Todd’s Mock Draft 1.0: Abdul Carter to Tennessee and the Giants Find Their QB of the Future

Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Todd’s Mock Draft 1.0: Abdul Carter to Tennessee and the Giants Find Their QB of the Future"

Release Date: February 20, 2025

In this episode of The McShay Show, long-time NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay delves deep into his highly anticipated Mock Draft 1.0 for the 2025 NFL Draft. Joined by co-host Steve Mensch, Todd breaks down his top selections, analyzes team needs, and provides valuable insights into the current draft landscape. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their discussions, notable quotes, and key takeaways.

1. Introduction to Mock Draft 1.0

Todd McShay kicks off the episode by expressing his excitement about releasing his first mock draft in two years.

[00:10] Todd McShay: "Two years since my last mock draft. I've been waiting, and the waiting is finally over today."

He highlights the collaborative effort with Steve Mensch and the support from their growing subscriber base.

2. Overview of Mock Draft 1.0

Todd introduces the Mock Draft 1.0 as a living document, emphasizing its fluid nature influenced by upcoming events like the combine and team workouts.

[00:26] Todd McShay: "Things will obviously change. It's fluid. We've got the combine coming up next week."

He outlines the structure of the draft, starting with the top three picks and moving into various scenarios and positional analyses.

3. Top Three Picks Analysis

a. Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter

Todd selects Abdul Carter, a standout pass rusher from Penn State, as the first overall pick for the Tennessee Titans.

[08:25] Todd McShay: "Abdul Carter, Penn State, Travis Hunter, cornerback, wide receiver. Should have mentioned Abdul Carter Edge, obviously."

He underscores Carter's exceptional performance, noting his impressive sack numbers despite limited attention on his blocking abilities.

[17:24] Todd McShay: "He was tied for third in the nation with a 23% win rate as a pass rusher this past year. And he was fifth in the nation in sacks with 13, despite all that attention speaks volumes about his ability."

b. New York Giants – Cam Ward

The second pick goes to the New York Giants, who select Cam Ward to secure their quarterback of the future.

[24:56] Todd McShay: "I went with Cam Ward here at number three to the New York Giants. You got your wide receiver one."

Todd discusses the Giants' urgent need to establish a solid quarterback foundation to build their team around.

[37:05] Todd McShay: "They have to win this year. And they have. And I don't mean win like go to the playoffs. I mean show promise not picking at number three a year from now."

4. Subsequent Key Selections and Team Needs

a. Miami Dolphins – Armand Membu (13th Overall)

The Miami Dolphins select offensive guard Armand Membu to bolster their running game and offensive line.

[50:15] Todd McShay: "He is a zone run blocker... built at 332, 330 pounds. His move would be easy."

Todd praises Membu's ability to seal the edge and work up to the second level, making him a perfect fit for Miami's offensive scheme.

b. Houston Texans – Josh Simmons (25th Overall)

Houston addresses their offensive line needs by drafting offensive tackle Josh Simmons from Ohio State.

[52:37] Todd McShay: "Josh Simmons, you get the best offensive tackle in the draft at 25."

He highlights Simmons' versatility and experience playing both guard and tackle positions, making him a valuable asset for the Texans.

c. Washington Commanders – Matthew Golden (29th Overall)

The Washington Commanders opt for wide receiver Matthew Golden to complement Terry McLaurin.

[55:22] Todd McShay: "Matthew Golden at 29... he's the best route runner, in my opinion, out of the top prospects."

Golden's exceptional route-running skills and ability to create separation make him an ideal pick to enhance Washington's receiving corps.

d. Philadelphia Eagles – TJ Sanders (32nd Overall)

Rounding out the first round, the Philadelphia Eagles select defensive tackle TJ Sanders from South Carolina.

[56:47] Todd McShay: "TJ Sanders is a home run first-round pick. I love the way he plays the run."

Todd draws comparisons between Sanders and renowned players like Milton Williams, emphasizing his potential impact on the Eagles' defensive line.

5. Honorable Mentions and Later Picks

Todd and Steve discuss several players who nearly made the first round but fell just short, including:

Malachi Starks, Safety, Georgia: Recognized for his defensive prowess despite not having his best year in 2024.
Mecca Buka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: Noted for his talent and potential to thrive in the NFL.
Darius Alexander, Defensive Lineman, Toledo: Highlighted for his strength and versatility on the defensive front.
Gray Zable, Interior Offensive Lineman: Mentioned as an intriguing late first-round candidate.

[47:36] Todd McShay: "Malachi Starks, safety out of Georgia... beyond that, wide receiver Mecca Buka from Ohio State and Luther Burden, Missouri are two guys that I kind of wanted to and I think absolutely could get in the first round."

6. Trends and Overall Draft Analysis

Todd identifies notable trends in the 2025 draft class:

Defensive Dominance: With 11 defensive linemen in the first round, the draft mirrors past classes like 2019 and 2017 in prioritizing defensive talent.

[66:40] Todd McShay: "2019 was the last time we had five interior defensive linemen... so 11 defensive linemen going in this first round."
Tight End Surge: The selection of multiple tight ends early in the draft harkens back to the rare occurrence in 1992, signaling a shift in positional value.

[67:42] Todd McShay: "The last time there were two tight ends drawn in the first round was 1992."
Limited Quarterback Picks: Unlike some drafts, the mock does not heavily feature quarterbacks, indicating teams are either securing those they believe are elite or opting for veteran options.

7. Future Content and Engagement

Todd outlines upcoming shows and content, including:

Combine Coverage: In-depth analysis of combine performances, measurables, and interviews with GMs.
Subscription Services: Encouraging listeners to subscribe to The McShay Report for exclusive draft content and updates.

[00:25] Todd McShay: "If you want the mock draft, mock 1.0 for the 2025 NFL Draft, just Google the McShay Report."

He also teases future episodes that will delve deeper into team strategies, position analyses, and draft trends.

8. Final Takeaways

Todd concludes the episode by emphasizing the uniqueness of the 2025 draft class, particularly the emphasis on defensive linemen and tight ends. He encourages listeners to engage with the show, subscribe for more detailed analyses, and stay tuned for comprehensive coverage leading up to the draft.

[69:29] Todd McShay: "But it's just where it is. Again, we appreciate you. This has been fun. Like, I feel like we're finally... Mach 1.0 is out now we're back on the horse."

Key Quotes:

Todd McShay [08:25]: "Abdul Carter, Penn State, Travis Hunter, cornerback, wide receiver. Should have mentioned Abdul Carter Edge, obviously."
Todd McShay [24:56]: "I went with Cam Ward here at number three to the New York Giants. You got your wide receiver one."
Steve Mensch [37:05]: "They have to win this year. And they have."
Todd McShay [66:40]: "2019 was the last time we had five interior defensive linemen... so 11 defensive linemen going in this first round."

Conclusion

"Todd’s Mock Draft 1.0" offers a detailed and strategic outlook on the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting the prominence of defensive linemen and tight ends in the first round selections. Todd McShay and Steve Mensch provide nuanced analyses of team needs, player strengths, and draft trends, making this episode a must-listen for NFL enthusiasts preparing for the upcoming draft.

For more detailed insights and the complete Mock Draft 1.0, subscribe to The McShay Report through The Ringer and stay updated with the latest draft news and analyses.