The McShay Show

Episode: NFL Combine Recap: The Workout Warriors, Risers, and Lessons from Indy
Date: March 2, 2026
Host: Todd McShay (with Daniel Jeremiah)
Podcast Network: The Ringer

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, examining which prospects impressed the most ("workout warriors"), who solidified or raised their draft stock ("risers"), and what real lessons emerged from a wild week in Indianapolis ("lessons from Indy"). Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah blend evaluations of key performances with insider stories and takeaways from conversations with NFL GMs and scouts, revealing the next steps as draft season intensifies.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Context and Theme: Lessons Beyond the 40-yard Dash

• The hosts emphasize that while record-setting athletic feats made headlines (fastest DB and WR classes ever, eye-popping jumps and sprints), interviews and character assessments at the combine remain far more important than workouts.
• Multiple stories highlight how decision-makers try to balance testing results with the actual needs of their teams and the personality fits inside NFL locker rooms.

2. Debunking Combine "Conspiracy Theories"

[02:28 - 04:09]

• Daniel Jeremiah calls out social media rumors that the combine timing track was "fast" or that times were "cooked":

  "Here’s the thing: if the jumps match up with the times, where’s the problem?... There were some guys that didn’t run well, and a lot of guys didn’t run because I don’t think they thought they could put up times. If you did run this year at the combine, you benefited." (Daniel Jeremiah, 02:28)

• The duo concludes: The data from jumps and sprints correlated, and most outlier performances were earned.

3. Most Important Combine Component: The Interview

[04:09 - 07:00]

• Todd McShay reiterates a core draft axiom:

  “Interviews at the combine have always been, and will always be, more important.” (Todd McShay, 04:09)

• He explains that obsessing over physical “outliers” misses the point if a player is the right fit for your building and culture.

• Daniel Jeremiah adds:

  “The vast majority of the star wide receivers... are like 4.43 to 4.58, honestly. If you went back and looked at the numbers... a lot of those guys were in the four-fives, man.” (Daniel Jeremiah, 05:46)

• McShay emphasizes intelligence, craft, and toughness as key characteristics shared among the best NFL players.

4. Workout Warrior of the Week: Sonny Styles' Dominance

[07:00 - 12:12]

• Daniel Jeremiah zeroes in on Ohio State’s Sonny Styles’ unmatched combine:

  • Stats: 6'5", 244 lbs, 43.5” vertical (positional record), 4.56 forty (tied best in group), 11'2" broad jump.
  • “He’s one of one in this class... He’s so very clearly one of the three best players in this draft.” (Daniel Jeremiah, 09:58)

• Sonny Styles’ stock is now so high, Jeremiah believes he could go as high as #2 overall to the Jets:

  “I honestly think it’s a possibility... Are we going to pass on a generational talent... for a guy that’s an edge rusher...?” (Daniel Jeremiah, 11:12)

• Conversation on positional value: Teams appear ready to make exceptions for generational talents, even if the position isn’t traditionally drafted top-5.

5. Draft Board Shakeup: Jeremiah Love and Caleb Downs

[12:12 - 15:36]

• Jeremiah Love (RB) and Caleb Downs (DB/safety) are forecasted as potential top-5 locks.
• Teams are wrestling with devalued positional norms (off-ball linebacker, running back) not matching rare blue-chip grades.
• Daniel Jeremiah:

  “The two players I just truly don’t think are going to get out of the top five despite the positions they play are Jeremiah Love and Sonny Styles.” (Daniel Jeremiah, 13:21)

6. Quarterback Clarity: Ty Simpson’s Stock Surges

[16:27 - 19:34]

• McShay and Jeremiah discuss the evolving market for Ty Simpson, who is now considered likely to go as high as #6 overall after a strong throwing session at the Combine and health updates.

• Notable exchange on Simpson vs. Mendoza as QB1:

  “If you put 35 starts next to Ty Simpson’s name... I think there would be a legitimate debate between the two.” (Daniel Jeremiah, 19:35)

• McShay disagrees that Simpson’s tape is on par with Mendoza’s, but both see his upside and positional value as fuel for a top-10 selection.

7. Biggest Risers and Standout Performers

[25:44 - 38:08]

Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah each highlight three major risers:

1. Taylor Green (QB, Arkansas)

• 6’6”, 227 lbs, 4.36 forty, 9 7/8” hands.
• “When you add all these things up and he goes out and competes and runs like that, he’s on his way up. I think Taylor Green solidified himself as a top 100 pick.” (McShay, 27:35)

2. Dylan Thienaman (S, Oregon)

• 6’0”, 204 lbs, 4.35 forty, 41” vert, 10’5” broad.
• “His interviews... you want him to be that captain... what you see on tape is pretty damn special. I think if nothing else, he has created for some teams... a debate on [which safety is truly next].” (Jeremiah, 29:42)

3. Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)

• 6’0”, 193 lbs, 4.40 forty, 38” vert, 10’6” broad.
• “After maybe a bumpy start to the offseason, he’s going back in the right direction. I’m excited for him.” (McShay, 31:42)

4. Eli Stowers (TE, Texas Tech)

• 6’4”, 240 lbs, 32 5/8” arms, 4.51 forty, 45.5” vert (tight end record), 11’3” broad.
• “Stowers went from in a pack with other tight ends to absolutely tight end two. Teams are really intrigued with the chess piece he can become.” (Jeremiah, 35:04)

5. Malachi Lawrence (Edge, UCF)

• 6’4”, 253 lbs, 33 5/8” arms, 4.52 forty, 40” vert, 10’10” broad.
• “Motor, motor, this kid gets after it... The way he chases is impressive.” (McShay, 35:15)

6. Jeff Caldwell (WR, Cincinnati)

• 6’5”, 216 lbs, 32 7/8” arms, 4.31 forty, 42” vert, 11’2” broad.
• “I don’t know that anyone put up the same combination of measurements and results that Jeff Caldwell from Cincinnati did.” (Jeremiah, 36:05)

8. Offensive Line: Wild Variance, No Clear OT1

[38:20 - 44:20]

• Discussion focuses on the challenges for teams projecting O-linemen who posted wild athletic numbers but have outlier measurables that can be “red flags” for some (i.e., short arms).

• Fano (BYU):

  • Short arms (32 1/8”), but tested extremely well (sub-5.0 forty, great agility).
  • “There’s going to be a lot of momentum for him as OT1... but I kind of prefer Maui Noah because I know he’s going to start at right tackle.” (Jeremiah, 42:53)

• Rutledge (Georgia Tech):

  • Interior projection, “glass eating SOB”, 4.54 short shuttle at 6’4”, 316.
  • “Rutledge was a big winner... shows the body control, traps, and pulling ability.” (Jeremiah, 40:34)

• Blake Freeling (OT):

  • 6’7”+, 315 lbs, 34 ¾” arms, 4.93 forty.
  • “Traits vs experience and tape, but my gosh, man, his workout was exceptional.” (Jeremiah, 43:51)

• McShay’s take:

  “I just don’t think there’s that guy that’s clear the best offensive lineman… The best offensive lineman is Penn State guard Venga Ioone... He is the guard.” (McShay, 44:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Interviews at the combine have always been, and will always be, more important.”
  (Todd McShay, 04:09)

• “Are we going to pass on a generational talent who’s an instant leader... for a guy that’s an edge rusher?”
  (Daniel Jeremiah on Sonny Styles, 11:12)

• “There are a lot of corners that performed well… but Chris Johnson, San Diego State. Here we go. We were worried about the speed. No problem. 4.40.”
  (Todd McShay, 31:42)

• “Stowers… went from in a pack to absolutely tight end two. Teams are really intrigued with the chess piece he can become.”
  (Daniel Jeremiah, 35:04)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |-------------------------------|-----------------| | Combine “Conspiracy” Debunked | 02:28 – 04:09 | | Importance of Interviews | 04:09 – 07:00 | | Sonny Styles/Workout Warriors | 07:00 – 12:12 | | Jeremiah Love & Caleb Downs | 12:12 – 15:36 | | Ty Simpson QB Discourse | 16:27 – 19:34 | | Combine Risers: Top 6 | 25:44 – 38:08 | | Offensive Line Recap | 38:20 – 44:20 |

Tone and Language

The conversation is high-energy, occasionally playful but always rooted in meticulous evaluation and deep insider knowledge. McShay and Jeremiah balance excitement about rare athletic feats with cold realism about pro projection. Their back-and-forth typifies draftnik banter, featuring some fun competitive ribbing and strong but reasoned disagreement (especially on the Mendoza vs. Simpson QB debate).

Conclusion

This episode provides a masterclass in how to read NFL combine results with real-world draft implications in mind. McShay and Jeremiah urge listeners not to get lost in the 40-yard dash headlines and combine “winners”—true risers must still be “blues” in interviews and football IQ. The next critical phase: narrowing top-100 boards and sorting through a draft class short on elite tackles/edges, but flush with outliers and a handful of true blue-chippers like Sonny Styles, Jeremiah Love, and Caleb Downs.

For further in-depth draft content and analysis, subscribe to The McShay Report.