Scouting the League

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 ...

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...

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 di...

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...

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 an...

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 - d...

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...

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 de...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 a...

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 - ...

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 Di...

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. ...

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 ...

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 En...

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 the...

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...