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It's a Tuesday edition of the McShay Show.We got a fun one lined up today.First of all, we want to do this project, right?Everyone evaluates Travis Hunter, the Colorado star, Heisman favorite right now, as a cornerback slash receiver.
But if you look at history, it's probable that he's going to have to choose one position.So I tasked my guy, Mench, Go study him as a cornerback.I tasked myself, study him as a wide receiver.
We're going to give you an evaluation on Travis Hunter, both positions.We're going to separate it and talk about where he could wind up in this NFL draft.In addition, asked and answered, we're going to debut this segment.
We need more feedback on this show.We talked about it the last couple of weeks.We need your questions.Sent out a tweet, an ex-post, whatever you call it.Got a lot of great questions.We're going to get to a handful of them today.
I'm going to make that a consistent thing on the Tuesday, Thursday show.And then finally, the bear, my guy.I'm so excited to have Chris Felika, who's now with Fox.He's got Bear Bets, his podcast.He's going to join the show.
He's gonna talk to us about all things gambling, college football, previewing the game he's going to in Columbus this week, Indiana versus Ohio State.It's a monster matchup.
And also just go through the college football rankings and we'll preview the college football playoff and what we think the rankings should be.Man, it's gonna be a fun one, man.
It's week 13 in college football, week 12 in the NFL, and just 156 days until the NFL draft.Mensch, you good?I'm good, man.All right, play those tunes, man. How was your assignment?How'd it go, Mitch?
I mean, when you're watching the galley, Travis Hunter, it's pretty easy, right?
Feels like stealing.It's not work anyway.
So I just mentioned it.I feel like everywhere I watch, everywhere I listen, everywhere I read, it's when we talk about the 2025 NFL Draft, it's always Travis Hunter, wide receiver, cornerback, right?But I was going through this, Mitch, right?
Charles Woodson, one of the best two-way players in college football history, won the Heisman, you know, monster final year at Michigan.Do you know how many receptions he had in 18 years in the NFL?
Another guy, Champ Bailey, phenomenal two-way player at Georgia, special player, right?Played 15 years in the NFL.Do you know how many receptions he had?
More, right?I don't know, though.
Yeah, he, yeah, he did have more for, yeah.Yeah.
He doubled up like, just like I thought, man nailed it.
And then Dion Sanders, who's obviously coach primes coaching Travis Hunter.They're basically family.Right.I think might be the most applicable combination.
And when we think of Dion, we think about the versatility, not just football and baseball, but you know, in the NFL. the return game, which is no longer the thing that it was back in the 90s.
But his value at wide receiver was there, much more so than Woodson, much more so than Champ Bailey.He had 60 receptions in the NFL, primarily a corner.
One of the great all time return guys, but is that a route in today's NFL that's gonna factor into the evaluation for Travis Hunter?No, but he did have 60 receptions in the NFL.
But the interesting part with it, Champ and Chuck and Charles Woodson, they played both ways in college.Deion didn't.Deion, I looked, just to double check to make sure I wasn't wrong.Deion at Florida State did not have a single reception.
One of the all-time great return men and obviously a phenomenal corner.I think he's still in the top five in college football history or Florida State history, I think with 14 interceptions, I wanna say.
I forget what the number was, but- It was 13 or 14, yeah. Yeah, my point is that Dion didn't play both ways in college and had more receptions, but still was only 60 receptions.So very limited impact.
So with that as the backdrop, and with Travis Hunter being six foot one and 185 to 191 pounds is what I've seen the range for his weight.Right.
With the shoulder injury he had earlier this season, with the nicks and bruises and missed time he's had over his career, not massive, not huge, but conditioning, does he have it to do it in the NFL?Yes.But skill-wise, can you as a player
commit to a position and be a lead at that position while also doing it on on the other side of the ball.History has shown us it's it's no, the answer is no.There can be an impact, but it's not going to be the impact that he's had at Colorado.Okay.
So I tasked you and tasked myself with Let's treat it as separate entities.When we're evaluating players on tape, it's the helmet, it's the jersey number, and studying them, what their skill set is.Who are they at this position, right?
So let's separate Travis Hunter, pretend almost like he's two different human beings, two different evaluations.Who is he as a corner?Who is he as a wide receiver as it pertains to the upcoming NFL draft?
And we've got the, we broke down the traits we've got, we're going to go through this year's wide receiver and cornerback class.We're going to go through, um, last year's and try to place them where we think at each separate position.
So the floor is now yours.Yep.You evaluated him. solely as a cornerback.And I want to hear what you and obviously I've studied the tape as well.You've studied the wide receiver tape.
But for these purposes, I'm going to let you you're the area scout, you're the cross check, you're coming into the GM's office, and you're going to break down what what he is as a cornerback, right.
And so that's where I want you to go and and and tell me what you think of him.
So the first thing when I look at corners, I want to see them impress.I want to see how they match up one on one and press and no surprise here considering who he plays for.He is a fundamentally sound press corner who is physical.He's he's lean.
You mentioned it, but he's physical.He's tough. He can make it hard for guys to get off the line.He can turn and run with guys.He can mirror receivers release.So right away, he can match up and press.
The other thing I want to see is, how are the ball skills?And you're going to get into this as a receiver.I'm guessing you gave him elite ball skills?Did you give him elite ball skills?
If he has an elite ball skill grade receiver for McShea, he's going to have elite ball skills for a corner.No question. You know, what's interesting to me is I went back and I want to see every interception a player makes in the year.
He has three so far this year.So let's go back and look at the three.You know, the one he had against Colorado State is beautiful, runs the route for the receiver, snatches the ball out of the air.
The two other ones I think really bring it, talk about the next trait that I want to talk about, which is our instincts and recognition.
And just to interrupt you real quickly, if you're watching this on YouTube, watching the video podcast version of the podcast, you'll see here, this is his cornerback-specific traits.We do this for every position.We've done it with the quarterbacks.
You'll see wide receiver later, but these are the cornerback-specific traits.First one, instincts recognition, most important.And people overlook that.They want to see the length, the speed, and all those things are critical.
But the best corners in the NFL, the guys who translate the best have elite instincts and recognition typically.And just ripping through this, and you can go in more detail, but you've given him a grade of one, meaning that's elite.
One is elite, two is above average to good, three, is uh average four is below average five is marginal and you've given him the first three traits instincts and recognition a one elite cover skills one elite ball skills one elite run support
three average.So go ahea left off.
So I'll just, y those two picks.There's one from UCF.We'll talk abo just happened this past w as it's, you know, he's n on one play.But what he the receivers that he's the ball.He stays in the is about Travis Hunter as
He's not just a talented kid, man.He's a really good football player.I think he loves the game.He stays involved in the play.
He easily could have just stayed on the receiver that he was covering, but no, he disconnects from that receiver, tracks the ball, ball gets deflected, pulls it out of the air, there's another interception.UCF game.
He's sitting there baiting the quarterback to throw that ball.He is just staring down that quarterback and then explodes off his back foot and makes this great diving catch.Kind of again, all these things lead into one thing leads into another.
Can he play other systems than just the press corner?Is he just a press corner?No, he could play zone.
He is just as good in any of those other looks that you wanna give him because again, his instincts, his ability to read receivers, his ability to read quarterbacks,
One of the most impressive things about this Todd, you know, from, from where Richmond, when you play in college football, they come in the week of the game and I'm sure it's the same in the pros.I didn't play in the pros.
They come in the week of the game and they throw a 20 page game plan in front of you.This is the, this is who you're going to face.He's good at this.He's bad at that.This is the look we expect to see the formation.
I, as an offensive lineman at Richmond had a hard enough time absorbing that and having Frank Leonard all over me about it.
I can't imagine playing two positions and having just play, have a game plan at two positions at that wide receiver, the install for each week.Yeah, I can't, I cannot imagine.
And I think it speaks to how intelligent he is as a few as a football player.It's something that cannot be overlooked.
Yeah, I completely agree to, to further your evaluation.I ironically coming into it and coming into this year, I kind of always thought it like cornerback was his primary spot receiver.
He was just kind of just relying on athleticism and we'll get to wide receiver.
I think there's more polish to be done at corner in terms of technique and certain things that you need at the cornerback position than there is a receiver, which was really surprising to me.
I wrote down in my notes, I think he's at his best actually.He's not a physical tackler.I think, and you put that in your, in your breakdown of the, of the cornerback specific traits.
When you look at three run support, significant drop off from all the other, other traits there.I don't think he's a great tackler.
I do agree that he's so like, it's kind of this, not a contradiction, but it's interesting in that at 185 to 191 pounds, he is physical and coverage.And most importantly, he's at his best in press. But inconsistent as a tackler, not great in support.
Some of the things you see out of with the Jets, having a- Sauce Gardner.Sauce Gardner, right?Sauce Gardner, it feels like it keeps getting worse.But I think Sauce is kind of, I'm not saying this is the NFL comp for him, but I'm saying,
Some of the frustration that Jets fans have with Sauce is that he's great in press, great one-on-one, he'll blanket your number one guy.And let's face it, that's where you make your money.
But there's been so many plays and so many missed tackles that have led to big plays for the opponent.And you kind of see some of those issues there.His lack of size and the tackling issues are concerns, only 185, 191 pounds.And durability.
Durability, because at receiver, you're gonna take hits.At cornerback. durability, like the shoulder injury we saw against Kansas state, right?Right.Durability is going to show up to me.I'm more concerned at cornerback than I am wide receiver.
And now if you're talking about playing both and 120 snaps or something ridiculous, even over an 18 game after 17 game season and grown ass men every week and getting targeted and, and having to go initiate that contact. with your shoulder.
You know, like that's concerned.The durability is more concerning at cornerback than it is, than it is a wide receiver.So where are you as a cornerback?Do you, I mean, we can look at this year's class.We can look at last year's class.
If you're following along in video.Yeah, let's, we got the, we got the, uh, graphic right here for last year's class.
First of all, can I just say this? How in the world did the Eagles get those two players at those spots?Quinion Mitchell should have gone, I think he was the, he was like the number seven or he was the number seven player on my board, I think.
No, he's the number 10 player on my board.
We both had him in the top 10 to 12.
Yeah, to go at 22.Come on.I actually like Hunter better than Mitchell, though, to be honest with you.Mitchell had an unbelievable lead up to the to the draft.He's playing really well now.Yeah, I do.
I think because really, you like Travis Hunter as a cornerback prospect more than Quinion Mitchell.
Yeah, I have a high, a slightly higher grade on him.Yeah, I do.OK, I think they're right there.I think they're in the same conversation, to be honest with you.OK. So yeah, I would have him slightly ahead.
If you look at the year before, the guy that he kind of reminds me of that was the eighth player on my board that year was Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon.Who's playing for the Patriots now.He's got that kind of vibe.
And kind of similar complaints living here in New England, unbelievable in coverage.He's almost surpassed the expectations and the expectations were high in coverage. but the missed tackles als year.
I think with a sho enough.Obviously that's to apples thing.But uh, of.
So yeah.And Yeah, there's a lot of go ahead.
I was just going to say, ironically, like we go back sometimes in years and we're going back to 2024 and 2023 to try to stack them to give a perspective on where they are.
But interestingly enough, like I would argue if you put the three cornerback classes together, you know, Witherspoon was 2023 and he was right.Was he five?He was five overall.
I think he was, yeah.He was fifth overall.
But I would argue Will Johnson, and I know this year he's kind of... He was a little up and down early, had a couple great games, hasn't played a lot recently.
Remember we talked about Derrick Stingley like that?I was just going to say Derrick Stingley.
He's all right, right?I think he's doing just fine.
Doing just fine.I think the Texans are OK with that.Yeah.But Will Johnson, I would argue, is up there.I'm not going to sit here and say, Will Johnson has a better grade than Witherspoon.We're not there yet in the process.
But he's up there with the elite cornerbacks from the last two drafts.So I think it's all like, now it's, in your opinion, based off of Will Johnson, all the tape I know you've studied,
If, if I told you you, there is no wide receiver, Travis Hunter, right?
It's just, you get, you get a cornerback who, yeah, maybe we'll give you two catches like Charles Woodson or four catches like champ Bailey through his career or, or even 60 over a, you know, more than a decade career like Dion.
So if I were to tell you you're just getting the cornerback, Travis Hunter, is he higher than Will Johnson in your opinion?
No, I still have will.I mean, this is but again, this is how good I think that will Johnson is not an indictment on Travis.Not at all.I mean, this class is good.
I mean, you look at kit Benjamin Morrison out of Notre Dame like these three corners and we just we just we just highlighted today Baron. at the top of this class, because of injuries, even Carolina look like he wa Mitchell kind of arc whe this year.
He's gonna te some good tape.He's anot to keep an eye on, but get Johnson, a little bigger, and I think that's kind I think he's a little bit of a better run defender.Same kind of instincts, same kind of cover skills.
I see almost the same kind of plays from him.And when you look at that UCF pick, Will Johnson does that really well.I think he had a pick six early in the season on a similar play where he's like, no, no, you got that guy.
You can throw it to him and just explodes off the back foot and you're going the other way.So Will Johnson, I think is an elite corner prospect.I have both of those guys in my top five overall, by the way. So, I mean, that's what we're talking about.
We're talking about this is a class that I think could be, you know, could compare to 2022 when Stingley, I think, went four and Gardner went five or something like that.They both went very early.And I had Gardner ahead of Stingley at the time.
It hasn't really worked out that way recently, but I think it's a similar class.
All right, so that's him as a corner.Yeah. So we're talking potential top five pick as a corner, second corner back in this year's class, stacks up with the top corners that we've seen in the last two drafts.Right.
Let me clear my throat before we- It's silly.I think he's a better wide receiver prospect than corner prospect.
I agree with you and I agree with you all about not seeing it coming into the year. I thought that was his second position.It's cool that he can do that.
It was going to be a great add on and maybe we get 20 snaps out of him at wide receiver.I think when you look at, let's get into him as a receiver first.Let's start here.Let's throw up the graphic for the wide receiver position specifics.
I went two on routes, meaning above average good, but not elite.And I say that and I want people to hear this when I say it. He's, there's no wasted m have to gear down to get smooth and crisp as an ath to top speed in a flash r as a cornerback.
So he h to be a great route runne I think there's still room for some polish.I think there's still room in terms of like an NFL route tree.
I'm not saying he's not running it, but there's a lot of screens and drags and like just kind of getting to an area.
I do love his instincts versus zone finding soft spots, knowing, you know, working back to his, to his quarterback, which I think he's improved upon this year.
I didn't think he was always great at that last year, but I give him a two because, and again, couching it a little bit, he's really quick and crafty getting off the line of scrimmage.
I don't think that's gonna be the issue, but what I watch consistently, too often, let's put it that way, defensive backs that are able to get their hands on him and kind of muscle him out of his routes, take him off his track, right?
And I think that that's a problem that's only gonna improve with continued bulk and strength. without losing speed and explosiveness.He's just, he's got it.I think he's strong for his size, but he's got that lean lanky frame.
Um, you know, like Garrett Wilson, when you watch him, like so great in so many areas, but there's, there's too many times where you feel like he's getting muscled a little bit when the ball's in the air, you know, that kind of separating him from like, he's one of the elite receivers in the NFL, but from like taking that next step, I think, I think when you, when you study Travis,
If he can improve his size and bulk and strength and be more sturdy as both a route runner and when the ball's in the air, kind of contest catches, I think that's an area he can prove.But you see the rest of this, ball skills, one, elite.
I don't see many body catches on tape.I see a guy, what separates the two grade versus the one grade for me, guys that are able to pluck the ball and already know what their first move is.
It's like just focus on the ball, but like the body's moving while the eyes and the hands are still, right?
It jumps out when you watch him.It's like that's, you know, when you're trying to explain to someone that trait, you want to show Travis Hunter, he's the teach tape.
It's a hand-eye coordination that's different than other guys. There are plenty of receivers we see double catches.We see ball getting to body.We see fighting it at times.We see they really have to go secure it.
The elite guys, it's like, yeah, I know I have to complete this process, complete A to get to B. But it ain't that hard for me.That's why I give him elite ball skills, big play ability.
Again, I think his lack of elite size and elite strength down the field, he gets muscled around on some of those jump balls and all that.But in terms of his run after catch, when the ball is in Travis Hunter's hands,
That's when he is a special, different football player, period.He does a lot of things great.Travis Hunter does a lot of things great at wide receiver.He does a lot of things great at cornerback.
But when that football is in Travis Hunter's hands, that's when he's different, man.And he also doesn't need to get over the top.
So big playability, while his numbers don't jump out and all that, and he doesn't have like three deep ball catches every week, he is a weapon. on offense.
Couldn't, I c and then competitive.Go h we talk about those insti the things I really like that he attracts and adjust something that I've notic to get into the weeds a l is he's he is leaner.You got to get some more bod more durable.
He's got to he's better in those 50 he does win 50 50 balls.I think it's because of t the way he can adjust wh the air and he's really g state would argue that he on some of those routes.
He does a really good job of moving defenders and getting inside leverage to get to a ball without extending.And that is an instinct.That is not something, it is when you are moving at that rate, telling a player, teaching a player how to do that.
I don't know how you can do it.That is something I think you either have it or you don't.You don't, right?And he has, he knows how he will, he'll like,
use his hands to move a g fully extending and it's of the instincts of the b kind of wraps up when you at a player as a whole, b again that's jumped out t is super impressive.
I'm and cons.I've watched th year I watched every targe This year, I picked three games, Nebraska, Arizona.I also had watched a lot of tape, getting ready for doing this to door tape.So it was some repetitive.And then this past week as well, Utah.
So some of the notes I wrote like, and we've covered a lot of it, but just rip down like explosive with ball in hands, best trait reaches top speed quickly and elusive.I put an X exclamation next to stop start of loves his stop start ability, right?
Versatile.I love the fact that like you don't, you don't even. It's not like an event when he's playing inside or outside.He's just like he's playing inside or outside.He's playing the left side or right side.
Plays on the right, probably a little bit more on the left.I don't know the numbers, but he can play both sides of the field.It's not like he's pigeonholed to one thing, just an outside receiver, just a slot.They move him around.
creative getting off the I told you that just so qu he has a plan.It's not l like he has a plan.He kn frequently.Um, smooth an not many wasted steps.Gre zone, which we covered.Ha That's something I didn't talk about climbing.He's got vertical man.
You see it and it's easy vertical.It's easy timing.Yeah.Easy vertical and then speed to get over the top.Now that the cons, two things and one's nitpicking.I'll just get it out of the way.My goodness.Does he need to tuck the ball away sometimes?
And he's gotten away with it.
I don't have his fumble numbers or anything, but like I see on tape sometimes where I'm just like, But it speaks to his instincts.He knows when to protect it, but he will not get away with that as frequently in the NFL.
But much more importantly to his evaluation as a receiver, he needs to improve his play strength.It's the same thing at corner and wide receiver.And we just talked, knocked off routes, struggles on some contested.
That's where he's gonna have to improve if he wants to take his game to another level.So with that as a, yeah, go ahead.
Can I address the X trolls that I'm guessing may respond to, to this video or this, this pod is, yeah, I know that, I know that Travis got beat over the top against Utah.I know that happened.
I felt like there was a couple of plays and a couple of balls in the Texas tech game that he could have got and he didn't come down with.He is not, it's important that these, these are not perfect players.
They're like the tape is there's going to be plays where they're, they're not at their best. He got caught flat footed and off coverage.
I don't think that's the best look for him on when he got beat over the top against Utah, maybe peeked into the backfield.I'm not overly worried because you don't see it a lot.One bad play.You know, this is a, we're always looking at the box.
What, and what can he be?
And this, this, what, you know, what makes this a unique evaluation bud is We're studying this tape, and this is why I wanted to do it, where you just go and evaluate him as a career.I go and evaluate him as a wide receiver.
But the thing that I didn't even think about that I'm thinking about now is when I go evaluate Ted Aroa and McMillan, when I go evaluate Luther Burden for Missouri, Isaiah Bond for Texas, or Jalen Royals for Utah State, some of the other wide receivers in this class, when I go evaluate them,
I'm not thinking about, oh, they also played 68 snaps on defense today.Right.You know what I mean?Yeah.So like when I was doing it, I wasn't even conscious of the fact like, oh, he's wearing down.Oh, he doesn't look like he is.Right.
Which is unbelievable.Unreal.Because I'm watching plays in the third quarter, early in the fourth quarter, where he's played over 100 snaps in that game.And so, because the scouting process is this.
the, the area scouts will, you break up for every organization, you break up area scouts, you know, Northeast, Midwest, West Coast, Southwest, Southeast, and how different teams kind of do it differently, then you have like a top 100 scout typically, right.
And so that it's their process in the, you know, they get sometimes I call scouts in April, And they're like, yeah, I'm not even like, I'm done with my meetings with the team.Like I'm on the next year's class.
So it's like 13 months, you know, and obviously it goes beyond that, but 13 months focus on these players, but they start the evaluation.They, they get to go, they bring it to the team.They, then they have cross checks, you know?
So now, now if I'm in the Northeast scout, I'm going to cross check and cross checks are done by position.
So we'll talk to a Northeast scout who's done that whole region all season long, who now is in charge of wide receivers and offensive linemen or whatever those two positions are.And so now there's a second check.
But then at some point in the process when the NFL season is over, the coaches get involved. Right.
So the general managers, managers overlooking it, the college scouting directors overlooking it, they're building up the report, they're taking, like getting all this information in and starting to stack the board.
But then the college, then the NFL coaches get involved with the organization, as we get to like the Senior Bowl, as we get to the Combine.And so when, when I think about those meetings,
And I think about cornerback, you know, defensive back coaches banging on the table.Cause you gotta remember they're going to be like, no, I want Travis as a corner.
And then there's wide receiver, you know, coaches banging on the table and, but, and I can hear them now.
in those meetings that we have 100 amazing stories of the yelling, the screaming, the fighting, the bickering, the backstabbing, but I mean, if we could share any of those, we could do like 10 pod series on how many amazing stories.
Yeah, Bravo would make a show out of that.
So, but I can hear the receiver coach now being like, Hey, Can you imagine what I can do with him if I just get him as a wide receiver?And he's not, his mental focus is not on both positions all week and his physical focus is not on both positions.
And then in game, he's only playing 60 snaps for us versus 130 or 140. that's when it's going to get real interesting.And I, and I say that because you're always evaluating the, the entire picture as a prospect.
And you're always having to push the conversation forward.What can he be?Right.And to me, like the, what can he be is so intriguing because you can take half of his workload off his plate.
Yeah, and I can bring him into that.Yeah, you see all of those things, right?I agree with everything you're saying.It all makes sense at all.It's all true.This is a dude that turned down the FBS.
to go play for coach prime at Jackson state because he felt coach prime was going to make him the best football player that he could be.Yeah.He, you know, all these kids are like, Oh, I think we're still throwing a million for it.
If I remember correctly, all these, tell me, tell me if I'm wrong, that you're not wrong.I've given a million that, that what power five school you going to?You're going to Jackson State.Really, you're going to Jackson State.
He turned down the FBS because he felt like this was going to be the place that made him the best player.That's why you know when you hear coach Brian talk about this kid.
I mean there you understand why when you look at the arc in the relationship in the way it's developed, there's a commitment to one another that is very unique.It's one of the best stories in college football in my mind.
So I just, I look at this and I think to myself, all right, so when we get to that process, because we just told you the numbers on Charles Woodson, Champ Bailey, even Dion, who probably was the most prolific both sides of the ball, just 60 catches in his long career, right?
Teams have got to look at this, which one is he playing?And I just keep going back.First of all, not that this necessarily matters, a cornerback has never been drafted number one overall.
But you also got to go back to Keyshawn Johnson, the last receiver selected with the top overall pick, and that was 1996, okay?Yep.The wide receiver position, we just threw up a graphic here.Last year, Marvin Harrison,
Malik neighbors, Romo dunes, dunes, a, uh, Brian Thomas.That was a really good call.You get all the Xavier worthy.What he's, what he's done with the chiefs, Ricky personal, uh, pierce all who obviously got shot.Yeah.Like just an unbelievable story.
The fact that he's back on the field and has his first touchdown catch a couple of weeks ago.Uh, To me, it really comes down to, I would still have Marvin Harrison ahead of Travis Hunter.I would have Malik Nabors.
It would be right there where the discussion would be absolutely ahead of Rome, absolutely ahead of Brian Thomas and all those other guys.
So- I always love Roma Dunze, love Roma Dunze.Again, let's keep this in perspective.That's how good this kid is.
Right, so the discussion for me, we were working together last year.I had my little sabbatical, we'll call it.But I had Roma Dunze one notch ahead of Marvin Harris.
And both with exceptional grades, and they both had great seasons in different regards and all that.But I think he's in that category, I would probably put him just the tiniest notch below those two guys.
But also remember, that's pick four and pick six, Harrison and Neighbors, respectively, in a draft that had Caleb Williams, in a draft that had Jaden Daniels. Right.
And so this year there is like Shador, his teammate is probably going to be the first quarterback off the board, but we'll see how we've already done a show on that.And we'll do many more on, on where prime is that the Raiders?
Let's look at the draft order right now.Okay.Jacksonville is picking at number one, ironically, not ironically, but interestingly enough, cornerback and wide receiver top two needs.If the draft were held today, Tennessee is a number two pick.
In my opinion, they may not agree.They may want to be more, have a longer leash on Will Levis.But wide receivers outside of quarterback, their number one need.Cleveland, quarterback, but then wide receiver.
Vegas could be, seems like the most likely landing spot for Shador.But if it's not quarterback, it's wide receiver.It's going to be quarterback in Vegas.You got to believe.And then the New York Giants quarterback, you've got to believe too.
This is going to be fascinating when we get to the quarterbacks.But my point is you look at all of those teams, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Cleveland, Vegas, Giants.If the draft were held today, the top five teams picking,
Quarterback is a top need for all four of them, with the exception of Jacksonville one.But after that, it's wide receiver and or cornerback as the next highest need.So he's going to one of those spots.
And if you go back to last year's class, with those quarterbacks, right?With Caleb Williams, with Jaden Daniels, with Drake May, the receivers got bumped down just a little bit, but only for quarterbacks.
Yeah, still three in the top ten.
And so yeah, three in the top 10 and wide receiver was four and six.And so even if you have him rated just a notch below those top two guys, we're talking about him going somewhere in the top five.
Right.Let me ask you this.You're the GM for the Cleveland Browns and coach prime and Travis Hunter and their team are looking at what Otani has done with the Dodgers and the angels.They think. Look at this phenomenon in pro sports.
And we want Travis Hunter to play both ways.We want him to take the Otani route.And we're going to go to a team and say, if you're taking him, we expect him to play on both sides of the ball.How does that affect your thinking?
I love the Shohei Otani comparison.
And the reason I love it is because I think it shows The modern day athlete, modern day sports medicine.I think quarterbacks- He's actually had a hard time staying healthy a little bit though.He has.Yeah.And so,
The quarterback staying healthy into the 40s, well, the entire league is protecting them to a point where it's beyond frustrating for a lot of people who love this game.So I don't think you can factor that in.
I hear what you're saying, and I think it's fascinating.But I'm also, then as the general manager, or as the owner talking to an overzealous general manager, I am gonna go back and say, show me his injury history.
Yeah, medical's gonna be big. That's the way it's going to be big.
I don't think there's anything.I don't think there's anything in his medical history.You're worried about being something that's recurring.
I mean, I know it's not, but I also know that when you've got a shoulder injury this year, like that's going to only be accentuated heightened, if you will, at the next level.So And here's my thought too.And I'm just, we're just free flowing here.
I love this conversation because it's so unique, right?Like one college, one university, Colorado is providing us with two storylines that. you almost never see in the NFL draft.I mean, I just, you go back, we're talking about Dion.
We're talking about champ Bailey, Charles Woodson over 20 years ago, right?We're talking about Keyshawn Johnson is the number one overall overall pick 1996.We're talking almost 30 years ago.Okay.Right.Then we're talking about should door.
I T I, we just said on the other podcast the other day, we said it had been 20 years. right?2004 was the Eli Manning draft with Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, right?20 years.
So we're talking like decades for all of the storylines and one in Colorado coming out of Boulder, Colorado, these unbelievably unique storyline.
So I just, but my, my thought on this is I feel like, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just going to throw it out to you.I feel like if you're going to play cornerback in the NFL,
That's gotta be your primary and throwing you in at wide receiver with a handful of play installs every week in a very specific defined role each week is how you do it.
I don't think you're a full time wide receiver and you come in for 15, 20 snaps a game at cornerback and do that.And maybe I'm wrong.
But it'll be fascinating to see how these NFL teams that know a lot more than you and I, have a lot more resources than you and I, how they view it.But to me, it's all right, if we're gonna try to do both, we gotta get cornerback right.
Cuz if we don't get cornerback right in terms of his technique, his polish, strengthening him up, bulking him up, and having him out there as the primary, like taking away the number one receiver every week.
If we don't get that right, it's a freaking train wreck. Two or three big plays a game could change an entire game.At wide receiver, we can kind of pick our spots.
So if you're going to try to play them in both, it's got to be cornerback, primary, wide receiver, secondary, and kind of increases role over time.Do you agree?Disagree?
Uh, I do agree.I think it's really hard to play corner part time.I mean, it's what you're saying.I think it's really difficult to play corner part time on offense.
You can have packages and you can have, you know, certain plays installed that you can, you can really focus in on 10, 12 plays a game that he can do defensively.I think it's a little bit of a different, more of a different animal.
So yeah, I do agree with you.I do hope that If, and we don't, I mean, tell me if you know something, I don't know.We don't know that that's the route that they'll take.
There's no reason to believe that's the route that they'll take, that they say that he needs to play both ways.
But I hope there's not a GM out there who thinks that they're going to take Hunter and then try Coach Prime in that team and be like, no, actually, we'll just complain about receiver now that we drafted him.
Because that, I mean, all the drama, for lack of a word, or entertainment that's going to go on with all of this is just going to be, I mean, it is going to be, fun to watch.
Let's just last year's class.We jus going very early.Unlike I don't think that's goin I think she doors, they'r their spot and it probabl in the top five, but we now and then, right?Um
When you look at it and we just talked about no cornerback has ever gone number one overall, right?Keyshawn Johnson in 96.What is that?28 years since a wide receiver has gone number one overall.
I do think the wide receiver positional value is higher than it's ever been in the NFL.So it wouldn't shock me, but.
When you start talking about the number one overall pick, and again, as of today, it would be the Jacksonville Jaguars, but any of these teams picking at the top and they may have a quarterback need, they may want Shador, but they may not be allowed to get him.
Cause it'll hold out if they draft him. So the potential to be the number one overall pick are who you're stacking them up against in this year's class.
Throw in some names if you want, but I'm just looking at the board and we haven't even had these meetings yet or discussed this and you're doing your own board, I do my own board.And that's just the way things are right now.
But Will Johnson at corner would be up there among the names that potentially could be top three, four players in dress. and the draft, Abdul Carter, Malik Williams, the edges, Penn State, Georgia, respectively.
I think you would have to include up there in this year's class.Beyond that, like I know Mason Graham, you absolutely love him.
I mean, that's that's a whole nother argument.That's what I'm saying.That's what I'm saying.Kelvin Banks, some people think is great.I don't see a number one.You know what I mean?So like I don't see a lot of Texas. Yeah.
We're getting into guys like, like Malachi Starks is not going to be a safety goal.So like, that's kind of it this year.There's a lot of depth in it.A lot of damn good football players in the 20, 25 draft.
And I'm not just saying that to keep excitement going for the, like, I'll just, we'll shoot straight here.I don't, I don't mind.
But when you talk about a typical top five class where you've got guys like fighting at the end trying to get like climbing up 40 yard dash who worked out best, who had like all those who are the best senior bowl.
I don't see a group where you've got a bunch of guys that truly belong as the number one, number two overall pick and if you were to compare them to other years drafts.Couldn't agree more.So the reason I'm saying this is,
he very well could be the number one overall pick.Travis Hunter very well could be the number one overall pick as a wide receiver or as a cornerback that can also contribute at wide receiver.
And if that's the case, we're talking about making history at corner, which I think it's more likely to be wide receiver or it being 28 years since we've had a wide receiver taken number one overall.
And for a class that doesn't have elite prospects at the top, like we normally have, that's a pretty cool storyline.
you on the spot, I feel like I'm always like, well, would you take him first overall?I don't know if I would take him first overall right now.We really do have to see how this plays out because the edge defenders, I think.
I think, you know, if, and again, we'll see how the rest of the season goes and how everyone tests, but you're right.
There is a legit, I mean, there is more of a chance for a corner to go or receiver, whatever you want to call them to go first overall than we've seen.And I don't even know how long decades.Yeah.I mean, it's amazing.
Let me wrap it up with this.And I looked at this up earlier in the year.I don't know that any corner has been paid. But Jalen Ramsey, when I looked this up early in the year, was the highest paid cornerback per year in the NFL, 24.1 million per year.
There were 12 wide receivers at the time, and I think it might be more now, 12 wide receivers at the time making more annually than Jalen Ramsey.So if you're talking about Coach Prime, You're talking about business decisions.
You're talking about advising and deciding where he's going to go, just like he's going to try to decide where Shadour goes. You got to believe the push from Travis Hunter's camp is he's a wide receiver.
And if you want to use him a cornerback, that's fine.But he's getting picked.Now the rookie contract is a rookie contract.It's a five year deal is a first round pick.
And if you're the number one overall pick, I haven't looked it up like the last, but it's around 38 million guaranteed.
But if they want him to get paid, you know, like 30 plus million a year, whatever the numbers are after that first contract and negotiating it, you know, four years in, it's going to be at the wide receiver position.
Imagine if this was the old days and they didn't have the fixed contracts and what this would look like.
Oh man, that would be fun too.
Well, you know, they'd be pushing to pay him as a corner and a wide receiver.
Yeah.Right.Negotiating before the draft, trying to get the deal done.Yeah.I mean, it's,
This is fun.This is, I mean, yeah.Colorado providing us with two of the best storylines we've seen in, in, in two decades in the NFL draft.And it's going to be fascinating to see how this all plays out. The McShay Show is brought to you by FanDuel.
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Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit rg-help.com. I gotta tell you, just seeing this guy's face come up on our screen makes me smile.This is the bear, everyone knows him as the bear, Chris Felica.
How many years, I mean, we spent, so we never like were on the same team, traveling on the same team, but with college game day, I was early in my career doing game day radio.
just jumping in on the bus watching games with you and Herbie and Fowler and the gang.The NFL draft, my favorite match, my favorite thing about Bear is we'd be in the weeds.I'd become a lunatic.
I'm pretty chill most of the year, but I'd become a lunatic draft weekend.
So every once in a while, I'd be up there, it's the fifth pick coming up and something would pop in my head and Bear's over there and he's providing unbelievable stats, things that you wouldn't even think about.And I'd be like, Bear,
and maybe like commercial break get out they take that headset go over and be like there what is it and he my man would have like like um you know i don't know name me a horse a racetrack you know
And usually that weekend was, you know, it changed to like Derby weekend, like with the following week after the draft.Correct.It was, it was typically like the, the, the, either the closing weekend at Keeneland or the opening.Yeah.
and being like fucking bear man, like you're watching Keeneland right now.And we got, we're on the seventh pick, but if I get one second and give me a note that would be, you know, that would carry, carry the whole segment.
So there was one year, Todd, the year that the draft was in Cleveland, maybe that awful weather that was going on, like Kirk and myself and, and Darren, like we flew from the draft right into, into the Derby and went right to Oaks day the following day.
Yeah, it's just grinding on those private planes going to going to the horse race.I do remember spending time with you at the Derby one year, too.So we've we have a long history.We appreciate you joining, bud.Love what you're doing.
I mean, you were an absolute staple behind the scenes and then and then in front of the camera for a long time on college game day.You've transitioned.We had the wonderful thing mentioned like
the vast majority of our relationship has been work and talking ball.
But also like when I was trying to figure out the next steps after ESPN, you kind of know who the people you trust and rely on when you make the phone call to them, like, where are we?What's going on?What do you think I should do?
And when the calls reciprocated and you're on the phone for a half hour, 40 minutes, just talking about life and career and family, bears one of those guys, a very small group.And I've appreciated you bear throughout throughout all of this.
That's that's what friends are for.And it's, it's interesting you say that because I mean, not that we were kind of in a similar situation.Like when you leave ESPN, you kind of find out like who you're like, yes, friends are.And it's been it's good.
It's been great to maintain a lot of relationships that I that I have really maintained.And it's been Somewhat.I mean, they're not.There's been a ton of people that have completely fallen off the face of the earth, but you know the difference.
It's good.It's good to see that the relationships and the friends that you thought were real and genuine and not just work related have continued to be that.So yeah, it's it's it's certainly eye opening.
And I benefited more from, it was more of a take relationship from you over the years with giving your role and making me look good.But I'll be honest, the last few years I've given back a little bit with those NFL draft cards.
You certainly have.I certainly appreciate that.It was a very, very good April this year.
Good, good.But I could help with that, the travel budget.All right, so let's dive into this, man.You're heading to Columbus this week. You know, an awesome, awesome matchup and really intriguing matchup.Let's start with that game.
We got a lot to get into in the rankings.And I want to talk about some early positions for college football playoff and some lines that jump out and several different things.
But this week specifically, we've got an Indiana team that's not only winning every week, but like handling teams.
But I look at him from an NFL draft perspective and the difference between Ohio State when we're talking about like 20 something guys you've got to evaluate and potentially like eight, nine guys in the top 100 versus Indiana that just they don't have that and not even close.
I'm curious, what are your thoughts and takes this week, just specifically in the game?We'll get into rankings, but what are your thoughts and takes kind of entering this game this week going to Columbus?
I think the first thing in noticing that Indiana coming off of the Idle Week, they are extremely well coached and Sig has a long track record of success where he's been before.
So I would expect Indiana to come out and be prepared and play well and probably hang around. early on, I would think we'll have a decent game plan.But ultimately, I just
I wondered, like you said, long-term, and Ryan Russillo even hit on this on his show earlier in the week.The teams that have the better players are, shockingly, the better teams, and that's kind of where I am.
A couple of weeks back, I might have been concerned about this game for Ohio State, but the Indiana-Michigan game was a little eye-opening for me, because that was the most
NFL ish type team that Indiana was going to play defensively and they had trouble moving the ball all day long and won a very close game and good.
They won the game, but that I think had drew a lot of concerns for me about Indiana and their ability to what are they going to do against downs in that Ohio State secondary rather than that's now healthy.
And then on the flip side, I was concerned about Ohio State going to Penn State about how is their offensive line going to fare there?They're moving people all over. And they played great against Penn State.
And I think Ryan Day and Chip feel a hell of a lot better about that unit right now, being that they answered the test at Penn State and they came away with the experience in a very tough environment.
I ultimately think Ohio State does pull away and win this game convincingly.And that's gonna ultimately be the decision for the college football playoff committee moving forward.
What type of lost is Indiana need to go there last month and nearly won the game.Like, are they going to be measured against that?So I would expect Indiana to come out and play and play well early.
And then ultimately the depth and just the quality of ISD ultimately went out.
What do you think the number is?I mean, if Indiana loses by 10, are they all right?If they lose by 14, does it get sketchy?
Exactly, that's like the number I think right now is 10 and a half or 11.So like a cover, I think that that's the expectation that they're going to go in there and get 10 or 11 points away.I think that would be fine.
Like, I think if it's anything less than like a two, like I think if they lose by 17 or something like that, or maybe like, 30, 42, 24, something like that.I think that ultimately will be viewed as a, as a good, a good result for them.
Uh, and look, I, I, I hate it because it's like this, like, you're kind of choosing one way or the other, like, You're either like pro Indiana or completely anti-Indiana.It's not that.
If you go in college football, all one loss records are not created equal.How do you judge a team that's rolled through the 106th ranked schedule in the country?
Compare that to a Georgia team that's played the toughest schedule in the country, and they're 8-2.So that's what we're up against in college football.And look, we're not knocking Indiana because we think they're terrible.
It's just you're probably not as good as that 10-0 mark says.
Yeah, it was interesting.I asked our folks at FanDuel, right, to give us hypothetical neutral field odds.I know you do a lot of this and we all study this.
Against all the SEC teams, cuz let's face it, there's Texas and then there's kind of a clump, right?
And it'll be interesting to see on tonight's college football playoff reveal what the committee has decided in terms of where those SEC teams are ranked.But you gotta imagine they're gonna be clumped pretty close together, right?
And so I asked the folks at FanDuel and they said, Indiana would be dogs. at all of these top teams, right?Except Texas A&M and South Carolina.So against Texas, it would be Texas minus seven and a half.Alabama minus six and a half.
Georgia minus eight and a half.We'll get to Georgia in a minute.Tennessee minus two and a half.Ole Miss minus six and a half.So it's interesting to see all of those are six and above, except Tennessee, which would only be two and a half.
So with that as kind of the backdrop there, if they lose a game by 7, 10, 7, 10 points, hang around, look, look respectable in it.But like clearly Ohio state's a better team.
And then you look at, and I know the committee isn't looking at, you know, the odds for these, but I think we all agree that these sec teams are two losses. they're just better.Yes.
you just prior to that, S. E. C. Teams going to b fact that the folks have Georgia power rated the h S. E. C. Teams.You're pr
despite the fact that Alabama and Ole Miss beat Georgia, I think you'll probably see Georgia the highest ranked of that cluster of teams as well.
You had an interesting tweet yesterday.I don't want to cut you off, but you can build on this.Georgia has three wins versus the current AP top 20, Texas, Tennessee, and Clemson.
Then you go on to say the current AP top five has combined for three wins, alluding to against AP top 20 teams, with Oregon accounting for two of those.
Yeah, and that's the amazing thing.I've even brought up, people are mentioning, what has Texas done to kind of command this high?We think Texas is really good.You watch them and you think they're really good, but their best win,
They're getting, I think, so much bump off of the win over a Michigan team that wound up not being very good early in the year.So I wonder, and I even saw on FanDuel the other day, that there was a yes-no playoff market on Texas.
The no was plus 680, and I took a little bit of that because what happens if Texas goes to A&M?They lose. And they lose and you have a certain chain reaction of events where certainly Texas A&M will now go ahead of Texas.
Georgia obviously is going ahead of Texas and Texas doesn't have a win to really hang their hat on.Do I think ultimately it will happen?No, but I don't want to take a
a swipe at our former employer, Todd, but like they have this like playoff mathematical predictor and they have like Indiana at like 94% and Texas at like 97%.
I'm like, I'd love a yes, no playoff market on, on the grab, grab a little swipe of the note with those numbers.
Yeah.Always looking for an edge.I just, I think it's fascinating with, with Georgia.Let's go back to Texas real quick. The resume is one thing and mentioned, I've been talking about this for, for a couple of weeks now, their defense is elite.
Like I'll put them up there.Old missus defensive line is probably the best in the country.Tennessee's defensive front is the deepest in the country.Like there are a handful of elite defenses in the country.Texas is right up there.Okay.
So, but with that as the backdrop. This offense is struggling for Texas.It's not just about strength of record, strength of schedule, who they played.I'm seeing an offense that is not what we expected it to be.
And we kind of gave them a little bit of a pass because Quentin Ewers was coming off the injury and he's working back, but then the bye week.And they had big numbers against Florida.
But if you look at it, I haven't seen this like Sark, Quinn Ewers, high powered offense.And so on tape, I'm seeing a team that's concerning as well.
Is it more like I know early in the year, obviously losing all those running backs may have had some type of an effect on this, but is it more offensive line play the receiving?We thought the receiving core was gonna be great.
And certainly I don't think they've been as dominant and as explosive as we thought, right?
No, they haven't.And I also I just wonder, I wonder how much Sarkis kind of held back and just kind of grinded through some games and is waiting to kind of unleash things against opponents where they need it.
But at this point, you'd expect to see more, I guess, is my point.
And I think, too, I'm glad you hit on the defense because that was certainly a problem last year where they were getting up a bunch of big pass plays.
We saw that in the semifinal last year against Washington where Panics and those receivers just ripped them apart.
You you hit on I think the most important thing while we have all these resumes and strength of record and strength of schedule ultimately it does come down to in my opinion like Just who, who are the best teams?
Who is a bit team, a team B they play.Who is that?Look at their schedule, look at their efficiency metrics, look at their APA per play all these, all these indicators of team strength.
And that ultimately, I think at the end of the day and on December 5th or whatever the day is like you think.
Indiana is one of the best 12 teams in the country, and they're better than 10 and 2 Tennessee or they're better than 10 and 2 A&M or whatever, fine, put them in.
But just don't always look at that record and think that ultimately is gonna be the best indicator of what team is better.
What's like Florida State last year?I mean, they ultimately, I mean, it's devastating what happened to those players and you feel for those players. ultimately the correct call that they are not the same team without Travis Jordan at quarterback.
They got the they got the better teams in.So it'll be interesting to see how that unfolds though.
Yeah and that was that was the important thing last year with Florida State and what happened was because the committee really had never used those bylaws and rules that they had in there about being able to things will be affected or
Injuries, head-to-head results, cluster, they never really were in a position to have to use that.
And you kind of saw it coming when that happened because you're like, okay, Alabama had that loss to Texas, but now what happens if Alabama wins the SEC?If you take Alabama who wins the SEC, you gotta take Texas because Texas beat them.
And it was unfortunate, but I think in the end the committee did do the right thing because you not only look at what Florida State was last year without Jordan Travis in that ACC championship game.
Kind of what Mike Norvell has become at Florida State, like his record at Florida State in the last couple of years without Jordan Travis' starting quarterback is pretty alarming.
Right.We've got a problem brewing though.If Indiana plays a close enough game and you can't knock them out of the top 12, like if there's four teams, I'm not a math major, but if there's four teams from the Big Ten.Insanity.
If there's, there's, there has to be a, an ACC champion, right?There's gotta be a big 12 champion.Notre Dame currently sitting in there if they take care of business, right?Everyone's rooting for SC in a couple of weeks.Exactly.
And so, and then, and then you've got the, the non, you know, power for conference champion, the highest rated, you know, from the other conferences in which currently is Boise state.
If that's the case, I'm looking, if Texas beats Texas A&M, you're looking at a situation.Tell me who you're keeping out to put Indiana in, is I guess where I'm going with all this.
Who are you keeping out to put Indiana in from Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss?When all of them, you can say, well, we beat them.They're in, we beat them.They all have a win over one another.
Who do you keep out?It's probably going to, it's probably going to come down to a battle between Tennessee and Indiana and whether that's right.Like, and, and how, how about this?
Like what if Alabama winds up winning the sec and like Tennessee beat them and Tennessee would be the odd team out because Indiana is 11 and one in the, in the committee wouldn't want to drop them completely out that, that, that would be a, that would be a bad situation.
And look, The committee should not be penalizing teams that get to a conference championship game and lose.Like if Texas loses to Texas A&M, that's a different story.
If Texas is 11-1 and in the SEC championship game and loses, that should not really, I mean, they're cash grabs, they're kind of exhibitions, you get a conference title, congratulations.But you should not be penalizing.
That should be a seeding opportunity, not something to kick you out.
Right, so like that ultimately, and I think this is part of the reason why Tennessee fans were so upset at me last week for saying that Nico had a concussion and my guy was saying he didn't know if he was going to be playing.
Like I think they kind of saw it coming last week like oh shoot, we're a double digit favorite on the road in Georgia.Georgia is going to be amped up to play their first home game in a month.It's a must win.We're going to lose.
We're going to be 10 and two.We're going to be left out.It was like the defeatist nature was coming out and unfortunately. It's kind of a self fulfilling prophecy because I think ultimately that's kind of the situation that we can see coming.
But hey, who the hell knows what's ultimately going to happen.Florida is playing much better right now with lightweight quarterback and give Billy Napier credit.They can maybe beat Ole Miss this week.
What happens if Alabama g and they run up against v and the same thing happen happened with Alabama agai they struggle to move the crazy is gonna, I call i effect is like every year
Like the very clear picture.And then I'm like on a plane going from visiting my mom in Ohio and family.And I'm getting ready to get on a plane and I'm looking at a sports bar as I'm walking by to go to the terminal.And it's like, wait, what?
Ole Miss is down 14, what?This time of year gets wild.So the conversations we're having now are probably not gonna be identical or maybe even close to the conversations we're gonna be having in a couple of weeks.That's why we love this sport.
But it's also, I think tonight's, the committee is going to have to kind of plant a flag tonight.And that like, where do you, where are you putting these SEC teams?How, you know, is it above or any of them above Indiana or Penn State?
Like, give me, am I, I know all of this is on Indiana, but like, what has Penn State done?
played Ohio State to what we expect them to do every year under James Franklin against the top.
Could have lost that game by 21 by the way.
Yes, and it is their offense in score touchdown.Like you go going in the fumble going.It was yeah, that was set to be like game right there.Power doesn't fumble the ball up, but I think like they beat USC in overtime and a game they probably.
Well, I don't want to say should have lost but easily could have lost I they they ugly it up a game against Illinois on their home field and in one like the fact that Illinois is ranked now I guess maybe that has something but I look at Penn State and I'm like.
It's funny because people talk, someone asked me the other day, like, what are you most looking forward to in the playoff?
And with the purposes of like, you've always been a for a proponent of the 14 playoff, but now with the expansion, what are you looking forward to the most?
And I said, I would love to see these SEC teams, whether it's Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, whomever, go north and play Penn State or Indiana, or Ohio State, in a cold weather type game.
I would love to see the opportunity for like Ole Miss to go to Penn State and play a first round playoff game.Remember that bowl game last year that wasn't too pretty.Yeah, yeah, it's like I don't again Penn State and the people.
That's the first response I get from people when I bring up the 106th-ranking schedule from Indiana.What has Indiana done?Haven't played a team that's getting a point in the poll.People are always like, what about Texas?What about Penn State?
I'm like, yeah, that's kind of the group I'm clumping together there.When I say the rest of the top five has no wins or three wins against the top 20, like in Texas and Penn State don't really have any either.But Penn State is one.
They are the poster child for hollow calories.We know what they are. But it's like we know what they are every year they're getting all out and they're going to they're going to beat all these teams and I it's funny I'm really curious to get the.
the vibe there and stay college like if they go 11 and one and they're one and done in the playoff again like I would think that we disappointed.That being said, they need to be careful this week on the road.
I think in Minnesota, that's a that's a tricky game this week against six and four now, right?Yeah, that's good.They've gotten better as the year has gone on so. I wouldn't just write that off as an easy win for Penn State laying close to touchdowns.
I think on the road I'd respect the hell out of the committee if they came out tonight and it was Oregon one Ohio State two and then you go Texas, Bama, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss in some order and then had Penn State in Indiana or Indiana, Penn State.
After that, I would respect the hell out of him, but I don't.I don't at all expect that to be the case.
You know what's so funny? Someone asked me yesterday, what I would have as a top 10.It's someone that you know and who we used to work with a couple of these people who are involved in the old game day chain.
They were like, just humorous with your top 10 teams in the country.And here's the order I went.I went Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, Penn State, Notre Dame.That's how I went.
Ohio State over Oregon, huh?
Yeah.I'm on board, man. I mean, thank you.I mean, I mean, Oregon's didn't win the game.It was by a point on their home field, and it mattered.They're going to play again in two weeks, so ultimately it doesn't matter.
But I think if you're power rating these teams, I still think you're power rating Ohio State as the best team in the country.
I don't hate it, man.I'm with you.Oregon, OSU, one or two.But after that, Georgia, Mississippi, Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas.I can see that.Tennessee. Penn State, Indiana, Penn State, Indiana, and Notre Dame.Is that right?
Indiana, Indiana, Penn State, Notre Dame.It's not like Penn State, like just talking about it.Not like Penn State's beaten anybody yet either.
Yeah, you're not buying Notre Dame, huh?I don't know what to do with them.That's what I'm saying.I don't either.
It's like they're running out.They're scoring points now against all these bad teams.And they're going to blow out in the Army, I would think, again, this week.
It's like I can't, again, it's just a bad, my wife and her family are probably gonna hate me now forever because they're a Notre Dame family.
I can't get that Northern Illinois game out of my mind despite the fact that they were scoring 50 something points against everybody now.
Yeah, I know it's not a top 10 team, but you got any thoughts on that BYU Arizona State game?
I like Arizona State.What was the job that Kenny Gillingham has done this year?I mean, they got through some games without Scadaboo, which I think was amazing.
It's so funny because I think back to the beginning of the year and like one of the biggest narratives and win total plays that I heard was Arizona State under, Arizona State under in conference play.I picked where they were and they have been great.
as I said, scataboo has b a lot of people nationally out of one.
They fortunately of the bottom teams as we they are there, they cont They're probably going to wind up in the big, in the big 12 championship game, hopefully against, uh, against Colorado.
I thought you were going to ask me about the group of five teams, because, uh, that's another hot button topic that I've, uh, taken some incoming on.Like, I think Tulane is too late.
I mean, with, with you use it in Mensa, the young quarterback who probably, I don't want to say probably won't be there, but I know he will probably be a very large transfer portal NIL. target prospect target for a lot of people next year.
Yeah, some roles defense is really, really good.They are a wagon.They are beating the hell out of people.They're off before they play Memphis.We know they're going to be in that AAC championship game against Army.I think they're better than Boise.
I know a lot of people don't feel that way.Let's put what's Boise got left on the boys.He's got what Oregon State left on one of their games and then they had what's the one other conference game before? before Oregon State.
They got Wyoming this week, Oregon State.And then, who knows, everyone thought it was going to be a rematch with UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game.But Colorado State's undefeated.They're an underdog at Fresno.
And then I think they have Utah State maybe in that final game. I can't remember who exactly it was, but it was, that's right.Yeah.Yep.
Like there's obviously, I want to see Ashton Jinty against like Ohio state, you know, yes.
Or Oregon or whoever it turns out to be.And I think we all do.And again, that's another. And another thing with with the sport.It's like, how do you compare what gentee is done as a running back.We had a great game against Oregon.Absolutely.
But like the weekend week out like you're you're playing some of these defenses and some of these teams as opposed to what a Travis hunter is doing on a weekend where
What Cam Ward is doing, having to carry that offense and that team on a week in week out basis in terms of the Heisman Trophy.Genki's gonna be in New York, cuz I think he's gonna be listed on a bunch of these ballots.
But I think ultimately, I think we're looking at a situation where Colorado gets the Big 12 championship game. He wins.I think there's still like a legacy award situation for Dylan Gabriel.
If Oregon winds up winning the Big Ten and they go undefeated, I think Gabriel could get some votes if Hunter doesn't get there.And I think the other guy still to potentially keep an eye on is Jalen Miller.I think if they beat
Auburn, they beat Oklahoma, they win the SEC.Colorado loses a game here, Oregon loses a game here.You're looking quarterback of the SEC champion.So I think we're probably down to one of those three guys in terms of the Heisman.
Our friends- Yeah, it's tough to imagine where Alabama would be without Milrow.I mean, he is that offense.
Our friends at FanDuel right now, it's Travis Hunter minus 330.Wow. plus 3 40.He's lost some just to be honest and not with what he's done.159 I think those huge numbers game.Like it really prop you can see it starting t you ready for this bear?
is Cam Ward at plus 1400.So if you think I'm not you're, you're the one who makes all the money on this.Miller, you ready?Millrose plus 3500 maybe get a little 30.
See, in the state of Connecticut, I can't bet these highs and markets I have.
What about what about when you're in Ohio this week?
When I'm in Ohio this weekend, or I'm in Detroit. Maybe I drive, maybe I love this guy.Maybe I make the drive up north on 91 and head across the Massachusetts border and sit in a, uh, off the side of the road for a little while.
I'll get you a rest restaurant recommendation.And by the way, like for those listeners who think he's joking, like, like don't put anything past my man.Um, all right.We can't let you go without trying to win a little bit of money here.Right.What?
I don't and I'm pardon my ignorance here, but right now are there like some early positions on the college football playoff?Like what can you play right now?
Is there anything you're interested in terms of like national championship or how does it work?
I haven't seen any meaning to them to make this stuff I think is pretty much out there.And the prices right now I think are a little, a little too ridiculous.And like I said, unfortunately, I can't. pull them up right now.
The geolocating won't allow me to do that.I took a stab the other day when I was out of state in Indiana, no.In Texas, no, just in case something ridiculous happens. I would bet Alabama maybe to win the SEC championship at plus money.
Because I think if they were to get to the game, if they if they beat Auburn, they beat Oklahoma.
I think that will be a close to a pick them game in the SEC championship against Texas and you probably might be able to be in a position where you could get off of that a little bit and guarantee a profit.
I would bet Tulane if there's a money line price or an odds to win the conference title against Army.I think Tulane is a really good play.
What about this week?Any lines?I know it's early, you got the injury reports and talking to people and everything, but any lines jump out this week?Obviously, Ohio State-Indiana is the biggest game.You'll be there for that with big noon kickoff.
We're excited to see that. Any other games stand out to you at this early point?
Yeah, I'm gonna take Kansas plus the two and a half against Colorado.Just because we've seen the way this Kansas team, the offense a couple weeks back against Iowa State.The defense last week against BYU played great.
Jalen Daniels has played so much better over the last month of the season than he did And again, it was just a matter of time.We were talking about it last week with Joel Clout.They were 0-5 in games decided by a touchdown or less.
And ultimately finally won one last week.BYU would have been 4-0.I worry about that Colorado offensive line, seeing them in person.I mean, they're better than what they were last year, but they still are not a great unit. at all.
And if Shadur has to run around and isn't able to make some plays and throw some balls up to a wide receiver core that might not have Jimmy Horn Jr.back as well, that could be a problem.
How cool is it, by the way, you're going to get, you have the Heisman favorite and potential Heisman winner now playing on the NFL stadium at Arrowhead where you got Patrick Holmes and Patrick Holmes in the two-time Super Bowl champs.
That's a pretty cool subplot.I hadn't even thought about that, to be honest.
Great point. And I'm going to play Arizona State minus the three against BYU.I think ASU is for real.And I think BYU's bubble burst last week.Right.I'm thumbing through some others.
I'll give you a minute to look.I don't think I've ever mentioned this on the show before, but I'm kind of on a hot streak right now, man.Two weeks in a row, I've won our college football.He won't shut up about it.Nice.
I've won the college football pool the last two weeks.He won't stop talking.But the last two weeks, man, The last two weeks, so we do a live show here.And everyone, please come and join us.After the primetime game, we're live on YouTube.
We started kind of mid-season, so just kind of catching our steam there.But we taped till like 1 in the morning, right?And so we have the pool, and there's always the late night game.There's always the late night game out of seven games we pick.
So I'm done here 1 AM.I kind of just stumbled downstairs.I'm like done for the day, long day.And the last two weeks, what a joy. I've been against BYU the last two weeks.And it's been like, remember two weeks ago, it was, it was a Utah.
They wound up winning that game, but, but Utah covered, but it was, it was, it was the sack with the holding call at the goal line and they drive down and they kick a field goal.They win, but I win too.Right.
And then this past week, the most obvious outside of Georgia, which I pounded it, same game parlay, Georgia in the under men's was one of those suckers taking Tennessee in the points. But the other game that I loved was- Not a gambler.
It's the Corso thing, man.And I go back to, he's brilliant.And he was way ahead of his time.Somebody knows something, I'm going with the somebodies.
How is this team with a losing record in Kansas, only two and a half point dogs against an undefeated BYU team?And guess what? Some somebody's won.
Somebody's know something.I went back in and looked and I even tweeted out last week, like with the database that I have, like since 1978, there were 66 games where you had a team nine and over better against a team with the losing record.
Every single one of them, those 66 was a double digit favorite.And then you had BYU was two and a half against the three and six makers knew they, they know the power ratings. They know the differential and close games.
They're not looking at the overall one loss record.They're looking at their power ratings.So they knew.Two SEC home dogs for you, by the way.I'm going to take Oklahoma.Get your pen and paper out, people, if you're watching or listening.
Like, this is gold right here.Go ahead.I'm going to take Oklahoma against Alabama 14 point home dog.I mean, Oklahoma is down hard, but last time we doesn't seem high enough, right?It seems like if I would guess I would have said like 20.
Everyone's down on OU.They need one more win in their final two games to. They got Bama at home, they go to LSU.They blew that game against Missouri last time they set foot on the field.People talking about Venables, is he gonna be back?
The defense I think is still pretty good.This would be just like Venables.
I can see that.Exactly.I mean, the Ole Miss game was close too in Oxford for 26-14.So I mean, they covered a big number there. I hate myself for this because I don't think Alva is very good at all.
But I'm going to take Auburn getting points at home against A&M.I wonder about the A&M running back injury.It was a massive loss for them.Huge.I think the Aggies defensive line is good.But again, same thing.
You got people pointing out Eufreeze's SEC record.What's the number in that game again?2 and 1⁄2.A&M minus 2 and 1⁄2.That's it?Number 15 team in the country.Yeah, when it stinks, it's right.Right.Night game.
Night game offense got right in a sense against bad.You all Monroe lost a bunch of close sec game.I, the line sticks.So yeah, give me a, give me OU and give me and give me Auburn plus the points.All right.
I mean, if you're out there watching or listening and we took, we took a, we took a hard swipe at fan duel.I mean, we're not trying to put them completely out of business because we need them to write checks for the show.
But like, you know, let's make it a fair fight here.Oklahoma plus 14, Auburn plus two and a half, and Kansas plus two and a half.I hope you're wrong on Kansas.I think, like, I get your reasoning.I'm with you.It stinks, so it's probably right.
But how badly, just like, no one's rooting for anyone here.Disclaimer, all that.But like, how much fun would it be that the Big 12 representative is Shador, Travis, Coach Prime, Colorado, the run they've been on, right?
And I don't want to take a swipe at FanDuel either, but I took a swipe at him earlier in the year at Travis Hunter at 60-1 to win the Heisman.I got that little digital stamp in the phone right now.
Wow. Oh, I hope they, uh, I hope they wrote the check for the, to sponsor this show.
Here, here, here's one of the stories.Like you don't believe that you don't believe him.He's dead serious.So I was, I was talking about, I was out in LA while working the summer of soccer for Fox with the euros and the, and Copa America.
I was out there for five, five and a half weeks and out in California, you can't play. But prior to leaving, I had got a great deposit bonus offer from Fannie.I sound like I'm promoting Fannie, which I kind of am.
They gave me a great deposit bonus offer.So I'm like, you know, I can go make this deposit.So literally, I flew. 9am from LAX.
Our flight, LAX Phoenix, got out, got off the plane in Phoenix, literally walked 30 steps from the gate in Phoenix to the Delta Sky Club, sat in the Delta Sky Club for six hours or so.
I think the flight was getting back to LA was like a three o'clock flight.So literally six hours session in the Sky Club watching whatever it was and making bets in there.That was a time where I bet Hunter 60 to one.
I made a bunch of crossbar parlays that wound up hitting capital.I basically was finishing up with the to win the Open Championship and that hit.So that's some good stuff there.I had a couple of more that I made worth it, huh?
It was well worth it now.Now I now now I'm sitting on that on the hunter ticket, but I'm also sitting on some some cross sports that are live to Ohio State in Georgia, winning the national championship along with.Ravens, Chiefs, Eagles.
Bills, Niners to win the Super Bowl.I am naked on the Lions.So that worries me.I kind of felt like everything went right for the Lions last year.And I'm not one of those guys who likes to bet the trendy team or so.So I am naked on the Lions.
So I'm going to be in a situation here where if the Bucks or Bulldogs wind up winning the College Football Championship.I'm going to be scrambling if the Lions get to the Super Bowl to be able to.
So everyone in America wants the Lions to win the Super Bowl.Who's not like a hardcore fan except you?
Correct.Well, I'm dead.If, if Oregon or Alabama or whomever else national champ, but yeah, if we're, if we're sitting there like, like lions versus bills and how awesome would that be, by the way, if we get light, I will be all in on Josh Allen.
Yeah. match.I've, I've worked with his wonderful wife, his wonderful wife to say that he's married to a saint is, is the understatement of the year.
Yes.She's so funny because I remember this.I remember that the Eagles chief super bowl a couple of years ago.And, uh, And she can get a sense, like she will always ask me before a big game, like, who are we rooting for?
And sometimes I'll say, yeah, no one.And in that instance, I was like, we're rooting for the Chiefs.Oh, like how much are we rooting for the Chiefs?You know, the European vacation we want to take?I was just going to say, does this affect vacation?
So yeah, that's what you need to do, Todd, you need to put it in, like, that presented that way.You want those new custom drapes for the living room?There you go.What do you want?There you go.It has to be tangible.
It's an incentivizing program that we're on.You know, exactly.I love this, man.You know how much I respect you how much I appreciate you for for everything over the years. We'll continue to bother you and have you come on this show.
Absolute friend of the show, the bear.Check him out, you know where to find him, but Bear Betts on Spotify.The big noon kick coming up, huge game this weekend with Indiana at Ohio State.
And on Twitter, it's at Chris Falica, F-A-L-L-I-C-A, at Chris Falica.You gotta check his notes every week.I love matches.
And I sent out a tweet early in the year, like if you're not reading this and you're a college football fan or a gambler, like what are you doing?
Like the notes, like the note he just gave with like, you know, whatever it was, 60 something double digit or 60 something teams that are nine and over.But like every week there's nuggets on every top game.
It's something like makes you think and puts it in perspective.So check him out on on X as well.
So I got a good one about Houston this week, potentially being shut out twice and getting to a bowl game.Close us out with it. Well, no, you'll have to wait until.Oh, good.He's a pro pros pro.
Appreciate your brother.Take care guys.Great talking to you.Thanks man.Well, we promised it, so we got to deliver, right?Asked and answered. For now, we'll call that the segment.We've said all along we want to get everyone involved in the show.
It's been a month.We've finally got our feet on the ground, secured a little bit here.Somewhat know what we're doing, but I'm sure we'll continue to revise and hopefully get better over time.But we got to get the audience more involved.
I've said that from day one, this is gonna be about engagement.I can't be at stadiums anymore engaging with fans at the NFL Draft.We'll be there, we'll be there at the Senior Bowl, we'll be there at the Combine, there will be engagement there.
But we've got to do it in this medium.And the way to do it for now is to ask questions and to get questions on Twitter is where we started today.So I sent out a tweet, I sent out an ex post today, and we got a lot of great responses.
We can't get to all of them, this is the first time we're doing asked and answered. Please keep the questions coming in.I'll send reminders every week, and we want to get everyone more involved in the show.
So here are a few that we got from this week's response to my post.First, and I love this handle, from Save Me Michael Penix on X.
He asked the question, you ready?He or she asked the question, I should say.Where would Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr.rank in the 2025 NFL draft class?Same tier as Cam Ward and Shador, question mark.What do you think?
Uh, I will have should or in a different tier than cam ward at this point.So, and I think that if you're putting panics, you're putting them in that second tier with cam ward.
And I think Carson Beck after that game has kind of moved himself back into that conversation.So I would have the ward back, um, panics conversation.
I'm not going to be the guy that says, Oh, I should really like bone X now because I had questions about bone X. He was a guy that was maybe more of a second round guy.
Uh, I wasn't, I was surprised to see him go early and obviously he's played fairly well.I mean, I haven't watched a ton of bone X Broncos tape, but they're doing well.
And it was the perfect marriage with Sean Payton, the perfect marriage.We said it from the beginning.If that, if that's where he lands, he's got a better shot there than probably the vast majority of any of the other places he could go.
So he would be one tier underneath those guys with the queen viewers of the world in this class, in my opinion. Um, and again, good for him.
Well, let's, let's remind everyone.I mean, last year, the first three picks of the draft were Caleb Williams.Number one, Jaden Daniels, number two, Drake may number three, obviously to the bears commanders and Patriots respectively.
Then the surprise pick, if we're being honest of the entire round was, was Michael Pennix jr.Being drafted by the Falcons at eight.
Then JJ McCarthy, who wasn't mentioned in this, in this, uh, X question, uh, that he goes 10 overall to the Vikings and has sat through the injury.And. And then Bo Nix 12 to the Denver Broncos.
So the way I looked at it was kind of a tier of its own with Caleb and Jayden, a second tier of Drake May.But always thought going back off the 2022 tape that he was kind of in that conversation, but let's call him his own tier.
And then I thought Penix, JJ, Bo were kind of in that third tier, if you will. Okay.So to me, and I've said this from the beginning, I'm not starting the conversation at Caleb Jaden or Drake.
I'm starting the conversation with that third tier of quarterback.So I would say Shadour quite honestly, would the conversation would be between Pennix, JJ and Bo.
And, and if I'm just going back off of last year's, I think Cam Ward, maybe you'd have the conversation with Bo. Should door probably more with Penixin and JJ from last year.Yeah.Okay.
And Carson Beck, I'm, I'm, I'm just really excited to see what the rest of this season looks like from Carson Beck.Cause what we're seeing the last couple of weeks is what we were hoping to see all season.
And it wasn't the case, but we're building towards something.It feels like something really special or really good from, from Carson Beck down the stretch.And as I've said all along, Jalen Millrose, the absolute wildcard of this group, and we'll
We'll handle that conversation as we go.But really good question from Save Me Michael Penix on X. Second question, from Dally FC on X, what's the biggest trait you look for to know whether a quarterback will be successful at the next level?
My goodness, we can and we will have many a show on this exact topic. Right.Physical traits though.Let's start with this.The more I'm in this business, the more I agree with parcels.
And I think the goalpost is moving, but especially in today's transfer portal, NIL situation with quarterbacks getting the opportunity and being paid for that opportunity to stay in college and make a lot of money and develop.
I like the number one thing for me before we even get into the traits is you got to play ball.More ball is better.Jaden Daniels is a perfect example.
You can go to every single class like Jaden Daniels came in the league with what is it, 56, Bo Nitz, 65, whatever the number starts.Ridiculous numbers that we normally don't see because of the landscape of college football.
So playing ball has become critical in the development of these quarterbacks. very just succinctly or very simply, I think the two traits that are most important, not arm strength, not mobility, those are very important in the evaluation.
But if you don't have the mental makeup, the decision making the instincts, the feel for the game, the All the intangibles that go into this, if you don't have that, you're going to struggle at the next level.
And if you don't have a certain level of accuracy, it has to be developed.
And the thing that's been different in evaluating quarterbacks from Lamar Jackson to Josh Allen, even Cam Newton to a certain degree, we've seen quarterbacks improve their accuracy, Jalen Hurts.
We've seen them improve in the NFL, but with all of those guys, it better be accompanied.If the accuracy is not where it needs to be, and it has to be improved in the NFL, it has to be accompanied.
Not it better, it has to be accompanied with mobility. right?
That's what I've s it's a really, it's a gr a difficult question beca a cocktail of factors for alone quarterback, the mos on the field.But I am wi me, you have to have, you that all the time, you'd it's a highway speed lea
But if you're starting with what's the most important, it's the mental makeup.And that's why it's at the top of our reports.I mean, we spent a lot of time going through those boxes and saying, you know, a lot of back and forth.
Kevin Weidel was with us at the time, a lot of arguing, not uncommon for us. uh, as a group going back and forth about it.And that's why mental makeup made it up top.
I mean, that's the, that's your basis and you like fans might be like, oh, so Oregon's dealing, Gabriel's gonna be a first round pick cause his mental makeup.So good.
No, he's meant to make them so good that it might, it might give him a chance to overcome some of the other weaknesses or concerns.You know what I mean?
I do.Final question today, and we'll get to more as we go.Keep the questions coming.As I said, asked and answered is going to become a staple on this show.But from Anthony Brown on X, this one I'm going to defer to you, Mitch.
I've done enough talking today.How does this offensive line class compare to the last three offensive line classes?
Uh, I think maybe the best way of saying this is on November 19th at this point in the process, and we have a lot of work left to do.I am concerned about this group.
I mean, coming into the year, I think there was three offensive and I'm going to start with the offensive tackles because I think when you're talking about draft class, you're going to start with the offensive tack.
I think there was three coming into the year that people were excited about.Will Campbell out of LSU, Kelvin Banks Jr.out of Texas, and Emery Jones Jr.out of LSU.It has not gone well.
And when I say it hasn't gone well, it hasn't been a complete disaster, but they have not played, like, when you watched Joe Alts on tape, you were like, this guy is a lock for a top 10.
And he's been a lock as a starter.Yeah, and he's been good.
This tackle class? it doesn't even come close to what we saw last year when you, I mean, there were guys like Tyler Guyton is getting drafted late in the, in the first round.And there were some concerns on Ted.He's a physical freak.
That guy getting drafted late in the first round speaks to the depth of that class.
So it's not even close to my theory of this is a height, weight, speed.It definitely does.
So I don't, to be, to answer this question quickly, I guess, before I get deeper into this, I don't think it compares.I don't think it's as good as any of the last three.I think this is the weakest class we've seen in a long time.
And again, we have a long time to go.But people are talking about Will Campbell potentially being a guard. And that was unthinkable coming into the year.So I have a lot of concerns.I have a lot of work to do in that area.
But right now, I mean, I like the guards, Donovan Jackson of Ohio State, and especially Tyler Booker from Alabama, really good players.
But if you're looking at, if you're one of those guys, if your team needs an offensive lineman in the first round, we're looking for a tackle.We're looking for a franchise tackle, not a really good guard.
So I'm not very optimistic or excited about this group yet.But again, a lot can change.
It was a good jumping off point.I'm glad we got to this today.We've had a jam-packed show.One more thing to get to, but a reminder, you can find me at McShay13 on X. You can find Steve at Scouts Inc.Mench.It's M-U-E-N-C-H.
And if you just send us questions, we'll get to as many as we can.We'll keep doing this throughout the draft and beyond. One last thing, Mitch.We just got breaking news a few minutes ago, and I debated whether to even touch on it today.
We're not a breaking news show.It's not our thing, but we are a NFL draft heavy show.That's the emphasis here in a lot of ways.
In addition to the breaking news have very much with the GM being fired in the NFL, it's also a close personal friend of ours.And so, you know, always having to Walk the tightrope, if you will, between professionalism and our friendship.
In this case, especially with Joe Douglas for the New York Jets has been fired.That news just broke.I mean, literally minutes ago, just broke.And I contemplated in my head as we're going through those questions, whether to address it or not.
I'll say this, we'll get more into it. in future shows, we're back on Thursday.
And we will absolutely have Joe on when he's ready to come on at some point, because we want to talk to him, not even necessarily about the firing, but everything that he's been through, the challenges of being a GM, the exciting parts of being a GM.
What are the next steps for Joe?One of the most beloved men in the NFL, truly.I'll say this. and I have not spoken to Joe today.Again, this just broke a few minutes ago.
There's no need for me as a close personal friend of Joe Douglas's to defend Joe Douglas.His work and his track record and his resume and the product he put on the field is defense enough, okay?Joe will be just fine.
Joe may go take a director of personnel job somewhere for a couple of years and become a general manager after that. People in the league recognize Joe's ability.
Joe's ability as a talent evaluator, Joe's ability as a leader of men, Joe's ability to run an organization, okay?People also realize that Joe was in a very difficult position.
So while Joe is gonna be just fine, and I have no doubt about that, the Jets won't. The Jets won't be.
And I've had to keep my mouth shut for a long time, six years, five and a half years now, because he's in his five and a half, fifth and a half year on a six year contract.I got my same contract deal done at my former employer, the same exact time.
So I know the same exact timeline.Joe will be fine.The Jets won't.And the reason I say that is Woody Johnson is among the worst owners in the National Football League.And if you don't believe me because I'm close friends with Joe Douglas,
Believe Bill Belichick and all the comments he's made.And if you don't believe Bill because of his acts that he has to grind with Woody Johnson and his history there, then believe the product that's been put on the field.
I'm telling you this, if the Jets can't win with Joe Douglas as the general manager and with the talent that is on that roster, the Jets can't win, period. It's an ownership problem, folks.
And I've kept my mouth shut for too long, and I won't get into a whole lot more today.I need to regroup and have conversations and kind of formulate my thoughts.But I think it's important, just my initial reaction, that it's an ownership problem.
And there are certain decisions that are just made that doesn't matter what the general manager wants.There are certain decisions that are just made that you got to get on board with it because one person
makes it pays the checks and one person oversees the whole thing.And so if you're a Jets fan, you know exactly what I'm talking about.This is not new to you.
And I feel bad for Jets fans, because they they legitimately the organization legitimately put the people in position put the staff in position, put the general manager and the scouts, the guys that have grown.I'm not worried about Joe.
I do feel for a lot of members on that staff that you and I are friends with.And I know that they're all going to be just fine and they'll find landing spots.
And the good news is in this league, if you're a good scout and you do your job, and if you're a good college director or personnel director, you're going to find other landing spots.Everyone's going to be just fine.
But I do feel badly for all the collateral damage here.But I also know and I also feel badly, truly, because we're friends and we look out and we care about all the fan bases in the National Football League because it's our lifeline, right?
I feel badly for Jets fans because if it wasn't going to work with this regime, with that talent on the field, I just, I don't see a, I don't see much of a future in terms of where it's going to be.
And I don't, I don't know how you, you know, ownership is not going to change for a while is my guess.So how do you overcome this?And the answer is you probably don't.
Right.I mean, look, coming into the year, they're such high expectations.And now all of a sudden it's, I mean, you look at that roster.I thought that was a roster that can compete for a super bowl.
Now all of a sudden it's Joe's fault that they're, they're not playing well and that they haven't been able to come together.
It's just, well, it's always everybody else's fault with Woody Johnson.Right.Let's fire the head coach and then it's not going to bring it.
They were lucky to get him. like, not to get into this too much, but like, they were lucky to get him in the first place.Like, and I mean that like the Jets were, the Jets were lucky to get Joe Douglas.
Joe Douglas had options and he had options because he's so freaking good at what he does.
And he learned one of the best, arguably the best to ever do it in Aussie newsroom in Baltimore.And he went to Philadelphia and they won a super bowl there.Like this Joe Douglas, forget the fact that we played college football with him at Richmond.
We've known him for 25 27 years.It's just just focus on the resume where he's been the champions, the Super Bowl championships with Baltimore learning under the best to ever do it.
Now, Eric Dacosta, what he's doing with the Ravens year in and year out.Well, his bosses there were Eric Dacosta and most importantly, Ozzie Newsome, right?So he knows what he's doing.
Goes to Philadelphia, personnel director, whatever his exact title was there.What do they go do?
Win a Super Bowl, hoist the lumbar.My man knows what he's doing, okay?Right.
Just another shitty decision by them.Yeah.
Yeah.We'll leave it at that.And we knew this was coming.And quite frankly, I'm not going to speak for Joe.I have not spoken to Joe about this yet.
like, I don't know that he wants to see everything through and he and he was damned to determine put every ounce like the conversations I've had with every ounce of his life into this, right, doing it the right way, the way that he was brought up in this league, doing it the way Ozzie would do it, doing it with his touch on things like he put everything into this.
And again, he's gonna be just fine.But And I know that this is not the result he was looking for.But I also know, and this is not from Joe's mouth, this is me, this is Todd McShay talking.
After six years of trying to do all the right things and doing it the way he knows the Super Bowl can be won, and to have this as the result and to have the interference.
My guess is, I don't wanna say it's a relief, but my guess is it's like, all right, I don't, no one ever wants to get fired, but let's start looking towards some doing this somewhere else where we have a chance.
Yeah.I hope he takes a break, man.I hope he regroups a little.He's earned it.
Yeah.He'll be just fine.All right.Didn't expect to get to that.Um, but we did and I'm glad we touched on it and we appreciate everyone listening, watching, joining the show again. Spread the word, man.
We're just, we're, we're the little engine that could, we're trying to make this thing run.
And, uh, we appreciate everyone who's, who's listening, who's downloading, subscribing, liking, and mentioned it to, you know, passing the word along and we will be back with you on Thursday.See you.See it.
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