The McShay Show – "The Rough Draft, Week 7: Scouting Notes and NFL Comps for Fernando Mendoza, Arvell Reese, and More"

Date: October 9, 2025
Podcast: The McShay Show (The Ringer)
Host: Todd McShay
Guest: Industry friends, Chris Fowler
Main Theme:
The inaugural "Rough Draft" episode, a new Thursday staple, where Todd McShay and team deliver raw, early scouting evaluations on fast-rising college football prospects before the NFL Draft hype machine kicks into full swing. The episode features tape-driven takes on standouts like South Carolina QB Len'Noris Sellers, Ohio State LB Arvell Reese, Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, and more. Plus, a deep-dive conversation with broadcasting legend Chris Fowler previewing the upcoming Oklahoma-Texas Red River Rivalry, college atmospheres, and broader CFB storylines.

Episode Overview

• Purpose: Launching "Rough Draft" as a new weekly Thursday segment focused on real, unvarnished early scouting notes on future NFL prospects – not polished grades or mocks, but first impressions and what the tape actually shows before buzz or combine numbers cloud the picture.
• What’s Covered:
  • Six emerging college football players (spotlight on those climbing prospect boards, not just the pre-season big names)
  • Detailed positional breakdowns: strengths, weaknesses, comp projections
  • A special feature interview with Chris Fowler on the Red River Rivalry and College GameDay culture
  • Timestamps and key moments provided for easy reference

Key Discussion Points & Player Evaluations

1. Introduction to "Rough Draft"

[00:00–04:31]

• Todd lays out the mission: Early, honest draft notes based on film, not media narratives.
• Every week will feature prospects directly involved in the coming Saturday’s games.
• Example of late climbers: Cam Ward (went from 5th round grade to #1 overall pick), Jayden Daniels (skyrocketed in final year).

"Rough Draft isn't about final grades or mock drafts. It's about first impressions, the raw notes, the truth that lives on film before the media and combine hype starts."
— Todd McShay (00:40)

2. Scouting Fast-Risers: Six Prospects

a) Len'Noris Sellers, South Carolina QB

[04:31–08:38]

• Faces LSU this Saturday (7:45 PM, SEC Network).
• Physically gifted (6’3", 240 lbs—"big kid, thick lower body"), power runner, tough to sack.
• Improved touch, better in the pocket, efficiency up—but O-line and weapons lacking.
• Sometimes tries to play "hero ball" and forces the issue (see: sack vs. Virginia Tech opener).
• NFL Comparison: High ceiling—"If he's shorter, maybe a Jalen Hurts; if measurables hold up, Josh Allen-level upside."
• Next four games: Murderers’ Row (Oklahoma, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M) – a clear test.

"Len'Noris Sellers is still the top quarterback prospect in this draft despite everything around him."
— Co-Host (05:20)

"This is a big test because that LSU defense is significantly better... Now they go up against Sellers, a mobile quarterback, and they've had trouble with that in the past."
— Todd McShay (06:47)

b) Arvell Reese, Ohio State LB

[08:38–15:25]

• Social media’s new favorite, but legit—has been a revelation.
• Not on Feldman’s "Freaks" list, but clearly should be.
• Measurables: 6’4", 243 lbs, flies around, hard hitter, closes in space.
• Stats: 5 games, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBUs, 5 QB hurries.
• Flashes: Edge-rush usage up vs. Minnesota—adds to versatility.
• Not perfect: Needs more eye discipline, sometimes over-aggressive.
• NFL Draft context: First round off-ball linebackers rare, but Reese could break the mold if he keeps producing and adding edge snaps. Comp: Devin Lloyd.

"Sometimes when I'm watching him, I'm like, is he from this planet?"
— Todd McShay (10:48)

"I think this guy could be, could break the norm. I think he's that talented."
— Todd McShay (14:34)

c) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB

[15:25–18:31]

• Faces Oregon this Saturday (3:30 PM, CBS).
• RPO specialist, quick release, accurate YAC throws when in rhythm.
• Downfield touch is outstanding when mechanics are clean.
• Trouble off first read—accuracy drops when processing, gets flustered.
• Ceiling comp: Jared Goff (if everything breaks right, a strong day-two pick).
• Fluctuating stats: 91% completions vs. Illinois, but only 56% vs. Iowa/ODU.
• Not considered true "QB1" for this class yet.

"If you get him off his first read, whoa, whoa. It gets bad... I don't see a first-round quarterback, let alone quarterback one."
— Co-Host (17:43)

d) Cassius Howell, Texas A&M Edge

[21:53–25:09]

• Faces Florida (7:30 PM, ESPN).
• Background: Bowling Green transfer, emerged after prior stars left.
• Leads nation with seven sacks; multiple 3-sack games; SEC Defensive Player of the Week twice.
• 6’2", 249 lbs, explosive first step, variety of pass rush moves, plays bigger than listed.
• Noted: Could be day 2/early day 3 pick in deep edge class, but working into top-100 conversation.

"As a pass rusher, Cassius Howell is an attack dog... He's like a rabid dog chasing down someone."
— Todd McShay (23:20)

e) Makai Lemon, USC WR

[25:14–28:00]

• Faces Michigan (7:30 PM, NBC).
• On fire: Last two games—19 catches, 278 yards, 3 TDs.
• Not the biggest (5’11", 195), but excellent ball skills, reliable (just 2 drops in 117 targets).
• Projects more as a slot receiver at the next level—reminds of Trey Tucker.
• Fourth round pre-season, now likely top-100/top 3-rounds with hot stretch.

"He's very reliable for a smaller guy... It's that compete level—he'll get hit over the middle, he just does fight for yards after the catch."
— Co-Host (27:13)

f) Ahmad Hardy, Missouri RB

[33:21–36:57]

• Faces Alabama (3:30 PM, ABC).
• Not eligible yet (true sophomore), but making national noise.
• National leader in rush yards/game (146/game), 730 total yards, 9 TDs, 7.1 YPC.
• Former freshman All-American at Louisiana Monroe, transferred and immediately became starter.
• Runs with urgency, great vision/patience, always falls forward (never tackled by just one defender).
• Limited receiving production—must prove he’s a pass-game asset for NFL.
• Stylistic comp: Kamarion "Scat" Boo (battering ram, YAC monster).

"He's the hardest guy to tackle in college football right now. I really believe that, truly."
— Co-Host (35:34)

NFL Draft/Prospect Context and Trends

• Emphasis that off-ball linebackers rarely go top-10 (Isaiah Simmons was last, at #8 in 2020)—but Reese might have that upside.
• The late risers are poised for national attention because of “big stage” games.
• Reiteration: Top QBs (Sellers, Dante Moore) would benefit from coming back in 2027, gaining reps and maturity before jumping to the NFL.

Extended Feature: Chris Fowler on Oklahoma-Texas, GameDay Culture, and CFB Big Picture

[39:47–70:59]

On the Red River Rivalry Atmosphere

• Fowler shares the "grind" of his September (US Open, CFB overlap) but relishes Oklahoma-Texas as his favorite game to call every year.
• The game is especially volatile this year with QB storylines (Arch Manning’s struggles, John Matier’s health, Texas O-line woes).

"If I were to think of one word to kind of describe this Red river this year: volatile. And that for a broadcast is wonderful."
— Todd McShay (56:11)

On Texas’s Struggles and Offensive Line

[46:26–50:17]

• Texas can’t run the ball or pass protect; failed to restock O-line despite elite recruiting.
• Arch Manning’s play hampered by protection and lack of run game (plus, his own faults).

"I think we all, Todd, maybe underestimated the difficulty of assembling an elite offensive line... They didn’t go to the portal and do what some other teams do."
— Chris Fowler (46:50)

On Oklahoma’s Defense and Venables’ Blueprint

[58:34–60:45]

• Venables is building a “better than the sum of its parts” defense; offense still in flux with OC Ben Arbuckle.
• Oklahoma’s SEC transition, roster issues, and brutal schedule are key context.

On College Football Playoff Contenders

[61:31–66:57]

• Ohio State seen as the heavyweight unlikely to be challenged until Michigan ("I don't see Ohio State losing for a while").
• Miami is “the most intriguing” team due to talent and depth—could be playoff dark horse if they buck their November collapse trend.

Best College Football Atmosphere?

[67:50–69:18]

"If I had to pick one, it would be LSU at night... The regular folks act like students. That’s what makes the SEC consistently the toughest environments to play."
— Chris Fowler (67:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On first impressions vs. hype:

  "Because every NFL draft begins as a rough draft." (00:54)

• On Sellers’ raw ability:

  "You can see in these games against those defenses... you start to feel like you’re a one-man show because let’s be honest, there’s just not enough around him." (08:38)

• On Arvell Reese’s rare talent:

  "Sometimes when I'm watching him, I'm like, is he from this planet?" (10:48)

• On McShay’s style and podcast atmosphere:

  "The most important trait a podcaster can have... who can make you feel like you’re sitting alongside them in your kitchen or living room with your guard down, just talking ball." (Listener Email, 31:00)

• On CFB atmospheres:

  "The best crowds are where the regular folks act like students... and at LSU, that’s times five." (Chris Fowler, 67:59)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00–04:31: Show intro and Rough Draft concept
• 04:31–08:38: Len’Noris Sellers QB Breakdown
• 08:38–15:25: Arvell Reese LB Spotlight
• 15:25–18:31: Fernando Mendoza QB Evaluation
• 21:53–25:09: Cassius Howell Edge Riser
• 25:14–28:00: Makai Lemon WR Hot Streak
• 33:21–36:57: Ahmad Hardy, Missouri RB Preview
• 39:47–70:59: Chris Fowler Interview: Red River, CFB culture/world, atmospheres
  • 46:26–50:17: Texas woes / OL
  • 58:34–60:45: Oklahoma, SEC, Venables
  • 61:31–66:57: Playoff contenders
  • 67:50–69:18: Best gameday environment

Tone and Takeaways

• Insider, collegial, sometimes humorous, always authentic football discussion.
• Real tape, real notes—no sugar-coating, no hype cycles.
• Practical for draft followers and CFB fans alike: know who to watch and where.
• Fowler segment delivers both the emotion and the stories behind the games, not just Xs and Os.

Summary for Non-Listeners:
If you want to actually know which prospects are surging—and why, as seen strictly on film vs. the stat sheet—"Rough Draft" is the new must-listen. The McShay team puts early attention on powerful athletes you can't miss this Saturday, then brings on Chris Fowler to provide perspective and stories you won't get from TV alone. Worth your time if you crave honest, process-driven football insight and want to watch this weekend’s college games with a much more critical eye.