Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "The Draft Mailbag Special!"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Draft Mailbag Special!
• Host/Author: Todd McShay and co-host Mitch (Mitch's full name likely provided in the podcast)
• Release Date: April 18, 2025
• Description: In this special mailbag episode, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay and co-host Mitch tackle a multitude of listener-submitted questions as the NFL Draft approaches. From evaluating top prospects to dissecting team strategies, Todd and Mitch provide in-depth insights into the complexities of NFL drafting.

1. Introduction to the Draft Mailbag Special

Todd McShay [00:00]:

• Announces the special mailbag episode, highlighting the overwhelming number of questions received from listeners.
• Emphasizes the show's commitment to answering diverse and team-specific inquiries as the draft nears.
• Mention of "Hollands Opus," a comprehensive collection of mailbag responses to be released later.

Notable Quote:

“We’ve got so many damn questions. Great questions. And I can’t... I’m going to be fully committed to this draft.”
[00:00]

2. Common Threads Among Successful Drafting Teams

Listener Question (Justin) [08:43]:

“When you look back at all the time you’ve been covering the draft, what are the common threads for the teams that consistently perform the best? Is there an organizational and process model that sticks out or are there a few ways to do it that can work?”

Todd McShay [08:44]:

• Quarterback Priority: Emphasizes the importance of landing a franchise quarterback, as teams like the Ravens, Packers, Chiefs, and Bills have thrived with consistent QB selections.

  “If you identify that, you get... If you and your head coach and your offensive coordinator are lockstep on a guy, whatever it takes, go get him.”
  [09:17]

• Defensive Picks Post-QB: Once a QB is secured, top organizations often focus on defensive linemen and cornerbacks early in drafts to bolster their defenses.

  “It's remarkable, the trend of immediately flipping to the defensive side of the ball, typically with defensive linemen and cornerbacks early in drafts.”
  [12:23]

• Patience and Consistency: Successful teams exhibit patience, allowing scouting departments to build upon continuity and established evaluation processes.

  “The organizations that make the biggest mistakes are the impatient ones.”
  [15:16]

Co-Host Mitch [09:14]:

“You gotta stay true to yourself. You have to stay true to yourself.”

3. Mason Graham’s Draft Position Analysis

Listener Question (Matt) [17:26]:

“Why is Mason Graham fallen out of the running at number four when he’s still considered a blue chip and possibly a top three player in the draft?”

Todd McShay [17:29]:

• Historical Context: References the last defensive tackles drafted in the top five, noting their physical attributes and performance.

  “Both of them run sub 5 second 40s. Both of them had longer arms.”
  [20:56]

• Physical Attributes vs. Draft Trends: Suggests that despite Mason Graham being a top-tier defensive tackle, his measurables (e.g., arm length, speed) might not align with recent top-five selections, influencing his draft position.

  “Sometimes it can just come down to who’s making that call.”
  [23:34]

Co-Host Mitch [20:14]:

“They’re both the last two top five interior defensive linemen.”

4. Building the Ideal Edge Rusher

Listener Question (Doug) [24:36]:

“Can you explain what 31-inch arms on an offensive lineman or defensive lineman means? What’s the specific physical advantage to having longer arms at those positions?”

Co-Host Mitch [24:36]:

• Technical Advantages: Discusses how longer arms aid in hand-to-hand combat, allowing players to create separation or disrupt offensive linemen effectively.

  “You can shoot your punch and you can take time that punch up and kind of disrupt that momentum.”
  [24:58]

Todd McShay [32:45]:

• Player Traits Integration: Combines various traits from draft prospects to conceptualize the best possible edge rusher.

  “Frame and length of Mikel. First step burst and speed of Pierce. Redirect of Jaylen...”
  [32:45]

Notable Quote:

“Frame and length of Mikel, first step burst and speed like that explosive burst... violent hands of Mike Green.”
[32:45]

5. Evaluating Cornerbacks: Nickel vs. Outside Corners

Listener Question (Chad) [34:58]:

“When you're evaluating corners, what are you looking for to determine if someone is a nickel slot or an outside corner? Also, although people like Jade Baron and Jacob Parrish to be used best as nickel, I think they have the chops to match up on the outside.”

Todd McShay [36:01]:

• Nickel Corner Characteristics: Quickness, fluidity, toughness, and the ability to defend against the run and cover versatile slot receivers.

  “A nickel would be quicker, more fluid, still tough.”
  [37:40]

• Outside Corner Requirements: Length and physicality to reroute larger receivers and handle press coverage effectively.

  “Length and speed. The 40 time combined with the arm length.”
  [38:18]

Co-Host Mitch [35:59]:

“Dre Bly was a real physical corner... He was a guy that could match up on the outside even though he wasn’t taller.”

6. Comparing Jinty with Bijan Robinson

Listener Question (Brian) [43:11]:

“Can you compare and contrast Jinty with Bijan Robinson? Last two blue chip running backs? Despite being two different styles of running back, they're both considered top running back prospects.”

Todd McShay [50:07]:

• Running Style: Highlights Jinty's compact running style with vision and power, likening him to LaDainian Tomlinson, whereas Bijan Robinson excels in route-running and versatility.

  “His run style reminds me of a lot, maybe just because they're kind of shorter, compact... power.”
  [47:45]

• NFL Impact Potential: Emphasizes the devaluation of running backs in modern drafts but underscores that exceptional talent like Jinty and Robinson can transcend trends.

  “Talent trumps trends every time, bro.”
  [46:43]

Co-Host Mitch [45:35]:

“That’s definitely a thing. Yep.”

7. Drafting Offensive Linemen: Challenges and Strategies

Listener Question (Blake) [58:07]:

“As a Bengals fan, we’ve struggled to draft impactful offensive linemen for quite some time. Why do certain organizations have specific positions they excel at drafting while falling short at other areas?”

Todd McShay [58:45]:

• Position-Specific Challenges: Acknowledges the complexity of consistently drafting offensive linemen due to their limited pool of elite prospects and the physical demands of the position.

  “There’s just not many human beings that size and with the drive to excel.”
  [63:39]

• Skill Set Integration: Highlights that offensive linemen are among the smartest players on the field, second only to quarterbacks, making their evaluation highly specialized.

  “They’re the second smartest people in the offensive line.”
  [63:41]

• Team Needs and Draft Position: Discusses how teams often fail to draft offensive linemen early due to their scarcity and the high demand for other positions like quarterbacks.

  “Unless you played football at a high level... you’re not coming across many of those humans.”
  [63:44]

Co-Host Mitch [60:23]:

“You're only kind of handcuffed by where you are picking in the draft and what kind of talent is available at that position.”

8. Comparing Tight Ends: Brock Bowers vs. Peers

Listener Question (Kyle) [74:58]:

“What does Brock Bowers do so well that current draft prospects like Loveland and Warren can’t? What do they need to improve to get to his level? Is it even possible that they can?”

Todd McShay [74:58]:

• Separation and Ball Handling: Praises Bowers' unparalleled ability to separate from defenders and his exceptional skills in securing the football.

  “He separates like no other tight end... he’s outrageously good with the ball in his hands.”
  [65:53]

• Comparative Analysis: Contrasts Bowers with Loveland and Warren, noting that while Loveland excels in route-running and Warren in power, Bowers combines explosive pass-catching with route precision.

  “Riley Leonard’s commitment will be in the quarterback room. He can bring that mobility to the table.”
  [67:35]

• Future Potential: Expresses confidence in Loveland’s ability to become a significant playmaker in the NFL, similar to established stars if healthy.

  “I will be shocked if he’s not one of the top five, seven impact pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.”
  [67:35]

Co-Host Mitch [65:07]:

“Brock Bowers had... amazing explosive separation from defenders."

9. Teams Likely to Trade Up for QBs

Listener Question (Blake+) [73:11]:

“Which team do you think is most likely to trade back into, should trade up into the first round for a quarterback?”

Todd McShay [71:33]:

• Targeted Teams: Identifies the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints as the primary candidates likely to trade up for a top quarterback prospect.

  “New York Giants, the New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns.”
  [71:33]

• Trade Dynamics: Discusses how these teams are actively engaging with potential quarterback prospects through private workouts and personal engagements.

  “They’re sending these quarterbacks not named Cam Ward installs, and they’re testing their brain and they’re taking them out to dinner.”
  [72:23]

Co-Host Mitch [71:26]:

“The Giants are probably because the situation with the front office and the coaching staff.”

10. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Plans

Todd McShay [75:39]:

• Commitment to the Draft: Reiterates his dedication to providing comprehensive draft analysis and responding to listener questions, promising upcoming detailed segments during draft week.

  “This is our appreciation. Great questions. Please check that.”
  [75:07]

Co-Host Mitch [75:31]:

“Your job is a lot harder than mine, man. I don’t know how you do it.”

Closing Remarks [76:27]:

• Live Stream Promotion: Encourages listeners to join the upcoming live stream covering draft night, aiming for 100,000 viewers.

  “Let’s hit 100k together. Let’s have a big first night of the draft.”
  [76:27]

Conclusion

In "The Draft Mailbag Special," Todd McShay and Mitch delve deep into listener questions, offering expert analysis on drafting strategies, player evaluations, and team-specific challenges. From prioritizing quarterbacks to the nuanced differences in defensive and offensive positions, the episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fans and analysts alike as the NFL Draft approaches.

Notable Takeaways:

• Quarterback Selection: Remains paramount for sustained team success.
• Position-Specific Drafting: Understanding the unique demands and traits required for positions like defensive linemen, cornerbacks, and offensive linemen is crucial.
• Patience and Consistency: Successful organizations exhibit patience and maintain consistency in their drafting processes.
• Player Evaluation: Physical attributes, skill sets, and fit within team schemes are critical in determining draft positions and potential success.
• Trade Strategies: Teams with front-office stability and clear leadership are more likely to make strategic trades to secure top prospects.

Quote to Remember:

“Talent trumps trends every time, bro.”
[46:43]

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