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
126
All Star Games - Why they matter and what comes...
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.
54 min
127
December Meetings, Character Reads, Underclassm...
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.
48 min
128
The Transfer Portal - and what it means for Sco...
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.
37 min
129
CFP - Did they get the top 4 right? What about ...
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.
39 min
130
Coaches Fired, GM gone, Scouts in limbo -Front ...
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.
42 min
131
Value positions and HWS. Texans and Raiders in...
OT and Edge rushers as value positions at all times in the NFL, why and how to track it.  The Texans in the right direction, time to go all in?  The Raiders in the wrong direction, why I am selling on Pierce as the answer.  Is there going to be an upset in Athens?  Lane Kiffin has his chance to shine.  And why the Big10, Michigan and Ohio State need to lead the way out of the NCAA and the joke that they are.
15 min
132
Trade Deadline and the Commanders Future, Young...
The #NFL trade deadline has come and gone, what did your team do and what are the Commanders planning? Young gets his first W vs Stroud but where is each QB at? Do Bagent and Levis deserve more opportunities? Why consistency is the ultimate decider and how Grades Scales differ for NFL teams
15 min
133
Scouting Down the Stretch, The Caleb Williams C...
What are college scouts looking for down the stretch as they get closer to finalizing their in season reports?  Setting the stage for all star games, the combine, free agency, and of course, the draft.  Would sitting out the rest of the year hurt Caleb Williams?  Why do Arkansas fans need to take a breath for Sam Pittman?  What Michigan should do with the NCAA.  #Michigan #NCAAFootball #Arkansas #CalebWilliams #USC #NFLDraft
17 min
134
Tanking is for Dummies, the Michigan OL, Silenc...
Tanking is for Dummies - #NFL teams do not and should not tank.  Why I mute games when I am watching and how to keep the right mindset scouting amid all the noise.  Is the #Michigan OL really that good, 7 draft picks?  What I really think about them.  Insight into the Scouting process that you will not hear anywhere else.  #NFLDraft
13 min
135
Young and Stroud - Convincing yourself and 2024...
Scouts at all levels convince themselves that ”This Guy” has what it takes, despite what all the signs say.  Why? And how does this manifest itself through an entire department.  CJ Stroud and Bryce Young are examples, and it will show up with your arms like Spencer Rattler, Michael Penix and DJ Uiagalelai in 2024.  Plus, is toughness, tacking and playing hard really that important to succeed in the NFL?  #NFLDraft #SouthCarolina #OregonState #Washington #Texans #Panthers
13 min
136
Week 1 NFL Action - Will Caleb Williams actuall...
Quick snapshot of NFL action in week 1 and the QB’s that did and did not play well.  With Caleb Williams dad making statements about his son’s future, is there one less QB to think about in the 2024 NFL Draft?  Ewers leads Texas to the biggest upset so far in 2023.  And Scout hype vs Media hype on players - what to really look for.  #Texas #USC #NFL
13 min
137
NFL Preview, Division Winners and who will take...
Week 1 NFL Preview. Who is going to come out on top in each division? Who is going to take a step back? What players to watch for? A scouts take on how the playoff landscape will shape up come January.
16 min
138
Scouting Week 0/1, the Buffs and Primed and NFL...
Kicking off the NCAA season with Weeks Zero and 1.  What have NFL Scouts gleaned from early performances and what are they looking for moving forward.  The Colorado Buffaloes are the national story but what is really to watch?  Is Coach Prime for real and can they sustain?  FCS vs FBS scouting.  NFL Preview.
10 min
139
TE Payne Durham
A one time lacrosse recruit that has himself primed to now be drafted into the NFL.  The Purdue Boilermaker TE will have a chance to show his skills at the East/West Shrine game before working through the rest of the process.  #87 Payne Durham
10 min
140
Tyrus Wheat - Mississippi State
A versatile piece that will have plenty of eyes watching him through the pre-draft process.  Inside Linebacker, Sam Linebacker, Edge rusher?  Where will he fall?  The Copiah Lincoln transfer to Mississippi State has all sorts of ball production.  #2 Tyrus Wheat is a fun player.
13 min
141
Stetson Bennett - Georgia Bulldogs
From walk-on to Jones CC and back to backup.  Waiting for his chance and taking advantage when he got it - Stetson Bennett is a QB that has proved people wrong every step of the way.  Will the Heisman Finalist become a 2x National Champion? And what does the NFL hold for him?
15 min
142
#6 Taron Vincent - Ohio State
With the pedigree, bloodlines and playtime NFL teams want - DL Taron Vincent will be a guy with eyes on him in the College Football Playoff.
15 min
143
DE #91 Taylor Upshaw - Michigan Wolverines
One of the edge defenders that has helped the Wolverine Defense make it all the way to #2 and into the College Football Playoff.  A 5th year player at Defensive End - Taylor Upshaw
11 min
144
Max Duggan - TCU
After one of the gutsiest performances by a player I can remember, the TCU Horned Frogs were still able to get into the CFP - led my QB Max Duggan who will be looking for redemption vs Michigan.  A QB who will have an NFL future.
11 min
145
Decision MakingTime
Declaring for the NFL Draft, returning to school for another year or entering the transfer portal.  Decision that come with a ton of questions and infinite outcomes.  Make the best decision you can by asking the right questions- questions we discuss here.
15 min
146
Yaya Diaby - Louisville
A versatile defensive lineman that will be heading to Mobile for the 2023 Senior Bowl.  #6 Yaya Diaby is a player with a bright future.
10 min
147
Jack Campbell - Iowa
True 4th year Inside Linebacker out of Cedar Falls, Iowa - a guy that was destined to be a Hawkeye - #31 Jack Campbell
9 min
148
Happy Thanksgiving from The Scouting Report
It can be time of great elation or a time of sobering reality.  No matter where you are at and what your situation is - choose to be thankful.
3 min
149
Wednesday Special - Mike McCartney
One of the most unique backgrounds in the agent world, Mike McCartney has worked as a coach, scout and now agent.  His unique perspective has allowed him to be a top agent in the football world now working with Vayner Sports.  We talk to Mike about his 30+ years in football and all it has encompassed.  Whether you are a coach, scout or agent, there is something here for you.
44 min
150
Andrew Vorhees - Southern California
One of the most experienced offensive lineman in the country headed into the 2023 draft.  A man that has played both guard spots as well as left tackle.  #72 Andrew Vorhees of the Southern California Trojans.
11 min