3 & Out - NFL Draft 1st Round Reaction: Ty Simpson to Rams, Carnell Tate to Titans, Giants & Jets winners?
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In this episode of '3 and Out,' host John Middlecoff delivers a fiery, unfiltered reaction to the 2026 NFL Draft's first round, focusing on the most controversial picks. The Rams' selection of Ty Simpson at #13 sparks intense criticism, with Middlecoff questioning the decision given Simpson's limited college experience, injury history, and lack of physical prototypical traits for a franchise quarterback. He argues that Sean McVay's apparent lack of enthusiasm during the press conference suggests the pick was more about Les Snead's long-term planning than McVay's vision, especially with Matt Stafford nearing the end of his career. The Titans' choice of Carnell Tate at #4 is also scrutinized, with Middlecoff asserting that while Tate is a solid player, drafting a wide receiver that high demands a top-10 ceiling, which he doesn't project. He contrasts this with the value of drafting high-upside players like Sonny Stiles or Arvel Reese. The episode also critiques the draft's timing, noting the disconnect between live TV coverage and real-time internet updates, which undermines the suspense. Other topics include the Chiefs' trade-up for Delane, the Jets' promising first-round haul, and the ongoing fallout from Mike Vrabel's personal scandal, which Middlecoff discusses with a mix of cynicism and empathy, emphasizing that coaching prowess often outweighs personal missteps in the NFL. The episode ends with a call to embrace the draft's emotional purity despite its modern logistical flaws.
The Rams' selection of Ty Simpson at #13 is a high-risk, long-term gamble that doesn't address immediate quarterback needs, raising questions about Sean McVay's approval.
Drafting a wide receiver like Carnell Tate at #4 requires a top-10 ceiling; Middlecoff believes Tate doesn't project as a future elite wideout.
The NFL Draft's live TV broadcast is outdated, with real-time internet updates creating a delay that undermines the event's suspense.
Team strategy must balance talent, value, and long-term planning—especially in a league where quarterback contracts dominate cap space.
Coaching excellence often outweighs personal scandals; Mike Vrabel's job security is tied to his on-field success, not off-field drama.
Intro & Sponsor Breaks
The episode begins with a series of iHeartRadio podcast promos for 'The Clifford Show,' '2%', 'The Girlfriends,' and 'Look Back At It,' setting the stage for the main content.
The Rams' Shocking Pick: Ty Simpson at #13
“I just can't take a one-year starter who got banged up. It's like, well, Johnny, process is really well. Okay, look at some of his comps. You can give me the comps all you want.”
Carnell Tate & the Titans' High-Risk Move
“If I'm going to take a guy in the top five, it's got to be Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson. It's Jamar Chase, AJ Green. It's got to be a guy for a decade long.”
The Draft's Timing Problem: TV vs. Internet
“This is the only event that is as big as it is in this day and age that is essentially on tape delay, that the information is behind on television for a lot of people watching that can just see the actual information on the internet.”
Team Strategy & Economic Realities
Middlecoff discusses how teams like the Chiefs and Giants must make tough economic decisions, balancing high-priced quarterbacks with other roster needs, and how the Rams' $100M contract for Trent McDuffie influenced their draft strategy.
“If I'm going to take a guy in the top five, it's got to be Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson. It's Jamar Chase, AJ Green. It's got to be a guy for a decade long.”
“This is the only event that is as big as it is in this day and age that is essentially on tape delay, that the information is behind on television for a lot of people watching that can just see the actual information on the internet.”
“I just can't take a one-year starter who got banged up. It's like, well, Johnny, process is really well. Okay, look at some of his comps. You can give me the comps all you want.”
Host
Ty Simpson
person
LA Rams
organization
Sean McVay
person
Mike Vrabel
person
Carnell Tate
person
John Middlecoff
person
Tennessee Titans
organization
New England Patriots
organization
Matt Stafford
person
Les Snead
person
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