Best of The Herd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd47mApril 9, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Best of The Herd” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion centers on the evolving dynamics of the NFL draft, particularly how college basketball's rise due to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) has inadvertently fueled tanking in the NBA. Cowherd argues that deeper, older college rosters and the increased financial appeal of staying in college have made the NBA draft more critical than ever, leading teams to tank for high-value prospects. He highlights the irony that the NBA's attempt to undermine college basketball through G League Ignite has backfired, as college now produces more elite, ready-to-play talent. The episode then shifts to a detailed mock draft, where Cowherd projects the top 15 picks based on team needs, player fit, and league trends. He emphasizes the importance of 'presence' in NFL coaching, citing young, confident coaches like Ben Johnson and Sean McVay. A guest analysis from Greg, a former NFL player, supports the idea that playmakers—not just traditional position players—are being prioritized, with players like Jeremiah Love and Reuben Bain being high-value picks despite physical limitations. The episode closes with reflections on the role of luck in careers, drawing from Will Ferrell’s personal story and the broader theme of perseverance.

Key Takeaways
1

College basketball's NIL era is fueling NBA tanking by producing deeper, older rosters that make the draft more valuable.

2

The NFL draft is now more critical than ever due to the new CBA’s cost-control focus, making high-upside picks essential.

3

Teams are prioritizing 'playmakers' over traditional position players, with running backs and receivers like Jeremiah Love and Carnell Tate being drafted higher.

4

Coaching presence and intangibles are now as important as schemes in the NFL, with young, confident coaches dominating the league.

5

Physical traits like arm length or size are being reevaluated in favor of tape, competitiveness, and playmaking ability.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Podcast Promos and Intro

The episode begins with multiple podcast promos for iHeartRadio shows including The Girlfriends, Playing Along with Nora Jones, Thanks Dad, and Love Trapped, followed by a brief introduction to The Herd.

2:20
8 min

The NBA Tanking Epidemic and College Basketball's Role

College basketball with a little extra money is now creating the tanking issue. And it was just a little extra money.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

NFL Coaching Presence and the New Formula

You got to have an alpha. That's what I always said about Mike McDonald in Miami now with the Chargers. I just said, I don't know if he has the presence.

Highlight
20:00
20 min

Mock Draft: Top 15 Picks and Player Analysis

He's more than a running back. He's sort of like a combination of a B. John Robinson and a Jameer Gibbs in the way he can be deployed within an offense.

Highlight
40:00
20 min

Guest Analysis: Greg on Player Traits and Draft Trends

You're drafting him because he's an offensive weapon. He's a playmaker and you use him accordingly in terms of how you align him in your formation.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
College basketball with a little extra money is now creating the tanking issue. And it was just a little extra money.
Colin Cowherd8:08
Viral: 85.0
He's more than a running back. He's sort of like a combination of a B. John Robinson and a Jameer Gibbs in the way he can be deployed within an offense.
Greg43:09
Viral: 82.0
You're drafting him because he's an offensive weapon. He's a playmaker and you use him accordingly in terms of how you align him in your formation.
Greg42:17
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Greg
Topics Discussed
NBA Tanking and College Basketball95%NFL Draft Strategy90%Coaching Presence in the NFL88%Playmaker vs. Positional Drafting85%Physical Traits vs. Tape Evaluation82%NIL and College Football Impact80%Luck in Career Success75%Offensive Evolution in the NFL70%
People & Brands

NFL

organization

15xPositive

Colin Cowherd

person

15xNeutral

iHeartRadio

organization

15xNeutral

Greg

person

12xPositive

NBA

organization

10xNeutral

Arvel Reese

person

8xPositive

Jeremiah Love

person

7xPositive

Reuben Bain

person

6xPositive

Sonny Stiles

person

6xPositive

David Bailey

person

6xPositive

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Best of The Herd” 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