The McShay Show – The 2025 NFL Redraft: A New QB1, Hunter Hindsight, and the Pats Pass on Campbell

Host: Todd McShay
Co-host: Mensch
Date: December 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This festive edition of The McShay Show brings listeners the second annual holiday NFL Redraft. Todd McShay and co-host Mensch reimagine the first 16 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, using a full season of rookie performances and hindsight to shuffle prospects and franchises. The episode delivers candid evaluations, insights into team needs, and a blend of holiday humor, all wrapped up in rapid-fire debate about prospects who soared, struggled, or sparked surprise throughout their rookie seasons.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redraft Parameters and Setup

• Entire 2024 NFL Draft class is eligible for selection.
• The same picking order is kept as last year, post-trades, to preserve team needs and context.
• The exercise emphasizes both rookie performance and continuing player potential.

"We're going to redraft it. Everyone's available and I think they're going to see some major shuffles."
— McShay (05:51)

2. Quarterback Audibles: A New QB1 Emerges

• Surprise at No. 1:
  McShay selects Tyler Shuck (Louisville) for the Tennessee Titans, elevating him above more conventionally hyped QBs like Jackson Dart or Cam Ward due to Shuck's resilience and production with a depleted supporting cast.

“If you're just dropped on this planet starting in September and you watch the whole season at this point… who's been the best quarterback? Tyler Shuck.”
— McShay (07:18)

• Debate Over QB Prospects:
  Mensch prefers Jackson Dart at No. 1, appreciating Dart's overall tools, but stands by his prior evaluation of Cam Ward as the best prospect, arguing Ward was hampered by a poor supporting cast and bad team fit.
  • Both agree that, despite flaws and disappointing stretches, this class’s top QBs wouldn't last past pick No. 7.

“I would go to Jackson Dart here. I think he's the better overall quarterback.”
— Mensch (08:10)

3. Defensive Reorder: Edges and Linebackers Skyrocket

• Abdul Carter (Edge) to the Jaguars at No. 2:
  Mensch bypasses flashy, multi-role playmaker Travis Hunter, insisting Carter’s disruptive traits outshine his sack stats.

"I think he's the most talented edge rusher in that class… He's been more productive than the sack numbers suggest or more disruptive."
— Mensch (11:29)

• Jalen Walker (Edge) to Giants at No. 3:
  McShay emphasizes scarcity and Walker's intangible leadership, noting his NFL success exceeded even high expectations.

• James Pierce and Carson Swessinger Quickly Off the Board:
  The hosts note how positional value and on-field impact push these defenders up compared to their original slots.

4. Offensive Line Shuffle: Campbell Dethroned from New England

• Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT) to Patriots at No. 4:
  Mensch stuns by passing on Will Campbell—who originally anchored New England’s turnaround—favoring Banks’ late-season performance and upward trajectory.

"My job as New England GM is to take the best left tackle that I could possibly get. And looking back on it now, it's Kelvin Banks Jr."
— Mensch (18:25)

• Campbell falls to Cleveland at No. 5, reinforcing a renewed emphasis on rebuilding the trenches.

5. Skill Position Value and Wide Receiver Debates

• Tetairoa McMillan (WR), Emeka Egbuka, and Tight Ends Fly Up the Board:
  Carolina sticks with McMillan, validating his breakout and fit with the Panthers.

• Tight End Talk:
  Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland are closely analyzed for scheme fit, with Warren going to the Colts at 14, Loveland to Atlanta at 15.

  • Ben Johnson’s scheme is cited as a perfect match for Loveland’s skills.

"Tyler Warren's been better than Colson Loveland. I don't think there's any doubt about it."
— Mensch (38:09)

6. Self-Reflection and Evaluator Hindsight

• Honesty About Misses and Hits:
  McShay and Mensch repeatedly reference preseason rankings, celebrating their foresight on Shuck and Pierce, while admitting mistakes (e.g., underrating Kelvin Banks and McMillan).

"I ate it. That's kind of why I just—I had to get him in early, just to hear you."
— Mensch (29:45)

7. Notable Players Falling Out or Trending Down

• Travis Hunter untouched in Top 16:
  Surprise omission sparks debate about role, production, and health/toughness concerns.

• Running Back Ashton Genti and Omarion Hampton Go Unpicked:
  Despite talent, RBs slide due to positional value.

8. The Podcast’s Best Fits and Hindsight Favorites

• Host’s Favorite Fits:
  • McShay: Tyler Shuck to Tennessee
  • Mensch: Tetairoa McMillan to Carolina

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On QB Value and Team-Building:
  “It just doesn’t work without a quarterback.”
  — McShay (28:49)

• On the Shock of New Top Picks:
  “You might say it was Tyler Shuck… the Saints were involved in the two most shocking moves in this 2025 redraft.”
  — McShay (33:05)

• On Evaluating Environments vs. Prospect Talent:
  “I am more likely to say it's their environment more than it is the player at this point in the process.”
  — Mensch (34:31)

• On Will Campbell vs. Kelvin Banks Debate:
  “Santa doesn’t give a gift and then come in and say, I’m taking your gift away.”
  — Mensch (17:06)
  “He’s been an outstanding left tackle… Will Campbell’s been great for the Patriots this year.”
  — Mensch (20:00)

Timestamps for Top Segments

• [06:23] – No. 1 Pick: Tyler Shuck to Tennessee
• [08:10] – Mensch pushes for Jackson Dart as top QB
• [11:17] – Abdul Carter taken by Jaguars at No. 2
• [13:44] – Giants take Jalen Walker (Edge)
• [16:13] – Patriots’ O-Line dilemma: Banks vs. Campbell
• [18:25] – Kelvin Banks Jr. selected over Campbell
• [22:10] – Campbell falls to Browns at No. 5
• [23:43] – Cam Ward as Miami’s QB solution
• [26:58] – Jets select Jackson Dart at No. 7
• [28:55] – Carolina sticks with McMillan at No. 8
• [36:57] – Saints grab James Pierce (Edge)
• [38:09] – Tight end debate: Warren vs. Loveland
• [44:44] – 49ers take Emeka Egbuka
• [46:45] – Cowboys go off-script for Swessinger (LB)
• [48:25] – Dolphins nab DT Walter Nolan
• [53:43] – Full redraft recap

2025 Redraft Top 16 Results

| Pick | Team | Selection | Position | Original Team | Analyst(s) Highlights | |------|------------|-------------------------|-----------|--------------|-----------------------------------| | 1 | Titans | Tyler Shuck | QB | Saints | Rise to QB1, rookie resilience | | 2 | Jaguars | Abdul Carter | Edge | | Disruptive traits, upside | | 3 | Giants | Jalen Walker | Edge | Falcons | Leadership, versatility | | 4 | Patriots | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | Saints | Replaces Campbell, rising stock | | 5 | Browns | Will Campbell | OT | Patriots | Trench rebuild | | 6 | Raiders | Cam Ward | QB | | High ceiling, needs incubation | | 7 | Jets | Jackson Dart | QB | | Upside, but injury worries | | 8 | Panthers | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | | Immediate fit and impact | | 9 | Saints | James Pierce | Edge | Falcons | Sack leader among rookies | | 10 | Bears | Mason Graham | DT | Browns | Best DT left, value pick | | 11 | 49ers | Emeka Egbuka | WR | | YAC, system fit | | 12 | Cowboys | Carson Swessinger | ILB | | Playmaker, fills major need | | 13 | Dolphins | Walter Nolan | DT | | Physical interior presence | | 14 | Colts | Tyler Warren | TE | | Chain-mover & red zone threat | | 15 | Falcons | Colston Loveland | TE | | Scheme fit, high ceiling | | 16 | Cardinals | Armand Membu | OT | Jets | Right tackle solution |

Final Reflections

• Quarterback Value Even in Weak Classes:
  Despite warts, the top three QBs (Shuck, Dart, Ward) all make the top seven—proof teams cannot function without hope under center.

• Shifting Positional Priories:
  Edges and offensive tackles continue to rise in value.
  RBs and “tweeners” like Travis Hunter (hampered by injury and unclear role) slide.

• Self-Audit is Key:
  Both hosts stress the necessity of acknowledging previous evaluation mistakes and adapting with new information.

• Holiday Spirit and Reflection:
  Throughout, heartfelt thanks are given to listeners and the show's production family, with hosts embracing the tradition, humility, and humor—making the “second annual redraft” a highlight of the McShay Show calendar.

For New Listeners

If you missed the episode, the above recap provides a thorough guided tour of the logic, debates, and outcomes from the 2025 NFL Redraft. The dialogue is honest, sometimes self-deprecating, and always rooted in the unique blend of analysis and personality that defines The McShay Show.