • "If all things were equal, schematically, I'm taking Jackson Dart over Shador Sanders." [43:33]

• Joe Douglas:

  • "Josh Simmons is a freak athlete... he's really gifted." [64:12]
  • "Elio refused to conform... we were all trying to figure out what we were going to do in life." [72:21]

This episode of The McShay Show offers an in-depth look into the NFL Draft's current landscape, combining expert analysis with personal stories to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience for listeners. Whether you're a die-hard football enthusiast or a casual fan, Todd McShay's final big board and conversation with Joe Douglas deliver valuable insights and entertainment as draft day approaches.