Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Senior Bowl Day One Takeaways: Could Jaxson Dart Rise? Plus, Azaria Thomas Shines"

Release Date: January 29, 2025
Host: Todd McShay
Presented by: The Ringer

Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, Todd McShay and co-host Steve Mensch delve into the first day of practice at the Senior Bowl, analyzing standout performances, potential draft prospects, and key takeaways for the upcoming NFL Draft. The discussion primarily focuses on quarterbacks, offensive linemen, wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs, providing listeners with in-depth evaluations and insights.

Quarterbacks Analysis

Jackson Dart – Ole Miss

Jackson Dart emerged as a central figure in the discussion, with both hosts analyzing his performance and potential rise in draft rankings.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [04:34]: Todd McShay notes, “I thought Jackson Dart was okay. Could have been a little more consistent.”
  • Timestamp [05:53]: Todd elaborates on Dart’s improvement, stating, “He is processing things better than I expected. He has more command at the line of scrimmage.”

• Potential Rise:

  • Timestamp [04:31]: Steve Mensch posits, “Can Ole Miss quarterback Jackson Dart work his way into QB2 with a great week here at the Senior Bowl?”
  • Timestamp [68:17]: Todd reaffirms excitement about Dart’s potential, “There's a lot of buzz... I want to see him become like, take over this team.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [17:09]: Steve Mensch comments, “It was interesting... this shows the urgency being pulled aside in a hallway.”

Jalen Milroe – Alabama

Jalen Milroe’s performance raised concerns regarding his accuracy, despite his renowned mobility and deep ball prowess.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [04:58]: Todd remarks, “I wouldn’t use the word disappointed, but it wasn’t the start that I was hoping for.”
  • Timestamp [10:06]: Todd describes Milroe’s day as “a struggle” with “accuracy” issues.

• Strengths and Weaknesses:

  • Timestamp [17:43]: Steve highlights Milroe’s dual-threat capability, “His greatest strength is his mobility,” but notes his short to intermediate passing as a red flag.

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [17:09]: Steve concludes, “The first day of practice at the Senior Bowl for Jaylen Milroe was an absolute struggle with his accuracy.”

Dylan Gabriel – Oregon

Dylan Gabriel impressed with his arm strength, surpassing expected metrics and drawing comparisons to established NFL quarterbacks.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [20:55]: Steve states, “Gabriel has a stronger arm than Josh Allen.”

• Technological Insights:

  • Timestamp [20:56]: Discussion on Zebra technology reveals Gabriel’s “initial air speed of 74.9 mph,” significantly higher than combine numbers.

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [22:12]: Todd acknowledges, “Gabriel has a stronger than Josh Allen.”

Offensive Linemen Analysis

Gray Zabel – North Dakota State

Gray Zabel stood out with his competitive spirit and quickness, making significant impressions on his performance.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [31:18]: Todd praises Zabel’s competitiveness, “He was trying to get every rep that he could.”
  • Timestamp [32:15]: Steve discusses Zabel’s versatility, “He could play center and guard, saving roster spots for teams.”

• Physical Attributes:

  • Timestamp [31:30]: Steve mentions Zabel’s arm length as “32 and a quarter inches,” noting its adequacy for guard positions.

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [31:45]: Todd emphasizes Zabel’s work ethic, “He was trying like one on one team. He was trying to get as many reps as he could.”

Virginia Tech Defensive Tackle

The Virginia Tech defensive tackle impressed with his quickness and disruptive play despite being undersized.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [33:34]: Todd notes, “He was living in the backfield from the very beginning. He was fired up and excited.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [34:21]: Steve states, “Nobody wants to see Walter Nolan on the offensive side. He’s just a problem.”

Wide Receivers Analysis

Jalen Noel – Iowa State

Jalen Noel showcased impressive route-running and ball-catching abilities, earning praise for his "pluck and run" style.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [28:03]: Steve praises Noel’s route running, “He was a player who could get off the line of scrimmage when they tried to press him.”

• Challenges:

  • Timestamp [45:09]: Todd attributes some struggles to facing a tough cornerback, “Azaria Thomas from Florida State."

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [45:27]: Steve concludes, “It was that, like Cam Ward game was outrageous. But I want to see...”

Tez Johnson – Oregon

Tez Johnson displayed exceptional toughness and quickness, though concerns remain regarding his size.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [53:10]: Steve commends Johnson’s toughness, “Unbelievable toughness... great competitor.”

• Concerns:

  • Timestamp [52:35]: Todd raises size concerns, “He was banged up this year... when you're looking at a receiver that size.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [52:36]: Steve suggests, “He’s probably going to be a third-round pick because of his size.”

Tight Ends Analysis

Terence Ferguson – Oregon

Terence Ferguson dazzled with his seamless route execution and natural movement, positioning himself as a top-performing tight end.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [58:04]: Todd describes Ferguson’s performance, “He made the difficult look easy... really smooth and effortless.”

• Comparisons and Standout Traits:

  • Ferguson is likened to elite tight ends for his ability to “make it look easy” and reliable hands.

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [58:33]: Steve emphasizes Ferguson’s prowess, “He made the difficult look easy. Everything's with ease, reliable, gets open.”

Running Backs Analysis

Burchard Smith – SMU

Burchard Smith impressed with his fluid movement and smooth gliding capabilities, distinguishing himself from his peers.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [63:52]: Steve notes, “He was so smooth in his movements... he was just so smooth.”

• Standout Traits:

  • Smith’s ability to glide effortlessly and advance continuously set him apart.

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [65:13]: Todd remarks on Smith’s agility, “Careful what you wish for.”

Defensive Backs Analysis

Azaria Thomas – Florida State

Azaria Thomas was highlighted as the best defensive player of the day, showcasing exceptional tracking and movement skills.

• Performance Evaluation:

  • Timestamp [45:06]: Steve praises Thomas, “He was the best player on the field that I saw today.”

• Technical Skills:

  • Thomas demonstrated “easy speed” and “sharp breaks,” making him a top contender for a top 25 draft pick.

• Notable Quote:

  • Timestamp [47:12]: Steve concludes, “That's what I see in him. And so is there a starting role in the NFL for him? I'm not sure.”

Off-the-Field Insights

Throughout the episode, Todd McShay and Steve Mensch touch upon off-the-field factors influencing player performances, such as injuries, personal tragedies, and players’ mental fortitude.

• Jack Besh’s Story:

  • Timestamp [51:07]: Steve shares Jack Besh’s inspiring comeback after his brother’s tragic death, highlighting his resilience and determination.

• Player Health and Preparation:

  • Concerns about players maintaining their physical condition post-injury are discussed, emphasizing the importance of strength and conditioning.

Conclusions and Takeaways

The first day of the Senior Bowl practice provided both highlights and areas of concern across various positions. Quarterbacks like Jackson Dart and Jalen Milroe show potential but need to address consistency and accuracy. Offensive linemen such as Gray Zabel demonstrate strong competitiveness, while wide receivers like Jalen Noel and Tez Johnson offer dynamic playmaking abilities despite size concerns.

Tight ends, particularly Terence Ferguson, are emerging as standout prospects with natural abilities that could translate well to the NFL. Running backs like Burchard Smith showcase unique movement skills that set them apart. Defensive backs, especially Azaria Thomas, are proving to be top-tier talents ready for draft consideration.

Notable Insights:

• Arm Strength vs. Live Throws: The importance of evaluating quarterbacks’ arm strength in live scenarios rather than solely relying on tape metrics.
• Player Development: Observing how players progress over the next few days of practice will be crucial in determining their draft stock.
• Versatility and Competitiveness: Players who exhibit versatility and a competitive spirit are more likely to stand out and succeed at the professional level.

Upcoming Episodes: Todd McShay and Steve Mensch hint at deeper dives into practices over the next two days, mock drafts, and exclusive interviews with NFL General Managers, promising listeners continued comprehensive coverage leading up to the NFL Draft.

Notable Quotes

• “He is processing things better than I expected. He has more command at the line of scrimmage.” — Todd McShay [05:53]

• “The first day of practice at the Senior Bowl for Jaylen Milroe was an absolute struggle with his accuracy.” — Steve Mensch [17:09]

• “He made the difficult look easy. Everything's with ease, reliable, gets open.” — Steve Mensch [58:33]

• “He was so smooth in his movements... he was just so smooth.” — Steve Mensch [65:13]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the Senior Bowl’s initial day, spotlighting key players and providing listeners with valuable insights into their potential NFL trajectories. Todd McShay and Steve Mensch’s expertise shines through as they dissect performances, blending statistical analysis with personal observations to paint a vivid picture of the draft prospects’ current standing.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming episodes that will continue to unpack the developments at the Senior Bowl, with actionable mock drafts and exclusive industry interviews.

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