Scouting the League

Speed Merchants and Unfiltered Combine talk - Speed and Combine Training talk with guest Tony Villani

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.  

Bonus Football!! - All you need to know about the CFL with guest, J.R. Davies

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.  

Portal Time is nearly here (again!!) - We dive into best practices, what to avoid and the future of it all with guest Dave Shumate

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 Epitome of Scouting Stability, the 40 yard dash guy and scouting the country -Guest Mark Gorscak

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.

Free Agency and the method to the madness, Cap and Cash and more -with guest Nick Polk

Wave 1 of NFL Free Agency is upon us and a lot of money is being spent in hopes of future success.  We discuss all things salary cap with a guy who was on the team side for almost 20 years, Nick Polk.  Cap vs Cash.  Dead Money.  Having a plan.  Sticking to your board.  Nick dives deep into what all is involved in negotiating, structuring and doing player contracts.  We discuss the growth of the salary cap and even get into a few deals Nick was a part of.  NFL and Salary cap info you won't hear anywhere else.  

Combine Cleanup - ITL Seminar and Symposium - BART List Award Winners and the future of the Combine

One of the most exciting, and sometimes impactful, weeks of the year is done - which just leads to the next cycle of the pre-draft process.  Neil and I jump into the combine week and talk highlights and rumors from Indy.  Plus - we go over all the 2024 ITL Seminar Award winners, giving scouts recognition they deserve, but rarely receive.  The Lions take away best draft but that is just one among many.  Tune it to hear if your team had someone take away some hardware.  

The First Domino- Justin Fields and the Bears? How the QBs shake out in the 2024 and more with Greg Gabriel

Everyone is waiting on Justin Fields and the Bears to see where the 2024 Draft direction really goes - so we invited longtime NFL Scout and Chicago Bear Greg Gabriel to discuss this, and more.  What do we think of Justin Fields - can you win with him?  Where do the Bears go in the Draft and Free Agency?  Plus, a host of QBs including presumptive #1 Caleb Williams are discussed.  Where we disagree on JJ McCarthy, why Jayden Daniels is special, Drake Maye super consistent and do Penix and Nix belong in the conversation?  Insight from a man with over 30 years in the NFL - you will not want to miss today's episode.

The Transfer Portal - The Beast it has become with Oscar Monnier

From 2019 to today the Transfer Portal has changed and evolved.  Oscar Monnier has seen it first hand at Northwestern, Oregon, Stanford, Duke and Texas A&M.  We dive into the portal, how it has changed, how it has to be managed, and some of the headaches involved.  Just a preview of the conversation Oscar and co-host, Neil Stratton, will have at next weeks Inside the League Symposium at the NFL Combine.  First hand insight into the portal with someone who has been on the inside.  Check out insidetheleague.com for more information on the symposium.

The GOAT says the game has changed, plus SB recap and more with Guest James White

The Chiefs edge the 49ers in what was nearly the first ever 2 overtime Super Bowl.  We discuss what we saw and what we thought? Overtime rules and strategy-is it being blown out of proportion?  Plus Tom Brady has not been been shy when discussing how the NFL has gotten “mediocre” - coaching, development and rule changes all leading the way.  Special Guest and former teammate of Brady, James White, Joins Neil and Rodrik to discuss all this and more.

All Star Games done, Scouting Meetings Now, Combine Next - all you need to know with guest Blake Beddingnfield

The East/West Shrine Game and Reese's Senior Bowl have wrapped up, players have hopefully helped themselves through the process, but what does it all mean for their draft status.  We have 19 year scouting veteran Blake Beddingfield on to discuss it all.  On field play, interviews and what comes next.  How does this all carry into February Meetings and what comes  out of  these meetings?  Analytics -  what is their role?  Combine - Pro  Days - Get ready because the draft process just rolls along.  Plus, the hiring cycle is about wrapped up, what are our thoughts.  Super Bowl Predictions.  And More!