3 and Out with John Middlekauff

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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On this Pre-Draft show, John gives his 10 bold predictions heading into the NFL Draft. How many running backs will be taken in the first round? Will Aaron Rodgers announce his return before or during the draft? How early will Love get drafted? All that and more!
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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to Mike Vrabel’s latest press conference and breaks down the key takeaways from one of the league’s most respected voices. What stood out, and is everyone ready to move on from the situation?
Later, it’s the Middlekauff Mailbag, answering your questions and hitting on a wide range of topics from around the league.
John dives into the New York Giants and their draft outlook, examining potential strategies, team needs, and how they could approach one of the most important drafts in recent years.
From there, he takes a step back and talks about losing in sports—why it matters, how players handle it, and what separates players that bounce back from those that stay stuck.
Plus, a big-picture look at NFL divisions and how the league stacks up across the board, before getting into the growing conversation around NFL expansion and what it could mean for the future of the sport.
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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to Trent Williams signing a contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers and what it means for one of the NFL’s premier rosters moving forward. How long can the Niners keep this core together, and what does this deal say about their window to win?
With the NFL Draft around the corner, John takes a deep dive into the job of a general manager during this critical stretch—how they balance short-term needs with long-term vision, manage risk, and navigate the pressure of draft night decisions.
Plus, a look at one of the league’s ongoing mysteries: why don’t NFL teams trade future draft picks more often? John breaks down the logic, the risk, and why front offices tend to be more conservative than fans might expect.
From front office strategy to big contracts and draft philosophy, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.
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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff breaks down a major move in the trenches as the Cincinnati Bengals trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. What does the deal mean for Cincinnati’s defense, and how does it shift the balance of power in the AFC?
John also checks in on the New York Giants, taking a closer look at where the franchise stands and what’s next as they continue to reshape their roster. Plus, a deep dive into electric playmaker Zachariah Branch and how his arrest could lead to teams passing on him.
The conversation then turns to Houston, where Will Anderson cashes in with a massive extension—what it says about the Texans’ long-term vision and how it impacts C.J. Stroud and the rest of the roster moving forward.
To wrap things up, John reacts to LeBron James and Bronny picking up a playoff win together, adding another unique chapter to their story.
From blockbuster trades to rising stars and big-picture roster moves, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.
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