Scouting the League

All Star Game Scouting and the College Gridiron Showcase with Mike Rittelmann

All Star Games are an essential part of the scouting and draft process - even beyond the Senior Bowl and E/W Shrine Game.  We talk to Mike Rittelmann, the Director of Scouting and Player Personnel of the College Gridiron Showcase and discuss all things all star games.  Developing lists, what to look for, how to approach scouts, get connected and so much more.  Whether you are an aspiring scout, agent, or just love ball - this episode is for you.  Plus, we hit on Mike's new role with Canadian Football League team, the Edmonton Elks.  

Memorial Day Remembrance and Monday NFL Updates

For all those that served and paid the ultimate price - we at Scouting the League - say Thank You.  No words can ever repay what was taken, but we take this day to remember your sacrifice.  Even with the holiday the NFL world keeps moving.  New hires in New England and Pittsburgh hit close to home for us - and an addition in Washington affects more that just the Commanders.  What does the change mean for BLESTO and what more can we expect. 

More Speed, More Training - More Pre-draft focus with one of the best: Pete Bommarito

The Pre-draft process is now over, guys are signed and working to make the squad - but that doesn't mean we have forgotten about the pre-draft process.  Making guys as fast, efficient and healthy as possible is all part of the equation for one of the best in the business, Pete Bommarito.  We have Pete on to talk all aspects of Bommarito Performance Systems, the technology behind the training, where it has come from and where it is going.  From Force Plates to some combine talk - plenty here to get educated on.

Front Office Updates - your Monday catchup with Neil and Rodrik

Front Office changes are what Neil Stratton does best - so we bring them straight to you.  A quick wrap of front office moves from around the league and what we are still expecting.  Just a few minutes with Scouting the League and you will get caught up on all things scouting.  

Analytics and Football - a marriage that is here to stay with Guest Matt Manocherian

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.  

Scouting and Front Office Change - Where are we, where did we come from and where are we going

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.  

Draft Analysis with Jordan Reid of ESPN - Draft, process, scouting and what made his jaw hit the floor

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.  

Draft Time with College Scouting Director Blake Beddingfield - all you need to know

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.

Mock Draft time with Eric Edholm of NFL.com - who goes where and why, plus some top 100 players talk

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 - All you need to know from someone who has done it

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.