NFL Post Draft Reaction: Steelers botch Makai Lemon pick, Rams overdraft Ty Simpson, bad draft for 49ers?
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “NFL Post Draft Reaction: Steelers botch Makai Lemon pick, Rams overdraft Ty Simpson, bad draft for 49ers?” inside PodZeus.
In this post-draft analysis episode of 3 and Out, John Middlekauff delivers a scathing critique of several NFL teams' draft decisions, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers' infamous failure to select Makai Lemon despite signaling intent, which was stolen by the Cowboys via a trade with Howie Roseman. Middlekauff argues this moment epitomizes the Steelers' front office decline under Omar Khan, whose salary cap background doesn't translate to the dynamic leadership needed in a high-stakes draft environment. He draws a parallel to Apple's leadership transition, emphasizing that elevating a product-focused executive demands innovation, not just management. The Rams' selection of Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick is labeled one of the most insane in NFL history, criticizing the premium price paid for a quarterback with a best-case scenario of being a top-15 NFL signal-caller. Middlekauff contrasts this with the Packers' history of drafting quarterbacks only when they're available late, not at high cost. He also defends the 49ers' draft strategy, noting their focus on culture and fit over flashy picks, and argues that Kyle Shanahan’s win-first mentality justifies his draft choices. The episode concludes with reflections on the draft’s unpredictability, the rise of tight ends, the impact of NIL on player movement, and the challenges faced by undrafted players like Diego Pavia, who must overcome significant hurdles to earn a roster spot.
The Steelers' failure to draft Makai Lemon due to a trade with the Cowboys was a franchise embarrassment that exposed front office dysfunction under Omar Khan.
Drafting a quarterback at #13 with high expectations is a massive risk—best-case scenario is being a top-15 NFL QB, which is not a guaranteed success.
Teams should prioritize fit and culture over 'consensus' picks, especially in a weak draft class where board alignment is highly variable.
The 49ers' draft strategy, while not flashy, is rooted in Kyle Shanahan’s winning philosophy—players must meet non-negotiable standards like blocking and effort.
NIL has reshaped college football, making conference dominance (like the SEC) less impressive as it's now driven by financial incentives rather than development.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Intro and Draft Context
Middlekauff sets the stage for the episode, introducing the focus on post-draft reactions and teasing key topics like the Steelers' draft blunder, Rams' Ty Simpson pick, and 49ers' draft strategy. He acknowledges the draft’s entertainment value but stresses the importance of evaluating team decisions beyond surface-level hype.
Steelers' Makai Lemon Fiasco
“The Pittsburgh Steelers, the brand that I grew up with is gone. And I just saw the clip of Mike Tomlin talking on Sunday Night Football. He's never going to be that transparent on the true reasons on why he stepped away. And obviously some of it self-inflicted, but I think the front office deteriorated greatly and Mike Tomlin realized this is a sinking ship and I need to get off of this.”
Rams' Ty Simpson Overdraft
“I just can't wrap my mind around taking a guy who... Matt Stafford makes $40 or $50 million a year. I mean, we'll see he's got a new contract coming. He's going to get a raise. He's 38 years old. And I mentioned this to Coward is let's just use some of his contemporaries. These guys were a little older, but Tom Brady played till 45 clearly was not willing to get hit. His team was kind of scuffling and he's like, I'm out. Peyton Manning's arm stopped working. Drew Brees' shoulder, he literally can't throw the ball to his kids right now. Roethlisberger physically was a shell of himself. If those guys were playing at an MVP level and their team was a Super Bowl contender, guess what they're not doing? Retiring.”
49ers Draft Defense and Culture
“If we need a wide receiver, which we could debate if they should have gone the wide receiver from Ole Miss, if I drafted a guy that refuses to block, the guy will never get on the field. Kyle won't even dress him on game day. So blocking for the 49ers and running after the catch for the 49ers is more important than maybe great route running or certain characteristics that other teams would value more.”
Draft Weakness and Player Trends
Middlekauff analyzes the draft’s weak talent pool, noting that the SEC led in picks due to NIL spending, but the stat has less meaning now. He highlights the rise of tight ends and the trend of offensive linemen staying at one school due to continuity and financial stability. He also discusses the challenges for undrafted players like Diego Pavia, who must manage expectations and attitude to succeed.
“I just can't wrap my mind around taking a guy who... Matt Stafford makes $40 or $50 million a year. I mean, we'll see he's got a new contract coming. He's going to get a raise. He's 38 years old.”
“The Pittsburgh Steelers, the brand that I grew up with is gone.”
“You truly get judged on the games. And if you play shitty or have low expectations, Nussmeier was supposed to be the number one pick in the draft at this time last year. Garrett Nussmeier could be the number one pick in the draft. He went in the seventh round.”
Host
NFL Draft
other
Pittsburgh Steelers
other
Ty Simpson
person
Howie Roseman
person
Omar Khan
person
Los Angeles Rams
other
Kyle Shanahan
person
Makai Lemon
person
Dallas Cowboys
other
John Lynch
person
NFL Annual League Meeting Reaction + NFL Offseason Mailbag
3 and Out with John Middlekauff • 1h 6m • 3/31/2026
NFL League Meetings Reaction Day 2: MNF Doubleheaders are no more, Thanksgiving Eve Games, NFL Flag Football
3 and Out with John Middlekauff • 51m • 4/1/2026
Eagles have a Jalen Hurts problem, Puka Nacua seeks help, Rams-49ers in Australia
3 and Out with John Middlekauff • 57m • 4/2/2026
Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders, Fernando Mendoza’s Pro Day, Fugazi Friday
3 and Out with John Middlekauff • 1h 2m • 4/3/2026
Massive Mailbag Part 1
3 and Out with John Middlekauff • 1h 5m • 4/6/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “NFL Post Draft Reaction: Steelers botch Makai Lemon pick, Rams overdraft Ty Simpson, bad draft for 49ers?” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime