Scouting the League

Onn Site at the Senior Bowl - what does the game really mean to Scouts? And James Kirkland on to discuss the NCAA and changing landscape

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, James Kirkland talks about the NCAA Division 1 Plan and what it will mean for college athletics, specifically, college football.  A long time member of football programs at both the NCAA and NFL level, how his unique perspective and background will help lead to the right solution.  

Jimmy Noel is back to discuss College Personnel, Recruiting, The Portal, NCAA Changes and so much more

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 for the Conference Championships.  The Raiders and Panthers have their GM's in place; how will it affect each franchise.  Why relationship matters between the HC and the GM.   So much packed in to this episode - you will not want to miss it.  

Special Guest Jimmy Noel - life with the Browns and Chiefs. What makes John Dorsey Special? Stories from the Draft Room

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 coaching cycle - what this movement is going to mean for coaching staffs and front offices.  Is Eliot Wolf next in New England - or elsewhere?  Insight you will not hear anywhere else.  

Those who stay will be Champions - A Dominant Title and what it could be for Harbaugh. Special Guest Russ Bolinger

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 Tennessee, potential changes in New England and what teams are dealing with through the process.  Insight you will not hear anywhere else.  

CFP Semifinal Review, Championship preview, plus QB’s in the first round and how scouts use comparisons

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?  Historical comparisons and when/do they matter for a prospects profile.  Scouting perspective you will not hear anywhere else.

All Star Games - Why they matter and what comes next. Plus - NY6 previews, fun stories and more.

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 most important, or important at all.  Plus, New Years 6 Bowl game previews and more.  Scouting perspective you will not hear anywhere else.  

December Meetings, Character Reads, Underclassmen, and getting the 2024 Draft Board Started

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 that are on the same page will continue to outpace those operating in Silos.  This is perspective you will not get anywhere else.  

The Transfer Portal - and what it means for Scouts. Covid year nightmare and advising athlete on future decisions.

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 League and NFL Scout and Draft Consultant Rodrik David.

CFP - Did they get the top 4 right? What about Heisman Finalists? And Opt out Season, how do scouts view them.

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 everything.  Where did it start, where has it gone and how to scouts view those players.  And finally - one of the great rivalries in all of college football is this week - Army vs Navy, and why you should tune in.  

Coaches Fired, GM gone, Scouts in limbo -Front Office Changes and a tempestuous Owner

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 find anywhere else.