Best of The Herd

Draft eve, we’re live on The Herd and rolling. Last night showed the gap between LeBron’s all-around command and KD’s bucket-getting; traps after halftime knocked KD off rhythm, while LeBron ran point, lifted every role guy, and squeezed value out of each trip.

Houston badly needs a real point guard, and JJ Redick’s adjustments popped. The Lakers look intentional and efficient, though some of these hot hands will cool when Luka and Austin return to soak up touches.

San Antonio coughed up a late lead after Wemby left, the kids tightened, and Portland’s vets plus Scoot attacked the rim. That’s playoff basketball in the West: old heads rarely flinch, and without Wemby the Spurs must grind out a road split.

Two plugged-in voices say Dallas could trade up, and I hate it. Their offense hums; the soft spot is the secondary. Keep the picks, grab a corner and a safety, and add depth.

Todd, your mock lets the Giants land Jeremiah Love if the early defensive run hits. Are you hearing he could slide to five, or is that just a path that exists?

Love’s range is three to five. Arizona’s owner likes him at three, but the front office is shopping that slot to slide for a tackle and gather ammo to jump back for Ty Simpson. David Bailey has locked in at two, which keeps Reese and Love in play for that early traffic.

You’ve got Ty Simpson to the Rams. I love the idea: sit two years behind Stafford and learn. Is that real interest or just fit on paper?

It’s real. The Rams liked Simpson as his starts stacked up, and they won’t force a receiver at thirteen. They can find their type on day two, so if they stay or trade back a bit, Simpson is absolutely in play despite the win-now label.

You also show Carnell Tate dipping to the mid-first. Why the slide?

Tackle and premium defense will fly, and I didn’t bake in a dozen trades. That squeeze can nudge wideouts down a tier, even if Tate likely goes before sixteen.

Philly moving up for a massive tackle feels on brand, especially with more picks than roster spots.

A tackle rush is coming in the teens, the shelf drops fast, and a pack of teams need one. Expect movement from eleven to the early twenties, with Detroit and Philly aggressive.

Back to Dallas: rumors say they’ll jump for a DB. I say sit tight and take a corner and a safety.

History says minimal early trade-ups for them. A small climb could happen because McCoy’s knee clouds his range and Delane and Downs may go early, but I don’t expect a big swing.

Light NBA night, but I’ve been glued. Orlando–Detroit could swing narratives and maybe jobs, and there’s growing heat on Ime. Orlando should be further along.

Coach, Reese or Bailey for you at the top?

If I want a pure edge tomorrow, I’ll take Bailey. But Arvell Reese is a 20-year-old freak who can blitz, drop like a big safety, and eventually win with his hand in the dirt. I’d draft Reese fast.

Do measurements like arm length sway you?

You note them, but tape and traits rule. I’ve had players labeled too short who became stars. Production and competitiveness beat a tape measure.

What’s your read on Carnell Tate?

He’s my top receiver. Prototype frame, huge catch radius, strong in traffic, and no drops on heavy targets last year.

How did you sort tackle versus guard with prospects?

Put linemen where they’re most comfortable. Right or left, you still face elite rushers; comfort and get-off matter more than the label.

Which evaluations fooled you most?

Late bloomers with crazy drive, like Joe Burrow. Find the competitive maniac and bet on development.

Would you take Jeremiah Love as high as three?

Yes. I see an offensive weapon, not just a back. He can do everything and hit home runs.

How valuable is a hybrid inside backer like Sonny Styles near the top?

Rare blend of size and speed, and he’s a culture guy. I’m very high on him.

Ty Simpson in round one still worries me. I don’t see a big trait.

Accurate but limited starts, not a high-velocity arm, and the recent TD-to-turnover split is a flag. In a normal class he’d go later, though the Rams fit could help him.

In L.A., there’s always another concert or premiere, and we barely even touched the Dodgers or Ohtani. Lifestyle wins at some point, and I know you’re an L.A. guy, so say what you really think.

I’m here for that, and you’re not getting me to talk down L.A. I love it.

Florida’s a good time too, just be ready for about 98 percent humidity for the next half year.