The McShay Show – Senior Bowl Day Two Takeaways: Edges Steal the Show, QB Quick-Hitters, and Breakout Prospects to Know

Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Todd McShay (A) with analyst/guest (B)
Podcast: The Ringer – The McShay Show

Episode Overview

Todd McShay and his co-host break down the second day of practices at the 2026 Senior Bowl, highlighting early standouts, quarterback evaluations, and under-the-radar prospects. Through hands-on reporting from the sideline and direct observations, they share real-time takeaways on how top NFL Draft hopefuls performed – especially in key positional battles. The hosts specifically call out a strong showing from edge rushers, dish deep on the QB class, and spotlight prospects with draft stock on the rise or in question after Day 2.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Senior Bowl Context & Programming Notes

• Early shoutout to listeners and programming change: Show moves its live video stream to Netflix next Monday. (03:10)
• McShay’s reporting style: Emphasizes in-person, sideline evaluation, direct player/coach interactions, and granular practice observations for added depth beyond the tape.
• Weak 2026 QB Class backdrop: Sets expectation that the class isn’t loaded, making strong Senior Bowl week even more important.

2. Quarterback Quick-Hitters (07:00–24:00)

Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt, National Team)

• Measurements Surprise: Showed up at just 5'9” and 198 lbs. Scouts expected shorter, but weight a bit more than anticipated. Arm/hands measurements "about average for QB". (04:11)
• NFL Projection skepticism:
  “I don’t think Diego Pavia can play quarterback in the NFL. Let’s just get it out of the way.” — Todd McShay (05:55)
• Positives: “Unbelievable instincts… cool under pressure… senses when pressure’s coming, knows how to get the ball out.”
• But major concern: “When you watch him out there, you just start to wonder, are the limitations going to be too much at the next level?” (06:47)
• Comparison to Kyler Murray: “Kyler was a unique talent that was able to play at that size… If you’re Pavia, you don’t have that same skillset.” — (07:27, B)

Sawyer Robertson (Baylor, National Team)

• Physical tools: Big QB (6'3½”, 221 lbs), arm talent, mobility.
• Practice impressions: “The most physically gifted in that session… layers the ball well… I want to see him rip it.” — McShay (09:57)
• Projection: “Feels like a mid-round jewel. Threw for a lot of yards. Layers the ball well. Some mobility, competitive, tough.”

Cole Payton (North Dakota State, National Team)

• Pleasant surprise: “If you were dropped on this planet and didn’t know anything about any of these quarterbacks, at the end of the day, he probably had the most consistent practice.” — McShay (11:34)
• Physicality: Lefty, good build. “Ball came out really well… had a great day in terms of just helping himself.” — (12:01, B)
• Potential to rise: Could benefit from the ‘room at the top’ in the weak QB class.

American Team QBs: Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Luke Altmeyer (Illinois), Taylor Greene (Arkansas)

• Nussmeier & Altmeyer: “In command... Altmeyer even more in command than Nussmeier.” — McShay (14:06)
• Altmeyer’s efficiency: “He’s just very steady… watching him break the huddle, the efficiency, the reads… I’m falling for him a little bit more.” — McShay (17:52)
• Resilience & “onions”: “He’s got onions… really comfortable in those fourth-quarter moments.” — (15:52, B)
• Taylor Greene — the wild card: “The good Lord only makes a few of these… 6’6”, 229lb, big arm, mobile… but as a passer, he’s just not there.” — (14:35)
• QB Coach observations: Praise for Nussmeier’s arm talent and short memory (learning from mistakes), and special efficiency for Altmeyer.

Notable QB Practice Stories

• McShay is right in the huddle: “I had a really unique opportunity standing literally like the play caller’s here, the quarterbacks are here, the huddle’s right there…” (16:28)
• Phil Savage with the quote of the day regarding Nussmeier getting strip sacked during “no-contact” drills:

  “Poor guy comes down to the Senior Bowl, he’s still getting hit.”
  — Phil Savage (23:51)

• Summary: Day one matters for foundation, day two is about “the leap,” day three/red zone practice is the real differentiator.

3. Defensive Standouts & Edges Stealing the Show (24:39–35:43)

Lee Hunter (Auburn, DT, National Team)

• Dominant run presence: “You can’t move him… splits doubles, big, strong, powerful.”
• Relentless competitor: “He just kept wanting to get back in there, show what he can do. I thought he was outstanding.” — (25:16, B)
• “I’m worried we’re going to see him still here on Thursday… he’s on that level.” — McShay (26:27)
• Pass rush improvement: Noted he’s still developing finesse moves but best interior rusher “right now” among the group.

Colton Hood (Tennessee, CB, National Team)

• Fluid man cover skills: “His movement skills, ability to turn and run, man-man instincts… right away, now I get to see it.”
• Immediate improvement: “Learning on the job that day. One bit of NFL coaching technique, improves — he’s got a chance to be a lockdown corner.” — (30:20)
• Mental response: “Love the way he responded mentally… didn’t go in the tank.” — (30:33, B)

Derek Moore (Michigan, Edge, American Team)

• Explosive edge: “The way he extends his arms and snaps his hips as a speed-to-power guy, it’s explosive. He can uncoil on blockers.”
• Made a Big Statement: “Went right through [OT Markel Bell], knocked him on his back. That’s what Derek Moore does.” — (30:41)

Sam Roush (Stanford, TE)

• McShay’s favorite: “Sam Roush is quickly becoming one of my favorite players in the 2026 draft.” (32:33)
• Blocking & catching: “Find me a more physical, better blocker at tight end in this class… Inline blocker, hand in the dirt, head around, hands up, coordination.”
• Metaphor: “He’s oatmeal. Tight ends are oatmeal. It’s soothing, it’s comfort, it’s like you feel you got something nutritious.” — (34:17)
• McShay guarantees a long NFL career and a Super Bowl for Roush.

4. “Hold the Verdict” – Players With More to Prove (37:17–44:00)

Concept: Not immediate risers or fallers, but guys who left evaluators “wanting more.”
Two main examples:

Caleb Banks (Florida, DT)

• Physical dominance vs. technique: “Watching bag drills… he was him and everyone else… [but in practice] kept stalling out as a pass rusher today… just taken aback how underdeveloped he looked as a pass rusher.” — (39:44, B)
• Injury history: Only played ~70 snaps in 2025 due to injury.
• Long-term projection: “Right now, steps on an NFL field, he’s an impact player against the run. But you got to take him off on passing downs.” — McShay (40:43)

Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State, CB)

• Scheme fit issues: “He’s a tall, long-legged, kind of stiff hipped by comparison corner who’s just not going to match with quicker WRs.”
• Desire for response: “I want to see how he responds... he’s coming off such a great year, played so much better this year.” — (43:10)
• Past issues: “The penalties and the negative plays were so glaring [last year].”

5. Running Back Impressions (44:00–46:00)

• Adam Randall (Clemson): “Made this one cut and go, felt the cut lane, almost got tripped up then took off… big back, speed, contact balance, can catch.”
• Nicholas Singleton & Catron Allen (Penn State): Singleton: “Want to see Nicholas Singleton do Nicholas Singleton things the next couple days.” Allen: “Big, tough interior runner.”
• “Verdict’s still out on the running backs… first day, not a lot of one-on-one pass-catching reps, so we’ll see more.”

6. “Nudge Guys” – Prospects Who Flash & Draw In-Person Buzz (46:04–59:13)

Definition: Prospects who, while perhaps not big names, draw the “did you see that guy?” nudges from NFL scouts/GMs.

Ephesians Prysock (Washington, CB)

• Physical freak: “Absurd for a corner… almost 6’3”, huge arms, looks big and physical.”

Bryson Eason (Tennessee, DT)

• Hand/foot tie: “Has a plan attacking O-linemen… popped during one-on-ones.”
• Benefit of six years in one program: “You don’t get many of those anymore, and you see the technical polish as a result.” (49:02)
• Broader context: Churn of college transfers means less technique and “program polish” for many prospects.

Ted Hurst (Georgia State, WR)

• Small school, big play: “6032, 207. Over 1,000 receiving yards last year… today, he comes out against ACC, SEC corners making tough catches, including a highlight grab down the left rail.”
• “Player to watch… and number seven for the national team.” (52:21)

Ethan Onyanwu (Ohio State/Rice, OL)

• Lost starter: “Started 34 games at Rice… transferred to Ohio State, didn’t win a starting job, played in 13 games. But the frame (6’6”, 332, 34”+ arms) and movement intrigue.”
• “If I’m an OL coach, there might be a diamond in the rough.” — (53:58, B)

Scooby Williams (Texas A&M, LB)

• NFL athleticism: “That guy’s NFL. His athletic profile, the way he moves, range, coverage. Lower body flexion, coordination, bend—just natural.” — McShay (56:37)
• Production & Combine watch: Only played seven games due to injury but “I’m excited to see what he runs at the Combine.”

Monaray Baldwin (Baylor, WR)

• Unique build & after-catch skills: “6012, 223, big hands, almost 34” arms, returns punts. Big, thick, looks like a 1980s RB but returns punts, dangerous after catch.”
• “Needs to improve ball security, but tracks and adjusts well — last play of the day, TD catch, shows his confidence and upside.”

Offensive Line “Roles” (59:20–61:09)

• Bo Stevens (Iowa OL): “He’s the ‘unk’, the coach on the field.”
• Kaylin Rutledge (Georgia Tech OL): “He’s a prick.” (noted for chip and toughness)
• Sam Hacked (Kansas State OL): “The technician.”
• Demetrius Crownover (Texas A&M OL): “The dude today — best OL in morning session.”
• Jennings Dunker (Iowa OL): “Rep snatcher – will play out of position just to get additional snaps, always first in line.” (“He wasn’t best today but… I’m going to compete, every snap I can get.” – 61:05, B)

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Diego Pavia:
  “When you’re standing next to Diego Pavia — he’s small, I mean, he is small to the point where… [NFL backup?] I don’t think you want to put someone that small in that role…”
  — (07:00, B)

• On evaluating QB practice:
  “Being on the field and evaluating — how does the ball come out of their hand? How are they seeing? Physically, how do they stack up?”
  — (08:41, A)

• On Derek Moore going through a tackle:
  “Markel Bell… found out today. Derek Moore went right through him, knocked him on his back. That’s what Derek Moore does.”
  — (31:03, B)

• On Sam Roush (TE):
  “When you throw the ball to a tight end you trust, it’s like coming downstairs in a snowstorm, having warm oatmeal… tight ends are oatmeal.”
  — (34:17, A)

• On Ted Hurst (WR, nudge guy):
  “Who’s seven for Georgia State? Let’s do some work on him… catching verticals on ACC and SEC corners.”
  — (52:21, A)

• Offensive line role archetypes:
  “Jennings Dunker is the rep snatcher… always first in line… he wasn’t the best player today, but he was, ‘I’m gonna compete, take every snap I can get.’”
  — (61:09, B)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Notes about Senior Bowl week & content plans – 00:06–03:10
• QB weigh-ins, measurements (Pavia, Payton, Robertson) – 03:30–11:33
• More on QBs: Nussmeier, Altmeyer, Taylor Greene – 14:06–19:51
• QB coaching/teaching moments (including Phil Savage’s quote) – 19:51–24:39
• Defensive Standouts (Lee Hunter, Colton Hood, Derek Moore, Sam Roush) – 24:39–35:43
• “Hold the Verdict” segment (Banks, Igbinosun) – 37:17–44:00
• Running backs quick take – 44:00–46:00
• Nudge guys segment (Eason, Hurst, Williams, others) – 46:04–59:13
• Offensive line “roles” and wrap-up – 59:20–61:40

Tone & Final Takeaways

The show blends blunt, in-the-moment scouting with fun, analogical language (“oatmeal tight ends,” “rep snatchers”) and plenty of inside jokes and camaraderie between McShay and his co-host. It’s an essential listen for NFL Draft nerds, providing a rare, energetic insider look at the hidden gems, practice culture, and what real scouts are saying in the stands.

For More:

• Full mock drafts: McShay Report Newsletter