The Herd with Colin Cowherd
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PodcastThe Herd with Colin Cowherd
Publisher/creatoriHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Published
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About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out , John Middlekauff takes you inside the Cowboys’ draft room following the “The Pick Is In” ESPN feature, breaking down the dynamic between Jerry and Stephen Jones and what it reveals about how Dallas makes decisions on draft night. John also dives into the latest surrounding the Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers situation and a potential connection to the Arizona Cardinals, unpacking the rumors and what could realistically happen. Plus, why Anthony Richardson appears to have little to no trade market right now, and what that says about how teams view his development. On the flip side, John discusses Fernando Mendoza and why playing exclusively under center might be the only thing holding him back from starting over Kirk Cousins. Later, a look at Patrick Mahomes attacking his rehab and what it means for the Chiefs as they gear up for another run. To wrap things up, John answers your questions in this episodes mailbag segment. From behind-the-scenes draft insight to quarterback storylines across the league, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out . Follow John on Twitter , and Instagram for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode summary
Back again after a family weekend, feeling like a good dad and ready to fire up some football takes.
Q: What did the draft-room doc reveal about the Cowboys? A: The clips made it clear Stephen Jones is running point on trades and board management while Jerry’s more figurehead now, and the quick, clean deal with Howie Roseman showed two front offices that know how to move fast.
Q: So is Dallas actually well-run despite the noise? A: They’ve drafted well by empowering scouts, and while the trophy drought is brutal, the day-to-day football ops look like Stephen’s show.
Q: What’s really going on with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers? A: He took a discount, watched lesser QBs get paid, and now wants a fair bump; I think Pittsburgh eventually caves, but the Cardinals are a real dark horse with cap space and friends in that building who know him well.
Q: Rookie minicamps look chaotic—why? A: Guys have been traveling, not training, so conditioning is spotty and playbooks are new; you coach with the brakes on to avoid early soft-tissue injuries.
Q: Can Fernando Mendoza start Week One? A: Only if he gets truly comfortable under center with the footwork, play-action, and turning his back to the defense; once that clicks, the ceiling jumps.
Q: Update on Mahomes’ rehab timeline? A: He’ll be eased into OTAs so both legs get back to balance, then fully ramped when pads come on to avoid the classic overcompensation injury.
Q: What’s the Brendan Soresby gambling fallout? A: The NCAA hates the optics and loves harsh penalties until lawyers show up, the supplemental draft is an option but teams will be wary given limited vetting and the league’s sensitivity to betting.
Q: John Sterling’s legacy hit you—why? A: He was the soundtrack of Yankee summers for decades, and in big markets where radio still matters, a daily voice like that becomes part of your life.
Q: Dad Diaries check-in? A: My nephews walked to my mom’s at sunrise and scored ice cream for breakfast, which proves grandparents play by entirely different rules.
Q: Favorite first-rounders? A: Arvell Reese is a traits swing I’d bet on for star edge upside, and Caleb Downs is a plug-and-play tone-setter who’ll clean up a young secondary from Day One.
Q: When do DCs stop treating aging stars like alphas? A: Only after they’re sure the offense no longer runs through them, because getting torched while you gamble on decline will get you crushed on Monday.
Q: Can Will Howard really start immediately? A: Handing Week One to a late-rounder who’s never played is tough without an injury path; expectations and locker-room credibility matter.
Q: How are you thinking about kids and gaming/screens? A: You can’t wall them off from tech, but you set limits, teach real-world interaction, and accept there’s a daily grind to finding balance.
Q: Next up-and-coming NFL coaches? A: Anthony Weaver and Brian Flores will be in the mix, and if a top veteran like Mike Tomlin hits the market he takes a chair instantly, with only a few seats likely open next cycle.
Q: Are the Niners slipping behind in the West? A: They’ve got questions and won’t be preseason favorites, but high-end talent, an elite QB, and Raheem Morris running the D keep them firmly dangerous.
Q: What still wins in today’s NFL? A: Elite coach plus elite quarterback, and the NFL’s hard cap and shared money give aggressive teams the fuel to keep stacking edges without an NBA-style tax bill.
Q: Can the Rams pay everybody from that breakout class? A: No chance to keep them all; Puka and Jared Verse types will force hard choices, unless a cheap rookie QB window appears post-Stafford.
Q: Any business thoughts and QB second chances? A: I’m sitting on a bruised clean-energy ETF and not giving advice, and high draft pedigree keeps QBs alive for multiple bites, while Stafford chose Detroit money until the timing finally broke his way.
Q: Puka’s rehab change contract math? A: The team’s glad he addressed it, but if he balls out again his price won’t shrink—he just needs clean headlines and better circles.
Q: Did O-line injuries tank the Eagles’ season more than people admit? A: Absolutely, the run game timing, protection, and cohesion unraveled, and the new approach should lean on under-center rhythm to get Hurts back in flow.
Q: Do you watch the CFL? A: I scouted it in my pro days and respect the game and its rules, but now I only catch it in passing; still, it’s real football with real competition.
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