Colin Cowherd Podcast Prime Cuts - NFL Draft Breakdown, Can The NBA Fix Tanking? Did Rams Reach For Ty Simpson?
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Colin Cowherd and his co-host dive into the 2026 NFL Draft, analyzing the Rams' controversial pick of quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13. They debate whether the move is a long-term developmental strategy akin to Green Bay's treatment of Jordan Love, or a risky gamble given Simpson's limited college experience and lack of proven starting pedigree. The discussion highlights concerns about quarterback development, the importance of reps, and the Rams' potential overreach in a draft where they didn't have a pressing need. The conversation shifts to the NBA's evolving media strategy, with praise for Adam Silver’s decision to move games to broadcast and streaming to expand reach, but sharp criticism of load management and tanking. The hosts argue that while the NBA is gaining viewership, the quality of on-court product is suffering due to star absences, with Kevin Durant cited as a rare exception who plays through discomfort for the long-term health of the league. They conclude that cultural change—more players like Durant who prioritize the game’s legacy over short-term team strategy—is needed to fix the league’s deeper issues.
The Rams' selection of Ty Simpson at No. 13 is a high-risk, long-term developmental play, not a short-term fix for their quarterback situation.
Quarterback success in the NFL is still heavily tied to college experience and starting reps—Simpson lacks both, making his future uncertain.
The NBA’s shift to broadcast and streaming is smart for audience reach, but load management and tanking are undermining the quality of the on-court product.
Star players like Kevin Durant who play through minor injuries are essential for building long-term fan loyalty and cultural relevance.
The league’s incentive structure rewards tanking and rest, but the solution lies in cultural change, not rules or fines.
Rams' Ty Simpson Pick: Risk or Vision?
“I don't think Ty Simpson works for 30 teams in the league. But if you told me the Rams, I'm like sit for two years, do they listen? Green Bay has proven they know how to do this quarterback thing.”
The Quarterback Development Debate
The hosts emphasize the importance of college starting experience for NFL quarterbacks, citing Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen as examples of multi-year starters who gained crucial reps. They argue that Simpson’s lack of experience makes him a high-risk pick.
NBA's Media Strategy vs. On-Court Product
“When the stars play and they play hard, we get Jokic first Wemby Saturday showdown. Oh my God. That was the most entertaining two and a half hours of regular season hoops that you'll see.”
Tanking and the Draft Incentive Structure
The hosts debate whether tanking is as widespread as critics claim, noting that only 7–8 teams are genuinely tanking for top draft picks. They argue that the league’s CBA rules make trades nearly impossible, which incentivizes tanking as the only path to improvement.
The Cultural Fix: More Kevin Durants
“I don't think you can find your way into it because there's just too much of a strategic advantage at least internally with these teams. They think that it's helping them which I would argue that's not the case.”
“When the stars play and they play hard, we get Jokic first Wemby Saturday showdown. Oh my God. That was the most entertaining two and a half hours of regular season hoops that you'll see.”
“I don't think you can incentivize stars to play. I don't think you can. And specifically referencing the load management piece... That is a gigantic problem, like a catastrophic number one problem easily in the league.”
“You need more Kevin Durant. I think you need more dudes who their love of basketball and their desire to invest in the long-term health of the league supersedes what is strategically appropriate for the team.”
Host
NBA
organization
Colin Cowherd
person
Los Angeles Rams
other
John
person
Ty Simpson
person
Kevin Durant
person
Green Bay Packers
other
Dallas Cowboys
other
Caleb Downs
person
Jordan Love
person
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