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The McShay Show
Rough Draft 1.3: Mailbag! Talking Untold Kiper Stories, the Best Non-QBs in the 2026 NFL Draft, the College Football Coaching Carousel, and More.
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- [00:00]
Todd McShay
Today is your show, produced and directed by our supporters. From NFL team fits for top quarterbacks in next April's draft to the sandstorm of college coaching changes to what's going on with Kuiper and me? You ask, we answer. I'm feeling a rough draft in the air and just 175 days until the NFL draft. Mitch, you good? I'm good, man. Roll that beat, Tuck. We've got a special rough draft show for you today. Today's about giving back. Given what the supporters are asking for. They've got questions, We've got answers. I'm excited for it. Today we're gonna just open it up to a mailbag. We've got questions. So many questions poured in. This episode is presented by Duluth Trading Co. Ready to give rival tailgates the foam finger. Duluth Trading Co. Crafts hall of Fame game day gear to help you grill hotter, cheer louder and tailgate longer. Bibs loaded with pockets, gusseted pants so you can crouch without snuffing out your coals. And free swinging shirts tailor made for cornhole tossing. Stay comfortable from preseason to playoffs in the toughest tailgate attire around. Only at Duluth Trading Company. So many questions, in fact, that the ones from our premium subscribers, Dan and I, and you're going to meet Dan in person, really for the second time. But it's the first full official entree into the, the man that is behind the scenes, for the most part, Dan Comer. He's going to, he's going to join the show and ask all the questions. The McShay report. You know where to get it. Google it. If you don't know it's the best way, fastest way to find it, click on it, subscribe. And if you become a premium subscriber, then you, you're one of the things that you get as part of a premium subscriber, including like there's a lot of other, like the, you know, the special content that we do. But the premium subscribers, we got so many good questions. We decided to do not one mensch, two mailbags. Oh, one. One is out. One is out now and the other one comes out tomorrow. We get so many questions about the, the coaching carousel and what's going on with coaches and the information and rumors I'm hearing and behind the scenes stuff that we decided to do a second one on Friday. So, so there's one today and one on Friday. So those, those are the two things that you need to know. But today on the show we got a lot of questions that came in and we're going to get to as many of them as we can. Dan's going to try to keep a pace going. He's like, you know, he's like Lane Kiffin, Josh Hyp. He likes tempo constructively.
- [02:55]
Steve Muench
That's why he's here.
- [02:56]
Todd McShay
Today's about showing, showing appreciation. I do want to get to this. And we have our FanDuel pick of the week. But before we get to that, I do every once in a while you get. We get a lot of messages, a lot of complimentary ones, a lot of comments, a lot of questions. We get them on social media at McShay13. On X, it's you good Mensch. M U E N C H for Steve on. On X, that's his handle. And then Instagram mcshay13. I get a lot of just dudes sliding into my dms, you know, but we got. Every once in a while I like to read one that's. That's really like well thought out and very kind. Usually kind. Sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's more fun. But. But Josh sent us a message, right? Sent us a. Sent me an IG message and it's JKG20. Okay. Underscore, I believe said I wanted to thank you for your. For your show and the work you all do. I love college football, but I don't quote, unquote, know it. But because of you and Mensch, I watch the games differently now and love it. He just sent this to me personally. I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into what you guys do. I'm certain you get messages like this all the time and I know it sounds corny, but your show matters and the work you and men do is a service. It honestly makes my weeks better and weekends of watching college football more enjoyable. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you, Josh.
- [04:26]
Steve Muench
Yeah, thank you, Josh.
- [04:26]
Todd McShay
Very kind of you to take the, take the time to rate that. So yeah, let's get into it before we get to all the questions and the answers that we hopefully have. Give me your FanDuel pick of the week, Mitch. I'm on a roll and in my account I kind of had a hiccup like Mr. October self proclaimed. I always, I get on a run, you know, September's for the suckers, September's for guys. People, people, men and women who that defense, the people who set the lines are still figuring things out.
- [05:01]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [05:02]
Todd McShay
In October they're settled in. That's when they start to win. Well, that's when I kill them and I Did throughout the month.
- [05:07]
Steve Muench
Isn't that counterintuitive? Shouldn't you be killing them in September?
- [05:11]
Todd McShay
I feel like if you. I take a certain level of pride in it, let's put it that way.
- [05:16]
Steve Muench
Of course you do.
- [05:17]
Todd McShay
But last weekend was a little bit of a hiccup. The Missouri game that could. How is that Missouri game? A seven point spread. Anyway, I want to know your FanDuel pick of the week.
- [05:27]
Steve Muench
You're not going to be surprised what I'm going with here. I can't believe that Cincinnati. Cincinnati is a nine and a half point road dog.
- [05:34]
Todd McShay
I saw that line and I was shocked too. And that usually meant I always go back. What does that mean?
- [05:40]
Steve Muench
Tell me what that means.
- [05:41]
Todd McShay
It means somebody knows something. And I'm going with the somebody. So as much as it pains you to get your thumbs on the FanDuel app at FD Sportsbook. Right.
- [05:52]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [05:53]
Todd McShay
And you gotta have the app, like even if you're not a die hard, you know, wager placer.
- [06:00]
Steve Muench
It's just too easy. So easy.
- [06:02]
Todd McShay
It's the best. And there's so much information there and like it's just like keep. I like I found myself now sometimes I follow the game and I've got it up and I'm curious how the lines are moving. And then we get to the draft season and all the, the different prop bets. Like it's amazing. But. But I saw that line and I immediate. Here's how I like to do this whole thing. If I look at something and I'm immediately like, oh, I love Cincinnati in that I take a step back and I'm like, what are they trying to do? They're trying to rope me. But you're going to Cincinnati. So you. It's either rope a dope and you're. And you're the. The punchline or dope or you're just Jeff Lewis's guy, my brother in law who. Who now it's a weekly occurrence texting you about Cincinnati. And he wrote this long thing about, you know, you might be getting a Christmas card from the Lewis family. And all you wrote back was love it.
- [06:54]
Steve Muench
I bet. Why? Do you know why? You know, I didn't want to be weird about it. I better be getting a Christmas card from the Lewis family. That's kind of how I feel about it.
- [07:00]
Todd McShay
So. So you're. Go ahead.
- [07:02]
Steve Muench
I really like the Cincinnati team. It's not just like some bit like I think they're. I think they're for real. Now. I understand going to Utah road game that's going to be. That's tough. But nine and a half points. And I what's the interesting part about this game? And this is what what the guys in the desert might know that I don't understand is that Devin Dampier, the quarterback for Utah, didn't play last week and is banged up.
- [07:25]
Todd McShay
Yep.
- [07:25]
Steve Muench
And he's questionable. And his backup ran all over BYU's defense in a close loss at BYU. Do you know what the back backup's name is, by the way?
- [07:34]
Todd McShay
What?
- [07:35]
Steve Muench
Bird Ficklin. I'm not even kidding. It's by R D Ficklin.
- [07:41]
Todd McShay
It sounds Bird Ficklin versus versus Bear BM last week.
- [07:46]
Steve Muench
Yeah, I mean it sounds made up, but he was running all over the place on byu. I still look that's I would talk about Cincinnati's offense a lot. That Cincinnati defense is pretty damn good too. Yeah, I I just feel like Cincinnati. I wouldn't be surprised if Cincinnati wins that game. Nine and a half seems high to me again. You know, you're right. Something stinks. But I'm taking the bait. I. I'm taking the bait because I the tape tells me that that Cincinnati team's for real and they're on a roll. They've been on a roll.
- [08:13]
Todd McShay
I love when the when my pick of the week is a prime time game. And it's a reminder Saturday night, our favorite show of the week. The chat's probably already fired up. Last week the chat started at noon. Always trade back.
- [08:27]
Steve Muench
We're.
- [08:28]
Todd McShay
We're here on Saturday night. We're going to break into that Oklahoma Tennessee game. We're going to recap every other game. We'll do a reset once that game's over and we'll go for hour and a half, two hours, whatever it takes to get through the whole thing. And seems like every week there's a coaching change or something dramatic that's happening that we've got to address. So that's. That's just like. It's kind of like must see TV if you will. But we'll be there Saturday night. But my prime the prime time game falls in line with I. I literally looked at the whole board today. The pick I like the most is Oklahoma plus three and a half. I think they're gna outright beat Tennessee and I know it's a tough place to play. I know it's a Saturday night in the sec. I know that Tennessee can score some points. I know about their run game. I know all those things. I think we got a live dog on our hands I think we've got a wounded dog on our hands in Oklahoma. I think the Sooners are going to. Are going to storm into Knoxville and I think they're going to do it. John Mattier is not John Mattier pre the thumb injury. We. We all can admit that, but I think it's another week removed. I watched that defense for Tennessee and they've got a good pass rush. And yes, I'm worried about the two freshman starters right for. For Oklahoma.
- [09:45]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [09:46]
Todd McShay
On the offensive line. But I think Mattier can do enough mobility wise. Those receivers SA and. And Burks. That pass defense is like 120th or somewhere in that range in pass defense in the. In the fbs. They're one of their corners is now injured, questionable to play.
- [10:05]
Steve Muench
And Colton Hood is it. Colton Hood.
- [10:07]
Todd McShay
Colton Hood. Colton Hood. He's had a great season.
- [10:10]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [10:11]
Todd McShay
So I think that that secondary is beat up enough and. And have. There's enough questions with that pass defense. I think Oklahoma could win. I think a lot of points in this game, but I think Oklahoma is the. The pick of the week for FanDuel. So that's that. With no further ado, let's bring in our. Our good friend, our main man, Dan Comer. And we've got. I don't know what.
- [10:31]
Steve Muench
There he is.
- [10:34]
Todd McShay
I think mom. I think mom talked.
- [10:36]
Steve Muench
Here we go.
- [10:37]
Todd McShay
Last time he snuck in by accident. He thought the show was over and we. And we forced him to keep it in there and they couldn't edit it out. And Tucker's our guide. Tucker made sure that we embarrassed him just enough. He's sitting at a picnic table down in Texas with his hair a mess. It's a shirt on. Didn't feel good about his fit. Didn't feel good about his voice. So we went out and he had a party last night. Came coming in with a nice hangover today. He's got that raspy voice going. But this is Dan, everyone. So, Dan, introduce yourself and let's get to the questions.
- [11:06]
Dan Comer
What's up, guys? I appreciate that introduction. I was out all night to get a deeper voice. Today I'm going for it. I almost got in a lot of trouble with that Texas stuff, too. You are doxing me. I wasn't supposed to be in Texas, but that's another story for another day. All right, let's start it off. First question. What non QBs have a chance to be the top Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? This one's from Ken.
- [11:33]
Todd McShay
Hey, Ken. I'll start this one. There's A bunch of offensive line. I think you're, you have like five questions in a row. So I'll, I'll start this but you piggyback. I look at the board now. It's interesting because, and I don't have it in front of me, but how many years have we gone with the quarterback as the number one overall pick?
- [11:52]
Dan Comer
Right.
- [11:53]
Todd McShay
So it's highly unlikely. But this year and we'll get to the quarterbacks. I think in a little bit it's highly unlikely that, that a quarterback won't be the number one overall pick. But we also will get to like, we also have a bunch of underclassmen at quarterback that kind of comprise the top tier of the quarterback class with the Ty Simpsons and the Dante Morrison, Lenora Sellers and Fernando Mendoza who all could be back in school next year. So I'm look, I'm looking at this board and right, right now just let's, let's set the, let's set the table right now. Steve, if the draft were to be held tomorrow, the draft order is as follows. I looked this up today. Saints would have the number one overall pick. I think Tyler Shuck, while I love him, I think if they probably would consider strongly a quarterback with that spot and Spencer Rattler has played well, but I don't know well enough to pass on if there's a quarterback there that you love them. The jets would have the number two pick, obvious quarterback need. The Titans would be number three. They are, they just took their quarterback and have a lot of other needs. So that would be a team that if they were with the number one overall pick. Maybe it's one of these gu that I'm about to list. Then you get the Browns at four who also have a second first round pick who could try to package and move up. Excuse me. Then the Miami Dolphins at 5 who I think could go quarterback even with Tua Tunga Violoa there. Then Giant, the Giants at 6 and the Ravens at 7. I don't expect either team to be picking in the top five the way things are playing out. But we'll see with the Giants, certainly not the Ravens. And then the Raiders would be at number eight if the draft were today. And don't forget the Rams also have two first round picks and have a future quarterback need that they'd like to address whether it's this year or 2026 or 2027. The Raiders would be another team obviously that need, that need a quarterback. So of those teams like the Saints, maybe Tennessee would not take a quarterback The Giants would not take a quarterback of the top six teams that would be drafting today. Here's the list that I've got and you tell me where I'm wrong or if there's something different or you want to add somebody. Reuben Bain would be the, the first non quarterback that I think would come off the board. Edge rusher for Miami. Then Caleb down safety from Ohio State. How high do you take a safety? Is the big question. Peter woods, interior defensive lineman from Clemson. I still have him up there. Has not dominated the way you'd like to, but the traits and the ability and, and I just, I think he's going to be a top 10 pick. Jeremiah Love at running back, not going to be the number one overall pick, but certainly is putting together a resume that deserves to be, you know, first half of the first round. Spencer Fanu A Fano, sorry From Utah, offensive tackle and Jordan Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State. Arvell Reese is the intriguing one. Like if you think he's going to be the next Micah Parsons and I'm not there at all yet. I do see the things that he's doing as, as an edge rusher and it started kind of with, I think it was Minnesota and it's increased a little bit. I, I think, I think you could, you could see that versatility. But I, I as an off the ball linebacker, like even what Devin Lloyd's doing in Jacksonville, I don't. You're not taking a, an off ball linebacker if that's where you project to play him primarily with the number one overall pick, let alone maybe the top. We go back, what was it? Isaiah Simmons was the, the last, what was it, 2019 or 2018 was the last top 10 off the ball linebacker. Teams just don't spend top 10 picks on off the ball linebackers no matter how talented they are. So that's going to be an interesting one there too.
- [15:45]
Steve Muench
So yeah, I mean I'm with you on all of that. I don't know like some of the things that are, that pop up as I'm going through this in my head is I'm not sure Caleb Downs will be a top 10 pick and I think he's a top five player in this draft. I just think when you look at safeties, it don't. He doesn't have elite size. I think he's going to run well, but I don't think he's gonna, he's not gonna really turn heads with the workout in terms of the height, the height, weight, speed kind of thing. So I I love him. I think he's a top flyer five player in the draft. There's no way he's going number one. Jeremiah Love, I absolutely love no way he's going number one. So I agree with you there. I think Arvell Reese is, is, is in that, you know, I, I think he's fascinating, but I don't think there's any shot. And again, it's a player I love. But like, look at Jalen Walker last year, who I loved and went later than I expected him to go. Very similar. I think that off the ball, linebacker can rush off the edge, who I think people value now, but not that early. It comes down to, you know, the premium positions. I don't see a corner you're going to take there. I don't see a wide receiver you're going to take there. I love Fano from, from Utah, the offensive tackle. And I think he could be a top, maybe a top five player. Definitely a top ten player. I don't see first overall. That's rich for me. And it comes down to the edge. So it's Reuben Bain out of Miami or deserve a guy that starts to creep up. Is there a Keldrick Falk that people start to fall in love with from Auburn? I think it's that the edge class is really good. I love David Bailey. I'm not sure he's got that, that frame that people are going to fall in love with at the first towel.
- [17:13]
Todd McShay
Is the same deal, same, same thing.
- [17:15]
Steve Muench
So it's really Bain Jr. Or maybe Kelder Falk. I think those are the two guys that you would be looking at. I don't see any other. Do you see a corner or a wide receiver that you could feel comfortable taking first overall? Like.
- [17:25]
Todd McShay
No, no, there's no, no, Maya Smith is next year.
- [17:28]
Steve Muench
No, you have to be elite corner.
- [17:30]
Todd McShay
Doesn'T go that hot. Yeah, no. So that's it.
- [17:40]
Dan Comer
Oh, there we go. Sorry. Good start, guys. That was a 10 minute answer. First question. We got 14 to get through, so we're making good time. Okay, second question.
- [17:49]
Todd McShay
I mean, why don't you get your mic figured out before.
- [17:53]
Steve Muench
I'm hearing that bass in your voice? I'll tell you that right now.
- [17:56]
Dan Comer
I, I, I pop out the mic like once a year. Y' all pop out the mics every week, three times. So I don't know the pacing. All right, second question. This one's from Caleb. With the recent coach firings, do you expect schools to move quickly to find replacements to prevent mass transfers of players? Also Are there any time frames that schools have to follow before they can hire someone?
- [18:17]
Todd McShay
There's no time frame that I'm. That I'm aware of. It's not like, you know, I couldn't.
- [18:21]
Steve Muench
Find anything of that either.
- [18:24]
Todd McShay
I'll say this, like, I know that every program would love to be able to make their hire tomorrow. It would. It would kind of, you know, stem the tide or plug the dam, if you will, in terms of recruiting and the negativity that goes on, the uncertainty is no good for all those things. However, the guys that you want typically are the ones that are doing a great job somewhere else. You know, I think just put. We need to table the Nick Saban and Urban Meyer talk. And I do want to, like, I. And it took, kind of took on a life of its own. I saw a bunch of other places, like when I said that, that I think LSU will make an offer to Nick. I also, to Nick Saban. I also said. I said they'd make an offer to Nick that would make he and Ms. Terry at least, like, huh, should we talk about this? On. Should we get on the lake? And like, you know, but by no stretch, it's like 95% he's staying at ESPN. I still have friends and sources at ESPN. Like, he's thrilled with what he's doing. I don't think they're. They're bullshitting when they say that. They're like, they love what they're doing and this is the, this time of their lives. They've accomplished more than what, you know, all those things. I don't think Nick is going to be the answer at lsu, but I still think the people at LSU would, like Will. Will make him an offer that he has to look at. And I also said, and I want to reiterate, I don't know that we'll ever know about the offer or the conversation that that is had or attempted to be had by folks at lsu. So with that aside, the only name I could come up with when you throw Nick and Urban out is Pat Fitzgerald and specifically with like, Penn State and then maybe a couple other places, but not the SEC schools. As a coach, he was wronged by the Big Ten, Northwestern, all of that and, and clearly, like, he's a. He's just a damn good football coach. Other than that, I've got this list and I went into much more detailed explanations on the. In the Premium, the premium McShay Report newsletter that just came out. But I'll give you a list. It starts with Lane Kiffin right behind Lane Kiffin. And this is, this is for every school or like the top schools that we're talking about. The, the Ole Miss. Not ole miss, the LSU's, the Florida's, Penn State even. Right. But, but if you're just saying big picture, the, the top names are of, of existing head coaches in college football. Lane Kiffin, Dan Lanning, Marcus Freeman. Then I would say Jeff Braum, Matt Campbell from Iowa State, Rhett Lashley, smu. And then I would put James Franklin. And I know my list is different than a lot of other people's lists, but I'm just, I've always promised I'm going to be honest and transparent. That's about where I might put James Franklin and it might be lower than the other three guys on this list if I'm being honest as well. John Sumrall, Alex Golish from South Florida, Bob Chesney. Remember that name. Bob Chesney. Holy Cross, James Madison. I promise you he's a guy who is skyrocketing up, kind of up the. I always want to say up the boards for the NFL draft, but like up, up the, the ladder.
- [21:37]
Steve Muench
Carousel.
- [21:38]
Todd McShay
Ladder, yeah. NFL guys to keep an, keep an eye on that. I've talked to people and these are three NFL guys that are interesting. Joe Brady, okay, obviously the OC for the Buffalo Bills. He had that magical year 2019 with Joe Burrow and, and crazy talented LSU offense. Brian Johnson's a name I was told recently keep an eye out for this reliable sources passing game coordinator at Washington. He is, he's been whether it's a Utah, Florida. I think he's been in a bunch of different college places and, and really well respected Jesse Minter who is the. The DC At Michigan with Harbaugh. Now the DC with the Chargers with Harbaugh. Then I want to go to coordinators, four coordinator names in college football right now to keep an eye out for and I'm not saying any specific job. I'm just saying all of them. The people that are very interested in these guys. Number one on the list, Brian Hartline, offensive coordinator. We all know what he's recruiting and how big of a part of that Ohio State program he has been for a long time.
- [22:40]
Steve Muench
Can't imagine anywhere else. Can't imagine.
- [22:43]
Todd McShay
Will Stein. I agree. Will Stein, offensive coordinator at Oregon. We've talked a lot about on the show. Defensive coordinator De Anton Lynn, leadership recruiting, all the things he can do at usc. And then Brian Haynes, your guy from Indiana. Yeah.
- [23:00]
Steve Muench
So Caleb, thanks for the question. I'll Try to answer that now, because here's the, here's the deal. Like, you expect any schools to move quickly. Like.
- [23:09]
Todd McShay
Let me ask you this.
- [23:10]
Steve Muench
Let me curveball you a little bit here.
- [23:11]
Todd McShay
I said they, they, they, they want to, but you can't because you've got to wait for some of these guys. So I'll throw almost all of these guys.
- [23:19]
Steve Muench
Go ahead. I'll say this just to put. To tie a bow on that. You got to wait for almost all of them. Right. And the other thing is you don't want to rush a decision like you can get Pat Fitzgerald right now. And I think Pat Fitzgerald's a great coach and I think he should be considered for all of these jobs. I really think that. But if you're LSU and you hire Pats for Gerald, are you going to get all the recruits that we're going to leave? I'm not sure the patsy, Gerald is a big enough name. Or, or.
- [23:42]
Todd McShay
I'm not saying there.
- [23:43]
Steve Muench
I keep those guys.
- [23:44]
Todd McShay
I said Penn State is a possibility or maybe some of the other Penn State.
- [23:48]
Steve Muench
I'm not even sure Penn State. He's a big enough name to keep all their.
- [23:52]
Todd McShay
And I think they're weighing that. Yes.
- [23:53]
Steve Muench
Yeah. So I think that's. Keep that in mind. You can get him in quick, but I'm not sure he's going to keep all those names. And that should not be your number one concern. That was my second point. That should not be your number one concern. Your number one concern should be not worrying about who's going to leave in this class. It should be who's the coach who's going to lead you into the next era of your program. I want to keep stressing that. Let me curveball. You would. Should Penn State call Brian Kelly and see what's up.
- [24:20]
Todd McShay
Not Chip. You mean Brian.
- [24:22]
Steve Muench
Yeah. Does this buyout prevent him from taking another job? I don't know that.
- [24:29]
Todd McShay
No, it doesn't prevent. No. They want. They want to take another job.
- [24:33]
Steve Muench
Yeah. Just jumped in my mind. Would you do that?
- [24:35]
Todd McShay
How much money. It limits how much money they have to pay him off of the. What, 54 million, I think it was.
- [24:40]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [24:41]
Todd McShay
How about that ad hiring Kelly Fisher? Yeah.
- [24:48]
Steve Muench
Not a great track record.
- [24:49]
Todd McShay
No. That's an interesting one.
- [24:53]
Steve Muench
Interesting. Right.
- [24:54]
Todd McShay
I, I'm very interested to see what kind of damage this, this job did. And to his.
- [25:00]
Steve Muench
There's been some bad press about his relationship with players and about how standoffish he is.
- [25:05]
Todd McShay
So there.
- [25:05]
Steve Muench
It's. He's not in a great light right now. That's for sure.
- [25:08]
Todd McShay
Yeah. All right, moving on. Dan, what do you got? Next question three.
- [25:12]
Dan Comer
All right, guys, this one's from Kevin. Thanks for producing some A1 content. As a Penn State fan, I've been following all these major coach firings across college football and I'm curious how you think that kind of instability affects both recruiting and NFL draft prospects. Do you think players at programs going through those changes end up getting overlooked or hurt in the process?
- [25:32]
Todd McShay
Go ahead, Steve.
- [25:34]
Steve Muench
Well, you know, the, I'm not sure to get into this a little deeper. The first thing that jumped to mind for me was when Alabama and you know, when Nick Saban left Alabama, Caleb Downs left Alabama for Ohio State. So it could certainly alter the trajectory of some big time NFL draft prospects. I'm not sure that that's what you're really talking about here. I don't think I will say this about NFL scouts until the day I died. No one gets overlooked. It doesn't matter. It might be a tougher situation for you in terms of like if you're at Penn State right now, keeping your head up and, you know, trying to get some momentum and putting out producing good tape in terms of just the state that program's in right now. But no one gets overlooked by the NFL, regardless of what's going on in the program because scouts are just too damn good at their jobs and they're constantly looking to find guys. That's just not something that happens. So they're not going to get overlooked or hurt in the draft process if they're, if you put out good tape and you interview well and you test well, that's going to be what happens. That's, that's going to reflect on where you're taking in the NFL draft.
- [26:38]
Todd McShay
Yeah. I think it's important to share if, and maybe it's not obvious like when you're studying tape as a scout, an evaluator, a general manager or a coach who gets in the process late, you're not you, you want to know the is it third and four, is it fourth and one? But you're studying the individual player. That's his, his, his play in that game is the, is the game in and of itself for you as an evaluator. It's the one on one matchups. It's the, the shiftiness and the elusiveness, the speed, the power, whatever position it is. So while like the, these games may not matter for Penn State and while Penn State is struggling and there may be, you're not playing for your program anymore because of what's happened. The motivation remains the same for. For guys like Nick Singleton and Katron Allen and Drew Shelton at offensive tackle and Zak.
- [27:33]
Steve Muench
Deny Dennis Sutton, Wheatley at safety.
- [27:36]
Todd McShay
Deny Dennis Sutton at edge. It all remains the same. Drew Aller obviously suffers the injury and he's out for the season. I go back to like there. There have been plenty of players who have been drafted very high coming off of seasons that sucked where expectations were not met. Even go back to just last year, Michigan. I think they lost five games. It was disappointing season. Three of the top 13 picks, Mason Graham, Colston, Loveland, Kenneth Grant were from Michigan.
- [28:08]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [28:09]
Todd McShay
Teta McMillan was the eighth overall pick. Arizona really sucked. Tell me what you really think now. The quarterback position is different. All of these players, prospects at Penn State are going to be asked questions about what happened. Where was the leadership like after the Oregon loss. How did. If. If things were going on externally? Why didn't you guys who were the leaders that stepped up all those questions and that factors in. But it doesn't factor in nearly as much as can the guy play in the NFL talent wise.
- [28:46]
Steve Muench
Right.
- [28:46]
Todd McShay
Quarterback's a little different. I went back, man. There's a lot of instances you can find in quarterbacks that got drafted maybe too high or certainly a lot higher than they were expected to get drafted coming into the season because they had one great season. Yep. There's not a lot of quarterbacks that come into the draft and get drafted in the first round. Two, maybe three that had bad seasons or the program fell apart like this. I had to go back. I was going back to like Jay Cutler at Vandy, and there's just not many. Josh Rosen might be the best example. They know the expectations were a little bit higher, but there was kind of perspective on that. And they were 8 and. Or 6 and 7 at UCLA that year. It was a disappointing year. And he was still what, the 10th overall pick?
- [29:41]
Steve Muench
Yeah, right around there.
- [29:42]
Todd McShay
Arizona Cardinals. So this one's. And. And again, you know, my evaluation on Drew Aller, I think he's a day three pick. I really do. And coming into the year, I thought he was a day two pick. And that was with the hope that he was going to show progression. So this year is going to be interesting to see with Drew Aller. I think. I think a lot of people had clarity on what who Drew Eller is, unfortunately a great guy, great competitor, all those things, but this as the leader and things falling apart very quickly after, you know, with Oregon. And I think it was just one game Past that before the injury. Yeah. It'll be interesting to see how things play out for allergies. Dan.
- [30:24]
Steve Muench
Let's keep it moving, Dan.
- [30:25]
Dan Comer
This is okay. All right.
- [30:28]
Todd McShay
Slowing us down.
- [30:30]
Dan Comer
No, I'm not. Segue to quarterback. Question if most or all of the quarterbacks, the top quarterbacks that are projected to be round one guys in this draft go back to school, how does that affect the draft?
- [30:43]
Todd McShay
Who is that from, Dan?
- [30:44]
Dan Comer
Oh, that was from Luke.
- [30:46]
Todd McShay
Luke, you got me thinking on this one, man. We could have like a.
- [30:50]
Steve Muench
It's a very interesting question.
- [30:52]
Todd McShay
It's a very interesting question because Ty Simpson, they're building something. They're rolling at Alabama. His two of his best friends on the team that they've talked about are going to be back next year because they're not eligible, including Ryan Williams. Like I don't know man. Like if so if he's back and we all agree that Dante Moore is super talented and good, would very easily be a high pick this year. But really needs. He's not ready. And the more scouts I talked to like yeah, he needs another year. And then you look beyond that. You've got.
- [31:27]
Steve Muench
Hold on though. I hear you about, about Dante Moore. He, he's a, he's going in the top 10 picks if he comes out though, right?
- [31:36]
Todd McShay
Yes. But I'm saying when, when it comes to January yet till January 15 is the, is the declaration date. So like as the season's winding down or they're making a run in the playoff and and that gets extended if you are still in the College Football Playoff, you get like a one week extension. I think it is for based off even more. But yeah, the end of the season. The end of the season. But when you're making those decisions, whenever it is late December, early January, whenever that is, that process is for Dante Moore, Ty Simpson or, or, or Lenora Sellers or for, or for Fernando Mendoza or John Matier, you can argue that just about all of them are going to get from more than nor just the coaching staff. If they, they're asking the committee, it won't be the committee, the advisory committee because they'll, they'll have to say yeah, probably first rounder. But there's going to be a lot of people if they're surrounding themselves with the right people saying you could really benefit, forget where you get drafted a going back to school for another year. Okay.
- [32:39]
Steve Muench
Yeah, no, I agree.
- [32:40]
Todd McShay
My point in saying all of this is what happens if Ty Simps, let's say maybe Fernando Mendoza, he's like 30. He's like 30 starts, right. Tracking for like close to 35 starts. If the season plays out the way we think it's going to for Indiana and he stays healthy, that's a number where it's like we've seen enough ball. Love to see another. I, I personally think Mendoza could really benefit from one more season, but you can understand that decision with Matier and his thumb injury and draft stock falling. And then Ty Simpson with like what, eight starts at this point and with, with Dante Moore, but I don't know, 15 starts, something like that. Yeah, 12, 13 starts, whatever it is. And, and, and with Lenora Sellers, he'll have like 20 plus starts when it's all said and done this year. But, but still developing, we could see maybe three of those five guys, three or four of those five guys return. So it has, it begs the question. I just talked to you. The Saints may be at number one if the draft order right now. Here are the teams that could be drafting quarterback and where they'd be drafting if the draft were to be held next week. The Saints at number one, the jets at number two. The Browns at number four. The Dolphins may be at number five. And then the, the Raiders at number eight. Plus you have the Rams in there as a wild card to maybe try to trade up with those two first round picks. So you're talking about six teams right there to be drafting early that need a quarterback. What if it's just Mendoza? What if there's other four go guys, go back. Then you get Garrett Nussmeier and then a massive drop off. And Nussmeier right now isn't even in my top 32. I guess that's my point. It's why it's such a fascinating question. Because you, you will see teams that are like, yes, it sucks that we had a bad season, but we're finally like we were in the top five. We've got potentially, you know, the crack at the first or second quarterback. And the first or second quarterback could have, or third quarterback could have landed you Jaden Daniels or Drake May a couple years ago.
- [34:50]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [34:51]
Todd McShay
You know what I mean?
- [34:52]
Steve Muench
Crazy. I'm looking at it from the extremes. Okay, let's look at the extremes right now. If, tell me whether or not, if you think all of these guys come out, tell me is it likely or probable or more likely than not that these guys go in the top 10 picks? Dante Moore, Ty Simpson, Fernanda Mendoza.
- [35:12]
Todd McShay
Okay, that's where the list ends. Those four guys.
- [35:15]
Steve Muench
So that means four of the top 10 picks would be quarterbacks.
- [35:18]
Todd McShay
So it changes everything.
- [35:20]
Steve Muench
It changes everything. Now the next.
- [35:22]
Todd McShay
That's why this is no offense. Like there's amazing, amazing. That's. This one's the most intriguing. Fascinating to me because. Because, yeah. And if the, in the flip side now you got four or five teams or six teams that I just talked about that really need a quarterback and if four of those five guys we just mentioned go back to school, only one of them gets it.
- [35:44]
Steve Muench
So I will say this. The next part of the question is, does that inflate the other quarterbacks and do guys end up in the top 10? I think he asked if they're going to end up in the top 10 that they shouldn't have. I don't think that'll happen. I do think players will be inflated.
- [35:55]
Todd McShay
I think Justin Dart just went to a team that had to trade back into the 25th pick. Was it right?
- [36:01]
Steve Muench
I could see some guys going late first like a Nus Meier. I see them getting inflated a little.
- [36:05]
Todd McShay
Bit up might get inflated a little.
- [36:09]
Steve Muench
Bit, but it's not going to move.
- [36:10]
Todd McShay
I don't know when you, when you're not not going in the first 40 picks of the drafted quarterback, you're, you're thrown, you're considered a backup and, and prove us otherwise and we'll, we'll address this in the third, fourth round range.
- [36:26]
Steve Muench
Yeah, I will. I guess we'll see. But it will, I think it will inflate someone and maybe a couple of guys, but it won't inflate them to the point where they're going to move.
- [36:34]
Todd McShay
It is the question of the 2026 NFL Draft, how many of these guys who do not fit the current standard. The bar of and parcels was 30 starts. It's now like I, I gave you the list of 19 guys in the NFL. They're considered solid. Solid to great starters that had 36 starts. Okay, so let's call that bar 36, because a lot of guys coming out now are in the 40s, 50s and 60s in terms of NFL starts. So with armed with that recent information and the history of quarterbacks busting and failing and disappointing with minimal numbers of starts, these guys are going to have to swim against that grain and come out and say I'm ready regardless. And they'll be drafted high, but will they be ready? This is the biggest story of the 26 draft. No questions about it. The McShay show is brought to you by FanDuel. This college football season is delivering weekly showdowns. You don't want to miss. And right now, all customers on FanDuel can score 50% profit boost for this week's big match on campus between Texas and Vanderbilt. Just place a bet on the game, apply your profit boost and enjoy boosted winnings when your bet hits. And the best part? You get paid instantly when you win. Visit FanDuel.com McShay to download the app and boost your next bet on this week's marquee game must be 21 and older in present in select states or 18 and older and present in DC, Kentucky or Wyoming. Opt in required bonus issued as non withdrawable profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including any token expiration and max wager amount. See terms@sportsbook.fanduel.com gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit rg-help.com, call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut this.
- [38:37]
Steve Muench
Episode is brought to you by Lifelock.
- [38:40]
Dan Comer
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Steve Muench
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Dan Comer
Use strong passwords, set up multi factor.
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Todd McShay
Authentication, report phishing and update the software on your devices.
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And for comprehensive identity protection, let LifeLock alert you to suspicious uses of your personal information. Lifelock also fixes identity theft, guaranteed or your money back. Stay smart, safe and protected with a 30 day free trial@lifelock.com Podcast terms apply.
- [39:06]
Todd McShay
This episode is brought to you by Duluth Trading Co. Ready to give rival tailgates the foam finger? Duluth Trading Co. Crafts hall of Fame game day gear to help you grill hotter, cheer louder and tailgate longer. Trust me, like I'm a scene at the Grill, I know what this is all about. They've got bibs loaded with pockets, gusseted pants so you can crouch without snuffing out your coals, and free swinging shirts and tailor made for beanbag tossing. Or some like to call it cornhole. Stay comfortable from preseason to playoffs in the toughest tailgate attire around. Only at Duth Trading.
- [39:46]
Dan Comer
All right, guys, we're at the Let Minch Cook part of this podcast.
- [39:49]
Steve Muench
Let's go.
- [39:50]
Todd McShay
Perfect.
- [39:50]
Dan Comer
This one's from Jake. Felt like it was an injustice to leave Utah tackle Caleb lomu off the top 32 after how much Minch hyped him early in the season. If you were just trying to get under his skin, Todd, mission accomplished, I'm sure. But I imagine as we get closer to April, a few diva wide receivers will fall and Lomu will rise.
- [40:12]
Steve Muench
A couple of things here, Jake. He never says it's personal, but it feels personal. It does feel personal when he does things like this, when he takes the players that I love and he moves them down the board, which he has. You know, he has a history of doing it. And usually I'm right and he's wrong. I think we could both agree with that.
- [40:26]
Todd McShay
Todd, he said the questions for you. He didn't say I'm muted, but go ahead.
- [40:31]
Steve Muench
What about the ricochet shot? Diva wide receivers, by the way, the wide receivers, like, dude, Jake, what's up, man? Why am I. I'll say this, okay?
- [40:38]
Todd McShay
Jake's a minimum 263-2-45, I promise.
- [40:42]
Steve Muench
He's definitely played guard in high school.
- [40:43]
Todd McShay
One of you guys? Yeah, he's one of you guys.
- [40:47]
Steve Muench
So I like you. I think move Lomu down a little bit after the Texas Tech game. And so now, this gave me. This was great, Jay, because it gave me a chance to go back and watch where he's at now. And I'll say the Texas Tech tape wasn't as bad as I thought or remembered it being. When I went back, there was three or four plays where lo, uncharacteristically, his hands weren't married to his feet, and he had. He had a few bad reps in that game, but it wasn't let's bury the tape or hope no one sees this type game either. He was.
- [41:14]
Todd McShay
He battled like Calvin Banks versus Georgia.
- [41:17]
Steve Muench
Yes, it wasn't that bad. I'm telling you, it wasn't that bad. And. And David Bailey's been embarrassing a lot of guys, and he got him a couple times. There's no question about that. And then I started watching again. I'm like, yeah, this is the guy I kind of remember. What was even more fascinating to me was I can't find anything on this. I'm just being honest about what I'm seeing on tape. I. I haven't seen anything about an injury. But Lomu, the way he moved before the bye week and the way he's moved since the bye week, which is the past three games, is very different. And you go to the combine, they talk about that. You do a kickstep drill with the offensive tackles, and they're always yelling at him, give me that third step. Because it's that third step that really is important. That's why they do it, man. They know what they're doing. And Lomu was kind of dropping at that third step where he's getting too vertical and kind of changing the angle to try to meet speed. Guys, if you watch the last three games, that's gone. I mean he's back to what he was doing last year. I've struggled with him because I've, I've really considered him taking him off the board, to be honest with you, because he's just a second year starter and he's kind of still a pup and I think that, you know, you know, is it, should we even be having him on the board at this point? Going back and watching the tape, I, I, he's as good, if not better than Kaden Proctor. I think he's probably, he's in the mix to be the second best offensive tackle in this group. If he comes out, he is without question in my mind a top 32 player in this draft. And it was, it was kind of good to go back and get a feel for him again and realize, yeah, this dude's for real.
- [42:47]
Todd McShay
All right, good. I'm glad we had this conversation. Go ahead. Keep, keep, keep Mensch cooking. He's on fire.
- [42:52]
Dan Comer
All right, this one's from Randy. Who are some of the best interior alignment you have on your board so far?
- [42:58]
Steve Muench
Mitch, A lot of work to do here. I'm going to say that I'm going to be upfront about. There's a lot of work to do here. There's also going to be a lot of. We're kind of getting into this later on. It's going to change with guys who we see as offensive tackles that kick inside to play guard and some of these position fits. So I'm just going to rattle off some names. There's Connor Liu from Auburn, he's the third year starter at Auburn. Jake Slaughter again a third year starter for, for Florida at 6 center. I, Ioni Lalou from Oregon is a massive center. I think he's gonna play guard when he gets to the NFL. He has played some guard but he's playing center now. That's been his main position. Parker Brailsford from Alabama who started at Washington was a one year starter there and then followed Debo to Alabama. I like him. I don't see him as an early, early guy. I think if he gets into day two that would be great for him. I, I see him more of a, probably a fourth round in the fourth round range and then guards. Vega, Vega Yuane from Penn State is a dude. I like him a lot. I think he's probably the gonna be the first interior offensive lineman to go. If he comes out. We'll see if he comes out. Kaden Green from Missouri's playing offensive tackle this year, but he's played offensive guard the bet in the past. Really like him. Another Oregon kid, Emmanuel Pregnon at offensive guard and then Billy Shrouth at Notre Dame is hurt right now. He was the one who went viral for just, you know, knocking guys out of the club with his punch and really had that great game against usc. I think he's climb boards this year but he's got a knee injury. He's going to be out for a little while, so we'll see with that. Those are some names to keep an eye on. Again, that's going to change and really other than Vega Yoane I there's not a lot of guys and I'm super excited about on the interior right now.
- [44:40]
Todd McShay
All right, keep it rolling for men. Let's go Dan.
- [44:42]
Dan Comer
All right, men. One more line question thoughts on draft eligible O lineman from Iowa. Jones, Dunker and Stevens they have been killing it this season. That one is from jj.
- [44:53]
Steve Muench
JJ I this was good for me too because I went back and wrote a report on each one of these guys. I knew I knew Logan Jones fairly well. Dunker, I was familiar with his game. Steven's not so much. So I'll start with Dunker. I mean I just this guy's look is awesome. By the way, McShay, I don't know if you've seen him.
- [45:08]
Todd McShay
Yeah, I actually watched some tape on him recently because I can I was hearing a lot of hype and I watched him. I didn't have him as a top 32 but there's I like yeah, he's not there.
- [45:16]
Steve Muench
I don't think he's there. So to get into heavy. Yeah, a little bit. He early in the season he wasn't wearing gloves which I love because he looked like a bare knuckle boxer and he kind of plays like that. He's got the gloves on now but it was like just his game is he's a really athletic zone blocker which is great for what I would does blocks to the echo. The echo of the whistle. He's really tough, quick played guard for he started a game at guard earlier on his career. It'll be interesting to see he's a guy that's a candidate to kick inside. I think a little bit based on the tape. Moves really well though when you watch him and the other thing he does really well is he bends really well when you get to the top of that set he can really sink his hips and anchor. There's some issues about falling off blocks. I think speed's going to give him some problems off the edge and that offense at Iowa, you don't have to do a lot of, you know, true pass sets. I think he's got all the, the mobility to develop into an effective pass blocker, but that's something that could, could take him some time. Logan Jones is the, he's the prototypical center, right? Smart, tough, a little undersized, quick gets into position, walls guys off. I mean and I kind of, you know, four year starter, team captain. It's that prototypical profile for center, not you not to overlook, you know, or not just get to, to make it simple like that. But that's really what he is. I see him as a day two guy that can, could develop into a starter. I really like it. But he's a center only. I don't, I don't imagine he's gonna be able to play guard, that, that's gonna hurt him a little bit. And then Bo Stevens, I was not familiar with his game and he, I think he's a guy that could get drafted on day three. After watching him, I mean he's got a strong punch, he does a good job passing off guys and pass protection. He's got, he's, he's more of a Mauler than, than you might think for Iowa that I think he's better fit for like a man gap scheme than the zone st. And he does have some athletic limitations, but he's a big kid, he's a tough kid and again, a strong punch. He's a guy I could see going. Day three.
- [47:14]
Dan Comer
All right, this was Tom, huh? Does Todd have a take? I don't know.
- [47:21]
Todd McShay
I talk too much. My daughter earlier tells me all the time. So I, I completely agree.
- [47:28]
Dan Comer
This one's.
- [47:29]
Todd McShay
See, this is the. I put up with behind the scenes. So finally it gets to be brought to light. Go ahead.
- [47:34]
Dan Comer
Dan Minch is more pithy with his.
- [47:36]
Steve Muench
Yeah, pissy.
- [47:38]
Dan Comer
Yeah, that's right.
- [47:38]
Todd McShay
Hey, Alexa, what does pithy mean? Is what I had to say the other night.
- [47:42]
Dan Comer
I don't know.
- [47:42]
Steve Muench
Go ahead.
- [47:43]
Dan Comer
All right, this one's from Brian.
- [47:44]
Todd McShay
I clearly don't know what it means, but go ahead.
- [47:46]
Dan Comer
No, you don't. I'm trying to, I'm trying to teach you something, you know. All right, this one's from Brian. Could you describe what a typical college football Saturday is like for you and Minch? During the early and mid afternoon games, do you get together in person or via Zoom to watch or discuss games and, or prospects?
- [48:02]
Todd McShay
We don't, we never had a conversation about it, but I think we're both on the same page. Like, I'd rather not know what you're seeing. We, we have a group text that we're all on and that a lot of that is like, it's kind of all over the board. Sometimes there's like, holy, did you see that play? Or you know, what's going on here? Or there'll be some, you know, some smart ass stuff.
- [48:21]
Steve Muench
And like what's a catch anymore? Is a common one. No one knows what it catches.
- [48:25]
Todd McShay
Things like that. And then also, and then Tucker gets involved late. Like, hey, when are we, when are we jumping on? Is McShay? You're going to be there on time. All that kind of stuff.
- [48:34]
Steve Muench
Connor also. Connor does a good job of planting seeds in, in those conversations. You notice that.
- [48:39]
Todd McShay
Yes.
- [48:39]
Steve Muench
Like all of a sudden something he said a month ago has now turned into a, you know, a great idea for the show. He does a lot of like planting seeds from Connor.
- [48:47]
Todd McShay
Right. And then one of those. Yeah. You look back two weeks later, I'm like, I shouldn't have just been like, I don't know, we'll get to it later.
- [48:55]
Steve Muench
No.
- [48:55]
Todd McShay
So there's a lot of that stuff going on. But mention I don't do a lot of back and forth purposely.
- [49:01]
Dan Comer
Yeah.
- [49:02]
Steve Muench
Every Saturday.
- [49:04]
Todd McShay
No, enough's enough. The kid, the kids are running around. They typically have like games and sports and stuff. So like I'm balancing that and trying to get ready sometimes like it bleeds in the noon games. Like I'm kind of back and forth typically, like by one o' clock I'm locked in all day long. Marissa always has like a spread here. But it's funny because I've got AJ and Mia, my stepchildren and then a lair and Tate, my children. Like they're all very different. Like AJ's of the generation. It's amazing. He knows more stats and background and history and different things than I do on a lot of subjects. But he never like sits down and watches a three hour game. Me is too busy. She's the, maybe the best athlete of, I mean she's like unbelievably athletic. So she's got like seven sports going at all times. A's got a bunch of sports going on. Then she'll rip me out and I'll be in the trampoline in like halftime, you know, like a. I come out 15 minutes, she, she just keeps me going. Right. But typically the girls will like do some fun stuff. And Tate's kind of a throwback. Like he'll sit down and watch a game, but like for an hour and a half and then it's like, all right, let's get to the video games or let's get outside, you know. So, yeah, that's kind of what goes on here. I'm kind of managing a little bit and then table. Try to sneak on. He. You've seen him a few times this year in the live show, but that's kind of how my Saturday goes. Yeah.
- [50:23]
Steve Muench
Yeah. I don't, I like that we don't because it's just honest reactions. And when I agree with you, I like to be like, you know, have that honest reaction of like, I can't believe we saw this the same way. Or. Or the disagreements too are. They're natural. You know, you don't want to. If we scripted it out too much and I'm not saying that's scripting it out, but if we talk too much, I feel like it might be a little more mechanical and I don't that.
- [50:47]
Todd McShay
All right, keep it rolling, Dan.
- [50:50]
Dan Comer
All right. This one's from Tom. Every time I watch Texas Tech, I think their defense is enough to give any team trouble. If they get into the playoffs. I think they would be very dangerous. Do they have to win the league to get in? Could a two loss season be enough?
- [51:07]
Todd McShay
I don't think a two loss season is going to be enough. We'll see how things shake out. Obviously in, in the Big 12. I just gotta win it. I. I think they gotta win it. I think they win it. Win it. I will say this and I'll let you get to the offense. I know you've watched a little bit more recently and you have like, we both love Wilhelm and we'll see how that all plays out. Right?
- [51:26]
Steve Muench
ACL done for the year.
- [51:28]
Todd McShay
Oh, it's done. It is official. Okay.
- [51:30]
Steve Muench
All right. Barrymore should be back. Barrymore should be back this week.
- [51:34]
Todd McShay
So it's, it's kind of business as. As expected when the season started. And they believe heavily in him and certainly are good enough on the offensive side to. To make this run that we, we expected. They need to. But I was just looking. Mensch. They got dudes, man. And yeah, they paid for a lot of them. But these, these hired guns are like David Bailey we talk about as a draft prospect. First round pick. He is produced. Coming in from Safer. 10 1/2 sacks. Romello Height, 5 sacks. Defensive tackle A.J. holmes, who's just a junior. 3 1/2 sacks. Right. But between those guys it's like 19 sacks. Right. Skyler Gill Howard, NIU transfer. He's on draft. He's on the radar of NFL drafts.
- [52:18]
Steve Muench
He's banged up right now, but he's.
- [52:20]
Todd McShay
Two games but it wasn't a break. And so he's expected to be back. If not this week, he'll be in the next week or two. But he's a leader too, on top of being the player that he is. Lee Hunter, one and a half sacks. Impact player, defensive tackle. He's on draft, draft boards. When I talk to scouts. Bryce Pollock, the Mississippi State transfer three leads the team with three interceptions. He's a dude, a cornerback. Jacob Rodriguez, he's in this fort. He is a transfer, but it was after his, after his freshman year at Virginia. He's, he's a, he's like the grandfather of the group there. 50 year player, 4 year player at Texas Tech. Team High, 72 tackles. Also has a pair of picks. And then Cole, Cole Wisniewski. He's not like the greatest, you know, free safety ball hawk in the world, but, but he's a potential day three guy. Talking to some scouts and he's third on the team tackle. So they've got guys who are going to be in the NFL on all three levels is the point of what I'm saying. And it's been fun to watch them come together as a, as a team, as a unit, defensively. And I think they're capable of doing some, some things in the College Football Playoff if they get there because of that defense. But we'll, we'll see how that plays out.
- [53:30]
Steve Muench
Yeah, I think they win out. I think they'll get in because I think they'll win out. I will say this. When they get to the college Playoff, there are some things on offense that I don't, I don't know if they're as good as the numbers say they are. I mean, the numbers are outrageous. I mean, they're averaging over 42 points per game and there's missing some, some stuff on tape where I think their offensive line is good but not great and maybe against better defensive fronts that might get exposed. I think the receivers are good, not great. It'll be interesting to see, but David Bailey's as good as a college edge rusher as there is right now. I mean, he is just slippery and great motor and all the guys. I'm with you on that defense, man. I'm not going to add anything. I'm not, I'm just gonna to, to echo it. That defense is for real.
- [54:13]
Todd McShay
All right, Dan, keep it rolling.
- [54:15]
Dan Comer
All right, this one's from Mench, I think. Any thoughts on pit true freshman QB Mason Heintschel. He's been lights out since taking over. Their last three games are at home against Notre Dame, at Georgia Tech and at home for Miami. That question came from two people. That's Anthony and Mike.
- [54:31]
Steve Muench
Yeah, we just went into it on the last. Was it the tape truths? I like this kid, man, and he's playing like an 18 year old with house money. Like he's just loose and free and getting out there and slinging.
- [54:42]
Todd McShay
Young and dumb is a beautiful thing, isn't it?
- [54:44]
Steve Muench
Yeah, man, it's great. He hasn't had that like that.
- [54:47]
Todd McShay
Don't know what you don't know, right?
- [54:49]
Steve Muench
He's just out there, you know, look at me, look at what I can do. And it's been against a pretty bad competition and the. Now he's going to see some pretty good guys. But I think that pit team, I said it and I think because of this kid, one of the biggest reasons, because this kid could sting one of these teams. I mean, that they could get a Georgia Tech, you know, like if Notre Dame's not careful. Watch out in Miami again, Miami might be the most vulnerable because they have guys who can turn the ball over on defense. They have some. They've got some guys in the return game, but this kid is, you know, again, playing like he just doesn't have a care in the world. And he's mobile enough. He does a great job of extending plays. He can make off off platform throws. He's got enough arm talent to strike deep there. They are a quick strike offense too, man. They don't need a. They're not a. We're going to grind it, grind it out and we need, you know, to. To have eight first downs to get into the end zone. They got a bunch of guys averaging better than 15 yards of catch. They got a running back who's like, I think 14, eight per catch. I mean, this is a team that can move the ball quickly, so. And I don't think they're ever out of it. So that pick, that pit team is really interesting since they've made the quarterback change.
- [56:00]
Todd McShay
Go ahead, Dan.
- [56:01]
Dan Comer
All right. This one's from Michael. Can you explain how you go about scouting a player who is either playing possibly out of position or someone who is possibly getting less than ideal coaching?
- [56:15]
Todd McShay
Man, we could do like a three, four hour.
- [56:17]
Steve Muench
Yeah, this one is. This is a question each position.
- [56:20]
Todd McShay
I. I'll say this and I'll let. And I'll Defer a lot to Mensch because we let him cook. When it comes to the offensive line, there's more conversions along the offensive line than probably any other spot. I mean, you see some like tight end, wide receiver stuff, but they wind up, you know, essentially being detached and doing a lot of the same thing. You see occasionally like a running back, wide receiver type thing. Cornerback and safety is another one.
- [56:48]
Steve Muench
Big picture, offline background, offline backer and edge is becoming a thing.
- [56:53]
Todd McShay
Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. And then even like. Yeah. And along the defensive line a little bit with each position there's. There's kind of like benchmarks, heights and weights and arm lengths and speeds and different things and traits. Just traits. And when. If you don't meet a specific benchmark at a position you're playing in college, the first thing that comes to mind for an evaluator is, well, does that. Do those traits fit somewhere else? Because this guy's a damn good football player. How can we get him on the field? And I think on the defensive side, side you're starting to see like, it's more like UNLV old school amoeba defense stuff. Like the guys are playing all over the place and we don't have to put, you know, pigeonholed someone to a specific spot. So it's a lot. It's a lot more common to see maneuvering inside of a defense now than. Than probably ever before in the scouting process. And then the offensive line, Steve, you can take. But a lot of times that comes down to like body type, frame, right tackle, left tackle, you know, is it more athletic versus powerful then maybe if they don't move well on an island. Can we kick him inside the guard? He's such a good run blocker and we can kind of protect him inside there in a center. Is he a really athletic left tackle, but doesn't have the length, so let's kick him into center. So there's a lot of things. And typically it comes down to like measurements and traits that dictate those sorts of things 100%.
- [58:12]
Steve Muench
I mean, that. That really what it also the experience of. Has he played on the left side? Has he played on the right side, which you kind of hinted at. I think one name that, that really jumped out for us during the process last year was Gray Zable out of North Dakota State. And he shows up at. At.
- [58:25]
Dan Comer
At.
- [58:26]
Steve Muench
Shows up the Senior bowl after playing tackle and just absolutely killed it at guard and then starts taking snaps at center. And that's how long some of this takes to sort out really like you. Some of these guys, you don't see them play inside. That's what's one of the great things about these all Star games is some guys go there and get an opportunity to show that, hey, I can play. If it's an undersized edge, I could play off the ball linebacker. In most cases, it's usually an offensive tackle who's going to kick inside the play guard and ideally play center. If teams, there's only so many roster spots in the NFL, man, and if you got a guy that can play three positions, can play left guard, right guard and center, it's a big deal. So that's an opportunity that if you can take advantage of it helps you tremendously. I will say this. I have struggled with this about changing guys. And as it stands now, I don't think, I think I'm going to. On my board, I'm going to keep guys listed at the position that they play in college because I think t even teams might look at a player and say, I see. I think he's a guard and another team might say he's an offensive tackle. So I'm going to try and keep the guys at, you know, there might be some guys like Kaden Green from Missouri who play guard earlier on who I might keep at guard because he's got so much starting experience there. But it's a really tough thing to sort out. Now, getting into the poor coaching, there's a lot of, to sift through there because there's different ways to coach players and you know, it's a real gray area in terms of what poor coaching might be. Uh, it's, it's a much tougher thing and that's why you're really looking at experience and traits more than anything else.
- [60:02]
Dan Comer
All right, voice crack. 14 year old here.
- [60:07]
Todd McShay
It's not as easy as you think when you sit there and make fun of us, right?
- [60:10]
Dan Comer
Well, yeah, maybe not. Maybe I have a new perspective. All right, this is a question. The last three here, uh, they're kind of colorful questions. This one's from Kevin. A question for both Todd and Steve. What's the draft prospect prediction from your career that you're most proud of, especially if it's a lesser known player, but you saw something in them early that has always resonated with you.
- [60:30]
Todd McShay
I appreciate the question because normally I'm answering the opposite and I got to go back to like jamarcus Russell and I should have been higher on, on Mahomes coming out and like, you know, so. And early in My career. Honestly, the three biggest were. Were like on the negative side. Like, I, I didn't see it with Tebow, Brady Quinn and I had to fight tooth and nail with Kuiper on the two Notre Dame guys because he was.
- [60:55]
Steve Muench
The closet thing was fun. That was fun.
- [60:56]
Todd McShay
Some. Some agent's bag. But. But honestly, like, I'm loving watching Jordan Love right now because I had to battle for that one. And, and Herbert's a great talent and a great player, but I, I kind of. I didn't see that there was a huge difference between the two. And right now Jordan Love is tracking to like he could legitimately with Green Bay make a Super bowl run this year. And so, and some of the things I said about Herbert, well, it didn't like any asshole off the street could see that this guy's unbelievably talented. But I kept like, winners win and there's a certain. So like. And I've seen a change in him this year and a little bit more edge and like. And I'm hopeful that, that they get, you know, some of the things straight. And he like, I like Justin or met with him and all that. But I, I really, I, I stood on the table for Jordan Love. There's some other guy like Devonte Adams. Loved that guy. Remember fighting with one of our good friends who's, who's a scout and kind of had his lad mcconi a Mecca. Buka is another receiver. Jalen. Jalen Petrie. I had, I've had a good run. I feel like on the nickels like Jalen Petrie, Brian Branch, Jordan Lewis, Dax Hill, Mike Sander. Still three of those guys from Michigan, Upton Stout. Have you seen him play so far this year for the Niners?
- [62:15]
Steve Muench
He's been, he's been outrageous. He's been really good guy at the.
- [62:18]
Todd McShay
Scene, by the way.
- [62:20]
Steve Muench
Nick Iman Winori at. In Seattle has been outstanding as well. Let's just say he has.
- [62:25]
Todd McShay
That's your guy. Yeah. Dallas Goddard, Isaiah likely Jake Ferguson, some tight ends. Nick Bolton, Demetrius Knights doing some nice things with the Bengals. So those are some of the guys that I'm, I'm proud of that both like several years back and also most recently.
- [62:39]
Steve Muench
Dan. Did you catch the one you're most proud of? And then he listed like a hit list of like 30 guys. Did he really? Did he really? I mean, don't throw.
- [62:46]
Todd McShay
I don't, I don't remember. I don't remember Kevin asking what your opinions were on my list.
- [62:51]
Dan Comer
The thing about Todd, very humble. Very humble.
- [62:54]
Steve Muench
One Guy. One guy that we're both high on that went much later than we expected was Grady Jarrett. And he ended up being a pretty damn good player. Yeah, we love, we love, we all love Grady, Jared and could not you.
- [63:07]
Todd McShay
Me and Kevin Whitelaw. Yep.
- [63:09]
Steve Muench
One guy that I, I always hang my hat on was Le'Veon Bell. I loved Le'Veon Bell coming out of Michigan State. It was high on him, like, loved him.
- [63:18]
Todd McShay
I just thought one guy I pushed back a little bit on you where I, where I feel like I, that was on me.
- [63:24]
Steve Muench
Well, here's another one that, that is, that is super interesting to me. I, I, and it takes a second to explain this. I am really proud of my Baker Mayfield evaluation. And I gave him a late second, early first round grade going into that, that his last season at Oklahoma.
- [63:41]
Todd McShay
He now obviously goes early second, but.
- [63:43]
Steve Muench
Yeah, yeah, late, sorry. Late first, early second. Thank you. And obviously he goes first overall in that class. And it's a class that includes Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson. I'm not saying that Baker Mayfield should have gone over those two guys. I'm just saying that going into that season, not a lot of people thought Baker Mayfield was even, you know, sniffing the first round. Too short, not fast enough. This was not a guy that could play in the NFL.
- [64:05]
Todd McShay
Most people in the league going into his final year had third round on him.
- [64:08]
Steve Muench
Yeah. And I had. And I was much higher on him. Now I think the over, I think there was an overreaction to it, and he shouldn't have gone first overall. But that's not the grade I gave him. I gave him lay first, early second.
- [64:20]
Todd McShay
Or maybe he should have. And it just was in a shite situation. And fair enough, fair enough.
- [64:24]
Steve Muench
But I knew, I knew, watch, did.
- [64:26]
Todd McShay
I draft that cat, number one overall in any draft?
- [64:29]
Steve Muench
And listen, I knew despite all those limitations, I knew what he was, who he was and what he could do in the league. And I really believe that he could be a winner. And he's taken kind of a different route from, from maybe a lot of other first round picks, but look where he is now. And I mean, I just loved his game.
- [64:44]
Todd McShay
I love, I'm not saying yes, and you did. And I want to give you your flowers on that. I'm not saying if, if I knew what I know now about like, that he's the best quarterback in the league. I'm saying if you guarantee me what Baker's become, I would take him over. Over Josh Allen, what he was at the time, over Mahomes, who went 10th he was second quarterback behind Trubisky at the time, I'm saying.
- [65:05]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [65:06]
Todd McShay
So I just wanted to clarify that. All right, moving on.
- [65:08]
Dan Comer
I love the Grady Jarrett call. As a Falcons fan, we got a lot of good Runway out of Jarrett. One of the only good picks we've had in the last, like 20 years.
- [65:16]
Steve Muench
Fifth round pick.
- [65:17]
Dan Comer
Yeah, not bad. All right, Marty. And there's one more after this. And Todd, you mentioned Kuiper. If you're a draft geek, you know the Kuiper stories, the pumpkin pie, the eating pizza. Weird. Just an interesting cat. Do you have any good Kuiper stories that maybe we haven't heard before? And are you on good terms with him?
- [65:37]
Todd McShay
Well, let's start with the fun stuff. Everyone knew the pumpkin pie with him, right? But I was shocked when I got to know Mel and got to spend time with Mel. This guy's a crazy cat, man. And I kept trying, and I kept trying to, like, I'm like, I don't understand. Like, we only talk about pumpkin pie. With Mel, that's just like, that's a fraction of his craziness. And I can say all this because I, I, like the Kuipers are like extended family. I love, like, I, I love Mel still to this day. Love Mel. And I'll get to what's going on with Mel and I and, and all the things in a second. But I, I recognize early on there's just so much more here and audiences were going to love this, so I leaned into it instead of like tiptoeing around it. And you got to understand. So when Mel and I would go up to Bristol and he had like, you know, like six or eight, 10 days, like, where he had to go to Bristol. He lives in the Kuiper compound. And he got to the point in his career where he told them, I'm limited in terms of the number of times I'm going up there. And so when he would come up there, I was his, like, you know, when you have like a, like a companion, like, companion fight, like, you know, companion flying. And you like a flight attendant, like, picks them up for mom and dad, takes them through security and, and hey. And to make sure that they're. There's. I was that. Okay. I was that like throughout his career. He was my unaccompanied minor. That's what the, the phrase I was coming up. He. Mel was my unaccompanied minor, not only at espn, but also flying. When we would fly to the draft, he, you know, Kim would reach out and make sure that he was on the same flight as me. And we. So that. Because watching him go through security and like everyone knows him, he's talking, he's. But like he doesn't know to take off the belt and, and, and, and, and my shoes come off. Todd is.
- [67:31]
Steve Muench
What are we doing here?
- [67:33]
Todd McShay
Todd? Todd. Okay, so he was just like, follow me. Like a 10 year old. Like Tate at 11 years old is much more equipped to, to travel and, and he would come to Bristol. And meanwhile I'm like second, third, fourth year at espn. I'm just learning my way. But in. Mel's been with him for 42 years now. So at that point it was like 25, 30 years and he still didn't know what buildings were. What I'm like, Mel, how have you gotten around here? Well, you know, a producer would help me and they'd point me in the right direction and someone would walk with me. So like the guy doesn't have his own ATM card. Okay. He gets like an allowance from Kim Cash. He, his phone when he has a cell phone with them. If I want to reach Mel, I, I called the Kuiper's house and if that's not happening, I text Kim's phone and Kim will hand the phone to Mel. Those. That's a true story. When he comes up, Kim has an extra phone, I guess on the same line, a cell phone. So when he leaves and goes like the most recent draft, the last draft I did with him is Kansas City. When he has a phone for five days in Kansas City, it's Kim's cell phone, but like a second one on that same number or something. It's wild. So I always leaned into it. Mel and I, to answer your question, are great. Mel and I talked a lot during the time I was laid off. Mel and I talked about doing some stuff together. Mel wound up going back to espn. I think some of those conversations he and I had and the potential discussions of working together wound up getting him an even better contract for a longer time. And I couldn't be more happy for him. He should finish where he started. He is the industry, okay. He is unique, quirky, but unbelievably kind man. And his family is a wonderful family. And they just. He just got his first grandchild, Lauren, his daughter and his, her husband. They just had their. Alex, I believe it is, just had their first, their first child. And so he, Mel's a grandfather for the first time. Just a, just a year ago, probably 15, 16 months ago. Okay. Absolute encyclopedia. Like, I don't have a negative thing to say about Mel, but I do get a lot of questions about why hasn't Mel been on the show? It's a year now. We just celebrated our first anniversary, October 22, right. And Mel has not been on the show. And if you notice any people probably haven't noticed, I have not done anything with Mel. And the answer is. And I'll just get into it, why not?
- [70:05]
Steve Muench
I, I promise.
- [70:06]
Todd McShay
It's October, right? Bench, Here we go. October 1st. So I'm free to, to talk at will. And I will not sit here and I will not bash people, individuals. You know, I have a great relationship with a lot of people at ESPN still. I consider a lot of them like extended family. I love many people and I really like some of the executives there. Burke Magnus has been wonderful to me and my family throughout and did to the very, very end. Seth Markman, I consider a good friend. Drew Gallagher, Red. Like, there's just so many great people there. Okay, not as many as there used to be, but there are so many great people there. But what has gone on with Mel and I is some petty, petty shit. And it's been going on with Mel and I recently, ever since I started this show. They absolutely refuse to allow Mel and I to be on the air together on any platform. Why? Because they're rightfully worried that it will remind the audience of the obvious. They do not have anyone in house that can recreate the magic that Mel and I had. Listen, Field Yates is a really nice guy and he's really good at his job. He's actually by all accounts damn good at fantasy football. And he's, he's, he's good analyst and he can host and he's unbelievably versatile. But if I was asked while at ESPN to, in addition to my role as college football analyst on the sidelines of games, sideline analyst and being the NFL draft guy to all of a sudden become an expert in fantasy football, what would I be? Right? And so while Field is really good at a lot of things he does, in order to make compelling content, with Mel, you must challenge Mel. And in order to challenge Mel, you must be on. You must be grounded in high level content and sources and years of perspective. And it needs to be your full time gig, right? And it's just not. And Field, because of it is not any of those things. Things as a draft analyst, I'm saying, and we all know that, and you know who else does espn? And Daniel Jeremiah is on deck. The writing's on the wall, right? I literally do not have a single thing negative to say about Daniel Jeremiah in terms of his job, what he does, how he does it, or him, more importantly, as a human being. He is, like, the fucking best. I love dj, okay? The utmost respect, but those two are not going to recreate what the Mellon Todd dynamic was. And it just. They just won't. And it took years of us being together in the relationship we had and me recognizing I got to lean into some of this crazy, and I got to needle him. But if I do, I better be prepared, because that son of a gun will come at me, and he'll come at me with that encyclopedia that is his brain, and he'll ruin me. And so that's how it all grew and developed, and it became fun. Contentious at times, but fun. And it was entertaining. So I don't want to say ESPN has no jealousy of what I'm doing. So they're not the jealous girlfriend. They're just the new. It's kind of the new girlfriend who's going to block with her body the opportunity to let the public see the rapport that. That her boyfriend has with the ex. And it's jealous, petty shit rooted in insecurity. And you say, why? And I asked the same question. Because it's ESPN. It's the Worldwide Leader, and we're just the McShay show, right? But some of the richest people I know are also the pettiest and most insecure. You can give them all the private jets and the yachts and the mansions in the world, but they just won't ever be happy or content. Other people's happiness and security makes them crazy because they can never replicate what they. What you have. Guess what? I've never been happier. I've found the love of my life, my forever family, and it's in this show.
- [74:08]
Steve Muench
It's me.
- [74:08]
Todd McShay
And there's. And I was gonna say. Don't get. Don't get carried away, Mitch. Don't. This doesn't have to be weird. I'm saying, like, I'm happy. I don't need to be the richest. I don't need to be the biggest. I don't need to be on all the different platforms. I don't need all that stuff. I'm finally happy. And I love doing what we're doing with the people we're doing it with. There's no looking back, and I think it shows in what we're doing. Right? And there's no about. There's no amount of Mike Greenberg's studios, cameras, distribution outlets, graphics, replays, stats, or anything else that will replicate what Mo and I were. And it certainly won't replicate what you and I have become here, Steve, and what we're doing. And I think the bottom line is that they don't want to remind their audience of that fact. So there's your answer. And I know it was a rant, but I. People have been asking me time and time again about what's going on with Mel. Why isn't he on? Are you guys okay? Do you guys have a friendship still? Was there a falling out? None of that. There's your answer.
- [75:14]
Dan Comer
I'm looking forward to the awful announcing article.
- [75:21]
Todd McShay
I get you in trouble, Dan.
- [75:22]
Dan Comer
No, it's good. It's cool, man. You know, I am, for what it's worth, partial to the Minch McShay dynamic. You know, it's been very, very good to me.
- [75:31]
Steve Muench
I'll say this, by the way, Mel, I always think it's funny because people think that. That Mel's this grumpy guy, and not only has he been super awesome to Todd, obviously that's a different relationship. Every time I've interacted with him, he has been nothing but nice to me. And every time, he is nothing but nice to. To everyone I've ever seen him interact.
- [75:51]
Todd McShay
Everyone. Everyone.
- [75:53]
Steve Muench
It's who he is. You see this guy on TV and is famous for these, you know, kind of bombastic interactions. And the reality is he's one of the nicest, caring, supportive people I've ever. I've ever met. Like, he's just a great dude. I always think it's funny that people on. There are people who, before any of this happened, thought that you guys had a bad relationship. And the reality was, I mean, it could have been. It couldn't have been better. I mean, it was.
- [76:16]
Todd McShay
We would. Don't get me wrong, we. We would fight and he would piss me off and get under my skin, and I would. Lord knows I would do the same. But also. But you gave each other where we are.
- [76:27]
Steve Muench
You gave each other the freedom to do it. I mean, there's something to be said for that.
- [76:31]
Todd McShay
And then the second that light would go off, he'd look at me, he'd give me that side eye, that, like, hawk look, you know, he looks like a. It looks like a Baltimore Raven, right? With those sunglasses or whatever he was wearing. And it would just. Just be this, like, you know, and. And like, we're good. And that. That would be it. So, yeah, that's that. Sorry. It was A rant. I know. And we. We're always going over. But I think people were. I know people wanted to know what was going on because of all the. I've had, like an outpouring of people and it can. It's reached a crescendo around draft time. When he didn't come on the show even. I went on Dari Noke. It has a new show in Oklahoma. Dari. We had a great conversation. Conversation. They canceled the Dari and Mel show. Right. That was on, like, the longest lasting, like, show on ESPN Radio, and they canceled it recently. And so Dari has his own radio show now. And I. I went on recently and we were talking about Matier in Oklahoma and. And he was like, this is great. It just reminds me of the days when you'd come on. Because I would come on, you know, occasionally here.
- [77:31]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [77:32]
Todd McShay
But always the Saturday after the draft and I would do it. And my big thing is I want to give a Kentucky Derby winner. I was kind of went on a run, too. You're staying humble, Dan. Staying humble. But. But then he said on air, you know, we've got. I'm gonna. I'm gonna get. You and Mel are going to come on the show. Would you be willing to come on? And I'm like, of course. I was like, but good luck with that, because it ain't happening. And then we got off air and I. And he's like, why? He's like, no, I'll get that done. That won't be a problem. I was like, I. I will never hear from you again about that outside of maybe you texting. Be like, you're right, I couldn't make it happen. And it. And it's sad because, like, why shouldn't Mel and I be able to do 15 minutes together and have some fun? And it just be that and nothing more. But it's. And maybe it'll change over time.
- [78:21]
Steve Muench
But.
- [78:21]
Todd McShay
But I promise, it's been asked. And I like when Herbie comes on or Steve Coughlin or. Or like, like anyone. Anyone who we reach out to from espn. Not talking about everybody from espn. It's just a text. Yeah, man. Like, what time? Let's. Let's figure it out. And I did that with Mel through Kim in her cell phone. And it was. Let me check. And I'm like, whoa. Like, yo, Mel, what's. Yeah, let me check. Because I've been told no. And he's like, but I'm gonna call. I'm telling. This is great. You know, and he called back he's like. He goes, not only is it a no, it is a hard no. That's where we are. But our. Our fans and our. Not fans. Our. The people who are family of this show and people who support this show deserve to know because it's been. I don't like, weird. I don't deal in weird. And I just. I wanted to share that, and that seemed like the perfect time to. To do so. All right, Dan, what do we got left? Follow that up.
- [79:20]
Dan Comer
Great.
- [79:20]
Steve Muench
Yeah.
- [79:20]
Dan Comer
We have one last question. This one's from Andrew. Hey, Todd and Steve. I'm going to be a father for the first time in April. Do you have any advice or tips for a new dad? Anything is appreciated. Keep up the good work.
- [79:32]
Todd McShay
I'll give one. I'm going to pass on advice from a very. A person that you would know well, that I'm not going to share their name, because God forbid someone takes it wrong. I remember getting this advice from a very good friend that works at ESPN who's on air, who's awesome at his job. He said, I just, like, someone gave me this advice, and I passed this along to new fathers before Tate was born. There are going to be times at 3, 4 in the moment, in the morning when you literally, like, are insane and you're not of your right brain and you haven't slept for days and you're angry and you're frustrated and you're sad and you. And all the emotions that you might want to take your child and walk them across the street and put them on someone else's doorstep and be like, I. I can't do this, and it's okay. And I remember thinking that that's weird. And then, like, fast forward two or three months later, and I was like, okay, I'm not the only one. There was, like, there was security in that, in that advice. And so I passed that along. Like, it's going to get maddening, but, like, get through the initial 12 months, 16 months. Get on that. I forget what the name of the book is. My kids are now 9 and 11. There's something about like, 12 hours and 12 weeks or something like that.
- [80:48]
Steve Muench
Like, do it.
- [80:50]
Todd McShay
And you might think you're being a prick and your child screaming a little bit, but, like, get them sleeping. It's best for them, I think. But those are two things that. It's hard, man. It's hard early. But, my gosh, when you get past that first, like, section and you start. They start to sleep. And, like, it is. It's something that you can really can't explain.
- [81:09]
Steve Muench
Yeah, I mean, I, you have your kid, I have four, I have my youngest, just turned five. You know, one of the things that I'll say is that it is the, it is 100, the hardest thing you're ever gonna have to do is. And it is 100 for me at least the most rewarding thing I've ever done and well worth it. And you know, my youngest was born early and she had some developmental issues. She wasn't walking, she was supposed to be walking, she wasn't talking when she was supposed to be talking. And now she's running around and we can't get her to stop talking.
- [81:39]
Todd McShay
So like, that's how it goes, right? Yeah.
- [81:41]
Steve Muench
And I think the thing that I take from that is that, you know, don't sweat things that you can't control, which is usually true about anything in life. There's nothing you can do about it but help your kid. And we, you know, we brought her to get help and, and, and everything's going to work out and you just, you kind of try, you know, there's things you can't control and there's things you shouldn't control and if you can identify them early, that's going to be even better for you. And there's another quote that I, with this guy, Jordan Peterson said in an interview one time that you have kids for four years and then that's it. And I have a five year old and man, is that true? And it rings true that they are only really little kids for four years and you want to hold them, change them, take care of them, be around, play with them as much as humanly possible, be present. Those first four years of their lives are super important. And they will know, they will know how much time you spent with them. Don't beat yourself up when you get pulled away for work. Don't beat yourself up when you can't be with them. Those are things you can't control. But when you do have the chances and the opportunities, opportunity to try to be there, be present, be present as possible. And that's not to say this like, I love the little kid stage, man, it's tough. But those first four years, I love that. But I have, I have, My oldest is 24 now. I've been through pretty much all the, the phases of it. They're all awesome. They're all different, they all have different challenges and they're all difficult, but they're all awesome. I'm like, congratulations, Andrew. Like you are. This is it's. Going to be incredible. I'm really happy for you and for your family and, you know, good luck. But you, you'll get through it.
- [83:10]
Todd McShay
It's a good way to wrap it up. Is that it, Dan?
- [83:13]
Dan Comer
That's it, guys.
- [83:14]
Todd McShay
How'd we do on the clock? Just horrible.
- [83:16]
Dan Comer
Horribly. Like, so over. But it's okay. I think it was nice to end with that, like, kind of parental advice. I'm gonna take that to heart when I one day have a child as well.
- [83:26]
Todd McShay
Yeah. Which hopefully is in 15 years, considering the lifestyle that you live right now.
- [83:30]
Dan Comer
I'm buying hat, dude. I've lived. I spent time a of lot, lot of time in Europe. I mean, I can't call it. There's no telling, to be honest with you, but I'll leave it at that.
- [83:37]
Steve Muench
I'm not sure what's happening anymore.
- [83:38]
Todd McShay
I don't either, but I kind of like it. Well, Dan, we appreciate you being on this is.
- [83:43]
Steve Muench
Thanks, Dan.
- [83:44]
Todd McShay
Yeah, hopefully everyone enjoys it. There's nothing more. We're already way over. Hopefully people enjoyed all this stuff from the football to the personal advice to me going on some sort of rant that I didn't even expect to go that far with, but I did. And that's usually how things go on this show. And I can say this for you men, it's another five stars must be 21 plus and present in select states. For Kansas in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino or 18 + and present in D.C. kentucky or Wyoming. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit rg-help.com, call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit gamblinghelplinema.org or call 1-800-327-5050. For 24. 7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY in New.