Todd McShay has 'no doubt' Jeremiah Smith would be selected No. 1 over Travis Hunter in 2025 NFL Draft

"There's a level of confidence, and he's putting it all together. Whether it's his routes, setting up receivers, whether on the run, setting up that first step, I'm seeing a guy whose advancing already in his freshman year," McShay said.

His cohost added, "You almost don't realize how big he is. And then you see the contested catches and it's like, oh. Then you see the power after the catch. I mean, physically, he's got every tool you want to see."

This doesn't feel like the incredible hot take the analysts think they created. Smith is undoubtedly a better athlete than Hunter, considering he's 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds and faster in a straight line. There's a level of physical upside Smith has that no one else in the nation, except Nyck Harbor, can match.

Except that Smith is already really damn good at football and is a natural mover. He's far from just a raw athlete. It's incredible to see from a freshman. 

McShay played high school football and later attended the University of Richmond, where he served as a backup quarterback before injuries cut his playing career short.

After graduating in 1999, McShay joined a scouting service run by Gary Horton, which laid the foundation for his career in player evaluation. In 2006, he joined ESPN as a college football and NFL Draft analyst. 

McShay became widely recognized for his detailed analysis of draft prospects, player rankings, and mock drafts. He often appeared alongside fellow analysts like Mel Kiper Jr.

McShay’s ability to break down player skills and project their potential in the NFL made him a trusted voice among fans and professionals. His work involves attending college games, studying game film, and evaluating players' physical and mental attributes.

McShay has faced health challenges throughout his career, leading to his mutual departure from ESPN. Now, he hosts a podcast on the Ringer network.