The McShay Show - Episode Summary: "Todd’s Updated Top 32 Big Board! QBs Rise, Team Needs, and Where are the DTs?!"

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay, alongside co-host Steve Levy, delves deep into the intricacies of the upcoming NFL Draft. The discussion centers around Todd’s updated Top 32 Big Board, emphasizing the rise of quarterbacks, the specific needs of various teams, and the surprising scarcity of defensive tackles.

1. Chicago Bears’ Aggressive Moves and Team Needs

Todd begins by analyzing the Chicago Bears' recent trades aimed at strengthening their offensive line. The Bears traded their 2025 sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for Pro Bowl offensive guard Jonah Jackson, who brings 57 starts and versatility to play center if needed.

Todd McShay [03:22]: "The Bears have traded two offensive guards to upgrade their interior line and potentially their center position."

Steve expresses approval of the Bears' strategy to address their offensive line needs proactively.

Steve Levy [07:34]: "I think it's a great move. They're addressing their needs correctly and positioning themselves better for the draft."

The Bears are anticipated to pick 10th, with questions surrounding whether they will select running back Ashton Genti or Omarion Hampton. Todd emphasizes the importance of focusing on foundational players over flashy positions like quarterback at this stage.

2. Todd’s Updated Top 32 Big Board

Todd introduces his updated Top 32 Big Board, categorizing players based on positions such as edge rushers, offensive tackles, running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks. Notably, quarterbacks like Jackson Dart, Tyler Shuck, and Cam Ward have risen in rankings, reflecting their improved performances and potential impact in the NFL.

Todd McShay [27:21]: "Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Mason Graham—these are the top tier for me."

Steve adds his insights, particularly highlighting the defensive tackle class, though noting Todd's rankings seem harsher on this position.

Steve Levy [31:32]: "This is the greatest defensive tackle class that we can remember, right?"

3. Offensive Tackles vs. Edge Rushers: Drafting Strategies

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the value of drafting offensive tackles versus edge rushers. Todd advocates for prioritizing offensive tackles like Armand Membu from Missouri, citing his athleticism and potential as a key pass blocker.

Steve Levy [43:19]: "I'm taking tackle. I'm taking Armando."

Todd McShay [44:01]: "Big, athletic, extremely high ceiling, great zone blocker."

Steve counters by emphasizing the importance of building from the trenches with edge rushers, suggesting that tackles might not go as high as Todd anticipates.

Steve Levy [43:19]: "I’m taking tackle. And if you can’t do that, take the edge."

Both hosts acknowledge the complexity of balancing team needs with player potential, leading to a rich debate on draft priorities.

4. Quarterbacks in the Draft: Rising Prospects and Team Fits

Despite initially stating that the focus would shift away from quarterbacks, Todd includes two rookie quarterbacks, Jackson Dart and Tyler Shuck, in his Top 32, sparking further discussion. Todd highlights Cam Ward as the top quarterback in his rankings, arguing for his readiness to contribute immediately.

Todd McShay [36:20]: "Cam Ward obviously has the best skill set and I think that it would be an argument, but I definitely think in a rookie season over Jackson Dart and Shador Sanders..."

Steve remains skeptical, choosing to defer the quarterback discussion for another episode.

Steve Levy [36:56]: "We're not going to talk about quarterbacks. Then you throw two in your top 32. You're just baiting me."

5. Mock Draft Strategies and Team Scenarios

Todd and Steve engage in a mock draft exercise, assessing various teams’ needs and potential draft picks. They explore scenarios for teams like the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Indianapolis Colts. Key points include:

• New England Patriots: Focus on offensive tackles like Armand Membu or defensive players like Jihad Campbell.

  Todd McShay [43:19]: "Explain what Membu is…This could be and should be the guy."

• Jacksonville Jaguars: Need for defensive tackles and secondary help, considering picks like Mason Graham or Travis Hunter.

  Steve Levy [49:58]: "They need to continue to build on the inside of that defensive line."

• Dallas Cowboys: Emphasis on securing offensive line through picks like Tyler Booker, addressing the departure of guard Zach Martin.

  Todd McShay [65:49]: "I think they’ve got to protect their quarterback. They’ve got to protect Dak."

• Miami Dolphins: Addressing safety and defensive tackle needs with potential picks like Kenneth Grant.

  Steve Levy [69:48]: "Kenneth Grant is tailor made for what Miami wants to do up front."

Throughout the mock draft, both hosts weigh the importance of position-specific needs against player rankings, illustrating the strategic depth involved in NFL draft decisions.

6. Defensive Tackles: Scarcity and Value

A recurring theme is the noticeable lack of defensive tackles in the Top 32, despite strong performances from prospects like Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. Both Todd and Steve express concern over where teams will find quality defensive linemen in the draft.

Steve Levy [34:32]: "How many did you have in the… You can’t say horror because you were bitching at me last week because..."

Todd McShay [31:25]: "I'm not hearing anything about them getting drafted in the first round…"

This scarcity underscores the competitive nature of the draft and the critical need for teams to address their interior defensive line weaknesses.

7. Upcoming Content and Closing Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Todd announces upcoming content, including a Top 100 list and increased coverage as the draft approaches. He encourages listeners to subscribe to The McShay Report for comprehensive draft analysis and insights.

Todd McShay [73:49]: "We’re doing a full Top 100, walking you through our entire process…"

Both hosts express enthusiasm for continued discussions and interactive content, promising listeners valuable information as the draft date nears.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Todd McShay and Steve Levy provide an in-depth analysis of their updated Top 32 Big Board, emphasizing strategic team needs and the evolving value of key positions like offensive tackles and quarterbacks. Their mock draft exercise offers listeners a nuanced perspective on potential team moves and draft outcomes, highlighting the complexities and critical decisions that define the NFL Draft landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Todd McShay [03:22]: "The Bears have traded two offensive guards to upgrade their interior line and potentially their center position."

• Steve Levy [07:34]: "I think it's a great move. They're addressing their needs correctly and positioning themselves better for the draft."

• Todd McShay [27:21]: "Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Mason Graham—these are the top tier for me."

• Steve Levy [31:32]: "This is the greatest defensive tackle class that we can remember, right?"

• Todd McShay [43:19]: "Big, athletic, extremely high ceiling, great zone blocker."

• Steve Levy [43:19]: "I’m taking tackle. And if you can’t do that, take the edge."

• Todd McShay [36:20]: "Cam Ward obviously has the best skill set and I think that it would be an argument, but I definitely think in a rookie season over Jackson Dart and Shador Sanders..."

• Steve Levy [36:56]: "We're not going to talk about quarterbacks. Then you throw two in your top 32. You're just baiting me."

• Steve Levy [69:48]: "Kenneth Grant is tailor made for what Miami wants to do up front."

• Todd McShay [73:49]: "We’re doing a full Top 100, walking you through our entire process…"

Subscribe for More Insights

To stay updated with Todd McShay’s latest mock drafts, top prospect analyses, and insider scoops from NFL front offices, subscribe to The McShay Report here.