The McShay Show – Second-Round Prospects to Know Before the Combine. Plus, Chambliss Fallout and 2027 QB Class Intel.

Podcast: The McShay Show
Host: Todd McShay, with Steve Muench
Episode Date: February 16, 2026
Episode Theme:
A deep dive into overlooked NFL Draft prospects, dramatic quarterback news including Trinidad Chambliss's return to college, insider league chatter about 2027 and veteran QB movement, and a breakdown of the second-round talent to watch ahead of next week’s NFL Combine.

Episode Overview

This episode, Todd McShay and Steve Muench deliver NFL front office insights on under-the-radar draft prospects, fallout from Trinidad Chambliss’s NCAA drama, and an early look at the future of the quarterback classes. With the NFL Combine just days away, the focus is on high-upside players likely to be drafted in rounds two and three, including OL, WR, RB, and DB talent. They also discuss league-wide strategy shifts, the evolving value of position groups, and reveal why this receiver draft class could make modern history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trinidad Chambliss: Eligibility Saga and Impact ([03:25]–[04:56])

• News: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (via D2 Ferris State), appears set to return to college after his fourth NCAA appeal for another year of eligibility was successful.
• Analysis:
  • Chambliss was not expected to start last season but excelled after stepping up due to injury.
  • McShay argues, “He needs another year in the SEC, another opportunity to showcase what he can do.”
  • This impacts the depth and quality of next year’s draft QB class as experienced QBs return to school.
• League Fallout: NFL teams are already projecting 2027 needs, with an eye on Chambliss and others.

2. The 2027 Quarterback Class – Stacked and Deep ([04:56]–[10:15])

• Star Names: League conversations highlight Arch Manning (Texas), Dante Moore (Oregon), Brandon Sorsby (Texas Tech), Lenora Sellers (South Carolina), Darian Mensah (Miami), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), Sam Leavitt (LSU), Nic Em Alava, Jordan Mayava (USC), John Matier (Oklahoma).
• Depth: McShay: “It’s remarkable … there’s a greater depth of talent,” even if fewer QBs go super early.
• Team Planning: GMs are “looking at this holistically”—if they don’t get their QB this year, next year and beyond offer rich alternatives.

3. Free Agency and Blockbuster QB Trade Rumors ([10:15]–[15:05])

• Names to Watch: Free-agent QBs include Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson.
• Trade Chatter: McShay drops inside intel:
  • “Don’t be surprised, in the next couple weeks…teams are going to be aggressive. C.J. Stroud is one of them. Joe Burrow’s a long shot, but…someone allegedly threw a lot of money and a lot of picks…to try to get Joe Burrow out of Cincinnati.”
  • “Teams are looking at this holistically. 2027 is great, but in the meantime, can we solve [QB] with someone that's a proven commodity?”
• QB Market Outlook: Secondary targets like Spencer Rattler may get interest; late-market movement expected.

4. 2026 Offensive Tackle Class – Depth and Distinct Traits ([15:37]–[23:53])

• Overview: Depth but no “absolute no-brainer” left tackle at the top; strong starting talent through pick 40–50.
• Key Names Discussed:
  • Francis Maua
  • Spencer Fano
  • Blake Miller (Clemson): Viewed as a “favorite player of 80% of the people I talk to in the league.”
  • Monroe Freeling (Georgia)
  • Kadyn Proctor (Alabama): “Alarming pass protection stuff…but the tools are impressive.”
  • I’hen Ator (Oklahoma): Giant upside, “soccer and basketball background,” more developed as a pass blocker than run.
  • Lomu (Utah)
• Debate:
  • Steve: “If your best trait in an O-lineman is toughness, that’s not the league, man. You better be able to move. You better be athletic.”
  • McShay values the different evaluation camps—some “love glass eaters.”

5. Second-Round Prospects to Watch – Position-by-Position Breakdown ([26:24]–[65:12])

A. Defensive Line

• Kaden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
  • Elite run defender with surprising quickness.
  • “If you’re getting him in the second round, I am running that name up.” – [Steve, 28:59]

B. Safety

• Emmanuel McNeil Warren (S, Toledo)
  • Size: 6’2”, 202 lbs; “an absolute dude… might come in and just ruin your day, maybe your week.” – [McShay, 31:42]
  • Not just a big hitter—ball hawk, creates turnovers; compared to top “big nickel” athletes like Jalen Pitre, Harrison Smith.
  • “He’s a hawk…approaches the point of attack differently every time…not just getting them down—I’m going to make him not want to touch the ball again today.” ([34:44]–[36:29])
  • Projected to go top 40.

C. Cornerback/Nickelback

• Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke)
  • Undersized (5'9") but “tough, durable, productive—223 tackles in four seasons.”
  • Impact in the slot; “his closing ability… almost took it for a pick.” [Steve, 40:09]

D. Running Back

• Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
  • Not great size (5'11", 200) or speed, but “led the FBS in yards from scrimmage per game last year.” [Steve, 41:42]
  • Excellent receiver, contact balance, very tough.
  • “As a number two complimentary back…can play a big role for a team right away.” ([43:29]–[43:44])

E. Wide Receiver – Historical Perspective and Top Names

• This class could be historic: Only two drafts in the past 31 years had 12+ WRs in first two rounds; 2026 could be the third ([46:33]–[47:20]).
• 12 Likely Top-2 Round WRs: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Makai Lemon (USC), Jordan Tyson (Arizona State), Denzel Boston (Washington), Chris Brazell II (Tennessee), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), Casey Concepcion (Texas A&M), Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), Malachi Fields (Notre Dame), Elijah Surratt (Indiana), Jeremy Bernard (Alabama), Chris Bell.
• Additional Names: Jacobe Lane (USC), Ted Hurst (Georgia State), Dion Burks (Oklahoma), Antonio Williams (Clemson).

WR Player Spotlights

• Chris Brazell II (Tennessee) ([49:12]–[54:10])

  • 6'5", 200+. “There’s nobody else in this class 6’4” or above who can get in and out of breaks faster, as fluid, as sudden.”
  • Compared to Christian Watson (“…when healthy, averages 17 yards per catch, 15% go for TDs—that’s this guy.”)
  • “If you get him in the second round... that’s pretty good day at the office.”

• Zachariah Branch (Georgia via USC) ([54:29]–[61:41])

  • Undersized (5'9"), electric, “He’s pint-sized but he’s different…special at creating YAC by processing and shifting pre-catch.”
  • “No fear over the middle…tough as nails. If you’re going to be undersized, you better be tough, and you got to be strong.”
  • Zay Flowers comp — “Tiny but a lunatic. He is the thorn in my side because I will say…small guys can’t do it. Zay is the one who’s like, watch me, dude.”

• Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) ([61:49]–[65:12])

  • “Most consistent, reliable, toughest son of a blocker in this WR class.”
  • Comp to Jarvis Landry (LSU): “He’s a faster Jarvis Landry. Landry was the alpha—that’s this guy. Wide receiver heaven.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On the next wave of QB prospects:

• "Every conversation in the league is about, 'who’s the guy in 2027 if we don’t get our guy this April?'" – Todd McShay ([10:17])

On Emmanuel McNeil Warren:

• “He’s a hawk… I’m not here for just getting [ballcarriers] down, I’m going to make them not want to touch the ball again today, I’m going to take the ball away from them.” – Todd McShay ([34:44])

On I’hen Ator:

• “For a guy who’s like 325 pounds, he moves differently than a lot of these guys…blown away with his awareness in pass protection.” – Steve Muench ([19:19])

On the historic receiver class:

• “After 31 years digging back…only two classes with more than 12 in rounds one and two. This could be the third.” – Todd McShay ([47:18])

On Chris Brazell II:

• “No one else in this class, 6’4 or above, can get in and out of breaks faster.” – Todd McShay ([52:34])

On Zachariah Branch:

• “He’s pint-size…but he’s different. This guy will separate and he’s run an NFL route tree.” – Todd McShay ([55:13])

On Omar Cooper Jr.:

• “Wide receiver heaven…he’s a faster Jarvis Landry.” – Todd McShay ([63:51])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:25] – Trinidad Chambliss eligibility/fallout
• [04:56] – 2027 QB class breakdown
• [10:15] – QB trade/free agency rumors and market analysis
• [15:37] – O-line class, in-depth tackle evaluations
• [26:24] – Start of Second-Round Prospects breakdown
• [28:59] – Kaden McDonald DT evaluation
• [31:42] – Emmanuel McNeil Warren, safety scouting deep dive
• [38:15] – Chandler Rivers (Duke) slot/nickelback evaluation
• [41:11] – Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) RB discussion
• [45:25] – WR class overview and historic context
• [49:12] – Chris Brazell II in-depth analysis
• [54:29] – Zachariah Branch scouting report
• [61:49] – Omar Cooper Jr., WR deep dive & comp

Behind the Scenes: McShay’s Insider Intel and Philosophy ([68:09]–[71:00])

• McShay and Muench discuss the value of sharing real front office conversations and rumors.
• McShay:
  "I'm not breaking news…I'm sharing conversations and information that's going on. [Our audience] gets to know what's really going on in these personnel departments."
• This is what differentiates the show and draws an engaged, growing listener base.

Final Thoughts / What’s Next

• Combine Coverage: “Monday through Saturday—GM interviews, decision-maker series, daily intel.”
• Big Announcements: “Bombshell news to break in the next couple of weeks regarding The McShay Show and The Ringer/Spotify—stay tuned.”
• Draft Strategies Shifting: Teams prioritizing versatile defenders, offensive lineman depth, and receiver value due to recent championship team builds.
• Reminder: Subscribe to The McShay Report for more exclusive analysis and draft content.

This episode was packed with actionable insights for draft junkies and front office nerds alike, blending scout-level detail with real-time league intelligence and debate—no fluff, just football.