Summary of "The McShay Show" Podcast Episode

Episode: "Who’s Rising in Todd’s Updated Top 100 Prospects? Plus: Talking Team Building and Scouting Lamar Jackson With Ravens GM Eric DeCosta"

Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: Todd McShay
Co-Host: Steve Mensch
Featuring: Eric DeCosta, General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens
Podcast Series: The McShay Show by The Ringer

Introduction & Senior Bowl Recap

Todd McShay kicks off the episode by reflecting on the recently concluded Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He commends the production team and staff for a successful and productive week, emphasizing the importance of the event in evaluating draft prospects. Todd also highlights the growth in the show's viewership, attributing it to the shift from college football to focusing on NFL draft content.

Notable Quote:
[01:16] Todd McShay: "It was, it was an important week for us and I feel really good about it."

Unveiling the Updated Top 100 Prospects

Todd announces the unveiling of his updated Top 100 NFL draft prospects, emphasizing significant movements and highlights from the Senior Bowl performances. He outlines the approach of not listing all 100 players but focusing on key movers and standout prospects to provide depth and insight.

Notable Quote:
[00:33] Todd McShay: "We're going to deep dive into what makes some of the biggest movers such."

Quarterbacks Analysis

The discussion opens with quarterbacks, where Steve Mensch introduces Quinn Ewers from Texas, noting his absence from Todd's Top 100, which sparks a debate between the hosts.

Notable Quote:
[10:20] Steve Mensch: "Quinn Ewers, quarterback from Texas. Not in your top 100... I think he's in the quarterback four."

Todd counters by explaining his current Top 100 quarterbacks: Cam Ward (Miami), Shador Sanders (Colorado), and Jackson Darth (Ole Miss), acknowledging the challenges in evaluating quarterbacks this year, especially post-Senior Bowl performances.

Notable Quote:
[16:24] Todd McShay: "He wasn't at the Senior bowl with an opportunity to, you know, kind of show what he can do."

Running Backs Breakdown

The running back class is highlighted as exceptionally strong, with nine running backs in Todd's Top 100. Todd discusses prospects like Ashton Jinty, Travon Henderson, and Jalen Walker, analyzing their strengths, workloads, and potential NFL impact.

Notable Quote:
[19:21] Steve Mensch: "He can be a five technique, he can be a three technique, he can be a seven technique, he can play multiple spots along the defensive front."

Todd emphasizes Travon Henderson's improvement and versatility, comparing his potential role to James "Buster" Douglas in the NFL.

Notable Quote:
[23:28] Steve Mensch: "I did not love his tape from 2023. His tape this year I think is way better..."

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Evaluation

The wide receiver class features fifteen prospects in the Top 100. Matthew Golden is praised for his route-running and explosive plays, especially in critical games like the SEC Championship. Elijah Arroyo, a tight end from Miami, is highlighted for his speed, size, and reliable hands, drawing comparisons to Rob Gronkowski.

Notable Quote:
[25:28] Steve Mensch: "He's making some of the throws that I'm not seeing other players make."

Todd introduces Elijah Arroyo, noting his impressive performance metrics and potential impact in the NFL despite modest production numbers.

Notable Quote:
[34:06] Steve Mensch: "The fact you're talking about Gronk with him, man, is just, it's, it's appropriate."

Defensive Linemen Insights

The defensive line class is dissected with a focus on prospects like Shemar Stewart and Nick Scorton. Todd lauds Stewart's power and versatility, while Steve expresses concern over Stewart's production, advocating for Scorton's higher ranking based on his college performance.

Notable Quote:
[36:37] Steve Mensch: "He was throwing two guys around like he is... an absolute rabid coyote."

Todd defends Stewart's high ranking by emphasizing his performance in critical plays and overall potential.

Notable Quote:
[41:31] Todd McShay: "Abdul Carter clearly is number one player in this draft. Mikel Williams has a little bit more naturally God given talent. Jaylen Walker's in kind of a category of his own..."

Exclusive Interview with Eric DeCosta, Baltimore Ravens GM

Towards the episode's conclusion, Todd and Steve engage in an in-depth conversation with Eric DeCosta, General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens. The interview covers several key topics:

Scouting and Drafting Lamar Jackson

Eric recounts the strategic process behind scouting and acquiring Lamar Jackson, highlighting the decision to draft him without disrupting the existing quarterback, Joe Flacco. He emphasizes the importance of Lamar's unique skill set and how it fits into the Ravens' offensive strategy.

Notable Quote:
[65:27] Eric DeCosta: "We feel like Lamar being the type of player he is, he presents so many challenges for linebackers..."

Building Around Lamar Jackson

Eric discusses the Ravens' approach to team building post-draft, focusing on strengthening the offensive line, diversifying the running back core, and enhancing the receiver and tight end groups to complement Lamar's playstyle.

Notable Quote:
[67:29] Eric DeCosta: "So we try to figure out what he does best and then what kinds of players he likes to fill the ball to him."

Integration of Technology and Analytics

The conversation delves into how the Ravens leverage technology and analytics in their scouting and player evaluation processes. Eric highlights the development of proprietary software and modeling techniques that aid in making informed draft decisions.

Notable Quote:
[77:18] Eric DeCosta: "We have an unbelievable product that we started developing in probably 2013... Two developers, full time developers on staff with football backgrounds."

Managing Team Dynamics and Salary Cap

Eric touches on the complexities of managing team dynamics and the salary cap, sharing anecdotes about difficult decisions made to maintain a competitive roster while adhering to financial constraints.

Notable Quote:
[82:08] Eric DeCosta: "You have to sometimes do what's right for the organization, even though you know it's the wrong thing to do."

Advice for Aspiring GMs

Reflecting on his career, Eric offers advice to aspiring general managers, emphasizing continuous learning, building strong relationships across all departments, and understanding the multifaceted responsibilities of the role beyond player scouting.

Notable Quote:
[85:11] Eric DeCosta: "Realize that you don't know as much as you think you do about the game... Appreciate what other people do. Build relationships with people in all the other departments."

Conclusion

Todd wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the Senior Bowl in shaping draft prospects and the value of exclusive insights from seasoned NFL executives like Eric DeCosta. He encourages listeners to support the show through subscriptions and engagements as they continue to build and refine their draft analyses.

Notable Quote:
[89:31] Todd McShay: "We appreciate you, man. We appreciate you taking the time. Appreciate everything you've done in this industry."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Todd McShay’s evolving Top 100 draft prospects, enriched by strategic insights from Eric DeCosta on team building and player evaluation. Whether you're an NFL enthusiast, aspiring executive, or fantasy football aficionado, the discussions provide valuable perspectives on the intricate processes behind assembling a competitive NFL roster.