THE HERD - Hour 2 - Where Colin was right and wrong, the NFL Draft

The Herd with Colin Cowherd41mApril 13, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion centers on sports analytics, player development, and the evolving landscape of college and professional athletics. The hosts reflect on where Colin was right and wrong in recent sports predictions, including the underperformance of Doc Rivers in Milwaukee, the Dallas Mavericks' struggles despite high-profile signings, and the surprising success of the Celtics despite injuries. A major focus is the NFL Draft, particularly the Raiders' quarterback situation with Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins, where former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck provides insight on the importance of under-center play and quarterback development. The conversation also dives into the transformative impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal, which have made college sports more professional, with older, more experienced rosters and higher viewership. The episode highlights how financial maturity among college athletes has reduced post-career financial crises, while also questioning the lack of leadership in college sports governance. The segment closes with a debate on quarterback rankings, comparing Brock Purdy and Dak Prescott, and a look at the Dodgers’ financial dominance and their ability to spend more despite already high payroll, underscoring how money drives expectations but not necessarily wins.

Key Takeaways
1

NIL and the transfer portal have made college sports more professional, with older, more experienced rosters and higher viewership.

2

The Dodgers' revenue model allows them to spend more than other teams, even though they're already spending below the league average.

3

Fernando Mendoza’s transition from shotgun to under-center play is a critical challenge for his NFL readiness.

4

Money in sports creates expectations but doesn’t guarantee success—evident in the Mets’ struggles despite massive payroll.

5

Quarterbacks like Brock Purdy are underrated due to draft position, but their performance is more than just 'B-plus'.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
4 min

Sponsor & Intro: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

The episode opens with promotional segments for iHeartRadio podcasts including The Girlfriends, Mostly Human, Playing Along, and No Grip, followed by a brief introduction to The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

3:32
6 min

Where Colin Was Right and Wrong: NBA, NFL, and College Sports

The Celtics moved off four of their top nine players and Jason Tatum for a majority of the season and still were favored to win the East.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

NFL Draft Deep Dive: Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders' QB Situation

There's an argument that college football, because of the NIL, you're playing with older players. The offenses are a little bit more sophisticated now than several years ago.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

The Evolution of Quarterback Play: From Film to Helmet Communication

A runner's ball is, this is how you evaluate it. If a wide receiver is running a route and he has to change his gait at all, change his running gait, that's a minus.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

The Impact of NIL and the Transfer Portal on College Sports

These guys come in with, I think, more of a laser focus on what needs to be happening on the football field.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The Dodgers could spend even more if they wanted to. The Dodgers allotted about 46% of their revenue last year to their payroll. That's below the major league average of 48%.
Colin Cowherd45:47
Viral: 88.0
The Celtics moved off four of their top nine players and Jason Tatum for a majority of the season and still were favored to win the East.
Colin Cowherd5:02
Viral: 85.0
A runner's ball is, this is how you evaluate it. If a wide receiver is running a route and he has to change his gait at all, change his running gait, that's a minus.
Matt Hasselbeck13:56
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Matt Hasselbeck
Topics Discussed
NIL and Transfer Portal95%NFL Draft90%College Sports Professionalization88%Baseball Payroll and Revenue87%Quarterback Development85%Raiders Rebuild80%Player Financial Literacy75%Coaching and Leadership in Sports70%
People & Brands

Colin Cowherd

person

120xNeutral

Dodgers

other

30xPositive

Matt Hasselbeck

person

25xPositive

Raiders

other

22xPositive

Mets

other

20xNeutral

Fernando Mendoza

person

18xPositive

NIL

other

18xPositive

Transfer Portal

other

15xPositive

Kirk Cousins

person

15xNeutral

iHeartRadio

organization

15xNeutral

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