Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Todd’s All-Satellite Team, the Latest NFL Draft Buzz, and a Defensive Back Deep Dive"
Episode Details:
- Title: Todd’s All-Satellite Team, the Latest NFL Draft Buzz, and a Defensive Back Deep Dive
- Release Date: April 8, 2025
- Host: Todd McShay, The Ringer
1. Introduction and Overview
In this episode of The McShay Show, Todd McShay and co-host Steve Mensch delve deep into the current NFL Draft landscape. With just 17 days remaining until the draft, the duo covers a range of topics including player evaluations, draft buzz, and an extensive analysis of defensive backs. The episode is packed with insights from Todd’s renowned All-Satellite Team, mock drafts, and exclusive draft odds from FanDuel.
2. NFL Draft Season Update
Todd kicks off the show by highlighting the excitement surrounding the NFL Draft season. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming mock drafts and the close timeframe leading up to the draft event.
Todd McShay [02:14]: "It's officially NFL Draft season... just 17 days until the NFL draft."
3. Tennessee Titans Update: Shador Sanders and Travis Hunter
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Tennessee Titans' recent decision to cancel private workouts for Shador Sanders and Travis Hunter. Todd and Steve analyze the implications of this move, suggesting it indicates the Titans' intent to take their quarterback, Cam Ward, with the first overall pick.
Steve Mensch [02:00]: "I tried to tell you, McShay."
Todd McShay [07:05]: "Titans cancel private workouts for Shador and Travis Hunter... odds are drastically shifting..."
The hosts conclude that the cancellation is a strategic decision to avoid wasting resources on players the Titans are unlikely to draft, reinforcing Cam Ward's status as the top pick.
Todd McShay [08:16]: "We've all known that if they stay at one, the pick is going to be Cam Ward..."
4. FanDuel Draft Odds and Mock Draft Insights
Todd discusses the latest draft odds provided by FanDuel, focusing on the probability of players being selected in various rounds. He highlights shifts in odds, particularly concerning Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, indicating changing perceptions among NFL teams.
Todd McShay [15:16]: "I'm starting to hear a little bit more about Travis Hunter... Abdul Carter went from minus 270 to plus 105."
He also touches upon the implications of these odds on mock drafts and team strategies, suggesting that teams are becoming more confident in their top selections.
5. Jalen Milroe's Green Bay Interview
An intriguing development is the report that Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has accepted an invitation to the Green Bay Packers. Todd speculates on the potential reasons behind this invitation, considering Milroe’s skills and the Packers' current roster needs.
Todd McShay [24:25]: "Jalen Milroe, Alabama quarterback, has accepted an invitation... introduced by the NFL..."
The discussion hints at Milroe potentially filling a void in Green Bay’s quarterback position without necessitating a trade, which could be a game-changer in the draft dynamics.
6. All-Satellite Team and Position Group Deep Dive: Defensive Backs
Todd provides an in-depth look into his All-Satellite Team, a prestigious list he has curated over 16 years to identify top draft prospects. This year’s focus is on defensive backs, where Todd presents his top selections, analyzing their strengths and potential NFL impact.
Todd McShay [36:00]: "The All-Satellite Team... defensive back deep dive... we're going to talk about each player's unique traits."
He underscores the importance of ball skills, athleticism, and football intelligence in his evaluations, drawing comparisons to renowned NFL players to contextualize his choices.
7. Player Evaluations: Travis Hunter, Shador Sanders, Abdul Carter, and Others
Travis Hunter
Todd praises Travis Hunter's exceptional ball skills and versatility, positioning him as the top candidate in his All-Satellite Team.
Steve Mensch [43:40]: "Travis Hunter, number one receiver corner."
Todd McShay [54:56]: "Hunter earned Academic All American First Team honors... third Heisman winner to earn academic all American first team status."
Shador Sanders
Shador’s performance is analyzed, with Todd expressing confidence in his ability to excel in the right system, drawing parallels to successful NFL corners.
Todd McShay [55:05]: "He has a chance to be real really, really good... a huge difference maker."
Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter is recommended as a high-value pick, highlighting his pass-rushing abilities and potential to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Steve Mensch [18:32]: "You can't have enough... keep guys fresh."
Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe’s potential impact on the Green Bay Packers is discussed, considering his leadership and passing capabilities.
Todd McShay [74:11]: "Jordan Hancock's tape... his running ability..."
8. Cornerback Deep Dive
A substantial segment is dedicated to evaluating cornerbacks, where Todd ranks and analyzes players like Jade Baron, Maxwell Hairston, and Will Johnson. The discussion focuses on their coverage skills, tackling abilities, and fit within various defensive schemes.
Steve Mensch [69:47]: "He's a guy who's really good on special teams, his tackling, his run defense is not good."
Todd McShay [77:26]: "Hancock's got a 4:4, 2:40 time, best behavior traits..."
The hosts debate the strengths and weaknesses of each player, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their potential draft positions and NFL readiness.
9. Safeties Analysis
Todd and Steve shift focus to safeties, evaluating top prospects like Malachi Starks and Nick Eman. They discuss the players' athleticism, coverage skills, and tackling efficiency, emphasizing the complexities of evaluating this position.
Todd McShay [90:05]: "Malachi Starks combine workout has to be concerning... ran the slowest short shuttle..."
Steve Mensch [91:53]: "Trust the tape, man. Always trust the tape."
The conversation highlights the balance between physical attributes and on-field performance, stressing the importance of instincts and football intelligence in safeties.
10. Conclusion and Upcoming Content
As the episode wraps up, Todd promotes the upcoming mock drafts and live coverage from Los Angeles, where the draft will conclude. He encourages listeners to subscribe to The McShay Report for exclusive content and to stay engaged with the latest draft developments.
Todd McShay [84:50]: "Live stream all weekend long starting Thursday with the first round of the draft."
Steve Mensch [115:43]: "Thank you."
The hosts express excitement for the ongoing draft coverage and reaffirm their commitment to providing unique and in-depth analysis during the final weeks leading up to the NFL Draft.
Notable Quotes:
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Todd McShay [07:05]: "Is it a respectable move? These young men have played a whole lot of football... it's a respectful move."
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Steve Mensch [15:27]: "Travis Hunter's a receiver if he's in a Cleveland Browns uniform. Right."
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Todd McShay [55:27]: "Here's my one nugget and we're going to come back and we're going to do a whole, I'm sure like a half hour on it."
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Steve Mensch [62:44]: "I can list the best centers in the league and say they were drafted too late."
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Todd McShay [94:51]: "Trust your eyes, Todd. Trust your eyes."
Final Thoughts:
This episode of The McShay Show is a treasure trove for NFL enthusiasts, offering detailed analyses of top draft prospects, strategic insights into team decisions, and exclusive draft odds. Todd McShay’s expertise combined with Steve Mensch’s perspectives provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the upcoming NFL Draft, making it an essential listen for those keen on staying ahead in draft predictions and player evaluations.
