3 & Out - NFL Draft 1st Round Reaction: Ty Simpson to Rams, Carnell Tate to Titans, Giants & Jets winners?

The Herd with Colin Cowherd55mApril 24, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

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.

2

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.

3

The NFL Draft's live TV broadcast is outdated, with real-time internet updates creating a delay that undermines the event's suspense.

4

Team strategy must balance talent, value, and long-term planning—especially in a league where quarterback contracts dominate cap space.

5

Coaching excellence often outweighs personal scandals; Mike Vrabel's job security is tied to his on-field success, not off-field drama.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

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.

2:00
5 min

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.

Highlight
7:00
7 min

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.

Highlight
14:00
7 min

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.

Highlight
21:00
9 min

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.

High-Impact Quotes
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.
John Middlecoff10:58
Viral: 90.0
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.
John Middlecoff45:20
Viral: 88.0
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.
John Middlecoff9:03
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

John Middlecoff
Topics Discussed
NFL Draft Strategy95%Quarterback Selections90%Draft Timing & Media88%Team Building & Cap Management85%Player Projections & Risk80%Coaching & Leadership75%Player Character & Scandal70%Draft Day Emotion65%
People & Brands

Ty Simpson

person

18xNeutral

LA Rams

organization

15xNegative

Sean McVay

person

14xNeutral

Mike Vrabel

person

12xMixed

Carnell Tate

person

12xNeutral

John Middlecoff

person

12xNeutral

Tennessee Titans

organization

10xNeutral

New England Patriots

organization

10xNeutral

Matt Stafford

person

9xPositive

Les Snead

person

8xNeutral

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