Best of The Herd

Here we go, Wednesday in Chicago, mid‑60s, and yes, I almost wore a tank top. I’ve got big opinions today, and I’m not waiting for everyone to agree. If you count everything that matters at quarterback, including cost, Caleb Williams might already be the NFC North’s best. He’s cheap against the cap, which lets the Bears stack talent, and he’s delivering on field with explosive throws, the lowest interception rate since he entered the league, legit top speed, and the league’s longest completion. Rookie deals tilt the playing field, and his late‑season run showed he’s still climbing; if we project forward, he’s right there.

This league demands urgency, and that’s why the Aaron Rodgers limbo would drive me nuts if I were building a staff and planning free agency. At forty‑plus, you usually know fast if you’re in or out, and waiting can cost you seats in the musical chairs.

If you wait on Rodgers, you could miss the mid‑March quarterback shuffle and end up with nothing. The Steelers don’t want to bottom out, and hiring Mike McCarthy signals they’re not doing a full reset.

On the Kevin Durant burner chatter, I’m not shocked. He’s a phenomenal scorer, but he’s never been the guys‑follow‑me leader you build a franchise around. The great captains in this league—Steph, LeBron, Duncan—don’t need secret accounts to air things out; KD’s more elite icing than the cake.

Basketball has always been saved by star power and star cities. The ABA popped when Dr. J arrived, the NBA was rescued by Magic and Bird, and Michael sent it global. Today’s issue isn’t money; it’s that some brilliant internationals don’t move the room, so lean into L.A., New York, and Miami, where stars can shine and breathe. That’s how Magic landed LeBron in the first place.

I don’t think LeBron is retiring, and I don’t think he’ll be a Laker next year. It’s wild to have him and still not build the right kind of roster around him.

Plenty think LeBron finishes elsewhere, but the pull of L.A. is real. This is a city league, and the best players usually want the bright lights and room to live big.

Back to KD: the story resurfaced over All‑Star about an alleged burner ripping teammates. He didn’t confirm or deny it today. I’d love KD’s talent on my team, but I wouldn’t hand him the keys to the culture.

Let’s bring in Lance Zierlein from Houston on how the Rockets are handling all this. How’s it landing there?

It felt plausible because of KD’s history, but I was skeptical at first. The timing is lousy since the team’s sliding, and while I don’t think it changes the on‑court product, it does invite a bigger conversation about how we’ll view KD’s career if they falter.

Sengun’s gifted, Amen Thompson’s young, and Udoka’s a steady adult in the room—so who leads, and how is KD viewed in that city right now?

It’s still honeymoon‑ish, but the scoreboard will decide the mood. KD’s not a give‑me‑the‑ball alpha, and they’re still sorting late‑game touches with Sengun. If the clutch losses mount, patience will thin.

Quarterbacks: give me Ty Simpson versus Jackson Dart. What separates them for you?

I graded Dart higher. He looked composed and confident, with movement that plays on Sundays. Simpson shows the classic first‑year issues—eye discipline, pocket twitchiness, and late decisions—but there’s plenty to like. He reminds me some of Mac Jones coming out. A redshirt year would help a lot; the Rams would be a great incubator.

What’s the red flag on Mendoza, the consensus top guy?

Pocket mobility. The accuracy is Burrow‑clean, and he dices zones, but interior pressure can cook him. He’s not a natural slider or climber, so he’ll need above‑average protection and a run game to steady the picture.

Name two can’t‑miss athletes in this class.

Mansour Delane at LSU is my highest‑graded corner since Patrick Surtain—fast, sticky, and smothering in press man. Arvell Reese is my top overall prospect with rare length and explosion; he can play linebacker and rush off the edge if a staff picks the right lane.

Who’s the plug‑and‑play running back you trust to produce right away?

Jeremiah Love. He’s a three‑down home‑run hitter with real urgency, plus blitz pickup and legit slot routes. He may try to jump too much and could let blocks develop better, but the day‑one output will justify the pick.

Is there a mid‑round quarterback who could surprise?

Cade Klubnik. The arm is better than advertised, he’s mobile, and the environment dragged him down. In a play‑action, ball‑control system he has a shot. Diego Pavia’s tape is excellent, but his sub‑five‑ten size creates trajectory issues that history doesn’t forgive.

Great stuff, Lance. We’ll circle back before the draft.