Evolution of CFB Recruiting + NFL Draft with Andy Staples

Introducing the latest investigative series from ESPN and 30 for 30 Podcasts, “Murder at The U.” A college football star on the brink of NFL greatness is brazenly executed steps from campus. The case almost goes cold until a team of ESPN reporters start digging… and find a side of the victim he didn’t want people to know. To catch new episodes early, follow “30 for 30 Podcasts” for free on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ted Nguyen from The Athletic joins Kevin Clark to break down the biggest winners and losers from the first wave of NFL free agency. They dive deep into scheme fit, roster building, and why certain signings matter more than others. Ted explains how these players actually fit into offensive and defensive systems, from the Raiders’ investment in the offensive line to the Rams fixing their secondary. They also discuss Fernando Mendoza’s potential with the Raiders, the Titans’ Patriots-style rebuild around Cam Ward, and why the Chargers may have quietly made one of the most important signings of free agency. Plus: which move might be the most overrated contract so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark sits down with Trevor Sikkema, Lead NFL Draft Analyst for Pro Football Focus, for a deep dive into the future of the league.  They break down this year’s NFL Draft class and explore how the college football transfer portal has dramatically increased the overall depth of talent available to teams. With more player movement than ever, franchises are seeing more experienced, pro-ready prospects enter the draft pool. They also examine how the 2026 linebacker class could shape the NFL for the next decade — including why Sonny Styles may be the best overall player in the 2026 Draft. The conversation highlights a clear shift in today’s game: speed is taking precedence over traditional size and strength, redefining what teams value at nearly every position.  Plus, they predict when the wide receiver run could begin in this year’s draft and which teams may trigger the domino effect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin is joined by Andy Staples and they take a deep dive into the changing landscape of College Football. They break down the evolution of college football recruiting - how NIL, the transfer portal and modern scouting have completely reshaped roster building. Andy is high on NFL Draft Prospect Gennings Dunker.  That brought up the topic, what makes a “plug-and-play” NFL Lineman in today’s game.  And the  biggest question they tackled was, Who is next year’s Fernando Mendoza? Kevin and Andy volleyed back and forth on who the elite Quarterbacks of college football will be next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark is joined by Lindsay Jones, Senior NFL Editor at The Ringer, to break down the biggest storylines shaping the 2026 NFL offseason. They dive into:  Why this coaching cycle could change the league for years (19 new offensive coordinators?!) Whether teams are learning the wrong lessons from last season The rise of the “Seattle model”, can you win big without an elite QB? What’s next for the Bills, Ravens, Chiefs, and Bengals The pressure on Brandon Beane and Buffalo’s skill positions Why a major WR trade (A.J. Brown?) could swing the AFC Should the Raiders finally trade Maxx Crosby? The Chargers hype train (again), is this the year? The QB carousel: Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Malik Willis, and more Then Kevin is joined by Jeremiyah Love who details what the NFL team that drafts him will be getting. He also offers insight into what makes Marcus Freeman tick & gives aglowing report on CJ Carr's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Ryan joins Kevin Clark to discuss his recent move to the front office of the team that he spent his playing days with. Matt explains why now was the time to make the jump to the front office with the Atlanta Falcons, and the role that Arthur Blank played in it. Matt pinpoints rosters that he'll aim to emulate in building the Falcons. Plus, his thoughts on quarterback development in the NFL. WWE Superstar CM Punk joins Kevin Clark to discuss his love for the Bears and why he hates the idea of the team moving out of Chicago. Punk places the blame on ownership for not being able to secure a stadium in Chicago. Plus, the most bada** wrestler he's ever been around and his thoughts on his upcoming match at Wrestlemania with Roman Reigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Herbstreit joins Kevin Clark to discuss how presumptive #1 pick in the NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza compares to previous QBs who have gone first overall in recent years. Kirk explains why sometimes it's prudent for players to stay in school and get more experience at the college level before entering the NFL Draft. Plus, why Patrick Mahomes' pro success was a bit of a surprise for Kirk after watching him in college at Texas Tech. Then WWE Superstar Seth Rollins joins to discuss how he's made the move into football analysis. Hear what he thinks the Bears need to do next season to reach the Super Bowl in Los Angeles. Plus, Seth also shares the match that got him into professional wrestling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final football reaction show until September, Kevin Clark breaks down the Seahawks’ shocking Super Bowl win, what it says about team-building in today’s NFL, and why this title felt like a throwback to the early 2000s. From John Schneider’s masterclass roster reset and the Russell Wilson trade fallout, to Mike Macdonald’s defensive clinic and Sam Darnold’s improbable redemption arc, this episode dives deep into how Seattle pulled off one of the most unexpected Super Bowl runs in recent history. Kevin also explains why the end of football season is uniquely depressing, why the Seahawks are not a dynasty (sorry), what went wrong for the Patriots and Drake Maye, and why this result should frustrate every AFC contender. Plus: thoughts on the Bad Bunny halftime show and what 25 NFL teams should be learning from this championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark is joined by 3 Hall Of Famers on his final day at radio row. Deion Sanders details his solution for selecting members of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Tony Gonzalez details how being a two sport athlete helped him during his career. Emmitt Smith delivers an impassioned rant on why Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow shouldn't be considered elite. Nakobe Dean shares an amazing story about the level of dedication Kirby Smart expects from his players. And finally, Bo Jackson opens up about why he won't let his grandson play football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A plethora of guests join Kevin Clark Thursday from Radio Row in San Francisco. Ryan Fitzpatrick helps explain what goes into a QB being able to succeed. Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo delivers an incredible rant on why the pro football hall of fame voting process is broken. Sauce Gardner explains the difference between the Jets & Colts organizations. Kirk Cousins & Kevin exchange notes on their favorite things to do in Orlando Bijan Robinson delivers a message to new Falcons president Matt Ryan Amon-Ra St. Brown picks the toughest DB he's had to go against Tetairoa McMillan details what surprised him during his rookie season Aidan Hutchinson explains why his diet is a huge part of what helps make him great DJ Moore shares his favorite play from this season with the Bears, plus the one rep he wants back Finally, Stephen A. Smith explains why he's not a fan of the Super Bowl being in San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices