<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Read Optional]]></title><description><![CDATA[Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast.]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fDdD!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f712991-5cdc-4da9-aaac-feded78af6f0_1000x1000.png</url><title>The Read Optional</title><link>https://www.readoptional.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:09:51 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.readoptional.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[readoptional@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[readoptional@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[readoptional@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[readoptional@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Evaluating & Tiering Every NFC Team's 2026 Draft Class]]></title><description><![CDATA[How 'bout them Cowboys?]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/evaluating-and-tiering-every-nfc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/evaluating-and-tiering-every-nfc</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:18:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195684735/fe1459376baac2d269aaca1dc3e14b6c.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" 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We finish up with the NFC, discussing why the best organizations disappointed, why we differ on the value of a couple of classes, the value of the &#8220;Consensus Board,&#8221; and which teams are poised to make a leap after nailing their classes.</p><div class="digest-post-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;nodeId&quot;:&quot;5151cdfb-12a9-4c25-879a-c96c821103b5&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Jon &amp; I wrap up our draft coverage by evaluating and tiering every team&#8217;s haul. First up, it&#8217;s the AFC. What did we like? What didn&#8217;t we like? What was confusing? What are the best scheme fits? Who are the later round gems? 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Previously: NFL/CFB Scout, recruiting analyst, X's &amp; O's writer/nerd&quot;,&quot;photo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3be9a8c-8a0c-4316-8254-8c4ab28da0c0_900x900.jpeg&quot;,&quot;is_guest&quot;:false,&quot;bestseller_tier&quot;:100}],&quot;post_date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-27T22:12:47.009Z&quot;,&quot;cover_image&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg&quot;,&quot;cover_image_alt&quot;:null,&quot;canonical_url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/p/evaluating-and-tiering-every-afc&quot;,&quot;section_name&quot;:null,&quot;video_upload_id&quot;:null,&quot;id&quot;:195684432,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;podcast&quot;,&quot;reaction_count&quot;:0,&quot;comment_count&quot;:0,&quot;publication_id&quot;:355288,&quot;publication_name&quot;:&quot;The Read Optional&quot;,&quot;publication_logo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fDdD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f712991-5cdc-4da9-aaac-feded78af6f0_1000x1000.png&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;youtube_url&quot;:null,&quot;show_links&quot;:null,&quot;feed_url&quot;:null}"></div>
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   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Evaluating & Tiering Every AFC Team's 2026 Draft Class]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here comes Mendoza!]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/evaluating-and-tiering-every-afc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/evaluating-and-tiering-every-afc</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:12:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195684432/11338ba4998a0c6f55c7c7bb781e2530.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vvpy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1f71dd-5d1f-4ce4-b13c-655f4c4511a5_2560x1706.jpeg" width="1456" height="970" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Jon &amp; I wrap up our draft coverage by evaluating and tiering every team&#8217;s haul. First up, it&#8217;s the AFC. What did we like? What didn&#8217;t we like? What was confusing? What are the best scheme fits? Who are the later round gems? All that and much more. </p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/evaluating-and-tiering-every-afc">
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      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Live: Day Three]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch now (5 hrs) | A recording from Oliver Connolly's live video]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-live-day-three</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-live-day-three</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:38:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195476580/a70ad1151870283eb885f493754688a3.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="install-substack-app-embed install-substack-app-embed-web" data-component-name="InstallSubstackAppToDOM"><img class="install-substack-app-embed-img" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fDdD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f712991-5cdc-4da9-aaac-feded78af6f0_1000x1000.png"><div class="install-substack-app-embed-text"><div class="install-substack-app-header">Get more from Oliver Connolly in the Substack app</div><div class="install-substack-app-text">Available for iOS and Android</div></div><a href="https://substack.com/app/app-store-redirect?utm_campaign=app-marketing&amp;utm_content=author-post-insert&amp;utm_source=readoptional" target="_blank" class="install-substack-app-embed-link"><button class="install-substack-app-embed-btn button primary">Get the app</button></a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Live: Day Two]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch now (5 hrs) | A recording from Oliver Connolly's live video]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-live-day-two</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-live-day-two</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:20:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195417094/0c1a4381154657e09e68a3272278f7ae.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="install-substack-app-embed install-substack-app-embed-web" data-component-name="InstallSubstackAppToDOM"><img class="install-substack-app-embed-img" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fDdD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f712991-5cdc-4da9-aaac-feded78af6f0_1000x1000.png"><div class="install-substack-app-embed-text"><div class="install-substack-app-header">Get more from Oliver Connolly in the Substack app</div><div class="install-substack-app-text">Available for iOS and Android</div></div><a href="https://substack.com/app/app-store-redirect?utm_campaign=app-marketing&amp;utm_content=author-post-insert&amp;utm_source=readoptional" target="_blank" class="install-substack-app-embed-link"><button class="install-substack-app-embed-btn button primary">Get the app</button></a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Live: Day One]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch now (4 hrs) | Jon & I go LIVE for Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, reacting to each pick in real time while offering analysis and scouting evaluations of all 32 selections.]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-live-day-one</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-live-day-one</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:34:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195313405/f93244116f99b1c047afedc78b6a68f3.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jon &amp; I go LIVE for Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, reacting to each pick in real time and offering analysis and scouting evaluations on all 32 selections.</p><p>To see who the best players are left on my big board and positional rankings, click below. Oh, and we will be back on Friday to do it all again!</p><div class="digest-post-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;nodeId&quot;:&quot;a08666ad-7e62-4743-9876-d224a6cd0414&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;We made it, folks! The draft is here. You can find detailed scouting reports and &#8212; if you have time &#8212; check out hours and hours of podcasts breaking down prospects in this class, all in the Draft HQ. From the consensus top-10 down, to priority free agents and day three gems, it&#8217;s all there. This year, I also have a&quot;,&quot;cta&quot;:&quot;Read full story&quot;,&quot;showBylines&quot;:true,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;lg&quot;,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The Read Optional's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board&quot;,&quot;publishedBylines&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:3253074,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Oliver Connolly&quot;,&quot;bio&quot;:&quot;Sport &amp; Culture writer. Currently: \nThe Guardian / Free agent for hire. Previously: NFL/CFB Scout, recruiting analyst, X's &amp; O's writer/nerd&quot;,&quot;photo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3be9a8c-8a0c-4316-8254-8c4ab28da0c0_900x900.jpeg&quot;,&quot;is_guest&quot;:false,&quot;bestseller_tier&quot;:100}],&quot;post_date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-23T16:43:55.140Z&quot;,&quot;cover_image&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg&quot;,&quot;cover_image_alt&quot;:null,&quot;canonical_url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/p/the-read-optionals-2026-nfl-draft&quot;,&quot;section_name&quot;:null,&quot;video_upload_id&quot;:null,&quot;id&quot;:195256833,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;newsletter&quot;,&quot;reaction_count&quot;:10,&quot;comment_count&quot;:0,&quot;publication_id&quot;:355288,&quot;publication_name&quot;:&quot;The Read Optional&quot;,&quot;publication_logo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fDdD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f712991-5cdc-4da9-aaac-feded78af6f0_1000x1000.png&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;youtube_url&quot;:null,&quot;show_links&quot;:null,&quot;feed_url&quot;:null}"></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Read Optional's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board]]></title><description><![CDATA[My final 2026 board for you to keep track of during the draft. Tiers, grades and analysis for every position on 250+ prospects]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/the-read-optionals-2026-nfl-draft</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/the-read-optionals-2026-nfl-draft</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:43:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg" width="1456" height="728" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dkTC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270a86e0-6486-4fca-8f1e-3fd6cae2b9ec_3000x1500.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>We made it, folks! The draft is here. You can find detailed scouting reports and &#8212; if you have time &#8212; check out hours and hours of podcasts breaking down prospects in this class, all in the <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-headquarters-scouting">Draft HQ</a>. From the consensus top-10 down, to priority free agents and day three gems, it&#8217;s all there. This year, I also have a <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kj0LEA807fyM0nkdNSvmHvy3WYzjdDbj842_SlAD6AQ/edit?usp=sharing">series of interactive boards</a> you can use to track moves throughout the draft. </p><p>I gave out full grades to 230+ prospects this cycle. You can find them all below and track them over the weekend. Click the link below to access the spreadsheet with all of my tiers, grades, and rankings for every position. </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kj0LEA807fyM0nkdNSvmHvy3WYzjdDbj842_SlAD6AQ/edit?usp=sharing">FINAL 2026 NFL DRAFT HORIZONTAL BOARD</a></strong></h2><p>A reminder: Jon Ledyard and I will be live on Substack throughout Days One and Two of the draft. If you&#8217;re subscribed, you will receive a pop-up notification when we go live. Bring beer, wine, snacks, whatever. It&#8217;s going to be a fun time. We&#8217;re going to hang out, react live, and give instant pick-by-pick analysis. If you&#8217;re sticking to the main broadcast, enjoy! The shows will be available as podcasts right after the draft. </p><div class="digest-post-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;nodeId&quot;:&quot;81b12955-5641-418b-8db3-5bc3db6c1ac0&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;This is the central hub for all of my 2026 NFL Draft work, updated regularly to provide convenient access to read scouting reports, boards and the supporting podcasts with Jon Ledyard. At the end of the process, I&#8217;ll post boards as stand-alone pieces. If you want full breakdowns of the top players (the strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, schematic fits) or to go scouring for late-round gems, this is the place to be.&quot;,&quot;cta&quot;:&quot;Read full story&quot;,&quot;showBylines&quot;:true,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;lg&quot;,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;2026 NFL Draft Headquarters: Scouting Reports, Position Rankings, Big Boards&quot;,&quot;publishedBylines&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:3253074,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Oliver Connolly&quot;,&quot;bio&quot;:&quot;Sport &amp; Culture writer. Currently: \nThe Guardian / Free agent for hire. 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Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-christen</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-christen</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:42:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 1456w" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_8D0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7ea441e-7476-4593-8110-34359868397f_1920x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p><p><em>Updated: 04/12/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-christen">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-jordyn</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-jordyn</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:56:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp" width="1456" height="970" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mdk5!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bb6a639-9656-4cfc-a88d-f671f62a5b8e_2560x1706.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/12/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-jordyn">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Texas A&M WR Kevin Concepcion. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kc</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:28:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp" width="1456" height="819" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gy-J!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc222dbf-90a2-43d3-833d-8473a990dd16_1956x1100.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/12/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kc">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Makai Lemon, WR, USC]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of USC WR Makai Lemon. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-makai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-makai</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:11:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg" width="1456" height="970" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6ZZ-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fed074055-7a0b-42f5-9b5d-4b627dd0bd8b_2000x1333.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/12/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-makai">
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          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Ohio State WR Carnell Tate. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-carnell</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-carnell</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:46:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp" width="1456" height="971" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6CDQ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0501333b-10cc-4557-b5d9-34913c0c52ab_1650x1100.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/12/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-headquarters-scouting">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Carnell Tate | Jersey #: 17 | Pro Pos.: WR | College Pos.: WR</p><p>School: Ohio State | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192lbs | Speed: 4.53; 1.61 </p><p>Explosive Index: N/A | Age: 21.1 (Jr) | Final Grade: 7.80 (Quality Starter)</p><p>Draft Projection: Top-10</p><h2><strong>STRONG POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; A tall, lean receiver who is smoother than fast. A long strider who lacks quick twitch off the ball or out of his break. More of a gliding runner who can decelerate and sink at the top of his stem.</p><div id="youtube2-L8IZisrZw5U" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;L8IZisrZw5U&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/L8IZisrZw5U?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Plays through contact at the catch-point. Makes tough, combat catches and holds onto the ball when getting hit with a sledgehammer. Struggled in that area in 2024 and massively improved in 2025.</p><div id="youtube2-UuYXtrIHld8" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;UuYXtrIHld8&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/UuYXtrIHld8?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Effective eating up the cushion against off-coverage. Attacks the leverage. Has an OK release package against the press but prefers to sink his frame and slap away. Wins with his upper half, fighting off the jam, rather than with quick feet. Has enormous hands and relies on a two-hand punch to get press defenders out of his frame.</p><div id="youtube2-FusJNvuxCZE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;FusJNvuxCZE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/FusJNvuxCZE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div>
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   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Final 2026 Mock Draft]]></title><description><![CDATA[Going pick by pick through the first round; projecting trades; and favorite player-to-scheme fits]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/the-final-2026-mock-draft</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/the-final-2026-mock-draft</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:18:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195173313/7e051e60110f9bc7ff0084710e4a8d1d.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg" width="1456" height="971" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2HCc!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09f63563-ec7b-4c0e-8c80-8cbeb915cbe2_1456x971.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Programming note: Jon and I will be LIVE throughout the first two days of this year&#8217;s draft. If you want to hear our instant reactions and analysis to each and every pick, we will be live here on Substack through the first three rounds. All subscribers will get a pop-up notification when we get going, roughly 30 minutes before the draft kicks off on Thursday and Friday. It&#8217;s going to be a fun time &#8212; come and hang out! </p><p>In this episode, Jon and I put together our one and only mock for this class, alternating picks throughout the first round. We discuss the potential trades, the latest intel we&#8217;ve gathered, how many offensive linemen will go in the first round, the pivot points in the first round, where Ty Simpson will land, and some of our favorite player-to-scheme fits in the first round. </p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/the-final-2026-mock-draft">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Alabama QB Ty Simpson. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-ty</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-ty</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:39:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg" width="1456" height="819" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:819,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:158073,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/i/195032372?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U5RG!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce66843f-abb4-42d9-b21a-b98cff21e08a_1920x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Ty Simpson | Jersey #: 15 | Pro Pos.: QB | College Pos.: QB</p><p>School: Alabama | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 211lbs | Speed: N/A |  Explosive Index: N/A</p><p>Age: 24 | Final Grade: 6.64 (Solid Starter)  | Draft Projection: First Round</p><h2><strong>STRONG POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; A one-year starter in an ultra-aggressive downfield passing offense, with plenty of modern pro elements. Played under former Seahawks coordinator Ryan Grubb: the foundation of Grubb&#8217;s system is what you see on Sundays (spent only one season in the NFL). In that offense, Simpson processed professional passing concepts, playing to NFL rhtyhm. Was responsible for setting and resetting protections. Operated in a huddle as well as the no-huddle.  For certain drives, he was given full audible command. The translation to the league, from a mental standpoint, should be simple. </p><p>&#183; An ambitious pocket passer who will push the ball to all levels of the field. Even with his slight frame, he&#8217;s tough: takes big shots in the pocket; willing to put it on the line as a runner to pick up first downs; turns down open underneath throws to hunt plays down the field. Plays on time and in-rhythm, working back to anticipation throws over the middle of the field. </p><div id="youtube2-KrjITNylqZs" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;KrjITNylqZs&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/KrjITNylqZs?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-wrrkJuEoIEM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;wrrkJuEoIEM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/wrrkJuEoIEM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; A smart pre-snap operator. Was given full command to set and reset protections and to sight adjust &#8212; though didn&#8217;t have full audible command throughout games. Understands protection mechanics and where he is hot.</p><div id="youtube2-HzLY02xC7L8" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;HzLY02xC7L8&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/HzLY02xC7L8?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-JdzjrgNLefk" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;JdzjrgNLefk&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/JdzjrgNLefk?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Quick to process. Works slickly through one-two-three, on pro-style concepts. Shows he can control and move defenders with his eyes: holding safeties or widening corners. Gets to his checkdowns and finds answers based on the coverage. A lot of anticipation throws to the intermediate level and the middle of the field. Plays with NFL eyes: marrying his eyes and feet to the rhythm of the concept to work backside. </p><div id="youtube2-lcNxvBYN0MU" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;lcNxvBYN0MU&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/lcNxvBYN0MU?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-wrZVyb-VSDA" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;wrZVyb-VSDA&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/wrZVyb-VSDA?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-nmxXwAn4cqI" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;nmxXwAn4cqI&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nmxXwAn4cqI?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; A quality thrower on the move. Throws with more consistent accuracy on bootlegs and rollouts than when processing in the pocket. Has enough athleticism to stretch the edge on boot, though it isn&#8217;t a serious concern. Is athletic enough to pick up yards as a scrambler. Has enough wheels to be a threat as a designed run threat in the redzone.</p><div id="youtube2-P3ypzY-UH60" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;P3ypzY-UH60&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/P3ypzY-UH60?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-Ynmvbqv_OiI" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Ynmvbqv_OiI&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Ynmvbqv_OiI?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-7BrI-bDn4z8" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;7BrI-bDn4z8&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7BrI-bDn4z8?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Shows real command on play-action. Excellent throwing on the move to his left or right. More consistently accurate on the move than in a muddy pocket. Shows high-level ball handling and disguise on turn-the-back play-action. </p><div id="youtube2-QgwyZw-TVsE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;QgwyZw-TVsE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QgwyZw-TVsE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Solid arm. Can make every throw even if they don&#8217;t wow you.</p><p>&#183; Eyes and feet are in sync, though things unraveled during the final stretch of the season. Shows eye manipulation against linebackers and safeties.</p><p>&#183; Happy to stand in and deliver with pressure in his face. Has made tough throws &#8212; NFL throws &#8212; while taking big shots from free runners in his face. Quick to reset and throw.</p><div id="youtube2-9YiAFOsqk-s" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;9YiAFOsqk-s&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9YiAFOsqk-s?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; A tight, compact release. A smooth, repeatable action; quick reset to delivery, though he is a reloader. Throws from a good, natural base. Clean mechanically when not pressured and maintains his base when pressured &#8212; again, it dipped towards the end of the season.</p><p>&#183; Good touch layering the ball to the second level. Can rip it to the second level or drop in bucket throws. Isn&#8217;t afraid of congestion in the MOF. Throws with rhythm and timing to all areas of the field.</p><div id="youtube2-o87MTC_6cW4" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;o87MTC_6cW4&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/o87MTC_6cW4?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-tZwMxN3rqcM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;tZwMxN3rqcM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/tZwMxN3rqcM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Has worked from the gun, pistol, and under center. Is adept at turning to the defense, resetting, and finding answers. His best work comes on NFL staples: play-action crossers, boot-actions, etc. Had difficulty during the second half of the season as DCs gathered more tape and changed the picture on him pre- to post-snap, but the early-season work speaks to a quarterback who understands how to manipulate and respond to morphing coverages. </p><div id="youtube2-pCxVFa5xW8Q" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;pCxVFa5xW8Q&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/pCxVFa5xW8Q?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-3L1eRvNBBKM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;3L1eRvNBBKM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3L1eRvNBBKM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Willing to push the ball vertically. Doesn&#8217;t live in quick game or survive on manufactured production. Will turn to easy-outs on turn-the-back play-action chase to chase knockout shots down the field. </p><div id="youtube2-kiCuGOOO-44" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;kiCuGOOO-44&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kiCuGOOO-44?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; High-level recognition and communication all over the film &#8212; the execution is what is up and down.</p><p>&#183; Early in the season, everything he did was <em>FAST: </em>Decision-making, pocket twitch, etc. Later in the season, he was nowhere near as slick &#8211; rhythm slowed down; footwork in the pocket; agility to avoid the rush. Why did that drop off? Health? The offensive structure? The talent surrounding him? Defensive coordinators adjusting? All the above? </p><div id="youtube2-9PwouTKKmWo" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;9PwouTKKmWo&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9PwouTKKmWo?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-NklOKpkIG7E" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;NklOKpkIG7E&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/NklOKpkIG7E?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-VQh_35LHuBU" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;VQh_35LHuBU&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/VQh_35LHuBU?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2><strong>WEAK POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; Lacks size. Light frame. Small hands. Small arms. Durability is a concern. Took a lot of violent shots in college. Was routinely folded up. Lack of body armor showed up over the course of the season; he took a beating, and his play steeply declined. There are times when it&#8217;s clear he&#8217;s struggling to see over the line of scrimmage. Can he withstand the punishment of a 17-game-plus schedule?</p><p>&#183; From Ted Nguyen: &#8220;In the last 20 years, there have been only six quarterbacks who were 6-foot-1 or shorter and less than 215 pounds who have started more than 40 games in the NFL: Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Baker Mayfield, Michael Vick, Kyler Murray and Bryce Young.&#8221; Wilson and Mayfield were sturdier players than Simpson. Murray and Vick were special athletes. Brees was a better athlete and had a supercomputer for a brain. Simpson is more in the Young camp. Does he have a super-skill to overcome his size and durability concerns? Young&#8217;s super-skills were pocket mobility and his intellect. Simpson plays a similar style, but without the consistency of Young in college, and Young was just a more explosive mover within the pocket.</p><p>&#183; Only 15 starts in college. As defensive coordinators got more tape and adapted, he got worse.</p><p>&#183; Strong pre-snap ID. Struggles when defenses change the picture pre- to post-snap.</p><div id="youtube2-9S6wXCsFkT4" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;9S6wXCsFkT4&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9S6wXCsFkT4?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; A solid arm. Can make all the necessary throws. But he isn&#8217;t a consistent &#8220;wow&#8221; thrower.</p><p>&#183; Lack of natural arm talent shows up on deep out-breaking routes. Doesn&#8217;t have a ton of zip on the ball. It can hang rather than being drilled with a tight spiral. He has to load up and straighten to his target &#8212; elongating the load-to-arrival time. Will often lose accuracy as he strains to add extra velocity. Too many off-target throws when pushing the ball past 10 yards. The ball will sometimes die on him on throws to the perimeter. </p><div id="youtube2-xS6hSVrE4aI" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;xS6hSVrE4aI&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xS6hSVrE4aI?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-CAVi-bwPMqw" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;CAVi-bwPMqw&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/CAVi-bwPMqw?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Ball placement is up and down. He is often accurate, but rarely precise: throwing to landmarks; throwing to leverage; throwing players open; giving receivers a chance to create after the catch. It&#8217;s a small list of quarterbacks who have shifted from being accurate to precise in the pros. </p><div id="youtube2-3tSpxHKzu5I" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;3tSpxHKzu5I&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3tSpxHKzu5I?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-vF0n3ZU6slA" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;vF0n3ZU6slA&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/vF0n3ZU6slA?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Has some gaping misses. Will miss his target by yards, even from a clean pocket. Consistently overshoots downfield throws. There is accuracy, but often a lack of precision. Accuracy dropped dramatically in the second half of the season when he was consistently sped up in the pocket. Abandoned his base and mechanics &#8212; and doesn&#8217;t have the natural arm talent to make up for it.</p><div id="youtube2-rRgMSIU8L9A" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;rRgMSIU8L9A&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/rRgMSIU8L9A?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-OxKl5S8vqZA" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;OxKl5S8vqZA&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/OxKl5S8vqZA?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Isn&#8217;t a threat as a creator. Can move well enough to pick up first downs and has a great feel on bootlegs and rollouts, but he isn&#8217;t a dynamic player with the ball in his hands.</p><p>&#183; Struggles to navigate a cluttered pocket. The inexperience shows up. Isn&#8217;t a natural stick-slide-climb thrower. Panics and bails or sticks to his spot and rhythm and throws from a muddy pocket, often off-target. His instinct is to move back and out of the pocket rather than climb up and through, even when there is an escape valve.</p><div id="youtube2-KiN7f83JcRI" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;KiN7f83JcRI&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/KiN7f83JcRI?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-snXSrZLvMIA" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;snXSrZLvMIA&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/snXSrZLvMIA?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-7b036aVAxsY" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;7b036aVAxsY&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7b036aVAxsY?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div>
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   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of LSU CB Mansoor Delane. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-mansoor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-mansoor</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:15:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp" width="1456" height="970" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:970,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:224552,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/webp&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/i/195018457?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!60hH!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47a89f12-f33e-42df-b274-ed90eae9164a_1998x1331.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Mansoor Delane | Jersey #: 4 | Pro Pos.: CB | College Pos.: CB | School: LSU</p><p>Height: 5-11 | Weight: 187lbs | Speed: 4.38 | Explosive Index: N/A | Age: 23</p><p>Final Grade: 8.09 (Impact Starter) | Draft Projection: Top-15</p><h2><strong>STRONG POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; A tall, light, well-rounded, <em>physical</em> corner with below average arm length (30&#8221;) and hand size (8 7/8&#8221;). His game is built on smoothness, fluidity, tenacity, and a high football IQ. </p><p>&#183; A 5-11, 187lbs jar of polish who plays with fire. Everything he does is well-refined. He is as adept in spot drop zone coverage as he is in pattern matching, latch-and-grab off-man coverage and press-man coverage. Completely scheme independent. His footwork and hand usage in man coverage, throughout the rep, are teach-tape stuff. </p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-mansoor">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Spencer Fano, OT/IOL, Utah]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Utah OT/IOL Spencer Fano. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-spencer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-spencer</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:34:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif" width="1456" height="819" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yuF0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F859f2ea9-ab87-4360-8dc7-5b622b6cc384_3554x2000.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Spencer Fano | Jersey #: 55 | Pro Pos.: OL |College Pos.: OT</p><p>School: Utah | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 311lbs |Speed: 4.91; 1.72</p><p>Explosive Index: 9.74 | Age: 21 | Final Grade: 7.18 (Quality Starter)</p><p>Draft Projection: First Round</p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-spencer">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kadyn Proctor, OT/IOL, Alabama]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Alabama OT/IOL Kadyn Proctor. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kadyn</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kadyn</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:47:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v6xI!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3c52dc3-32ff-40a7-92f8-646c9d192b31_1000x667.jpeg" width="1000" height="667" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Kadyn Proctor | Jersey #: 74 | Pro Pos.: OT/IOL | College Pos.: OT</p><p>School: Alabama | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 352lbs |Speed: 5.21; 1.84</p><p>Explosive Index: N/A | Age: 20 | Final Grade: 7.16 (Quality Starter)  </p><p>Draft Projection: First Round</p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kadyn">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Running Backs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here comes Jeremiyah Love! (and others). Plus: board updates]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations-ba9</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations-ba9</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:29:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/194955362/cbb63b4c6319e52fdfec3a35bd353128.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sgPg!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F786e6516-88b2-4ed8-a406-00c692cc3cbb_5000x2812.avif" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sgPg!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F786e6516-88b2-4ed8-a406-00c692cc3cbb_5000x2812.avif" width="1456" height="819" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sgPg!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F786e6516-88b2-4ed8-a406-00c692cc3cbb_5000x2812.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sgPg!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F786e6516-88b2-4ed8-a406-00c692cc3cbb_5000x2812.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sgPg!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F786e6516-88b2-4ed8-a406-00c692cc3cbb_5000x2812.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sgPg!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F786e6516-88b2-4ed8-a406-00c692cc3cbb_5000x2812.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Jon and I wrap up our 2026 scouting series with a look at this year&#8217;s running back class. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when evaluating, and run through our personal rankings of this year&#8217;s class.</p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-tiers-and-evaluations-ba9">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Clemson OT Blake Miller. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-blake</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-blake</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:20:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg" width="1456" height="788" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:788,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:230887,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/i/194891319?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kNk0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F024223a9-9b26-4916-9380-80664ca34621_1980x1071.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Blake Miller | Jersey #: 78 | Pro Pos.: OT | College Pos.: OT</p><p>School: Clemson | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 317lbs | Speed: 5.04; 1.75</p><p>Explosive Index: 9.94 | Age: 22 | Final Grade: 7.35 | Draft Projection: First Round</p><div id="youtube2-Oa8PmRO5PXQ" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Oa8PmRO5PXQ&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Oa8PmRO5PXQ?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2><strong>STRONG POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; A tall right tackle with good feet and excellent balance. A really good athlete with good initial springs and high-end lateral quicks.</p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-blake">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-max</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-max</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:39:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif" width="1456" height="970" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:970,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:166278,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/avif&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/i/194887881?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oxNX!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f6ca285-5160-4acb-9070-9c189d2dec6f_2560x1706.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Max Iheanachor | Jersey #: 58 | Pro Pos.: OT | College Pos.: OT</p><p>School: Arizona State | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 321lbs | Speed: 4.91; 1.73</p><p>Explosive Index: 9.91 | Age: 22 | Final Grade: 7.40 (Quality Starter)  </p><p>Draft Projection: First Round</p><h2><strong>STRONG POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; A big, long, explosive tackle who started on the right side in college. Has prototypical size and length. Only started playing football in junior college, and that lack of experience and technical refinement shows up constantly. But Iheanachor has unteachable movement skills. He is explosive <em>and </em>nimble &#8212; a rare combination.</p><div id="youtube2-2sDtgYwt6SM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;2sDtgYwt6SM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/2sDtgYwt6SM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; The best tackles in the league are smooth and sudden. Iheanachor has buckets of both. </p><div id="youtube2-7IymmZuKJpU" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;7IymmZuKJpU&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7IymmZuKJpU?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; A truly exceptional athlete. Incredibly explosive out of his stance. Explosive laterally. Iheanachor <em>moves </em>like the special tackles in the league, whether it&#8217;s springing into his pass set, pulling to the perimeter in space, moving up to the second-level, or cutting across the formation. </p><div id="youtube2-i-3Ta63_TQ0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;i-3Ta63_TQ0&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/i-3Ta63_TQ0?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Extremely juiced up out of his stance and then light on his feet once he&#8217;s out in his set. His traits show up every snap &#8212; plays with balance and speed. Mirrors comfortably against true take-off demons.</p><div id="youtube2-QRuQ86z3Ggw" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;QRuQ86z3Ggw&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QRuQ86z3Ggw?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Has natural power in his hands but often fails to unlock it due to technical breakdowns. Consistently plays too upright in the run game and leads with his chest, forearm, or helmet rather than his hands. He can be a leaner in the run game, rather than someone who creates an eruption at the point of attack. When he throws his hands and brings his feet to the party, he is explosive into contact and can create massive displacement. But it&#8217;s too infrequent at this stage in his development.</p><p>&#183; Snap speed is elite in the run game. Can establish leverage and position in a flash. Effortless walls off defenders when hinging. Can reach spots in a flash, often before down linemen are aware the ball is in play. </p><p>&#183; Explosive moving into space. If the technique tightens up, he can be a weapon in the perimeter run and screen games.</p><div id="youtube2-mKVhOwJP1Yo" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;mKVhOwJP1Yo&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/mKVhOwJP1Yo?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2--426V2rrmv4" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;-426V2rrmv4&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/-426V2rrmv4?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Strains to finish. Effort and toughness show up all over the film. Keeps his feet churning once he&#8217;s latched onto defenders in the run game. </p><p>&#183; Incredible speed climbing to the second level. Double and climb technique needs work, but climbing on his own is comfortable and effortless. When everything is timed correctly, he creates a significant surge at the point of attack. </p><div id="youtube2-zXN01b7MEmg" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;zXN01b7MEmg&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zXN01b7MEmg?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-zXN01b7MEmg" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;zXN01b7MEmg&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zXN01b7MEmg?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Excellent ability to change direction. Can slip and slide to mirror and match pass-rushers. His initial springs allow him to widen the corner, then he can slide to close off the inside shoulder while maintaining a balanced base. </p><div id="youtube2-ScJUjB6NJVo" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;ScJUjB6NJVo&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ScJUjB6NJVo?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Good positional leverage. Even when his footwork breaks down or his hands are late to fire, he stays in-to-out, always hitting his landmarks.</p><p>&#183; Shows the ability to recover his base &#8212; sinking and re-anchoring &#8212; after losing the initial strike. </p><div id="youtube2-1z2Q281gySk" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;1z2Q281gySk&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1z2Q281gySk?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Slightly more polish than you would expect for a player who has barely played ball. Recognizes and anticipates games and pressures. Defenses set their pressure packages to Iheanachor in the season, putting him in two-on-one conflicts or aiming stunts across his face. By the end of the season, they&#8217;d backed away. He is always alert to danger and looking for work. His patience and hand placement are more advanced than those of many tackles in the class who have played a <em>lot </em>more. </p><div id="youtube2-sj_9C0O01t0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;sj_9C0O01t0&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sj_9C0O01t0?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-7ZjCaZoNC4o" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;7ZjCaZoNC4o&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7ZjCaZoNC4o?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-meRkcyGN7x0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;meRkcyGN7x0&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/meRkcyGN7x0?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Inconsistent with his hand placement and strike timing &#8212; but has a solid base to build upon. He has clearly been taught the essentials of the position and, at times, it can feel robotic. He often refers to playing with high and tight hands, which can offset the up-and-down nature of his base. It&#8217;s preferable to have taller tackles play with a top-down approach, mastering a tight, high two-hand punch before learning to develop a &#8220;scoop&#8221; move and to play with independent hands. Right now, he&#8217;s predictable and will be caught by NFL pass-rushers. But it&#8217;s a strong base to build on. </p><div id="youtube2-R93pTnXQg0g" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;R93pTnXQg0g&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/R93pTnXQg0g?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Excellent contact balance. He is never, ever on the floor. Exceptional core strength and flexibility. Can drive and move defenders out of position even when in a compromised posture. </p><div id="youtube2-TAyKtr1wjV4" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;TAyKtr1wjV4&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TAyKtr1wjV4?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Always looking for work. Excellent play demeanor.</p><h2><strong>WEAK POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; Technique is raw, particularly his footwork and how he sets for contact. But it&#8217;s all correctable stuff. He is raw, but he is supremely talented. Even with technique breakdowns, he is consistently stacking up win after win on traits and tenacity alone.</p><p>&#183; Hat, hip, and hand placement are consistently off in the run game. Leads with his forearm, shoulder, or helmet in the run game. Has to learn to strike, throwing his hands, then bring his feet into contact. There is natural power and strength to uncork from his game with improved technique. The flashes are eye-popping, but they&#8217;re only flashes.</p><p>&#183; Prone to ducking his head in the run game. Will lead with his helmet and fail to bring his feet behind him. Relies on his initial pop and doesn&#8217;t drive through his target.</p><div id="youtube2-EIffka45kDE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;EIffka45kDE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/EIffka45kDE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div id="youtube2-g4gvUD1KrLQ" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;g4gvUD1KrLQ&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/g4gvUD1KrLQ?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Needs better hand placement in the run game. Gets caught grappling with defenders around their shoulders. He can grip, twist, or rock defenders. But too often, it&#8217;s comfortable for defenders to stack and shed in the run game due to his hands. </p><p>&#183; Will run to his target, not <em>through </em>his target in the run game. </p><div id="youtube2-egsDSPry2R8" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;egsDSPry2R8&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/egsDSPry2R8?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Rarely screws his feet into the ground, both in the run game and pass pro. Plays up on his toes. Somehow, he still generates movement at the point of attack while playing with poor leverage and robbing himself of a powerful base. </p><p>&#183; Plays with a high foot rise in pass protection. Plays on his toes and takes on pass-rushers without his feet screwed into the ground. The natural athlete and anchor flash on that film because he&#8217;s <em>not</em> in a perfect position, and he&#8217;s still eating up talented players.</p><div id="youtube2-0gG1Ils-MVY" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;0gG1Ils-MVY&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/0gG1Ils-MVY?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div>
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   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Georgia OT Monroe Freeling. Plus: grades and schematic fit]]></description><link>https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-monroe</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readoptional.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-monroe</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Connolly]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:46:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg" width="1456" height="819" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:819,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:230704,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readoptional.com/i/194811034?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UFwn!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dae4b31-256f-49be-8041-9b28be4b6ce8_1920x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Updated: 04/11/2026</em></p><p><em>Note: This season, I&#8217;m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players &#8212; as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the &#8220;one sheets&#8221; you see in NFL front offices &#8212; with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I&#8217;ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I&#8217;ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on <a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/f04a7eca-d64f-49fd-b94c-29ee7a30ccc9?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard</a>.</em></p><div><hr></div><h1><strong><a href="https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/bbd665ac-6aa3-4231-b9a7-b1f33468f0fc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXhxMzYifQ.F1Cti21OONXIahhlAU5mt7VFPcO2wadJ4k1mjlU1300">2026 NFL Draft Hub</a></strong></h1><p>Prospect: Monroe Freeling | Jersey #: 57 | Pro Pos.: OT | College Pos.: OT</p><p>School: Georgia | Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315lbs | Speed: 4.93; 1.71</p><p>Explosive Index: 9.99 | Age: 22 | Final Grade: 7.44 (Quality Starter) </p><p>Draft Projection: First Round</p><h2><strong>STRONG POINTS:</strong></h2><p>&#183; An enormous, explosive tackle with the ideal physical traits for the position. Tall, with a big frame and long arms, while remaining light on his feet.</p><p>&#183; An explosive athlete out of his stance. An efficient mover who can slide across the turf or spring to his landmark in one kick. Light feet with good balance to mirror. A natural athlete, not just a workout freak. </p><div id="youtube2-LwizNSkG4I4" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;LwizNSkG4I4&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/LwizNSkG4I4?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>&#183; Can sink and bend. Plays with a naturally inflated pad level but can drop and sink his frame to slow down dip-and-rip rushers on the outside shoulder.</p><p>&#183; Can sink and reground while playing through contact. Serious play strength.</p><p>&#183; Up and down impact in the run game. Flashes of creating a surge at the point of attack when one-on-one. Too often is caught playing out of over his skis and losing his base; with refinement, there will be more consistent power in his hands. </p><p>&#183; Is a two-hand striker. Consistent with it. Must work on independent hand usage, but has a nice, stable foundation to work with early on. Taller tackles are at their best working top-down in the strike; Freeling already has that box checked. </p><p>&#183; Impressive reps slicing across the formation. Has the tools to be a true weapon in space. Climbs to the second-level effortlessly. Has some nimbleness for a big guy.</p><p>&#183; Looks for work in pass protection. Happy to come and play clean up for his teammates.</p><p>&#183; An effortless, repeatable vertical set. Has great range as a tackle to widen the corner on dip-and-rip edge-rushers. </p><div id="youtube2-PE4RZTZwmdE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;PE4RZTZwmdE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/PE4RZTZwmdE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div>
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