The Herd with Colin Cowherd
--% time saved
PodcastThe Herd with Colin Cowherd
Publisher/creatoriHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Published
Shortcast updated
About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out , John Middlekauff breaks down the key differences between how NFL and NBA teams approach the draft—from evaluating traits and production to projecting long-term upside in two very different leagues. John also looks ahead to Cincinnati and asks the big question: is this finally the year for Joe Burrow and the Bengals? What needs to go right, and where do they stack up in a loaded AFC? Plus, a deep dive into Tampa Bay potentially landing a steal in the draft with Rueben Bain, why the pick could pay off in a big way, and how he fits into the Bucs’ roster moving forward. To wrap things up, it’s the Middlekauff Mailbag , answering your questions and covering a wide range of topics from around the league. Follow John on Twitter , and Instagram for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to the original episode
Loading episode data...
Episode summary
Hey, team—John here on Three and Out. We’re hitting Wembanyama’s reality check, what it means for NFL rookies, Joe Burrow turning up the heat in Cincinnati, Rubin Bain falling perfectly to Tampa, and a fat mailbag; DMs are open if you want in.
Q: What did Wemby’s rough night say about young stars? A: Pro ball gets mean fast—once you pop, everyone hunts you, and you have to match their edge; that’s the NFL too, where a top pick meets grown men who hit, grab, and try to break your spirit every week.
Q: How does that translate to this rookie class? A: Think Marvin Harrison Jr. adjusting to real press corners and Sunny Styles stepping right into Philly’s bully-ball run game; talent gets you drafted, mindset keeps you on the field as expectations spike from ‘promising’ to ‘carry us’.
Q: What actually separates pros? A: Discipline when nobody’s watching—diet, recovery, film—because the NFL won’t let you coast, and unlike the NBA’s regular-season malaise, there’s nowhere to hide with so many one-score games and almost no appetite for tanking.
Q: Are the Bengals still a penny-pinching punchline? A: Not lately—Burrow basically challenged the building and they answered, stacking the defense around Dexter Lawrence and premium edge bets, keeping Tee with Ja’Marr, and now the pressure shifts to Zac Taylor to cash it in.
Q: Who’s the team to beat in the North? A: Cincinnati, if healthy; Pittsburgh’s aging defense, Baltimore’s turnover, and Cleveland’s Watson question leave the door cracked—this roster’s ready, so the coaching has to meet the moment.
Q: Draft lesson from Rubin Bain to the Bucs? A: Patience pays—Jason Licht let a wild chain of moves play out, watched a classic Ravens-style mauler fall, and grabbed a dude who plays like a throwback street fight; bend on arm length if the motor and tape scream ‘problem.’
Q: Where do the Packers stand? A: Total wildcard—getting Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons back to form matters, the receiver room has to grow up fast, and they need a couple of young skill guys to become real weekly answers.
Q: Best current rivalries? A: Bears–Packers brought juice again, Rams–Niners and Rams–Seahawks stay nasty, and Cowboys–Eagles has real stakes; Ravens–Steelers still carries history but it’s lost some bite.
Q: Is Arch Manning really a future number one pick? A: The name drives clicks, not last year’s tape; quarterback boards swing like the market, Texas loaded up around him, the schedule is brutal, and he’s got to prove it snap to snap.
Q: How do I see Stefanski and the Browns’ QB approach? A: He’s a solid, headstrong system guy who favors timing-and-play-action operators, which explains the Dylan Gabriel bet; I’d lean Kevin O’Connell’s vertical appetite, but Stefanski will run exactly what he wants.
Q: Can a traits-first project like Keldrick Falk thrive with a coach like Salah? A: Defensive coaches believe they can sculpt tools into terror, but edge play is effort and stamina as much as gifts—if the motor’s real, they can unlock it; if it needs a kick every week, that’s a grind.
Q: Why would Dallas help Philly jump for a wideout? A: They traded back because they knew their guy would still be there and they wanted extra swings; it’s about maximizing value, even if you risk a rival making you pay for it later.
Q: If nobody knows how picks will pan out, why so many scouts? A: They’re detectives—character intel today becomes gold for trades and free agency tomorrow, and taking best player available beats forcing need when the grade’s not there.
Q: Can Seattle contend with a defensive head coach and a non-elite QB? A: With an elite GM in John Schneider, Mike Macdonald dialing defense, and a talented, improving Sam Darnold, they’ve got a sturdy path to matter every January.
Q: What did Alec Halaby mean to the Eagles? A: He was the early analytics engine—Harvard brain, custom models, a legit builder of decision tools—so if he pivots to finance, that tracks; Howie’s edge is stacking bright people like that.
Q: Lynch and Kyle or Howie and Sirianni? A: The draft picks are Kyle and Howie, but I lean elite coach over elite GM if I have to choose; and for what it’s worth, Kyle and Howie probably couldn’t share a kitchen—both like to cook.
DMs stay open for the offseason mailbag; bring the heat and we’ll chop it up on the show. The Volume.
Ready to save time?
Download Shortcast and get started today