Scouting the League

All you need to know about all things football. Former NFL Scout, Rodrik David, along with founder of Inside the League, Neil Stratton, discuss all things football, with those deep in the industry. Scouting, analytics, salary cap, speed training and so much more. We ask the questions that the casual football fan may never think about with those that are and have been in the industry. If you want to know ball - this is the podcast for you.

Sports
Football
76
Digging into the numbers and the question of an...
The game of football is ever changing. Offenses make changes and defenses catch up, get ahead, and force the offense to one again innovate. And as the game changes, technology gives coaches, front office staffs and those across the NFL more tools in the toolbox.
66 min
77
2025 NFL Draft, Risers, Fallers and players to ...
Last time we talked with Dane Brugler, we were looking at 2023 college tape and projecting guys for the fall season. Since then, Carson Beck has fallen, Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty have risen, and players in the top 50 have been shuffled all over. Dane joins us to give us some insight into his updated top 50 list as talk not just about who the top guys are, but why.
71 min
78
America's Team, an Owner run front office and S...
Whether you like them or not, the Cowboys are America's Team. That is in large part due to owner, and essentially General Manager, Jerry Jones. Wearing both hats means criticism comes along, even more than normal. But what does a Dallas front office really look like? How does Jerry operate? And what was it like running the draft in Dallas?
74 min
79
Grading Scale, Comparisons and talking like a S...
When it is time to start talking about NFL Draft players, it is often obvious, who has done the work, and who is a twitter scout. So, to prepare you for those water cooler conversations, Neil and I dive into all things grade scale, player comparison, stacking a board and so much more
58 min
80
From Player to Super Bowl to Scout, Drafting Br...
Life on the road for any scout is a constant stream of report writing, character digging and changes to the schedule all while trying to keep up with what is going on in your own building and with your own team. When those changes happen at the pace they did in Carolina, good luck.
62 min
81
Front Office Traits, Deserving Names and climbi...
The Jets and owner Woody Johnson started the annual firing cycle this week, on the coaching side, but are front office names in jeopardy as well? Joe Douglas is highly respected, does he get to pick the next coach? Neil and Rodrik don't speculate on the potentials, but instead, dig into what the successful traits today's owners seem to be gravitating to.
61 min
82
NFL Draft Bible, Media & Scouting and a Unique ...
The NFL Draft Bible was once one of the hottest guides for those interested in the NFL Draft. But with changes in technology, paper copies went by the wayside, so changes had to be made.
56 min
83
Just Win Baby, the Raiders Franchise and the Sh...
Are NCAA All-Star games going the way of the dinosaur? Just a short time ago the 3rd game in the pecking order disappeared and now, with questions at the top, the Hula Bowl may be in jeopardy as well. Dane Vandernat, former Director of Player Personnel for the NFLPA Game joins us to talk all star games, dealing with agents, some of the best and worst stories from the game and where he thinks all star games are heading.
60 min
84
The Culture Challenge and how you lead through ...
Leading through challenges is what often separates good leaders from great leaders. Great teams have great cultures, great cultures have great leaders, and somewhere in the midst of it all, is someone who helps drive those leaders in one way or another.
69 min
85
Franchise Stability and Career Revival - Howie ...
Different philosophies and leaders have kept certain franchises at the top of the game year in and year out - and the Philadelphia Eagles, behind GM Howie Roseman, is certainly one of those. We talk with Fran Duffy, who is as knowledgeable as any on all things Eagles front office, in a fascinating and in-depth look at one of the most stable franchises in the NFL.
55 min
86
Culture, Championships and why it matters - wit...
Who drives the culture? The Head Coach? General Manager? Quarterback? Or someone else? Great teams almost always have great cultures and there is always a culture driver.
56 min
87
Scouting, Draft Preparation and keeping up with...
Scouting for 1 of 32 NFL franchises has its advantages and intricacies; scouting the entire NCAA and thinking about fit for all 32 takes another level of dedication. NFL Draft Analyst for The Athletic Dane Brugler joins the podcast to discuss just how he does just that.
65 min
88
Continuing to take the East-West Shrine Bowl to...
The East-West Shrine Bowl has solidified itself as one of the two prominent all star games for the NFL all while adjusting on the fly and seeing to take the game to new heights. E/W Shrine Bowl Director of Football Operations and Player Personnel Eric Galko joins the podcast to talk about all aspects of the event and what we can expect in the future.
54 min
89
Scouting Pedigree, Team Building and the Pre-se...
Scouting Pedigree, Team Building and the Pre-season grind with Eric Stokes
55 min
90
Scouting Hall of Famers - All in a Seasons work...
Scouting Hall of Famers - All in a Seasons work - with Tom McConnaughey
69 min
91
From DEC to GSE - leading in the agent world wi...
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.
87 min
92
Successful Scouting, Franchise Stability and wh...
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
54 min
93
From Player to Agent and Leader in the Industry...
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
61 min
94
Evaluating the evaluators and his time in Arizo...
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
63 min
95
From Scout to Agent - Navigating life on both s...
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
56 min
96
A Worldwide Game - The NFL and International Pa...
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
50 min
97
The Houston Texans are here to stay with guest ...
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
47 min
98
Franchise Building and the Philadelphia Eagles ...
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
56 min
99
Storylines from the football world with Kalyn K...
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
60 min
100
Excitement in Washington? Why they might finall...
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
57 min