Scouting the League

Successful Scouting, Franchise Stability and what makes it all go with guest T.J. McCreight

The Baltimore Ravens are at the forefront of scouting stability in the NFL and T.J. McCreight was lucky enough to get his start there.  But the Browns, Cardinals, Colts and Eagles did things well too.  We dive into all things scouting with T.J. and how his multiple stops and roles shaped his scouting and career.  What makes for a successful draft process? How should scouts approach school visits? What should new (and old) agents avoid? And so much more.  Now a Senior Bowl Scout, T.J. gives insight and advice that is candid, simple and should be part of everyone in football's arsenal.
T.J. McCreight
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv

From Player to Agent and Leader in the Industry with John Thornton

Roc Nation Sports changed the sport representation space when Jay-Z entered the world.  After his playing days were done, philanthropy led to NFLPA certification and eventually a lead role with the Roc Nation for John Thornton.  Neil and I talk with John about how he got his start in the world of representation, how he operates differently than many agents out there and how Roc Nation has continued to be at the forefront of the industry.   Does he have a leg up on other agents who did not play in the NFL? What does he see coming next in the industry?  This and so much more in another can't miss episode. 
John Thornton - @JohnThornton
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv
@NFLDraft
Agent Live 360

Evaluating the evaluators and his time in Arizona with guest Dru Grisgon

Changes at General Manager often mean changes down the line, regardless of how well you do your job.  Dru Grigson experienced that in Arizona after a long and successful run with the franchise.  Their loss is your gain as Dru jumps on with us to talk all things front office, scouting and the Arizona Cardinals.  How did he get his start and what did he learn as he moved up the ladder?  How did the Cardinals evaluate their scouts and continue to develop their people? What was special about Kyler Murray and so much more.  For the Scouts out there (and everyone else too) - this is as good as it gets. 
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv
Dru Grigson
Agent Live 360
@NFL @NFLDraft

From Scout to Agent - Navigating life on both sides with guest Mike McCartney

From the top of the Philadelphia Eagles front office staff to one of the top agents in the NFL - Mike McCartney is a football guy.  From his start in coaching to transitioning to scouting - Mike has been around the game.  His decision to balance his life and become an NFLPA Certified agent then became the next hurdle.  But with clients like Kirk Cousins and Aidan Hutchinson among the many others, Mike is doing just fine with Vayner Sports.  We discuss all things NFL from the transition, to the changing NCAA landscape.  The Cousins/Penix situation in Atlanta to managing scout/agent/source relationships in the business.  A tremendous conversation that is good no matter what bucket of the industry you fall in.  
Mike McCartney - @MikeMcCartney7
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv
@NFLDraft
@ColoradoBuffaloes

A Worldwide Game - The NFL and International Pathway Program with Mark Dulgerian

Jordan Mailata has become a well known name across the U.S. - but humble beginnings and the International Pathway Program helped him get his start and is now opening the door for future NFL Super Stars.  Mark Dulgerian, International Scout for the NFL joins us to talk all things IPP and American Football around the world.  Where are they scouting, how big has American football gotten across the globe, and what are scouts looking for.   Plus, we discuss how the NFL has embraced the development for players in the US and even think about where the NFL will go internationally.  Shocker - we think the NFL may follow the money..... A super educational episode that will get you all you need to know about American Football all over the world. 
Mark Dulgerian - @MarkDulgerian
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv
@NFL - @Eagles - @NFLDraft
International Pathway Program

The Houston Texans are here to stay with guest Aaron Wilson

At this time in 2023 there was optimism and question surrounding #2 overall Pick CJ Stroud, first year HC DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans; but now, 1 year later, that are the favorite to win the division and perhaps, represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.  But the road was not smooth.  Multiple HC's, the Deshaun Watson situation and mediocrity on the field.  We talk with Aaron Wilson of NBC affiliate KPRC and Texans beat Reporter about how Nick Caserio has come into his own as the GM, how CJ Stroud is the piece that makes it go, why retaining Bobby Slowik was so important and so much more.  If you love the Texans, the AFC South, roster & franchise building and football - this will be a fun one.  In-depth analysis with Aaron who knows this roster, team and franchise, inside out.  
Aaron Wilson - @AaronWilson_NFL
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepADV
@HoustonTexans - @NFL - @NFLDraft - @Titans - @Jaguars - @Colts

Franchise Building and the Philadelphia Eagles with guest Jake Rosenberg

It doesn't matter where you start, it is where you finish.  This is true not only on the competition field but in a career as well.  From commodities broker to VP of Player Personnel for one of the most successful franchises of the last 20 years, Jake Rosenberg did it his way.  We dive into his start with the Eagles, what factors have to come together to get a start in the NFL and where he is now.  We talk contracts, Howie Roseman, a successful front office and all the obstacles to sustained success.  Plus - why the work he is doing now will be seen for years to come.  
Jake Rosenberg - @JakeRosenberg33
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv
@Eagles
@NFL

Storylines from the football world with Kalyn Kahler- plus, managing media relationships

Kalyn Kahler has paid her dues in the media world writing for the Defector, Sports Illustrated, and now The Athletic.  A start under Peter King taught her that hard work and figuring it out was all part of the job.  Now, she brings us some of the most unique and insightful stories from across the NFL and NCAA. From Prospect X to International Player Intrigue and more.  We dive in with Kayla on decisions made by Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. and how that may affect future combines.  S2 and AIQ tests, and what is their future. And the pressure cooker the Chicago Bears will be in this year.  Plus- we discuss how a media relationship with scouts can be a tenuous and sometimes forbidden affair.  Must listen episode!
Kalyn Kahler - @kalynkahler
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv
Agent Live 360
@ChicagoBears
@NFLDraft
@NFL
 

Excitement in Washington? Why they might finally have the right formula with guest Ben Standig

Washington was once one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, but hard times have come to stay.  Insert a new Owner, new GM, new HC and serious roster turnover and the pieces start to fall into place.  Neil and I talk with Ben Standig of the Athletic about all things Washington Commanders.  Ownership and the fresh perspective.  A GM who is following successful blueprints.  A HC that is highly respected and has won.  Players that seem to be made of the right stuff.  All in a division where they may fly under the radar in 2024.  An insightful conversation that will answer many of your questions. 
Ben Standig - @BenStandig - Standig Room Only
Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague
Rodrik David - @rightstepadv
Washington Commanders
Agent Live 360

Monday Front Office Updates and Major Changes Coming

Front office changes have slowed but an out of the box move still gets us talking.  Why are scouting staff's about settled and what changes or announcements can be expected this week?  Plus - Pride Month - and what Rodrik has Pride in. Then - we get into the looming changes to the NFL off-season schedule expected in 2025.  What changes for players, coaches and scouts - and why does it matter.  Start planning now - cause it will be here before you know it.  
Neil Stratton - insidetheleague.com @insidetheleague
Rodrik David - rsafootball.com @rightstepadv
@nfl
@jaguars
AgentLive360.com