The McShay Show – Our Favorite Picks From Every Round of the 2026 NFL Draft
Host: Todd McShay (with Steve Muench)
Date: May 7, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode dives deep into the hosts’ favorite picks from each round of the 2026 NFL Draft, showcasing value, fit, future potential, and front office strategy. Todd and Steve go round by round, breaking down why they loved particular selections, highlighting under-the-radar steals, and sharing insider perspectives on how these picks came together.
Main Topics & Purpose
- Post-Draft Dissection: Ten days post-draft, Todd and Steve reflect with fresh eyes, moving beyond the immediate reactions and digging into front offices' draft strategies and trade maneuverings.
- Round-by-Round Favorites: Each host highlights their top pick from every round, providing scouting analysis and contextual team fit.
- Insider Insights: The discussion features anecdotes from inside war rooms, thoughts on player development, and philosophical takes on team-building.
- Hidden Value: Emphasis on draft-day steals, developmental prospects, and how late picks may become impactful contributors.
Detailed Round-by-Round Summary
Round 1: Favorite Pick
Caleb Downs to the Dallas Cowboys (#11 overall)
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 03:18
- Rationale:
- “I love Dallas getting Caleb Downs at 11. I think he’s a top five player in this draft. But because of positional value, he was going to fall. 11 is the perfect spot.”
- New DC Christian Parker values nickelbacks highly: “He’s the first player you'd pick in schoolyard football. Because he has a natural feel for the game.”
- Downs’ versatility and mental toughness stood out as huge assets for a defense in transition, especially after the Micah Parsons trade.
- Memorable Moment:
- "He will always be in the right place, will always be lined up where he should be, will be a consistent tackler, will be a consistent playmaker." (03:55)
Spencer Fano to the Cleveland Browns (#9 after trade down)
- Speaker: Todd McShay
- Timestamp: 06:01
- Rationale:
- Massive value for the Browns: turned down a big trade offer, got their top OT at #9, added Austin Barber as swing tackle, and netted two 2027 4th-rounders.
- “Now we've got depth on the offensive line, which was the biggest weakness of this team... now becoming not only a strength, but with depth behind it.”
- The Browns now have 10 picks for next year, giving them flexibility for future quarterback moves.
- Notable Quote:
- “What they did in this draft and what they've done with their offensive line in the offseason, I've never felt in 26 years of doing this better about where the Cleveland Browns are headed from a personnel standpoint.” (10:54)
Round 2: Favorite Pick
Jeremy Bernard to the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 11:22
- Rationale:
- Steelers fill urgent need with a “low-floor” rookie slot WR, reliable and ready to contribute immediately.
- “I just love the idea of hitting doubles in the second round... Bernard’s a perfect fit, will help them immediately.”
- Notable Insight:
- “If Aaron Rodgers is back... I don’t know that there’s a receiver in this draft that I trust more than Jeremy Bernard.” (12:34)
Gabe Akis to the New England Patriots
- Speaker: Todd McShay
- Timestamp: 13:37
- Rationale:
- Patriots traded up to select highly productive edge rusher with a wrestling background ("leverage, power, fighting through contact" - 15:06).
- "Akis immediately steps in and becomes an impact player for this defense."
- Seen as a huge addition for a team trying to restock both lines.
Round 3: Favorite Pick
Emmanuel Pregnon to Jacksonville Jaguars
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 16:18
- Rationale:
- “Top-50 player, comfortable taking him in the late first... he’ll find a way to work himself into the starting lineup.”
- A physically and mentally tough “tone setter” who fits the Jaguars’ push for grit and discipline.
Jayshon Barham to the Dallas Cowboys
- Speaker: Todd McShay
- Timestamp: 18:11
- Rationale:
- Off-ball linebacker with pass rush flexibility (“allows you to be multiple, allows you to be versatile”).
- Cowboys have transformed their defense in eight months, stocking up on young versatile athletes at all three levels.
Round 4: Favorite Pick
Gerard McCoy (CB, Tennessee) to Las Vegas Raiders
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 22:06
- Rationale:
- “This is a place where you’re willing to take some chances.”
- McCoy, once considered for CB1, carries injury risk but "could be an absolute steal" if he returns to pre-injury form.
Bryce Lance (WR, FCS) to New Orleans Saints
- Speaker: Todd McShay
- Timestamp: 23:54
- Rationale:
- “I was shocked that he lasted that long. I thought he was a top 100 pick all day long.”
- Freak athlete (4.34 40, 41.5” vert), brings vertical element to a WR room that needed explosiveness.
- “If it’s three catches, but they’re for 74 yards—a good day.”
Round 5: Favorite Pick
Nicholas Singleton (RB, Penn State) to Tennessee Titans
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 26:55
- Rationale:
- Despite recent injury, his early college production signals possible NFL impact.
- “You may have gotten your number two back on the cheap.”
Sam Heck (C, Kansas State) to Carolina Panthers
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Speaker: Todd McShay
-
Timestamp: 28:46
-
Rationale:
- Top-100 grade for a durable, athletic center in Round 5.
- “If you get a starter on your offensive line in round five—life’s good.”
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Honorable Mentions:
- Cole Payton (QB, Eagles): “Going to wind up contributing for the Eagles.” (31:22)
- Emmett Johnson (RB, Chiefs): “Could see him being an impact player for the Chiefs.” (32:00)
Round 6: Favorite Pick
Taylor Green (QB, Browns)
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 32:23
- Rationale:
- Enormous athletic upside (“6’6, 227 lbs, ran a 4.36 40!”).
- “If you thought Jalen Milroe was worth a lottery ticket last year, this guy’s tape is better.”
- “If you can unlock that, you potentially have hit a home run.”
- Notable Quote:
- “It won’t shock me if he outlasts Dylan Gabriel...on that roster. Maybe even Shador [Sanders].” (34:42)
Micah Morris (G, Georgia) to Philadelphia Eagles
- Speaker: Todd McShay
- Timestamp: 35:00
- Rationale:
- Under-discussed, but physically ready “oozing with talent” and ideal for Philly’s O-line culture.
- “If the talent prevails...this guy could wind up being better than a handful of guards drafted before him.”
Round 7: Favorite Pick
Seth McGowan (RB, Kentucky) to Indianapolis Colts
- Speaker: Steve Muench
- Timestamp: 37:45
- Rationale:
- Former Oklahoma RB, overcame legal trouble, now brings ideal size-speed combo (223 lbs, 4.49 40).
- “He’s instinctive, patient, and built to hold up in pass protection.”
- Colts need depth behind Jonathan Taylor.
Dion Burks (WR) to Colts
- Speaker: Todd McShay
- Timestamp: 39:09
- Rationale:
- “Dion Burks is one of the 100 best football players in this draft.”
- “Colts saw an opportunity…this was one of the most overlooked draft picks.”
- Ultra-explosive playmaker, despite back injury concerns.
Notable Memorable Moments & Quotes
- “Now you have a much more complete football team.” (Cowboys after strong draft — 05:18, Jeremiah)
- “What they did in this draft and with their offensive line in the off season, I’ve never felt better about where the Cleveland Browns are headed from a personnel standpoint.” (10:54)
- “When you’re talking about that late in the draft, I think [McGowan] is a good value here.” (37:57, Muench)
- “There are always players and there are always finds in every single round.” (44:42, Jeremiah)
- On post-draft analysis: “It’s just enlightening to…have a free moment, peace, silence…you actually sit down and focus and look at the draft, and it’s amazing what you uncover after the fact.” (44:42)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Intro & Explanation of Approach — 00:25–01:52
- Round 1 Picks — 03:00–11:18
- Round 2 Picks — 11:22–16:12
- Round 3 Picks — 16:16–20:37
- Round 4 Picks — 22:06–26:52
- Round 5 Picks & Honorable Mentions — 26:55–32:23
- Round 6 Picks — 32:23–37:45
- Round 7 Picks & Wrap-Up — 37:45–44:38
- Reflections on the Draft Exercise — 44:38–45:52
Episode Takeaways
- The smartest draft picks are often about long-term value, team fit, and risk/reward rather than flashy names.
- Both hosts agree that Dallas and Cleveland notably transformed their rosters, with in-depth praise for the Browns’ use of assets and Dallas’ defensive overhauls.
- Hidden gems and low-risk, high-upside players in the mid-to-late rounds (Taylor Green, Micah Morris, Dion Burks, Seth McGowan) drew the most excited analysis.
- Over and over, the guys emphasize the importance of sitting down post-draft when the dust settles to truly evaluate what teams accomplished.
For full scouting reports and detailed coverage, check The McShay NFL Draft Room and subscribe to The McShay Report newsletter.