Best of The Herd

Draft Day Monday from Chicago, and here’s how I grade the weekend: weigh coaching changes, proven free agents, and the top few picks, because where you land matters as much as who you are.

The Giants jumped off the page with a major coaching upgrade, two veteran starters at need spots, and four picks that look like immediate help, including a value wideout who should grow into a starter.

The Raiders feel reborn with a sharp young offensive mind, a stabilizing star at center for a rookie quarterback, added secondary talent, and blue-chip pieces already on the roster; ownership questions aside, the vibe is different.

Kansas City didn’t need a makeover, just answers at a few positions, and they nailed it with a top back in free agency, the premier corner in the draft, interior defensive help, and a later edge who outplays his measurables.

I liked the Browns’ and Jets’ hauls on paper but don’t trust the sideline leadership to cook with those ingredients, even though Cleveland crushed early picks and I’m bullish on K Klubnik’s upside.

Chicago took heat for skipping edge, but Ben Johnson’s imprint is clear: high-character, durable, scheme-fit players, a top blocking tight end for heavy 13 personnel, an Iowa center you can pencil in for a decade, back-end help, and real return-game speed; you can fill holes later without forcing the board.

San Francisco keeps reaching for scheme pieces, leaning hard on aging stars, and trying to out-scheme McVay and Mike Macdonald; when injuries hit, the lack of depth shows, which is why their draft approach is so hard to buy.

Where I hit and missed: the Chiefs did trade up for a corner like I forecast, Ty Simpson went far earlier than I expected, Brunson looks more very good than great, Jokic has struggled against Gobert’s length, Embiid slows Philly’s pace in a bad way, Harden’s postseason fades persist, and Colorado’s buzz outpaced its draft-day substance.

NIL money is changing Day Three decisions, so scouts have to adjust when mid-round guys stay in school.

You worked with Ty Simpson—what did the Rams really draft at thirteen?

Behind the scenes he’s genuine, carries presence, and was an early-season standard-setter before injuries and a rollercoaster year; with only fifteen starts, his ceiling is clear, but teams reasonably hesitated on a play-now role.

I can’t read the Niners’ approach—too many reaches and another receiver; is this just Kyle chasing his guys?

Lynch and Shanahan are aligned on fit, betting on upside and role clarity even if it’s not flashy, and a pass-protecting back like Caitlin Black can be critical in that offense; if you’re blaming someone, blame the fit-first philosophy.

Back to the Bears—smart, tough, system-ready players felt intentional; did you like it?

I did, and alignment in Chicago is real now; Sam Roush can block and threaten the seam, giving the quarterback a true security valve alongside an already solid tight end room.

Dallas looked like it was proving it can win without leaning on one star—how did that land with you?

Loved it; Caleb Downs is a tone-setter, the new 3–4 fit is clear, and they built a defense that can handle both the run box and modern passing games.

I’m big on the Raiders investing in the center-quarterback spine; that pairing can steady a rookie day one.

Center chemistry is the quarterback’s heartbeat, and with a QB-friendly coach, veteran mentorship, and even Tom Brady around the building, they’re protecting their top asset the right way.

Anything you didn’t love?

Great for Ty Simpson, but if you’re Matthew Stafford you wanted win-now help; McVay’s measured tone made sense because that’s a delicate room, and delivery matters when you’re balancing the present and the future.

Fair point—if my network spent the budget on tomorrow while I’m contending today, I’d feel that too; good catching up, appreciate the candor.