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What Todd’s Hearing: Is Mendoza Worth It? Plus, the Draft’s Best Edge, WR Rankings, and More. - The McShay Show | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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What Todd’s Hearing: Is Mendoza Worth It? Plus, the Draft’s Best Edge, WR Rankings, and More.

The McShay Show

Thu Feb 12 2026

Summary

Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – Feb 12, 2026

Episode Title: What Todd’s Hearing: Is Mendoza Worth It? Plus, the Draft’s Best Edge, WR Rankings, and More.

Overview

In this episode, Todd McShay and co-host Steve dive into the inside conversations shaping the 2026 NFL Draft landscape. The show focuses on what McShay is hearing directly from NFL scouts, coaches, and front office personnel about top prospects—especially QB Fernando Mendoza, the current draft’s edge-rusher debate, wide receiver rankings, depth at linebacker and tight end, and intriguing value prospects at other positions. They emphasize a real, insider look at league thinking versus the polish of national media narratives.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Mendoza Debate: “Is He Worth It?”

(06:00–30:39)

NFL Inside Conversations: McShay brings up the critical question being discussed by front offices: “What if Mendoza is a guy, but isn’t the guy?” There’s enthusiasm but not the same reverence teams had for previous elite QB prospects.
Mendoza’s Traits:
- Compared to Jared Goff: smart, obsessive worker, solid tools.
- Similarities to Tom Brady’s mental focus and process, but lacking elite, transcendent traits.
- “I think he could be a really good starter in the league. I see him as more of a Jared Goff than anything else, and I think Jared Goff is an excellent quarterback.” — Steve (10:54)
The Raiders’ Dilemma:
- Should they select Mendoza and risk settling for “a guy?” Or trade back for more draft capital, possibly targeting a quarterback in 2027 instead?
- Tom Brady’s influence as a part-owner and his well-known desire for a “winner” type, but also his stated philosophy that young QBs aren’t always ready immediately.
Market for QB1:
- No one in the league is saying Mendoza is at the level of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jaden Daniels, or Cam Ward: “I have not talked to one person in the National Football League, not one, who has said definitively Fernando Mendoza is transcendent.” — Dan (22:09)
- The possibility that teams like the Jets, Browns, or even Cardinals could trade up if they fall in love with Mendoza, but so far, there’s more cautious optimism than conviction.
Raiders’ New Coaching Situation:
- Clint Kubiak now head coach, bringing Shanahan-style outside zone/offense.
- “If the Raiders stay and pick Fernando Mendoza, I think it’s an excellent pick…I have no qualms about that. But I don’t know what they’re being offered.” — Steve (12:54)
Should You Wait For “The Guy”?
- The risk of passing on Mendoza for an uncertain future QB class, and how difficult it is to orchestrate a move up the board the following year.
- Discussion on the importance (and rarity) of patience in NFL ownership/decision-making, especially with competitive ex-players like Brady.

2. Parallels to 2023 Draft: Value Outside QB

(16:00–21:58)

McShay draws a line from this year’s QB class (“a bunch of ‘a’ guys, not ‘the guy’”) to the 2023 class (Young, Stroud, Richardson), reminding that teams like the Texans got elite value by getting defensive cornerstone Will Anderson after QB.
“Houston, Nick Caserio, because of the aggressiveness and the way he managed it, was able to get a guy at quarterback and get the guy in the draft. Will Anderson, who’s been an absolute menace.” — Dan (17:46)
Suggests this year’s value may be with elite offensive tackles, WRs, and edges rather than quarterbacks.

3. The Edge Rusher Debate: David Bailey vs. Arvell Reese

(32:32–38:52)

McShay shares that some in the league think David Bailey’s pure edge ability is undervalued, while Arvell Reese is a special projection, possibly with a Micah Parsons ceiling.
Reese: “He’s a different human being with rare upside… if you think there’s even a chance that he turns into…Micah Parsons…that’s the kind of player [you bet on].” — Steve (36:58)
Bailey: “He’s an instinctive guy…he knows how to get guys off balance…he’ll notice their feet and take advantage.” — Steve (35:56)
Ultimately, both agree Reese’s upside wins out, but both likely go very high.

4. Wide Receiver Tier: Tate, Lemon, Tyson, and Value Later

(38:58–50:42)

Top Tier Breakdown:
- Carnell Tate (Ohio State): “Most complete,” excellent but missing extended, star-level dominance, not clear if WR1 upside.
- Makai Lemon: Questioned for size (is he truly 5’11”?), dynamic with YAC, but may be an ‘outlier’ physically.
- Jordan Tyson: Best pure talent if healthy, but extensive injury history.
Second Tier & Depth:
- Denzel Boston (Washington), Malachi Fields (Virginia), Chris Brazzell (Tennessee), Ted Hurst (Georgia State), and Zachariah Branch are all in the mix for Day 2 and 3 steals.
- “I’m gonna flip the question…if I could get Hurst in the third or Fields in the second, I’m taking Hurst in the third.” — Steve (49:00)
Strategic Draft Decisions: League conversations already focus on whether it’s smarter to wait on WR in this deep class and take an OT/DL/CB first. “People love Denzel Boston, but think maybe we’re a little too high.”

5. Linebackers: Rodriguez vs. Allen and Georgia “Helmet Scouting”

(52:12–54:13)

Class Depth: The off-ball linebacker group is deeper and more versatile than usual.
- Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) beloved for playmaking, CJ Allen (Georgia) seen as “thumper, tough, leader…where’s the special?”, Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) and Jack Dellinger (Cincinnati) mentioned as risers.
Draft Value: “I would take the field on day two vs. Allen in the first round because I think this off the linebacker class is really deep and talented.” — Steve (52:24)
McShay expresses concern some Georgia defenders are being overrated on program reputation.

6. Tight Ends: Sadiq and the Biggest Class in Years

(54:13–58:24)

Kenyon Sadiq is consensus TE1, but after him it’s a wide-open race among 27 combine invitees—most in years.
Contenders: Max Clare (Ohio State/Purdue), Joe Royer (Cincinnati), Dallin Bentley (Utah), and Star Wars (nickname; unclear ID) all in the mix as potential TE2.
Deep class projects many will last to late Day 2 or Day 3, with mid-round runs expected. “I really believe it’s going to be one of those two guys. If I had to say right now, I would go with Royer.” — Steve (57:08)

7. Defensive Line Notes & Under-the-Radar Names

(58:42–59:04)

Banks, Hunter, Grayson Halton, Parker, Nyackis, Kieran Crawford highlighted as Day 2/3 DL prospects.
- “Man, he’s in the rounds dog. I know that’s your guy.” — Dan on Kieran Crawford (58:59)

8. Cornerback Conundrum: Avion Terrell or D’Angelo Pons?

(59:07–62:15)

Terrell (Clemson): First round talent, sticky in coverage (“but wildly inconsistent”), not much run support, limited to outside only.
Pons (Indiana): Day 2 value, more rugged, physical, consistent, but a bit undersized—may transition inside.
- “Pons is more physical. Pons is a dog. Pons is more instinctive and consistent.” — Dan (60:09)
Steve compares Pons to Antoine Winfield and Ronde Barber, but notes today’s NFL makes it harder for small corners to win outside.

9. Nickel & Slot Safety Hunting

(62:02–62:34)

Dan hints at “finding my nickel this year” and calls out Stoops (Arizona) as a possible ideal prospect—possibly starting a mini-segment featuring his favorite fit for that nickel safety/slot CB role.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On true insider conversations:
“It’s just open football conversations…whereas you get after the combine, you start into pro days and they start to button up that room and things get a little tighter.” — Dan (02:05)
On Mendoza’s league reputation:
“I have not talked to one person in the National Football League, not one, who has said definitively Fernando Mendoza is transcendent.” — Dan (22:09)
On elite edge rusher value:
“If you think there’s even a chance he turns into Micah Parsons…That’s the kind of player [you bet on].” — Steve (36:58)
On wide receiver value & depth:
“Already in February, guys in the league are talking about those combo picks at some of these positions.” — Dan (45:29)
On linebacker evaluation:
“Maybe the Georgia defensive players—we’re scouting the helmet a little bit this year.” — Dan (52:51)
On tight end class: “27 guys invited to the combine—the most that we’ve seen in a long, long time…It’s a really deep group of tight ends, and this is the golden age of tight ends.” — Dan (54:24)
On corner prospects in today’s NFL:
“I think it’s actually harder for smaller corners to compete outside today than it was when [Antoine] Winfield came out…You’re not allowed to be as physical.” — Steve (60:35)
Parting thoughts:
“This is the real stuff versus the manufactured. These are actual conversations going on the league.” — Dan (62:34)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Mendoza “the guy” debate: 06:30–30:39
Draft class parallels/position value: 16:00–21:58
Edge rusher breakdown: 32:32–38:52
Wide receiver class & strategy: 38:58–50:42
Linebacker value/depth: 52:12–54:13
Tight end class discussion: 54:13–58:24
Defensive line/under-the-radar: 58:42–59:04
Cornerback comparison: 59:07–62:15
Nickel/slot: Stoops mention: 62:02–62:34

Final Thoughts

This episode is essential listening for serious draft fans hungry for real insight into what NFL evaluators are actually discussing. It breaks down popular narratives, highlights real-time team thinking, and gives listeners clear context for understanding which prospects the league truly values—and why. With honest skepticism, measured praise, and an ear to the ground, McShay sets the stage for an unpredictable 2026 NFL Draft season.

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Transcript

Steve (0:00)

Foreign.

Dan (0:06)

It's hard to do the manufacturer draft talk when you're actually talking to NFL decision makers. So if you're looking for real insight on real conversations that are already taking place around the NFL and draft rooms right now, you found the right show. Just 70 days until the NFL draft. Men, you good? I'm good, man. Roll that beat, Tuck. I've had some really good conversations this week, Mitch.

Steve (0:50)

Guys, good time to have those. Yeah, it is.

Dan (0:53)

Because it's not like no one's. First of all, I'm more, I'm surprised like how far along teams are at this point and how like how the conversations are switching to like where, you know, is it this value in this round versus that value in this round with this group, you know, position group and all of that? Man. We're excited about this new partnership. This episode is presented by Scout Motors. Every new year we do a lot of forward thinking and planning for what's to come. Just like the all new Scout Terra and Scout Traveler. The they're being revamped for what comes Next, taking that classic 70s design and improving it with modern engineering, including plans for advanced four wheel drive. So look ahead. Join the wait list@scoutmotors.com just like I just did. Concept vehicles not available for sale. Features and performance specifications are preliminary and subject to change. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee purchase. Visit scoutmotors.com for for details. And secondly, it's kind of refreshing to talk to people, I think pre combine, you know.

Steve (2:01)

Yeah. Because they're about to button up right now. It's going to get real tight.

Dan (2:05)

They'll talk at the combine and then they'll go back and start to set boards and then the coaches get involved and then it gets like, you know what I mean? And it starts to tighten up. And these conversations are actual football conversations. Right. And you're just talk like, kind of like, yeah, this is what I'm seeing and this is what I'm seeing. And you've talked to a scout who's like, I enjoy when it's when like an area scout says, well, you know, I'm done with my area, I'm working on cross check. I've got defensive lineman or I've got wide receivers or whatever it is. And they're like, yeah, I haven't gotten to this player, but I know we're as a team high on them or, or I kind, you know, I really like this player but I don't think, you know, it's going to be hard to push him through. So just like, and then talking to general managers and they're just kind of getting a feel and we're talking things through and it's just open football conversations. Right? Whereas you get after the combine, you start into like the pro days and they start to button up that room and things get a little tighter. I feel like my best intel comes from questions I'm being asked. You know, kind of putting pieces of the puzzle together.

Dan (7:04)

And I didn't talk to anyone from the Raiders about it. Certainly didn't talk to anyone to the jets about it. I'm just asking the question to you now. And I'm bringing this up for us because it was brought to my lap a couple of times. What do you think of Mendoza? Back and forth. Really like him. Don't think. Don't think he's Caleb. Don't think he's Jaden. Don't think he's Drake. Don't think he's Cam. So I'm not saying everyone in the league thinks like this, but now this is. Like I told you, I Talked to a head coach in the NFL who had this, this conversation with and they kind of looking at the quarterbacks in other positions. We talked about tackles, receivers, defensive linemen, a bunch of different positions. Just want to get my take because now he's getting more into it but he started watching and now I'm talking to some decision makers in the league and they're just kind of everyone's curious, you know. So if I'm the Raiders, right. And I'm going to throw this to you and I don't even know if it's. I don't have a question formulated in my head but if I'm the Raiders and I'm John Spott conversation and I'm Tom Brady who very clearly has talked about he wants a veteran there to help. He doesn't think quarterbacks coming out of college are prepared right away for the NFL. They're just not being developed. It's not their fault. They're just not. But then you get this Mendoza Cat who's kind of built similar to Tom as energy on the ball probably more than Tom did coming out of Michigan, certainly more mobile. Not the pinpoint accuracy that Tom had but there's a similarity in terms of the process, the, the mental aspect of it, the, the dedication to the obsessiveness, all of those things. Okay, there will be a point in the process and maybe it's already here, but there will be a point in the process where they have to kind of as a small group. I, I don't know who those. You know, it will be Brady, certainly it will be spy tech as part of that and I'm not sure who else will constitute a true needle mover in that, in that room. But there will be a moment, Steve, where they, the Raiders have to make a decision is he the guy or is he a guy who could be really good in this league if we could put things there. And then there's also this aspect of it. If he's not the guy and if they don't believe or they're not sold or certain that he's a transcendent type player or a player who even though he might struggle as a rookie, he's going to be great. He's so skilled and so mentally adept. They've got to look at their the self scouting of are we ready to plug a quarterback in or are we better off trading out of this pick, taking advantage of maybe an organization like the jets or Browns or. I don't think the Rams would make this move at this point. They're trying to win it again next year. Where you say, are we ready? And. And if we could get. If we could move back and get more capital and maybe that capital includes something next year. Jets, we're better off getting some more players this year, progressing and being a better position to draft Arch Dante Moore. Soresby. Saying it like whoever it is, you know.

Steve (10:49)

Yeah. I was a little naive in saying that you could because I, first of all, I do believe that he is a guy. I'm not sure he's the guy. I'm in that camp. But I really like Fernando Mendoza. He is the best quarterback in this class. I think he could be a really good starter in the league. I see him as more of a Jared Goff than anything else and I think Jared Goff is an excellent quarterback. That's not a knock. I was a little naive in saying that the Raiders should try to consider trading out and then get enough to trade back up next year because here's the reality. Let's say they end up with the 12th pick next year. That may not be in another first. That may not be enough because teams who are picking in that early with those quarterbacks or picking ahead of them might just say, we're going to stand pat no matter what you offer us because we want this quarterback. There's no guarantee that one, the quarterback class is going to pan out like we hope and think it will. And two, that no matter regardless of what they have for firepower, there's no guarantee that they'll be able to move up. So it is. I mean, I want to make sure that the stakes are clear when I say this. I still think they should consider doing it. I still think they should consider doing it because again, he's not Caleb. He would have been the fourth quarterback taken in that class, I think. I think would have been taken behind Drake. May I really believe that. I'm sure Indiana fans are going to hate that. Mendoza fans are going to hate that. I understand. Again, I think he's very much like a Jared Goff type quarterback who could be very good in the league, but he's not a generational guy like an Andrew Luck. And I know that Trevor Lawrence hasn't, you know, really played up to what we thought coming out. Trevor Lawrence was a better prospect coming out than Mendoza is right now. That's just the reality of it. We'll see what happens when they get in the league, who they end up with, how they develop all of those things. So yeah, I think you have to consider it, I think you have to consider it there. And we're also seeing that the Seattle Seahawks just won a Super bowl with a guy that a lot of people thought was never going to be the guy despite getting drafted fourth overall by the Jets. You know, you know, it has to go through San Francisco, goes to Minnesota, doesn't end there well. And Sam Darnold, who I, I, I think I got the name right today, which is great, but we're seeing that you can do it that way too. So there's more, more than one way to get this done. And I think you have to consider all of those options and look at as a holistically, how are you going to build your roster now? If I, if the Raiders stay and they pick Fernanda Mendoza, I think it's an excellent pick. I have no, I have no qualms about that. But I don't know what they're being offered. If you're telling me they're being offered X amount versus Mendoza, then I can make a clearer, a clearer decision about what you should do. The other thing that's really fascinating to me is I think Mendoza is going to do really well in this pre draft leadup. But it's fascinating to me that there's no real competition here, it seems. Are we going to see a Ty Simpson kind of creep into that? Oh, maybe Ty Simpson's the guy. I don't think so. And how's that going to affect how people see Mendoza? I think, I think he'll be fine. But it's an interesting aspect of how this process unfolds.