Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Shedeur to the Browns? Plus, the 2025 Running Back Deep Dive"

Release Date: March 17, 2025

Hosts: Todd McShay and Tucker

1. Shedeur Sanders Potential Move to the Cleveland Browns

In the opening segment, Todd McShay and Tucker delve into the intriguing possibility of Shedeur Sanders being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the upcoming NFL Draft. This discussion centers around the strategic fit Sanders might have within the Browns' current roster and the broader implications for the team's future.

Key Points:

• Team Needs and Constraints: The Browns are grappling with their quarterback situation, primarily due to the onerous contract of Deshaun Watson. This financial burden restricts their cap space, making the selection of Sanders—a quarterback on a rookie contract—a potentially strategic move.

  Todd McShay [17:01]: "We know Cam Ward's expected to be the number one overall pick. Given everything, I truly believe Shedeur Sanders is in play with that number two pick for the Cleveland Browns."

• Sanders’ Fit with the Browns: Sanders is perceived as a solid, if not elite, quarterback prospect. His skill set aligns with what Browns' head coach Kevin Stefanski has successfully utilized in the past, transforming pocket passers into effective game managers.

  Tucker [18:54]: "He has to be [picked by the Browns] for all the reasons you mentioned for the need."

• Comparative Analysis of Other Teams: The discussion also touches upon other teams like Tennessee and the Giants, assessing their potential interest in Sanders based on their draft positions and existing team dynamics.

  Todd McShay [21:24]: "There's at least one team, maybe two, that's not on the list because of the organization."

Conclusion: The Browns are likely to prioritize securing a quarterback like Sanders to alleviate their current roster constraints and build a sustainable future.

2. The 2025 Running Back Class Deep Dive

Transitioning from quarterbacks, Todd and Tucker shift focus to the 2025 running back class, which they herald as one of the strongest in NFL draft history. This segment breaks down the running back prospects into distinct tiers, providing comprehensive evaluations of each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential NFL impact.

Key Points:

Tier 1: Blue Chip Prospects

• Ashton Jinty

  Ashton is lauded for his exceptional ability to break tackles and his remarkable vision on the field. Despite concerns over pass protection, his explosive running style and efficiency make him the top prospect in this class.

  Tucker [37:18]: "His ability to break tackles... impossible to tackle the man."

• Omarion Hampton

  Hampton complements Jinty with his power and agility, making him a formidable force both in the run and passing games.

Tier 2: Versatile Performers

• Trayvon Henderson & Quinshawn Judkins

  Both are recognized for their explosive running capabilities and improved vision, positioning them as strong contenders in the early rounds.

• Caleb Johnson & Cameron Scatterboo

  Johnson is praised for his efficient yards per carry and strong pass-catching abilities, while Scatterboo stands out for his ruggedness and versatility.

Tier 3: High Potential Backups

• RJ Harvey, Dylan Sampson, DJ Giddens, Jordan James

  These players are seen as dynamic assets who can contribute significantly in specialized roles, with Harvey and Sampson being particularly noteworthy for their explosive playmaking abilities.

Tier 4: Early Down Power Backs

• Brashard Smith, Bashul Tutin, Damien Martinez, Devin Neal, Quinn Allen, Trevor Etienne, Jaden Blues Burner, Marcus Yarner Burner

  These prospects bring specific strengths, such as pass protection and downhill running, making them valuable depth pieces for teams looking to bolster their backfield.

Comparative Insights:

Todd and Tucker compare the 2025 RB class to historic cohorts, citing the 2017 draft as a benchmark for excellence. They argue that the current class surpasses past iterations in depth and versatility.

Todd McShay [30:21]: "This is arguably the best running back class in the history of the draft."

Notable Player Comparisons:

• Ashton Jinty is likened to top-tier backs like Alvin Kamara and Saquon Barkley due to his dual-threat capabilities.

• Trayvon Henderson draws comparisons to Bucky Irving for his compact build and elusive running style.

Conclusion: The depth and talent of the 2025 running back class offer NFL teams a wealth of options, enabling strategic drafting based on specific team needs and offensive schemes.

3. Key Insights and Conclusions

The episode concludes with Todd and Tucker reflecting on the unparalleled depth of the current running back class and its implications for NFL teams. They emphasize the importance of nuanced tape analysis over mere statistical evaluation, underscoring the complexity of player assessment in the modern draft landscape.

Key Insights:

• Tape Over Metrics: Both hosts advocate for a thorough examination of game tape, highlighting how physical traits like size and speed must be contextualized within a player's actual performance and technical proficiency.

  Todd McShay [97:02]: "It has to be the tape. That's got to be the foundation."

• Strategic Drafting: With the robust RB class, teams have the flexibility to draft running backs in the middle to later rounds without sacrificing overall team competitiveness, allowing for the selection of true value prospects.

• Upcoming Mock Draft: The hosts tease their forthcoming mock draft scheduled for Thursday, promising continued in-depth analysis and strategic projections.

  Todd McShay [104:56]: "Subscribe to the McShay Report. Google it if you don't know where to get it and you'll have the first thing you wake up Thursday morning. It will be there and our podcast will also be there."

Closing Thoughts:

Todd and Tucker express their enthusiasm and dedication to providing comprehensive draft coverage, emphasizing their commitment to deep analytical dives that benefit both casual fans and dedicated followers of the NFL Draft.

Tucker [90:35]: "It's just fun to watch this entire class."

Todd McShay [104:56]: "We appreciate everyone taking the time."

Notable Quotes

• Todd McShay [17:01]: "We know Cam Ward's expected to be the number one overall pick. Given everything, I truly believe Shedeur Sanders is in play with that number two pick for the Cleveland Browns."

• Tucker [37:18]: "His ability to break tackles... impossible to tackle the man."

• Todd McShay [30:21]: "This is arguably the best running back class in the history of the draft."

• Todd McShay [97:02]: "It has to be the tape. That's got to be the foundation."

• Todd McShay [104:56]: "Subscribe to the McShay Report. Google it if you don't know where to get it and you'll have the first thing you wake up Thursday morning. It will be there and our podcast will also be there."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The McShay Show provides a comprehensive analysis of both quarterback and running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, with a particular emphasis on the potential impact of Shedeur Sanders on the Cleveland Browns and the exceptional depth of the current running back class. Todd McShay and Tucker offer in-depth evaluations, strategic insights, and passionate commentary, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intricacies of NFL Draft scouting and team-building strategies.

For more detailed mock drafts, rankings, and exclusive content, subscribe to The McShay Report here.