Scouting the League

From under the bleachers at Hancock Whitney Stadium and the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl we discuss all things football.  Changes to front offices in New York and Pittsburgh as well as a Raven going from one Harbaugh to the other.  Can guys really stand out in a short week and who are guys that Rodrik and James remember from past Senior Bowls.  Then, as a member of the NCAA administration offices, Jam...

Special Guest Jimmy Noel is back to discuss all things college football.  How has recruiting changed, where does the transfer portal factor in and how does NIL really affect the landscape.  We dive into Dylan Raiola and what he liked about his film along with how Nebraska is going to be back in the national conversation.  Plus - what did we see in the NFL this last weekend and what are predictions...

Special Guest Jimmy Noel joins Neil and Rodrik and discusses his time with 2 iconic franchises in the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs.  What was special about both places and how they operated.  Working with John Dorsey, and how he successfully drafted and managed players with questionable off field character.  Drafting Baker Mayfield and talking some Josh Allen.  Then we get into the coac...

Those who stay will be Champions!  Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and a filthy defense made sure that was the case for the Michigan Wolverines.  We dive into the UM program with Michigan Resident, former NFL player and longtime NFL Scout Russ Bolinger.  The unique personalities in the Wolverine program and what we think it means for Jim Harbaugh's future.  Plus, dive into the coaching changes in Ten...

Great CFP Semi-final games lead to Washington vs Michigan for the big trophy.  We dive into both games, the players and who helped themselves plus we preview the championship game and what we both expect.  Plus, with a deep QB draft and movement expected for April, who do we see rising and falling through the process and where it will all shake out.  Owners picks?  New Offensive Coordinators?  His...

The Big 2, Reese's Senior Bowl and the East/West Shrine Game, along with the CGS, Tropical, Hula and HBCU Legacy bowl are fast approaching.  So, how do NFL teams treat these?  What are the most important aspects and what are some of the great stories from a scout that has been to nearly every one.  Along with Neil Stratton of Inside the League, Rodrik David discusses what elements of each game is...

NFL Scouts are off the road and for the first time since training camp, getting together to talk about the tireless work they did during the fall.  Character reads are a big part of that - but what all goes into a character read?  On-field, off-field, intelligence, toughness - so many factors will shape a profile.  We dive deep into what happens during these meetings and why scouting departments t...

With the transfer portal red hot and the changing college landscape, how do NFL Scouts navigate these getting character and get the full story on draft picks?  Breaking down silos and doing more than the minimum - that is just a start.  How do agents and athletes value a player and what factors weigh into Transfer, stay put or enter the NFL draft?  This plus more from Neil Stratton of Inside the L...

The top 4 is set for the College Football Playoff, and is was not without controversy.  Did the CFP Committee get it right?  What about the Final 4 in the Heisman?  A little caveat into Jalen Milroe and Jordan Travis.  The on to opt out season.  With regular season now finished, players choose whether to play in their Bowl Game, opt out and train for all star games and the combine - or opt out of...

With the Raiders making changes at both Head Coach and General Manager and now Frank Reich being shown the door in Carolina - how do Scouts manage this unsettling time of year?  Rodrik David talks about the changes that affect scouts and how they have to try and navigate.  Neil Stratton brings the agent and league perspective and how the entire organization has to adjust.  Insight you will not fin...

OT and Edge rushers as value positions at all times in the NFL, why and how to track it.  The Texans in the right direction, time to go all in?  The Raiders in the wrong direction, why I am selling on Pierce as the answer.  Is there going to be an upset in Athens?  Lane Kiffin has his chance to shine.  And why the Big10, Michigan and Ohio State need to lead the way out of the NCAA and the joke tha...

The #NFL trade deadline has come and gone, what did your team do and what are the Commanders planning? Young gets his first W vs Stroud but where is each QB at? Do Bagent and Levis deserve more opportunities? Why consistency is the ultimate decider and how Grades Scales differ for NFL teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are college scouts looking for down the stretch as they get closer to finalizing their in season reports?  Setting the stage for all star games, the combine, free agency, and of course, the draft.  Would sitting out the rest of the year hurt Caleb Williams?  Why do Arkansas fans need to take a breath for Sam Pittman?  What Michigan should do with the NCAA.  #Michigan #NCAAFootball #Arkansas #...

Tanking is for Dummies - #NFL teams do not and should not tank.  Why I mute games when I am watching and how to keep the right mindset scouting amid all the noise.  Is the #Michigan OL really that good, 7 draft picks?  What I really think about them.  Insight into the Scouting process that you will not hear anywhere else.  #NFLDraft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scouts at all levels convince themselves that "This Guy" has what it takes, despite what all the signs say.  Why? And how does this manifest itself through an entire department.  CJ Stroud and Bryce Young are examples, and it will show up with your arms like Spencer Rattler, Michael Penix and DJ Uiagalelai in 2024.  Plus, is toughness, tacking and playing hard really that important to succeed in t...

Quick snapshot of NFL action in week 1 and the QB's that did and did not play well.  With Caleb Williams dad making statements about his son's future, is there one less QB to think about in the 2024 NFL Draft?  Ewers leads Texas to the biggest upset so far in 2023.  And Scout hype vs Media hype on players - what to really look for.  #Texas #USC #NFL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Week 1 NFL Preview. Who is going to come out on top in each division? Who is going to take a step back? What players to watch for? A scouts take on how the playoff landscape will shape up come January. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kicking off the NCAA season with Weeks Zero and 1.  What have NFL Scouts gleaned from early performances and what are they looking for moving forward.  The Colorado Buffaloes are the national story but what is really to watch?  Is Coach Prime for real and can they sustain?  FCS vs FBS scouting.  NFL Preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A one time lacrosse recruit that has himself primed to now be drafted into the NFL.  The Purdue Boilermaker TE will have a chance to show his skills at the East/West Shrine game before working through the rest of the process.  #87 Payne Durham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A versatile piece that will have plenty of eyes watching him through the pre-draft process.  Inside Linebacker, Sam Linebacker, Edge rusher?  Where will he fall?  The Copiah Lincoln transfer to Mississippi State has all sorts of ball production.  #2 Tyrus Wheat is a fun player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From walk-on to Jones CC and back to backup.  Waiting for his chance and taking advantage when he got it - Stetson Bennett is a QB that has proved people wrong every step of the way.  Will the Heisman Finalist become a 2x National Champion? And what does the NFL hold for him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the pedigree, bloodlines and playtime NFL teams want - DL Taron Vincent will be a guy with eyes on him in the College Football Playoff.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the edge defenders that has helped the Wolverine Defense make it all the way to #2 and into the College Football Playoff.  A 5th year player at Defensive End - Taylor Upshaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After one of the gutsiest performances by a player I can remember, the TCU Horned Frogs were still able to get into the CFP - led my QB Max Duggan who will be looking for redemption vs Michigan.  A QB who will have an NFL future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Declaring for the NFL Draft, returning to school for another year or entering the transfer portal.  Decision that come with a ton of questions and infinite outcomes.  Make the best decision you can by asking the right questions- questions we discuss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices