THE HERD - Hour 1 - Looking back at the NFL Draft

In this hour-long episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus is on a deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft, with Cowherd analyzing team strategies, draft picks, and long-term implications. He emphasizes that the true measure of a draft's success lies not in grades but in the quality of coaching hires, leadership changes, and scheme fits. Cowherd praises the New York Giants for their head coaching upgrade with John Harbaugh, the Raiders for their quarterback and offensive coordinator hires, and the Kansas City Chiefs for their targeted, specific draft moves despite having a strong foundation. He also defends the Bears' draft, highlighting their focus on high-character players and scheme fit, even if they didn’t address edge rusher needs. In contrast, he criticizes the San Francisco 49ers’ draft for repeated reaches and over-reliance on aging stars, calling their roster fragile and dependent on health. He also discusses the Rams’ controversial selection of Ty Simpson, arguing it was a strategic move to secure a long-term backup for Matt Stafford and eliminate future quarterback headaches. The episode also touches on the Cowboys’ defensive overhaul and the Jets’ and Browns’ strong drafting despite concerns about leadership and ownership. Throughout, Cowherd stresses that the 'chef'—the team’s leadership—matters more than the ingredients (players) in determining success. Key takeaways include: 1) Leadership and coaching stability are more important than draft picks; 2) Scheme fit and player character often outweigh raw talent; 3) A team’s ability to adapt and develop players is more valuable than filling every positional hole; 4) The Rams’ Ty Simpson pick was a long-term strategic decision, not a reach; 5) The 49ers’ draft reflects a deeper issue with roster sustainability; 6) The best teams aren’t built on perfect drafts but on cohesive, adaptable ecosystems. Cowherd remains optimistic about the Giants, Cowboys, and Bears, while expressing skepticism about the 49ers and Jets despite strong draft performances.