Scouting the League

Service Academies, the Ivy League and many G5 schools have unique challenges when it comes time for the spring transfer portal; having experience in all 3 of those venues makes one uniquely qualified to face the challenge. General Manager of the UConn Huskies football program, Eddie Hernon, joins Neil and Rodrik to discuss all things college football. From his rise to the status of GM to his time at places like Army, Princeton and Rutgers to his crash course education with the Cleveland Browns. How he and Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. have attacked roster building and relevance at a big time basketball school and so much more. Insight into the ever growing college GM seat you won't hear anywhere else. @NFLDraft @UConnFootball @ArmyWP_Football @PrincetonFTBL @RutgersFootball Eddie Hernon - @EJ_Hernon11 Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv - TheScoutingCommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting on an elevator with Professional Wrestling Legend Triple-H is just one of those things in the life of Martin Mayhew that he can look back on and smile. Helping build rosters in Detroit, Washington, San Francisco and New York have their smiling moments as well. Neil and I sit down with recently retired veteran of the NFL, Martin Mayhew, to talk all things scouting journey. From his time as a player and stint in the XFL to his well-rounded and business rise in NFL front office football. We hear stories about some of the great men he worked with and some of the DUDES that he got to draft. Plus - Rodrik shares his feelings on the REAL NCAA tournament you should pay attention to and an update on the Scouting Community. @NFL @NFLDraft @NCAAWrestling @Jaguars @Texans @Titans @Colts @Raiders @Chiefs @Broncos @Chargers @Patriots @Dolphins @Jets @Bills @Bengals @Steelers @Ravens @Browns  @Cowboys @Eagles  @Commanders @Giants @Panthers @Falcons @Buccaneers @Saints @Cardinals @Rams @Seahawks @49ers @Packers @Vikings @Lions @Bears Martin Mayhew - @MartinMayhew35 Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv - TheScoutingCommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of all the aspects of the NFL Draft, free agency and roster building that go unnoticed (and uncovered), NFL Local Days are some of the best kept secrets. How do teams decide who gets to come? What all is covered? Who runs them? So many questions - and I have the answers. As a Pro Scout in Atlanta, I ran the local days for 2 years and explain everything that an agent (or football loving junkie) could possibly want, and need, to know. Plus - Neil hits on all aspects of Inside the League and what you need to be doing if you are planning to get certified in 2025 (Sign up for test prep with Neil!!) @NFL @NFLDraft @Jaguars @Texans @Titans @Colts @Raiders @Chiefs @Broncos @Chargers @Patriots @Dolphins @Jets @Bills @Bengals @Steelers @Ravens @Browns  @Cowboys @Eagles  @Commanders @Giants @Panthers @Falcons @Buccaneers @Saints @Cardinals @Rams @Seahawks @49ers @Packers @Vikings @Lions @Bears Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv - TheScoutingCommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 NFL Combine is just about here and with that comes the Ellison Kibler at Merrill Lynch ITL Combine Seminar Presented by SkillCorner Weds, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 123 of the Indiana Convention Center as well as the Vestible ITL Symposium Presented by Mascot Alliance Friday, Feb 28, at 8:30am at the Indiana Convention Center. Both events will feature some tremendous speakers and a chance to network with those in the football industry. From Awards to deserving scouts on Wednesday to a no holds barred (an not recording allowed) discussion on revenue building/sharing and all things college football landscape - there is something for everyone. Make sure you come see Neil and Rodrik and say Hi! Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Gordon Whittaker - Merrill Lynch Vestible Parker Graham - @ParkerCMGraham Yves Batoba - @YBatoba SkillCorner Hayden Schuh - @HaydenSchuh Mascot Alliance Casey Barksdale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Bowl 59 was a case study in winning in the trenches as the Eagles Offensive and Defensive Lines absolutely dominated the game. That philosophy, so masterfully executed by GM Howie Roseman and crew, led to a game that seemed over in the first quarter. So we asked Former Scout and NFL Offensive Lineman all about those trenches, scouting and so much more. From his playing days in the NFL and USFL to his transition into scouting and what that took. Building the Houston Texans from scratch with David Carr and Andre Johnson to being part of the Colin Kapernick 49ers and Cam Newton Panthers. The game has changed but good people that know ball are still the best scouts. Plus - how has the spread offense changed evaluations for the OL and what is Sumer Sports. @NFL @NFLDraft @SeniorBowl @Shrine @Jaguars @Titans @Raiders @Dolphins @Colts @Giants @Jets @Browns @Patriots @Cowboys @Packers @Eagles @Chiefs @Texans @Commanders @Panthers Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Joel Patten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine games are in the books and we are in February of the 2025 NFL Draft Cycle. So what's next? Neil and Rodrik Discuss all that happens in the month of February as teams move closer to the Combine, Draft and Free Agency. But first - now that Neil is off the road, we dive back into all the Head Coach, General Manager and Coordinator hires and what the sense was from the scouting world. Who is getting it right and who is stumbling through the dark? All this and so much more. @NFL @NFLDraft @SeniorBowl @Shrine @Jaguars @Titans @Raiders @Dolphins @Colts @Giants @Jets @Browns @Patriots @Cowboys @Packers  Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Transfer Portal has come, not gone anywhere, and made everyone in the world of college football a little less sane. With no consistent regulation, standard of practice or governing body with the ability to keep things in check, both schools, and agents, have taken full advantage of every loophole they can find. From the heart of SEC Country, Dave Shumate joins the show to talk all things portal and college football. A quick look at Ohio State and Notre Dame leads into the SEC where the Auburn Tigers seem to be putting the right pieces together. Is there a best way to do things and is there any sense of normalcy coming. Then, on the agent side, who and how are player representatives approaching athletes, schools and the business in an effort to either help players, or sometimes just make a quick payday. That and SO much more. @NFL @NFLDraft @SeniorBowl @Shrine @Jaguars @Titans @Raiders @Dolphins @Colts @Giants @Jets @Browns @Patriots @Cowboys @Irish @Buckeyes @Packers  Dave Shumate - @DaveShumateSEC Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mickey Loomis and company have enjoyed a long run of, mostly, success down in New Orleans. But the cap strategy and change at Head Coach have created a less than desirable location come coaching hire 2025. So, where do they go? With a well thought of front office and a track record to back it, we discuss all the potential options, pitfalls, hurdles and road blocks the Saints will have as they look for new leadership this cycle. From the aging roster to the comfort in the front office, Neil and I ask the questions that no one else will. Penning, Kamara, Carr and so much more. Plus - take a quick run around the NFL and all the current openings in the post Black Monday cycle. @NFL @NFLDraft @SeniorBowl @Shrine @Jaguars @Titans @Raiders @Dolphins @Colts @Giants @Jets @Browns @Patriots @Cowboys @Irish @Buckeyes @Packers Nick Underhill - @Nick_Underhill Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Black Monday rolls around, Coaching and Front Office staffs around the NFL are ready for both the expected, and sometimes, the unexpected. With the Patriots and Jaguars quickly moving on from their Head Coach to the Titans waiting a day, the cycle is far from complete. Neil and I talk rumors from around the league on what to expect in the coming days. A power struggle in Jacksonville? Who will the Kraft's pair with their Front Office? Are the Raiders going to make a move? Plus - on site from Orlando, FL and the 2025 Hula Bowl, Neil gives us some updates on the ground. @NFL @NFLDraft @HulaBowl @CGSAllStar @Jaguars @Titans @Raiders @Dolphins @Colts @Giants @Jets @Browns @Patriots Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed In Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to college all star games, the dominance of the East/West Shrine Game and Reese's Senior Bowl are clear. But there is a game in Fort Worth, Texas that has continued to change the way all star games are run. Jose Jefferson, founder and Executive Director of the CGS joins Neil and I to talk his origin story, his road to running an all star game and how the changing landscape of the draft process have shaped the event as we know it. From his humble (yet FAST) beginning at the University of South Dakota to his time in the Arena and Indoor Football Leagues, to coaching and eventually starting the CGS. A unique path that has continued to show his willingness to work as well as his ability to adjust. Plus, we talk players to be excited about at this years game and what new horizons he will see in 2025. @CGSAllStar @MRittCGS @GC24_Football @FloridaInternational @ShrineBowl @SeniorBowl Jose Jefferson - @JoseJefferson70 Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - Succeed in Football Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be a tough time of the year. While scouting reports have been turned in, December Meetings have wrapped up and time at home with family is a little easier - teams across the NFL prepare to make changes as the regular season draws to a close. Neil and I discuss all the rumors, the inevitable and perhaps the surprises that we are expecting to see in the coming weeks. It is no fun talking about jobs being lost - but unfortunately it is the nature of the business. We also dive into the opening round of the 12 team College Football Playoff. What were our takeaways and what do we expect next. @Texas @PennState @OhioState @NotreDame @Indiana @SMU @Tennessee @Clemson @Georgia @BoiseState @ArizonaState @Oregon @Giants @Jets @Raiders @Titans @Jaguars @Dolphins @Falcons @Saints @Bears @Browns @Colts Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - SucceedinFootball.com Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some, the Christmas season means things slow down; for NFL front offices, things are just heating up. Whether you are a team in the playoffs, on the bubble, or have already been eliminated, decisions about 53 and beyond are in full swing. Neil and I ask Eric Stokes all the questions he had to deal with as a college director, scout and assistant General Manager. What factors are teams weighing late in the year? What is discussed during December meetings that shape the spring scouting schedule? We also talk 4 players that will surely be called come April's NFL Draft: CB/WR Travis Hunter, OL Will Campbell, QB Jalen Milroe and TE/WR Colston Loveland. Insight into a teams process this time of year you will not hear anywhere else - Oh, and a little Nebraska Cornhuskers talk as well..... @Huskers @Alabama @CUBuffs @LSUTigers @PennState @Michigan @Oregon @Marshall @OhioState @Tennessee @BoiseState @Panthers @Commanders @Seahawks @Packers @Eagles @Ravens Eric Stokes Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague - SucceedinFootball.com Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't get lost in the sauce. That is a mantra that Nathan Applebaum, Director of Player Personnel at James Madison, clings to as the portal madness gets underway. So how does he make it happen? Neil and I discuss just that, along with much more this week. From his journey back and forth across the country to landing on a roster tasked with replacing 97% of the production. Recruiting the portal with an eye on "Dukes" and not just players. How the modern college football staff has to operate and so much more. Plus, Nathan gives us his horse in the College Football Playoff and who should take home the Heisman Hardware. @JMUFootball @FresnoStateFootball @MichiganStateFootball @GatorFootball Nathan Applebaum - @ApplebaumNathan - applebnq@jmu.edu Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

141 days to the opening night of the 2025 NFL Draft may seem like a lifetime away, but for the thousand plus prospects whose seasons are now done, the draft process is officially started. Neil and I talk with ESPN Draft Analyst and friend of Scouting the League, Jordan Reid to talk top prospects. From Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty to the full slate of QB's who are vying for the top spot. Top wide receivers, running backs, offensive lineman, tight ends and defensive lineman. Who are some additional names to watch and why? Not just who goes where, but why. Draft insight you will not get anywhere else. @NFLDraft @ESPN @CUBuffs @BoiseState @UNC @Georgia @Texas @OhioState @MiamiU @LSU @Michigan @Arizona @Missouri @TexasA&M @Alabama @Giants @Jaguars @Jets @Raiders @Steelers Jordan Reid - @Jordan_Reid Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York, New York - a catchy song title and 2 franchises that have questions at QB and possibly in the front office. With Joe Douglas out for the Jets and rumors swirling about Joe Schoen, Neil and I dive into what led them to this spot. From draft picks, to trades, free agent signings and a shared vision between the front office, head coach and ownership, there are plenty of places you can point. Should front office staff get longer contracts? Is it time to contractually recognize directors for their role in building a team? Will scouts ever get a better bargain? This, plus College Football Playoff talk and more. @Jets @Giants @Buccaneers @Saints @Bengals @Panthers @49ers @Dolphins @Steelers @Bears @Longhorns @Buckeyes @Hurricanes @Buffs @Bulldogs @Broncos @RollTide @Mustangs @ShrineGame @SeniorBowl @EricGalko @JimNagy @NFL @NFLDraft Neil Stratton - @InsidetheLeague Rodrik David - @RightStepAdv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices