The McShay Show – Ty Simpson Pro Day Reactions, Mock 3.0 Second-Round Standouts, and More
Date: March 25, 2026 | Host: Todd McShay, Co-host: Steve Muench | The Ringer

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the much-anticipated Ty Simpson Pro Day in the wake of “Ty Simpson-gate” and the contentious debates about his NFL future. Todd McShay and Steve Muench discuss their nuanced evaluations of Simpson, address broader narratives around quarterback selection, and deliver in-depth reactions to McShay’s latest two-round mock draft—especially highlighting intriguing second-round standouts. Additional segments include rapid-fire updates from recent pro days across the country and the latest buzz on NFL hopefuls’ draft stock.

1. Ty Simpson Pro Day: Hype, Performance, and Real Debate

The Scene-Setter and Media Frenzy

• McShay remarks on the coinciding Alabama and Ohio State Pro Days. He reflects on how pro days have become media events and how NFL teams and networks coordinate to avoid overlapping major quarterback workouts.

  “[03:19] The story of the Week and the Story of the Day Steve: Ty Simpson.” — McShay

Simpson’s On-Field Display

• McShay’s Live Reaction:

  • Impressed with Simpson’s “footwork, efficiency, the tempo… urgency in his drops,” and pocket mobility.
  • Acknowledges arm strength is not elite, but “better than people want to give him credit for.”
  • Grades the day as “A minus… B plus at worst.”

    “Ball came out high. Ball came out with some with good juice... I would say all in all, it was like a B plus, A minus... Nothing today would change anything that you think about Ty Simpson.” — McShay [05:14]

• Steve’s Take:

  • Concedes Simpson’s mobility and arm strength aren’t red flags, but “probably don’t like them as much as you do.”
  • Challenges McShay’s effusive (Picasso/Beethoven) analogies, saying Simpson still "holds onto the ball too long at times." [14:37]

Media Narrative and the QB1 Debate

• The Orlovsky/McAfee/Tannenbaum Controversy: Discussion about Ty Simpson being touted as QB1 by several analysts, with questions about agency influence due to shared representation (CAA).

  “Orlovsky came out and said he would have him QB1... Mendoza is not. It’s RPOs, it’s quick reads, it’s efficient, but it’s not mind blowing. It doesn’t translate to what he’s going to be asked to do in the NFL…” — McShay [09:00–11:30]

• McShay’s Perspective:

  • Simpson: “It’s Picasso, it’s Beethoven, it’s the Louvre… he’s doing NFL stuff at an NFL level.”
  • Mendoza: “He has the frame, the experience… he’s shown up in big moments… Ohio State tape is the best I’ve seen of any quarterback, probably in two years.”
  • The conundrum: Simpson’s NFL-readiness/RPO mastery vs. Mendoza’s proven production and size/durability.

    “When you have… a passion for it… there’s something that just resonates with you. My gosh, he’s doing everything the right way…” — McShay [09:50]

  • On Mendoza: “He’s 6’4.5, 236 pounds… 35 starts. Ty is 6’1, 211, 15 starts, knocked out of the Rose Bowl. What do I do?” — McShay [13:13]

Evaluator’s Dilemma: Tape vs. Traits

• Steve and Todd’s Tension

  “We disagree within a certain parameters… It’s a little over the top… for a guy that holds onto the ball too long at times.” — Steve [14:34]

• Both agree: Alabama’s poor run game and offensive line inflated Simpson’s struggles (ranked 126 or 128th of 136 FBS teams in rushing).

  “That which is just impossible for the mind to comprehend for Alabama.” — McShay [15:09]

• On Mendoza’s Growth:

  “I think that he improved his ability to get through his progressions… I like Mendoza more… but when you look at frame, injury, and lack of starts, there’s red flags.” — Steve [18:00]

• Why NFL GMs Worry about Simpson:

  • Only 15 starts, smaller/thinner frame, durability concerns compared to almost all current NFL starters. Best case comp: Brock Purdy “dropped into one of the great all-time situations.”
  • Fit questions: “I know the Steelers aren’t taking him. I know the Jets aren’t taking him… Where’s the fit?”

    “I want nothing to do with him going 16 to the Jets or 24 to the Browns. That’s where quarterbacks go to die until otherwise proven.” — McShay [24:55]

• Best Destinations for Simpson:

  • Arizona? Unlikely he goes top 10, but if selected late first or second round, “he’s starting by week nine,” most likely scenario.

2. Second-Round Standouts: Mock 3.0 Deep Dive

[30:17 – 45:00]

Why the Second Round is More Fascinating Than the First

• Steve:

  “The second round of the mock draft was actually more interesting to you than the first round.” [30:18]

Key Picks and Insights:

• Caleb Banks (Jets, DT, Florida) [30:24]:

  • “He might be the most naturally talented player in the entire draft,” but major durability concerns due to recurring foot injuries.
  • Combine standout: 32" vertical at 327 lbs, ran 5.04 40-yard dash.
  • “Potential steal or classic Jets misfire if he can’t stay healthy.”

• Kenyon Sadiq (49ers, TE) and Eli Stowers (Panthers, TE) [33:45]:

  • Stowers: Great fit for Carolina, helps QB development. Steve likes Panthers continually targeting TEs early: “Stop messing around. Get one in the second round.”
  • Sadiq nearly given to Panthers at 19, ultimately 49ers at 27.

• Maxi Natur (Raiders, OT, Arizona State) [37:26]:

  • Top talent, “don’t understand how a dude like that gets out of the first round.”
  • More pro-ready than the ‘raw’ narrative suggests; “not as much of a project as people think.”

• Other Jets Picks:

  • Impressive haul: “Arvell Reese, Omar Cooper Jr., Caleb Banks, and Anthony Hill Jr.—good for them.”

• Chiefs (Kansas City) [40:10]:

  • “Monsoon Delane at #9—an absolute home run.”
  • Gabe Akis, Illinois edge: “Nineteen sacks over the last two seasons, wins with his hands. Love that pick.”
  • Chris Brazell II (Tennessee, WR): Liked, but Steve urges, “Stop chasing speed... take Jeremy Bernard if he’s there.”

• Dolphins [42:18]:

  • Well-rounded value picks including Makai Lemon at 11, Colton Hood (CB), Malachi Lawrence (UCF edge).
  • Makai Lemon: “Everything is full speed but under control… the toughness, the after catch ability… analytics: only five other recent WRs with ≥3.0 yards/route run.”

• Cole Payton (Rams, QB, North Dakota State) [44:20]:

  • Second-round backup QB, “phenomenal spot to land,” could develop behind the scenes.

3. Pro Day Highlights & Late-Riser Buzz

[45:43 – End]

DB/CB Risers

• Mansoor Delane (LSU, CB):

  • Runs 4.38. “That only solidifies top-10 pick talk. Head and shoulders best corner in class.” — Steve [50:14]
  • Tape matches the metrics: “It is beautiful. You might want to throw this way? Beware.” — McShay [52:15]

• Keonte Scott (Miami, CB):

  • “Runs 4.25–4.32, 44” vertical at Miami Pro Day, would be best in class.”
  • “Love the physicality and zone awareness; speed confirms recovery ability. But, 20.3% missed tackle rate—needs work.” — McShay [56:54]

Defensive Playmakers

• Harold Perkins (LSU, LB):

  • “Sensational Arkansas 2023 game—but a roller coaster career. Played out of position, missed tackles (18.8% rate), but wow traits: just under 6’1, 220, 4.38 pro day forty, 35” vertical, 88 career pressures.”
  • “Could see a defensive coach or special teams coach take a hack round 4.” — McShay [54:21]

• Malachi Lawrence (UCF, DE):

  • Combine: 6’4, 253, 4.52 forty, 40” vertical. “Shades of Khalil Mack. True relentless motor, doesn’t stay blocked, needs control as a finisher.”
  • Could sneak into late round 1. — Steve [47:00]

Under-the-Radar Combine/Pro Day Standouts

• Will Pauling (Notre Dame, WR):

  • “Ran a 4.37, 42” vertical… but still a late round, depth slot WR. Speed is overrated for receiver evaluation.” — Steve [60:29]

• Jeff Caldwell (Cincinnati, WR):

  • 6’5+, 216, 4.31 forty, but hands questions at the Cincy pro day.

• Jake Golday (Cincinnati, LB):

  • 6.84 three-cone at linebacker: “That’s awesome at his size.”

• Trey Moore (Texas, hybrid LB/EDGE):

  • 4.21 shuttle, 7.08 three-cone—“looked awesome in drills, versatile, and hybrid potential.”

• Renee Conga (Louisville, DT):

  • Not invited to combine, but “4.78 forty at 300 lbs, vertical/broad leaps best in class among DTs.”
  • “Win rate (14%) puts him in territory with Jeffrey Simmons, Dexter Lawrence. A sleeper.”

4. Notable Quotes and Moments

• “It’s Picasso, it’s Beethoven, it’s the Louvre…” — McShay, explaining his admiration for Simpson’s tape [09:50]
• “Zero run game… Alabama 126 or 128th... Impossible for the mind to comprehend for Alabama.” — McShay [15:09]
• “That’s where quarterbacks go to die until otherwise proven.” — On being drafted by the Jets or Browns, McShay [24:55]
• “Monsoon Delane… head and shoulders the best corner in this draft. It’s not even close.” — Steve [50:14]
• “This dude truly is a relentless pass rusher…” — Steve on Malachi Lawrence [47:00]
• “You have to have it as part of the argument without saying this is specifically why this happened.” — Steve on context in QB evaluation [15:57]

5. Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:19 – 14:45: Ty Simpson’s pro day breakdown & the QB1 media debate
• 15:09 – 22:30: Tape vs. traits, run game context, NFL starter comps
• 24:55 – 26:30: Potential landing spots and draft slot for Simpson
• 30:17 – 45:00: Second-round mock draft highlights and debates (Caleb Banks, Kenyon Sadiq, Max Natur, Jeremy Bernard, etc.)
• 45:43 – 52:35: Pro day risers: Mansoor Delane, Harold Perkins, CB class shakeout
• 55:48 – 66:13: Speedy combine/pro day performances—Keonte Scott, Chris Hilton, Jake Golday, Renee Conga
• 66:13 – End: Closing thoughts, various NFL draft prospects to monitor

In Summary:
This episode offers a masterclass in the art and science of NFL draft evaluation, using Ty Simpson as a lens into the eternal debate between aesthetics/tape and historical, quantifiable traits. The mock draft deep-dive showcases talent-rich, high-upside fits beyond the first round, littered with “if it clicks” candidates on both sides of the ball. End-to-end, McShay and Muench bring a balanced, sometimes fiery counterpoint to mainstream takes—delivering context and candor for hardcore draftniks and casual fans alike.