Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "The Team Needs Dueling Mock Draft! Three Rounds, 102 Picks, Endless Chaos."
Episode Details:
- Title: The McShay Show
- Host: Todd McShay
- Episode: The Team Needs Dueling Mock Draft! Three Rounds, 102 Picks, Endless Chaos
- Release Date: April 17, 2025
- Description: In this high-energy episode, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay teams up with co-host Steve Mensch to conduct a unique "Power Hour" mock draft. Covering 32 teams, 102 picks, and three rounds, they navigate the chaos and excitement leading up to the NFL Draft.
Introduction: Setting the Stage (00:00 - 05:03)
The episode kicks off with sponsored segments promoting No Bull footwear and FanDuel sportsbook, emphasizing the upcoming NFL Draft excitement. Todd McShay introduces the concept of the episode—a one-hour "Power Hour" mock draft covering all 32 NFL teams and their draft picks in the first three rounds. He teases ample content, including exclusive mock drafts and interactions with industry friends, ensuring listeners are in for a comprehensive and engaging session.
Notable Quote:
Todd McShay (00:00): "Nobody wants to hear the positions their team needs. Everybody wants a player matched with their team. So today we serve the Everybody."
The Power Hour Mock Draft Begins (05:03 - 32:22)
Mock Draft Structure: Todd and Steve Mensch embark on their ambitious mock draft, aiming to cover 32 teams with 102 picks in just 64 minutes. They assign players to each team based on projected needs and their rankings, often improvising to keep pace with the time constraints.
Key Highlights:
-
Tennessee Titans (Pick 1 & 35):
- Todd: Selects Cam Ward, Miami quarterback, at #1.
- Steve: Chooses Jaden Higgins, Iowa State wide receiver, at #35 to bolster Tennessee's wide receiver corps.
-
Cleveland Browns (Pick 2 & 67):
- Todd: Drafts Travis Hunter, a versatile special team player, at #2.
- Steve: Adds Josiah Stewart, Michigan cornerback, at #67 to strengthen the Browns' defense.
-
New York Giants (Pick 3 & Others):
- Steve: Trades up to select Abdul Carter, Penn State, at #3, enhancing their pass rush.
- Todd: Completes the Giants' roster by adding Shador Sanders and other key players to address their needs.
-
New England Patriots (Pick 4 & 38):
- Todd: Selects Will Campbell, LSU offensive tackle, at #4.
- Steve: Chooses Luther Burden, Missouri wide receiver, at #38 to provide a reliable target for the Patriots.
-
Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick 5 & 36):
- Focuses on practical selections like Mason Graham, a dependable defensive lineman, to improve their defensive lineup.
-
Chicago Bears (Pick 10, 39, 41, & 72):
- Todd: Drafts Tyler Warren, a promising tight end, at #10.
- Steve: Bolsters the Bears' offensive line with Ursary Ariant from Minnesota at #39.
- Continues to enhance their defense with Demetrius Knight and Savon Williams.
Notable Interactions: Todd and Steve engage in a lively banter, often cutting each other off to expedite the drafting process. Their chemistry adds a dynamic and entertaining layer to the mock draft.
Notable Quote:
Steve Mensch (03:56): "Attaboy."
Todd McShay (03:57): "Oh, and the McShay report. Google it. You can get it."
Mid-Episode Highlights: Navigating Team Needs and Player Selection (32:22 - 65:35)
Continued Mock Drafting: Todd and Steve proceed to address numerous teams, each with unique needs. They navigate through various positions, including wide receivers, defensive linemen, and quarterbacks, often making split-second decisions to keep up with the time pressure.
Key Selections:
-
Arizona Cardinals (Pick 16, 47, & 78):
- Steve: Selects Big Jonah from Arizona at #47, reinforcing their offensive line.
- Todd: Adds Trey Amos, a wide receiver from Ole Miss, at #78 to enhance their receiving options.
-
Pittsburgh Steelers (Pick 31 & 95):
- Steve: Chooses Derek Harmon, an edge rusher from Oregon, at #63 to strengthen their pass rush.
- Todd: Drafts AJ Giddens, a versatile running back from Kansas State, at #95 to add depth to their backfield.
-
Detroit Lions (Pick 28, 60, & 102):
- Steve: Selects Landon Jackson, an edge rusher, at #60 to bolster the Lions' defensive front.
- Todd: Chooses James Pierce, a top pass rusher from Tennessee, at #28 to enhance their defense.
Challenges Faced: The duo encounters difficulties as many wide receivers and offensive tackles get selected early, forcing them to adapt their strategies on the fly. Their resourcefulness shines as they pivot to available talent, ensuring each team's needs are addressed despite the chaotic pace.
Notable Quote:
Steve Mensch (35:00): "I don't care that you're gonna be mad about it. I don't care that you're gonna tell me it's too soon. I'm not gonna. I don't care that this isn't what's going to happen. Right. I get to make the pick here. This is what I think they should do, right?"
Todd McShay (35:00): "Yeah. But staying within reason because we're trying to serve the F. We're trying to serve everybody here."
Final Round of Selections and Wrap-Up (65:35 - 85:52)
Closing Picks: In the final stretches, Todd and Steve face a scarcity of available wide receivers and offensive tackles, prompting them to make calculated decisions or select players in positions that may not have been primary targets earlier in the draft.
Key Selections:
-
Kansas City Chiefs (Pick 93):
- Steve: Takes Darius Alexander, a defensive tackle from Toledo, to enhance their interior line.
-
Philadelphia Eagles (Pick 64 & 96):
- Steve: Selects Mason Taylor, a dynamic wide receiver, at #64 to provide offensive depth.
- Concludes with Dylan Sampson, a versatile running back, at #96 to add a reliable ball carrier.
-
Buffalo Bills (Pick 56 & 62):
- Todd: Draftees DJ Giddens, a running back from Kansas State, at #62, addressing their backfield needs.
Key Insights: The mock draft underscores the unpredictability of the NFL Draft, illustrating how quickly player availability can shift and how teams must remain flexible. Todd emphasizes the importance of not overthinking picks, while Steve highlights the value of seizing available talent that meets team needs.
Notable Quote:
Todd McShay (85:09): "Jalen Milro did not get picked. That will not be the case in the first night or the first 40, 50 picks of the draft."
Steve Mensch (85:13): "I mean, this is my favorite bach. It’s funny to me."
Conclusion: The episode concludes with reflections on the mock draft's outcomes, acknowledging the chaotic yet strategic nature of team selections. Todd teases upcoming content, including a mailbag show, and encourages listeners to stay engaged for more draft insights and analyses.
Notable Quote:
Todd McShay (85:14): "I think we did an awesome job, if I'm going to be honest."
Steve Mensch (85:38): "This has been my favorite chat. It’s funny to me."
Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Todd and Steve successfully navigate a full 32-team, three-round mock draft within an hour, demonstrating their expertise and adaptability.
- Dynamic Interaction: Their engaging banter and collaborative approach make the complex draft process accessible and entertaining for listeners.
- Strategic Insights: The discussion highlights the importance of balancing team needs with player availability, emphasizing flexibility and quick decision-making.
- Player Value Emphasis: Both hosts stress the significance of selecting players who not only fit team requirements but also offer high potential and value, even if it means making unconventional choices under time pressure.
Final Noteworthy Quote:
Todd McShay (85:52): "This was fun. I'm not going to give you schedule stuff. I'm not going to thank you because people are getting pissed off. I'm spending too much time thanking them and telling them up what's up next. You guys will figure it out."
Overall, this episode of The McShay Show provides an in-depth and lively exploration of the NFL Draft, offering listeners a blend of expert analysis, strategic mock drafting, and entertaining host dynamics. Whether you're an avid NFL fan or new to the draft process, Todd McShay and Steve Mensch deliver valuable insights and engaging content that demystifies the complexities of team selections and player evaluations.