Scouting Hall of Famers - All in a Seasons work - with Tom McConnaughey

David Canter of GSE Worldwide goes unfiltered with Neil and I to talk about the industry, his start and re-start, why he does what he does and the transition to a new agency.

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.   @michaelrittelmann @insidetheleague @rightstepadv @nfl @nfldraft @CGSAllstar @CFL @GoElks insidetheleague.com rsafootball.com agentlive360.com

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.  @insnidetheleague insidetheleague.com @rightstepadv rsafootball.com @BLESTO @nfl @nfldraft

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 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.

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.

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.