Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "What I’m Hearing on Shedeur Sanders and Will Johnson. Plus, Offensive Line Tiers, Comps, and Tape Study"

Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host/Author: Todd McShay, The Ringer
Description: Todd McShay, a seasoned NFL Draft and College Football Analyst, delves into the intricacies of NFL talent evaluation. This episode offers an in-depth analysis of top draft prospects, exclusive insights from NFL front offices, and comprehensive mock drafts. Join Todd every Tuesday and Thursday, and catch his Saturday game day reactions.

1. Introduction and Episode Overview (00:00 - 04:42)

Todd McShay opens the episode by briefly acknowledging sponsors and setting the stage for an intense NFL Draft season. He highlights the busy schedule ahead, including three shows within the week and a live draft stream from Los Angeles. Todd emphasizes the collaborative effort with his co-host, Steve Mensch, preparing listeners for detailed discussions on offensive lines and key draft prospects.

2. Will Johnson's Performance and Mock Draft Implications (04:42 - 11:52)

Todd McShay provides a comprehensive analysis of Will Johnson, a Michigan cornerback ranked in the top 15 by numerous teams. Despite his impressive vertical jump (37 inches) and lower body explosiveness, concerns arise from his recent workout numbers—running high four-fives in the 40-yard dash instead of his usual high four-stringers.

• Quote:
  Todd McShay [07:45]: "His best plays seem to be when he's on his back foot, reading the quarterback and giving cushion."

Steve Mensch expresses confusion over Johnson's slower 40-yard dash times, questioning whether injuries or strategic decisions influenced his performance metrics.

• Quote:
  Steve Mensch [09:30]: "Why did he test at all if he knew he had to have some sense that these numbers were going to be where they were?"

3. Shador Sanders vs. Abdul Carter: Giants' Top Picks (11:52 - 24:24)

Todd introduces the potential first-round picks for the New York Giants: Shador Sanders or Abdul Carter. He indicates that Cam Ward is likely the first pick, with Sanders or Carter following based on team needs and recent conversations with NFL insiders.

• Quote:
  Todd McShay [12:30]: "It's either Shador or it's Abdul Carter. And most people think it's going to be Abdul Carter."

Steve and Todd discuss the strategic decisions behind choosing between Sanders and Carter, considering factors like Schemes, team needs, and player maturity.

4. Offensive Line Tiers and Key Prospects (24:24 - 58:52)

The bulk of the episode focuses on dissecting the offensive line prospects, categorizing them into tiers, and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

Will Campbell vs. Membu Banks

Will Campbell, a Tier Three offensive tackle, is praised for his excellent pass set and balanced run blocking but criticized for being top-heavy and occasionally getting off balance.

Membu Banks, conversely, is lauded for his zone-blocking prowess and athleticism. Despite similar physical metrics to Campbell, Banks exhibits superior movement and technique, making him a strong contender in the offensive tackle discussion.

• Quote:
  Steve Mensch [45:58]: "He moves incredibly well. We've gone over the testing numbers. I'm going to go over specifically what they are now."

Josh Simmons and Connerly

Josh Simmons is highlighted as the most athletic offensive tackle in the class, with exceptional tape showing but concerns regarding consistency and potential over-reliance on physical tools.

Connerly is seen as a reliable second-round pick with solid traits and game intelligence, making him a dependable choice for teams seeking immediate starter options.

• Quote:
  Todd McShay [54:35]: "Josh Simmons from Ohio State is the best offensive tackle in the class."

5. Quarterback Landscape and Frequent Flyer Miles (58:52 - 83:33)

The discussion shifts to the evolving quarterback landscape, emphasizing the importance of mobility and adaptability in modern NFL offenses. Todd highlights the scarcity of top-tier quarterbacks outside of Cam Ward, suggesting that second-tier QBs like Dart, Shuck, Milro, and others are gaining significant traction, referred to as "frequent flyer miles."

• Quote:
  Todd McShay [68:57]: "Everyone's talking about the second tier of quarterbacks... like Dart, Shuck, Milro, and others."

The conversation underscores the strategic implications for teams in drafting these quarterbacks, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential.

6. Defensive Contributions and Final Thoughts on Offensive Lines (83:33 - 100:30)

Steve and Todd wrap up the offensive line segment by reiterating the importance of assessing both physical attributes and game tape. They emphasize the need for teams to consider positional flexibility and player development when making draft decisions.

Steve Mensch praises the methodical approach in evaluating offensive linemen, highlighting Tyler Booker for his intelligence and character despite mixed tape performances.

• Quote:
  Steve Mensch [97:03]: "I think if he had played in those games, he would have shown what he could do."

7. Tribute to Coach Frank Leonard (100:30 - 108:30)

In a heartfelt segment, Steve Mensch pays tribute to Frank Leonard, an esteemed offensive line coach who recently retired. He reminisces about Leonard's dedication, character, and impact on players' lives, emphasizing the profound influence coaches have beyond the field.

• Quote:
  Steve Mensch [104:21]: "Frank Leonard was a guy who coached at Richmond... One of the all-time great human beings."

8. Conclusion and Upcoming Shows (108:30 - End)

Todd and Steve conclude the episode by expressing excitement for the upcoming draft shows and encouraging listeners to engage with future content. They highlight the importance of audience interaction and tease upcoming segments focused on listener questions and further draft analysis.

Notable Highlights:

• On Will Johnson's Speed and Performance:
  "His best plays seemed to be when he's on his back foot, reading the quarterback and giving cushion." – Todd McShay [07:45]

• On Shador Sanders' Potential Draft Position:
  "It's either Shador or it's Abdul Carter. And most people think it's going to be Abdul Carter." – Todd McShay [12:30]

• On Josh Simmons as the Top Offensive Tackle:
  "Josh Simmons from Ohio State is the best offensive tackle in the class." – Todd McShay [54:35]

• Tribute to Frank Leonard:
  "Frank Leonard was a guy who coached at Richmond... One of the all-time great human beings." – Steve Mensch [104:21]

Conclusion:

This episode of The McShay Show offers a thorough examination of key NFL Draft prospects, with a particular focus on cornerstone positions like cornerback and offensive tackle. Todd McShay and Steve Mensch provide valuable insights into player evaluations, mock draft scenarios, and the strategic considerations teams must navigate during the draft process. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing draft decisions, supported by in-depth analysis and expert commentary.

For more detailed mock drafts and exclusive draft access, subscribe to The McShay Report.