Todd McShay reveals the caution Nick Saban gave him regarding his drafts.

Summary

On Mark Ingram’s “The Triple Option” podcast, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay revealed that former Alabama coach Nick Saban would personally call him five or six times over the course of a decade whenever McShay released a mock draft that placed Alabama prospects higher than Saban expected . These calls often came “from Miss Linda’s (Saban’s assistant) phone,” setting the stage for a direct, sometimes heated exchange in which Saban bluntly told McShay, “You’re too high on this guy” . McShay admitted that on occasion Saban was correct in challenging his evaluations—and that sometimes McShay’s projections proved accurate—highlighting a mutual respect despite the friction . The anecdote underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding mock drafts, particularly when elite programs like Alabama are involved . Ultimately, McShay’s story offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the coach-analyst dynamic that shapes pre-draft narratives and reflects the protective nature of one of college football’s most successful programs .

The Rise of a Draft Analyst

Todd McShay first gained prominence through his work at ESPN, where his weekly mock drafts made him a household name among NFL Draft enthusiasts . Alongside Mel Kiper Jr., McShay turned draft coverage into must-watch television, blending player evaluation with entertaining rivalry . After leaving ESPN, McShay continued to wield influence in the draft world as a podcast host for The Ringer and through frequent guest appearances on shows like “The Triple Option” . His assessments are widely respected for their depth of film study and access to scouting information, making his mock drafts a crucial component of fan and front office preparation . Even as new voices enter the draft analysis space, McShay’s experience and insider connections ensure his projections remain among the most anticipated each year .

Nick Saban: A Titan of College Football

Nick Saban’s coaching resume is unparalleled in modern college football. Since arriving at Alabama in 2007, his teams have secured seven national championships and ten Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles, cementing a legacy of sustained excellence . Under his tenure, Alabama has sent 129 players to the NFL between 2010 and 2024, showcasing Saban’s knack for developing pro-ready talent . His program’s “process”—a meticulous approach to every aspect of team building—has been widely studied and emulated, and it extends beyond the field to player preparation for the NFL . Coaches and analysts alike view Alabama’s draft prospects through the lens of Saban’s rigorous standards, making mock draft predictions about his players especially consequential .

The Coach-Analyst Dynamic

The relationship between college coaches and draft analysts is inherently fraught. Coaches like Saban deeply invest in their players’ futures, guiding them through complex decision-making processes and nurturing their professional aspirations . Analysts, on the other hand, aim to project how players will fit into NFL schemes, often based on public and proprietary information. When discrepancies arise—such as when McShay’s mock placed a Crimson Tide star significantly earlier than Saban anticipated—tensions can flare . While Saban is not alone in contesting analysts’ evaluations, his willingness to pick up the phone underscores the importance he places on draft positioning and media narratives . These interactions reveal a symbiotic yet competitive dynamic: coaches seek to protect their players’ reputations, while analysts strive for candid predictions that drive discourse.

Why Mock Drafts Matter

Mock drafts serve multiple stakeholders. For NFL teams, they provide a temperature check on consensus evaluations of prospects. For college programs, they spotlight the achievements of their athletes and can boost recruiting appeal. For media and fans, they fuel debate and engagement in the lead-up to draft day. When an analyst like McShay positions a player differently than a coach like Saban expects, it can influence perceptions across all these groups . The resulting conversations often shape narrative momentum around certain prospects, elevating or dampening their draft stock in public opinion.

The Caution Anecdote: A Closer Look

McShay’s story centers on calls “five or six times in a decade” when Saban would ring to contest McShay’s placement of Alabama players . These calls came via Miss Linda’s phone, a testament to Saban’s informal yet direct communication style . On one memorable occasion, McShay had projected an offensive lineman—a perennial strength of the Crimson Tide—far higher than Saban believed warranted. “He was right once or twice. I was right once or twice,” McShay confessed, illustrating that even the most seasoned analysts can find themselves challenged by a coach’s intimate knowledge of his players’ capabilities and limitations . The back-and-forth ultimately yielded a level of mutual respect; McShay learned to refine his film-based assessments, while Saban gained awareness of broader league perspectives on his prospects.

Behind the Scenes of “The Triple Option”

The anecdote emerged during an episode of “The Triple Option,” co-hosted by Mark Ingram II—himself a former Alabama running back and NFL veteran—and analyst Rob Stone. Ingram’s own draft saga underscored the high stakes of these conversations: once a fifth-round pick, he soon became one of Saban’s first-round-caliber backs in the NFL . This context adds color to why Saban felt compelled to call McShay: protecting a player’s draft stock can directly impact contract value and career trajectory. The candid nature of the discussion on the podcast, punctuated by Ingram’s tweet highlighting the Crimson Tide’s draft impact, provided fans with a rare glimpse of the real-world implications behind every mock .

Aftermath and Reflections

These Saban–McShay exchanges have become part of draft lore, frequently cited by both mock draft junkies and Alabama faithful alike . McShay acknowledged that having Saban off his back as draft day approaches is “a good thing,” freeing him to publish his final projections without last-minute objections . This freedom likely contributes to more candid and varied mock drafts, benefiting fans and teams seeking honest evaluations. Moreover, the story highlights the importance of transparency: by owning his projections and admitting where he could be corrected, McShay demonstrated accountability to both his audience and the subjects of his analysis .

Lessons for Analysts and Fans

McShay’s experience offers three key takeaways:

1. Expect the Unexpected: Even veteran analysts can be challenged by coaches with deep player insights .
2. Value of Dialogue: Open communication between analysts and coaches can refine evaluations and promote mutual learning .
3. Mock Draft Integrity: Ultimately, mock drafts should reflect a balance of film study, insider knowledge, and willingness to revise opinions in light of new information .

For fans, the anecdote serves as a reminder that every mock draft is a starting point for conversation rather than an immutable forecast.

Conclusion

Todd McShay’s revelation of Nick Saban’s cautionary calls offers an illuminating window into the high-pressure world of NFL Draft analysis. It underscores the delicate balance analysts must strike between film-based projections and the lived experiences of those closest to the players. For Saban, the calls were an extension of his commitment to his program’s standards; for McShay, they represented both a challenge and an opportunity for refinement. As mock drafts continue to evolve with new platforms and voices, the enduring lesson remains: in the interplay between coach and analyst, truth is ultimately shaped by rigorous debate, mutual respect, and a shared goal of seeing players succeed at the next level.