Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Todd’s Preseason Mock Draft, Plus a BIG Show Announcement"

Release Date: August 14, 2025

1. Introduction to a Landmark Episode

In this particularly significant episode of The McShay Show, host Todd McShay, a seasoned NFL Draft and College Football Analyst from The Ringer, dives deep into two major topics: the unveiling of his inaugural Appropriately Early Mock Draft and the exciting announcement of the show's first-ever live roadshow.

[01:31] Todd McShay: "Today's one of those bigger ones. New beginnings, Stevie boy. A day of first on tap…"

2. Announcing the First Live Roadshow

Todd excitedly shares plans for the show's debut live event, aimed at fostering direct interaction with fans and expanding the show's community reach.

• Event Details:
  • Location: Lincoln Hall, Chicago
  • Date: Wednesday, September 10th (coinciding with the first week of college football)
  • Ticket Sales: Launching on August 15th at 10:00 AM Central Time

[02:51] Todd McShay: "We're going to have our first ever live McShay show on the road and we want you to join us."

Todd emphasizes the interactive nature of the event, anticipating a lively Q&A session where fans can engage directly with him and guest analysts.

[04:15] Todd McShay: "If you're watching or listening to us right now… you're gonna want to read this stuff because it's... more detailed."

3. Launching the Appropriately Early Mock Draft

Shifting focus, Todd introduces the Appropriately Early Mock Draft, marking his departure from the traditional timing of mock drafts to provide a more informed and analytical perspective.

[05:00] Mel Kiper Jr.: "I'm excited, man. I mean, public speaking, it's going to be, it's going to be interesting for me."

Todd elaborates on the evolution of mock drafts, highlighting the increased depth and research behind this early iteration.

[09:25] Todd McShay: "There are 14 new names on this mock draft... the Appropriately Early Mock Draft. We're calling it the first annual appropriately early mock draft."

He underscores the significance of added time for analysis, leading to more educated predictions.

[10:35] Todd McShay: "I'm committed to all of this, and I'm committed to the newsletter, and I'm committed to keeping these shows at a reasonable pace for you."

4. Detailed Breakdown of the Mock Draft

Todd and co-host Mel Kiper Jr. meticulously dissect the mock draft, discussing player selections, team needs, and strategic decisions. They incorporate insightful commentary, backed by observations from watching game tape and consulting with industry contacts.

Top Picks Highlight

• Pick 1: Cleveland Browns – Tyler Clubnik (Quarterback)

  Todd advocates for Clubnik, praising his mobility and leadership qualities, positioning him as a transformative quarterback for the Browns.

  [12:02] Mel Kiper Jr.: "I like Club Nick, and it feels like he's on a roll, right?"

• Pick 2: New Orleans Saints – Spencer Fanu (Offensive Tackle)

  Recognizing the Saints' need to bolster their offensive line, Spencer Fanu is selected to enhance their protective schemes.

• Pick 3: Raiders – Lenora Sellers (Assumed Defensive Lineman)

  Addressing the Raiders' defensive needs, Sellers is projected to bring substantial edge-rushing prowess.

• Pick 5: Tennessee – Caleb Downs (Safety)

  Downing versatility and a high touchdown-to-interception ratio make Caleb Downs a standout selection.

[16:07] Todd McShay: "I'm fired up to see what he's going to do at Clemson this year."

Mid-Round Selections and Strategic Insights

As the mock draft progresses, Todd and Mel delve into picks 6 through 32, evaluating players across various positions, including offensive tackles, wide receivers, and defensive linemen. They discuss team-specific strategies, player development prospects, and potential impacts on future seasons.

[27:11] Todd McShay: "Claudick of the same grade of Sellers. I have Sellers just ahead of Clubnik, but the same grade."

5. Emphasizing the McShay Report Newsletter

Throughout the episode, Todd promotes the McShay Report, a comprehensive newsletter offering in-depth analysis, exclusive mock drafts, and behind-the-scenes insights.

[10:31] Todd McShay: "If you're watching or listening to us right now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcasts, you're gonna want to read this stuff because it's... more detailed."

He encourages listeners to subscribe for enhanced content, teasing upcoming features like quarterback tiers and team-specific analyses.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Todd reiterates the significance of the live roadshow and the newly launched mock draft, expressing enthusiasm for engaging with the audience in real-time.

[54:05] Todd McShay: "See you guys soon. Must be 21 plus and present in select states..."

He also hints at future content, including additional mock drafts and evolving analysis as the football season progresses.

Notable Quotes:

• Todd McShay at [05:19]: "We're trying to grow this thing, and the only way to grow this thing is with you, our audience."

• Mel Kiper Jr. at [26:04]: "I think it's gonna be tough for Downs to go in the top five and I don't think say that says anything about him."

• Todd McShay at [36:15]: "I'm not as high on Drew Aller as some others."

Key Takeaways:

• First Annual Appropriately Early Mock Draft: A more informed and detailed approach to player projections, setting it apart from previous early mock drafts.

• Live Roadshow Announcement: An interactive event in Chicago aimed at strengthening community engagement and providing a platform for real-time discussions.

• Comprehensive Analysis: In-depth discussions on player selections, team needs, and strategic implications for the upcoming NFL season.

• Expansion of Content: Introduction of the McShay Report newsletter, offering subscribers exclusive insights and detailed analyses beyond the podcast episodes.

For those eager to delve deeper into the NFL draft landscape and gain exclusive insights from elite analysts, subscribing to The McShay Report is highly recommended. Stay tuned for more mock drafts, player evaluations, and the upcoming live roadshow as Todd McShay continues to navigate the intricate world of NFL talent evaluation.