The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 2 - Coaching in college before NIL, looking at the NFL Draft
Apr 3, 2026
Daniel Jeremiah, former NFL scout and lead draft analyst, offers quick, sharp takes. He breaks down draft rankings versus team needs. They debate prospects like Fernando Mendoza, David Bailey, Caleb Downs, and Ty Simpson. Conversation also covers measurables versus production and how coaching paths differ between college pre-NIL and the NFL.
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Mendoza Pro Day Showed Bigger, More Powerful Frame
- Fernando Mendoza's pro day highlighted a heavier, more powerful lower body and a drop in body fat that surprised scouts.
- Jeremiah called it a 'proof of life' pro day and emphasized Mendoza's personality and teammate rapport as notable takeaways.
Dominant Production Can Trump Missing Measurables
- Productive college players who lack ideal measurables can still translate if they dominate quality competition.
- Jeremiah referenced Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, and Ray Lewis as examples teams like the Ravens exploited when others overvalued measurables.
Draft Value Hinges On Rare Trait Combinations
- Caleb Downs's draft stock slipped not from lack of talent but because teams value splash, rare trait combinations more highly.
- Jeremiah compared Downs to Derwin James and Kyle Hamilton, who possessed imposing physical traits plus playmaking flash.