Scouting the League

When people hear the word "Analytics" - many things come to mind.  So we asked Matt Manocherian, former NFL front officer staffer and now member of Sports Info Solutions to come on and discuss.  What is the history of analytics, how is it being used now and what is the future?  Is it helping or hurting the game? And why is it a growing part of every football team.  A fascinating conversation that covers so many facets of the growing world of football analytics.  

Front Office changes have gone from an afterthought in the football world to headline making news as all things football dominate the sports pages (or screens!).  Neil Stratton has been tracking it all.  With Neil's service, Inside the League, at the forefront of all the breaking changes, we dive into all things scouting and front office.  New GM's in both 2023 and 2024, veteran scouts, evolving analytics and more.  We talk though what we have seen and expect to see as front offices change as well as what may still be coming down the pipe.  Plus, an exclusive offer that you must listen for, and will want to take advantage of.  

Covering the NFL Draft is a big deal, and being an understudy to The Godfather of the Draft, Mel Kiper Jr, may be even bigger.  Jordan Reid of ESPN comes on to talk his role, scouting process and how he does scouting his way.  What is it like to work with a guy like Mel Kiper Jr and how he attacks the process.  Plus we talk first round QB's, the offensive focus of the 2024 first round and favorite picks throughout the 7 round draft.  A lot to cover and only so much time.  

19 years in the Draft Room gives you some rare perspective on all things NFL Draft, so we asked Blake Beddingfield all the questions for Draft week 2024.  From this years QB class to what he learned drafting and scouting guys like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Jake Locker, Vince Young, Matt Leinart and more.  Value, playmaker or trade down when QB is not a must.  Where does value come from on Day 2 and how does the team navigate Day 3 and UDFAs.  No matter who you are - there are some great insights here - and even a food eating contest.

Eric Edholm of NFL.com joins the program to talk his 2024 NFL Draft Mock 1.0.  While plenty has changed since its release, we dive into the questions each team is asking as they are sitting where they are.  Eric gives us some peeks into this week's Mock 2.0 and what he is hearing from across the NFL.  Philosophy changes, trades up and down and where guys fit; it is a lot of fun talking through it all.   Then - we discuss Eric's top 100 prospect list, where we see a few guys moving and where the real value comes in.  We all expect plenty of trade action in the top 10 and a fun, offensive minded first round.  

Scouting in April can be a lot about headlines and rumors - when in reality, teams are still hard at work setting their final boards.  As a scout with the Atlanta Falcons I had the chance to take part in "top 30" visits, board prep, local days and more before heading to the road as the Midwest Area Scout.  Getting the board set involves an entire front office in additional to the coaching staff and multiple support staffers.  We dive into the entire month of April and all the moving parts a scouting department has.  A few funny stories, players that stand out and what is being done in preparation for the next years class.  Insight you won't hear anywhere else.  

The NFL combine has seen times, seemingly, get faster and faster.  Yet we may not be getting the whole truth..... Tony Villani, founder of XPE sports goes unfiltered with his thoughts on NFL Draft 40 times and what is happening behind the scenes.  Prospects are getting faster but is everyone getting a fair shake?  Why and how are guys getting faster and how is the ShredMill helping?  What is the future of speed and agility training and what else should Scouts be paying attention to, instead of just drill times?  An episode with as much fire as we have seen - you will not want to miss it.  

With all the focus on spring and alternate leagues to the NFL, the Canadian Football League seems to be forgotten, or unfairly lumped in.  With tradition over 100 years and plenty of reasons to look into the league (partial guarantees, nice salaries, development), the CFL can be a fantastic option for players looking to continue their playing career.  J.R. Davies has coached, scouted and been a part of the CFL for numerous years and answers all the questions you may have.  What rules are different? What positions are the most valuable for American players? How does their schedule work?  We answer these, and so much more, on our first Bonus episode.  

When you have been with some of the powerhouse programs that Dave Shumate has been, you gain perspective on all things college football.  We unpack Nick Saban's comments on college football and what led to the landscape we have today.  Transactional athletes, NIL $ is king and a potential lack of development.  Who should be playing the biggest roles in both recruiting high school and recruiting the portal.  We have our opinions - do you agree?  Plus much more on all things football.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the epitome of stability and continuity, and as a result, have had consistent success year over year.  From BLESTO Scout to Area scout, Mark Gorscak got to witness it first hand.  We dive in with Mark to discuss what makes the Steelers special, how they operated over the years and what scouts today need to remember.  We talk NFL Combine, its role and how it has changed over the years.  And Scouting today - what is Mark doing to stay busy and stay in the football world.  An episode you won't want to miss.