THE HERD - Hour 1 - Rams surprised people last night, Chiefs went with defense

The Herd with Colin Cowherd43mApril 24, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Colin Cowherd and J-Mac break down the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on team strategies, player evaluations, and organizational philosophies. They praise the Dallas Cowboys for their perfect first-round pick of Caleb Downs, calling it a 'home run' and comparing him to an elite defensive player like Ed Reed. The Chiefs' decision to move up for LSU corner Dling is seen as smart, addressing a specific need in a strong defense. The Rams' selection of quarterback Ty Simpson is heavily scrutinized, with Cowherd expressing skepticism about drafting a developmental QB over a high-impact offensive tackle, especially given Matthew Stafford's age and injury history. The episode highlights the contrast between 'good teams' like the Chiefs, Eagles, and Seahawks—focused on specific, high-impact needs—and 'struggling teams' like the Jets, Titans, and Dolphins, who need to hit on multiple picks to rebuild. Cowherd also critiques the Raiders' draft strategy as a model of stability and smart rebuilding, contrasting it with the chaos of franchises like the Jets and Browns. The discussion extends to the NBA playoffs, particularly the Nuggets' struggles against Rudy Gobert and the Knicks' overvaluation of Jalen Brunson.

Key Takeaways
1

Top-tier teams like the Chiefs and Eagles target specific, high-impact needs rather than accumulating picks.

2

Caleb Downs was the best player available and a perfect fit for Dallas’s defense.

3

The Rams' Ty Simpson pick is a long-term gamble on a quarterback with limited immediate value.

4

Teams with deep roster issues (Jets, Titans, Dolphins) must hit on multiple picks to compete.

5

The Raiders' draft strategy reflects a stable, Chicago Bears-style rebuild with a focus on offensive line and coaching.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Podcast Promos and Intro

Multiple iHeartRadio podcast promos are aired, including The Clifford Show, 2%, Learn the Hard Way, Love Trapped, Look Back At It, The Girlfriends, and Stu Gadsden Company. These serve as pre-show content.

3:20
7 min

Draft Analysis: Rams and Stafford's Future

60 quarterbacks play in the NFL annually. Last year, Mahomes got hurt. Bo Nix got hurt. Brock Purdy got hurt. Jaden Daniels got hurt. Lamar Jackson got hurt. Daniel Jones got hurt. And Matt Stafford's 38 and he's not Benjamin Button.

Highlight
10:00
7 min

Chiefs' Strategic Moves and Defensive Focus

When you're a really good team like Philadelphia moved up and Kansas City, they don't have a lot of needs. They have specific needs. That's how you know you're a good team.

Highlight
16:40
7 min

Eagles' Aggressive Rebuilding and Receiver Focus

They've got their one. They've got their back. They've got their offensive line. Now, now, the Eagles also have to get an offensive lineman. But I think their bigger pressing need is wide receiver.

Highlight
23:20
7 min

Dallas Cowboys' Perfect Draft Pick: Caleb Downs

Caleb Downs to me is going to have a better career 10 years from now than Reese, Tate, Styles. And those guys are all good.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Caleb Downs to me is going to have a better career 10 years from now than Reese, Tate, Styles. And those guys are all good.
Colin Cowherd38:19
Viral: 90.0
Guards don't lead you to titles. Little guys don't. It's a big guy long league.
Colin Cowherd50:49
Viral: 88.0
The Raiders have had more draft pick first round picks arrested in the last 10 years than playoff wins.
Colin Cowherd52:45
Viral: 86.0
Speakers

Hosts

Colin CowherdJ-Mac
Topics Discussed
NFL Draft Strategy95%Team Rebuilding Models90%Quarterback Development88%Defensive Talent Evaluation85%Player Valuation and Overhyping82%Offensive Line Needs80%NBA Playoffs Analysis78%Organizational Culture in Sports75%
People & Brands

Colin Cowherd

person

120xNeutral

J-Mac

person

45xNeutral

Los Angeles Rams

other

40xNegative

Dallas Cowboys

other

35xPositive

Kansas City Chiefs

other

30xPositive

Caleb Downs

person

30xPositive

Ty Simpson

person

25xMixed

Philadelphia Eagles

other

25xPositive

New York Jets

other

20xMixed

Arizona Cardinals

other

15xNeutral

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