Colin Cowherd Podcast - NFL Draft Reaction: Rams-Ty Simpson, Cowboys-Caleb Downs, Giants & Jets Smart

13 snips

Apr 24, 2026

John Middlekauff, former NFL scout and draft analyst, gives insider scouting perspective. They debate the Rams' surprise pick of Ty Simpson and whether he should sit or start. They praise the Cowboys for Caleb Downs and highlight value picks like Reuben Bain. They critique high-risk selections such as Carnell Tate and Kadyn Proctor and discuss the Big Ten's draft dominance and the offensive line trend.

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ANECDOTE

When Tape Beats Measurables Reuben Bain As Example

Colin compares Reuben Bain to Warren Sapp as an example of players who didn't fit measurables but instantly dominate on tape.
He uses Bain falling to 15 as a classic case where tape and attitude beat metrics in the teens.

INSIGHT

Chiefs Traded Up To Get A Cheaper Trent McDuffie Replacement

John explains the Chiefs moved up for Mansoor Delane as an economical replacement for Trent McDuffie, prioritizing cost-effective, plug-and-play cornerback play.
The pick was described as getting roughly 80–90% of McDuffie for far less cap hit.

INSIGHT

Why The New York Teams' First Round Look Solid

Both agree the Giants and Jets used their combined four first-round picks well, addressing immediate roster needs without obvious busts.
Giants took Arvel Reese and Francis Mauigoa; Jets took David Bailey and Kenyon Sadiq to add pass rush and playmaking versatility.

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Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to break down the NFL Draft.

They start with the Rams drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at pick #13 and why it was shocking for them to pick him so high after a limited sample size in college, but Colin argues if anyone can turn Simpson into a great quarterback…it’s Sean McVay (3:00).

Colin heaps praise on the Cowboys for drafting Caleb Downs and highlights the massive upgrades Dallas has made to their defense rather than paying Micah Parsons (10:30). They agree that the Bucs got great value in taking Reuben Bain at #15 after experts projected him as a top 10 pick (13:45).

They discuss the Chiefs moving up to #6 to take cornerback Mansoor Delane and both agree they had no issues with the trade up to get a much cheaper replacement for Trent McDuffie (15:00). Colin argues that both New York teams did well with their combined 4 first round picks and doesn’t see any busts in the group (23:00).

They react to the Titans taking Ohio State WR Carnell Tate at #4, and John believes Tate was a massive reach and that Tate doesn’t have the elite upside that would justify such a high pick (26:00). They both believe that Kadyn Proctor is the most likely Top 15 pick to bust based on reports about his lack of work ethic (29:15).

Colin predicts accurately that the Eagles would take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon after trading up, and says that it's the perfect move to patch the hole that will be left after the team trades AJ Brown (33:00).

They discuss the overall quality of this first round draft class, note that it’s been very offensive line heavy and explain why you can’t go wrong drafting o-line in the first round (39:00).

Finally, they discuss why the Big Ten is leaving the SEC in the dust when it comes to producing first round NFL talent and react live to the late first round picks for the Chargers, Cowboys & more (50:00+).

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