Podcast Summary: The McShay Show Episode: Risers, Fallers, and Understanding the Quarterback Landscape After the NFL Combine. Plus, Talking Life After the Super Bowl With Eagles GM Howie Roseman. Release Date: March 3, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, host Todd McShay delves into the evolving quarterback landscape following the NFL Combine. He provides in-depth analysis of standout prospects, discusses the implications for NFL teams as they approach the draft, and features an insightful interview with Howie Roseman, General Manager of the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles.

2. Quarterback Landscape Post-Combine

a. Shador Sanders' Combine Performance

Todd McShay opens the discussion by scrutinizing Shador Sanders' performance and demeanor at the NFL Combine. He highlights concerns raised by personnel from top NFL teams about Sanders' professionalism and attitude during his interviews.

• Notable Quote:
  "One person that I talked to said the best way I can describe it is just wasn't a prep. It wasn't a professional approach." — Todd McShay [09:28]

Todd emphasizes that Sanders appeared disengaged, lacking the seriousness expected from a top draft prospect. This perception has led to questions about his market value and potential fall in the draft rankings.

b. Implications for NFL Teams

With six teams in the top 10 needing a quarterback, Todd discusses how Sanders' perceived lack of interest may influence these teams' draft strategies. He speculates on whether Sanders has pre-arranged his draft destination, possibly affecting team demand and draft positioning.

• Notable Quote:
  "It's either this thing's done, this is going to be done, taken care of, they know exactly where he's going, or it could get really interesting that night." — Todd McShay [36:32]

He also compares Sanders' situation to other quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Cam Ward, drawing parallels on how individual performance and team needs intertwine during the draft process.

c. Other Quarterback Prospects

The episode doesn't limit itself to Sanders. Todd and his co-host Mensch discuss other quarterbacks such as Tyler Shuck and Jackson Dart, analyzing their strengths and potential draft outcomes. They debate whether these prospects might overshadow Sanders or if they fill different niches within NFL teams.

3. Offensive Line and Running Back Evaluations

a. Offensive Linemen Concerns

Transitioning from quarterbacks, Todd evaluates offensive linemen like Will Campbell and Armand Membu. He raises concerns about Campbell's arm length, comparing him to historical linemen like Joe Thomas and David Bakhtiari.

• Notable Quote:
  "At 332 pounds and running what he ran, which was a 4.91 running faster at." — Todd McShay [69:56]

Todd underscores the importance of physical traits in offensive line positions and how they influence draft decisions, emphasizing the balance between talent and measurable attributes.

b. Running Backs Rising and Falling

The conversation shifts to running backs, highlighting prospects like Omarion Hampton and Devin Neal. Todd praises Hampton's tape and performance, questioning why his stock hasn't risen correspondingly. He also discusses Judkins' impressive combine metrics and the potential impact on his draft position.

• Notable Quote:
  "There's some explosion there that I didn't think a lot of people were certain was going to be there." — Todd McShay [74:58]

4. Interview with Howie Roseman: Life After the Super Bowl

In a compelling segment, Todd interviews Howie Roseman, GM of the Philadelphia Eagles. Roseman shares his journey in the NFL, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with good people both on and off the field.

a. Overcoming Adversity

Roseman recounts his early challenges, including failing to secure a scouting job and the impact of personal losses on his career. He highlights how these experiences shaped his leadership style and decision-making processes.

• Notable Quote:
  "If you're gonna tell me if you're gonna stand on the table for a restaurant, you better." — Howie Roseman [109:06]

b. Building a Winning Team

Roseman discusses his philosophy on team-building, focusing on hiring talented and trustworthy individuals. He contrasts this approach with mere talent acquisition, stressing that character and teamwork are paramount for sustained success.

• Notable Quote:
  "You can't have enough. And if you lose your starter now, your third, your backup now he's one snap away." — Howie Roseman [95:22]

c. Draft Strategies and Player Evaluation

The interview delves into Roseman's strategies for evaluating players, particularly quarterbacks. He explains the balance between assessing physical attributes and intangible qualities like leadership and resilience.

5. Insights and Conclusions

Todd McShay wraps up the episode by synthesizing the discussions on quarterback evaluations, offensive line concerns, and running back potentials. He underscores the complexity of the NFL draft process, where team needs, player performances, and perceived professionalism intersect to shape draft outcomes.

• Notable Quote:
  "What I'm saying to you is, it's either Shador knows where he's going or it could get really interesting that night." — Todd McShay [36:32]

He encourages listeners to subscribe to The McShay Report for deeper insights and mock drafts, emphasizing the value of staying informed amid the dynamic nature of the NFL draft.

6. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Shador Sanders did not take a professional approach to this interview." — Todd McShay [09:16]
• "I couldn't believe how open he was, how frank he was." — Mensch [03:45]
• "He sets up to be fascinating that first night of the draft." — Todd McShay [36:44]
• "There's no other way for me to say, I'm not swearing a lot on this." — Todd McShay [68:43]
• "It's easy for us to go, you know, on a case-by-case basis, go, oh, I think we can get this guy." — Howie Roseman [96:25]

7. Final Thoughts

This episode of The McShay Show offers a comprehensive analysis of the quarterback landscape post-NFL Combine, enriched by Todd McShay's expert insights and a candid conversation with Howie Roseman. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on player evaluations, team strategies, and the nuanced factors influencing the upcoming NFL draft.

Subscribe to The McShay Report: For exclusive mock drafts, draft boards, and in-depth analysis, subscribe here.