Sharp or Square - NFL DRAFT ANALYSIS Part 2: AFC Draft Board Recap

The Herd with Colin Cowherd49mMay 9, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this second part of their NFL Draft Analysis, Chad Millman and Simon Hunter continue their deep dive into the AFC draft board with special guest James Weaver from Sports Info Solutions (SIS), offering data-driven insights into team performances. The Ravens are praised for addressing their offensive line with high-floor picks like Vega Ione and Jacoby Lane, while also finding value in defensive contributors like Chandler Rivers. The Bills are lauded for aggressively targeting their defensive weaknesses, particularly with TJ Parker and Skyler Bell, though concerns remain about their receiver depth. The Cleveland Browns receive high praise for their consistent, value-based drafting across both offensive and defensive lines, with standout picks like Spencer and Denzel Boston. The Denver Broncos' limited draft capital resulted in modest additions, while Houston's draft is criticized for not prioritizing their glaring offensive line needs. The Jaguars' draft is deemed one of the most puzzling, with multiple reach picks and a lack of alignment with SIS rankings, raising concerns about their front office's decision-making. The Chargers are seen as making solid, health-dependent moves to support Justin Herbert. The Raiders' selection of Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 is hailed as a franchise-altering move, with high expectations for his development alongside Tom Brady. Miami, New England, and the Steelers are assessed with mixed reviews, with the Steelers' loss of Makai Lemon to the Eagles being a notable sting. Overall, the episode emphasizes that while draft grades are speculative, value-based selections and long-term planning are key indicators of future success.

Key Takeaways
1

The Ravens’ draft was a model of need-based, value-driven selections, especially at offensive line and secondary.

2

The Browns continue to demonstrate elite drafting consistency, building through the draft rather than relying on star quarterbacks.

3

The Jaguars’ draft is widely criticized as a series of reach picks that ignored market value and SIS rankings.

4

The Raiders’ selection of Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 is seen as a transformative move with long-term upside.

5

Offensive line remains a critical need across the AFC, with teams like Houston and New England failing to prioritize it adequately.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Sponsor & Intro: The Draft Recap Begins

The episode opens with multiple iHeartRadio sponsor reads for podcasts like Humor Me, Superhuman, The Clifford Show, Look Back At It, and Learn the Hard Way, followed by the official introduction of Sharper Square with hosts Chad Millman and Simon Hunter.

10:00
10 min

Ravens: Value in the Trenches

He's a mauler. He was a great selection there for the Ravens, exactly what they needed to sure up their offensive line as well.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Bills & Bengals: Addressing Weaknesses

They didn't have to use the equity, but we're really high on this Skyler Bell from UConn. We had him ranked as our 58th highest prospect.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Cleveland Browns: The Drafting Machine

The fact that Sean Watson is back playing well for them in practices, it just sets a template, right? And everyone you can listen to and read, right? People that do their whole lives is draft grades... they're going berserk about how good Cleveland did.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Jaguars & Chargers: The Puzzling and the Pragmatic

It was just a lot of just kind of reaches and picking guys that maybe they felt confident with would be great fits for them. We'll see if it plays out that way.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The NFL draft is not about grades, but about long-term fit, team culture, and organizational cohesion.
Chad Millman78:24
Viral: 90.0
The fact that Sean Watson is back playing well for them in practices, it just sets a template, right? And everyone you can listen to and read, right? People that do their whole lives is draft grades... they're going berserk about how good Cleveland did.
Simon Hunter17:03
Viral: 88.0
I think the whole vibe has shifted. Just everyone that's been interviewed and talked about it. It's just changed everything.
Simon Hunter46:14
Viral: 86.0
Speakers

Hosts

Chad MillmanSimon Hunter

Guest

James Weaver
Topics Discussed
NFL Draft Analysis95%Long-Term Team Success93%Value-Based Drafting92%Team Building Strategy90%Front Office Decision-Making89%Offensive Line Needs88%Defensive Improvements87%Quarterback Development85%
People & Brands

Simon Hunter

person

20xPositive

James Weaver

person

18xPositive

Chad Millman

person

15xPositive

Ravens

other

14xPositive

Cleveland Browns

other

13xPositive

Sports Info Solutions

organization

12xPositive

Jaguars

other

11xNegative

Bills

other

10xPositive

Raiders

other

10xPositive

Steelers

other

9xMixed

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