Colin Cowherd Podcast - Full NFL Draft Analysis & Reaction: Bears, Chiefs, Raiders, 49ers, Cowboys

All right, John Middlekauff, former NFL scout—let’s chop it up on the draft, starting with San Francisco: I can’t read John Lynch’s patterns and it feels like Kyle’s calling the shots, especially at wideout.

Kyle runs that room, and his non‑negotiables at receiver are blocking and yards after the catch, so some higher‑graded guys aren’t even on their board; reaching after pick fifty doesn’t bother me in a thin class if you keep winning games.

Kyle’s scheme wins a lot of Sundays, but the Rams and Seahawks have drafted deeper and younger, and against McVay and Mike Macdonald that roster gap shows—San Francisco looks older, pricier, and a bit brittle.

They loved last year’s higher‑slot class, this year they were picking late, and the back half of the draft was universally weak; if their core stars stay upright, they’re a double‑digit win team again.

On Chicago, I’ll defend the speed and return value they added and the offense‑heavy tilt—coaching can unlock those picks, and Ben Johnson clearly has juice in that building.

Early picks fit needs, the Iowa center made sense after the retirement, and in a draft gutted by NIL returns you judge teams by the top fifty; if it’s on offense, Ben Johnson’s hands are all over it.

Late‑round hits often ride coaching—think DeMeco Ryans with Kamari Ramsey or Sean Payton with a mid‑round tight end—and I could see Chicago leaning into bigger tight‑end packages to diversify.

Tight ends flew off the board because the run game is back in heavier sets and zone schemes; I liked the Bears’ value, and Cole Kmet’s a long‑term starter even if they eventually juggle pieces.

The Rams’ draft looked like a Stafford plan: cheaper insurance at tight end, more protection up front, and a backup ready to play—less about grades, more about winning now.

The most polarizing move was that early quarterback—talent didn’t match the slot and it creates an awkward mentorship ask; paying a premium for a non‑premium ceiling is the issue, and Stafford’s not stepping aside if he’s healthy.

Underrated winners for me were the Raiders, who found their quarterback in Mendoza, a tone‑setting safety in Stukes, a high‑upside McCoy, and a downhill back in Washington; the roster already had anchors.

Getting the quarterback stabilizes everything—if Mendoza is a Goff or Matt Ryan type, that franchise settles fast while Crosby and the defensive adds carry weight.

NIL has older prospects taking pay cuts to turn pro, but they’re more plug‑and‑play; the Rams drafting a twenty‑something tackle to protect Stafford right now makes perfect sense.

Kansas City checked every box—corner, defensive tackle, edge, and a running back—so if they’re comfortable with right tackle in‑house, they’re right back in the Super Bowl chase.

Their new corner is plug‑and‑play and much cheaper than McDuffie, and pairing Peter Woods and Armason Thomas with Chris Jones juices the front; credit Andy Reid for letting Brett Veach drive personnel.

The Chargers attacked their line, the Cowboys loaded up on defense, and Cleveland stacked their offense for the future; the steal to me was Caleb Downs.

Jerry basically admitted they lucked into Downs, who’s a day‑one traffic cop with Pro Bowl traits; I’m high on Dallas, the Chargers got a value edge in Mesidor, and if Burrow stays healthy the Bengals win the North.

I’m mixed on Arizona and Miami, and I’m not sold on a couple of their swings; does Carson Beck play early in Arizona with those weapons and that QB room?

I expect Beck to see plenty because the system is quarterback‑friendly and the skill talent is there, but the division’s rough and they might pivot to a sell‑off by the deadline.

There are always at least four new playoff teams; I like Cincinnati, the Giants, and Detroit to get in.

I’d take Dallas over the Giants for now, and the Saints are sneaky with a sturdy line, Shough ready, and ETN added; the Jaguars could slip.

Add Detroit’s staff shuffle with Drew Petsing, and if I have to name four new teams I’ll go Chiefs, Cincinnati, Detroit, and the Giants.

I’ll roll with Cincinnati, the Colts, the Saints, and Dallas; Detroit’s path is clean, the Bengals could win thirteen, and that division around them is in transition.

On Drew Allar to Pittsburgh, I see the size and arm but not the feel; quarterbacks still need instincts you can’t teach.

He’s the tools prototype who melted in the biggest moments, and I’d rather bet a mid‑round passer with feel, even if the traits are lighter.

Cade Klubnik would’ve been my mid‑round swing—moves well, comes from a strong program, and Clemson’s slide felt cultural, not a lack of talent.

Dabo still recruits, but losing long‑time coordinators drained the edge; maybe he needs a reset even though the roster’s rarely out‑gunned.

Neighborhood small talk, a quick laugh, and we’re out—good seeing you, buddy.