How the Titans Gauge Assistant Coach Input For Draft Evaluations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For five years as part of Cincinnati’s coaching staff, Brian Callahan shifted into scout mode after the season. He and his fellow coaches with the Bengals were more a part of the draft scouting process than any staff in the NFL.

They were an extension of the scouting staff in February, March and April, spending significant time writing reports and assisting a small scouting staff – currently two scouting directors and two scouts. The Titans' new coach said being that involved in evaluation, conversations and selections was fun. 

“I think coaches always have a unique perspective,” he said “Evaluators evaluate talent, they look at measurables, they look at profiles in terms of athletic abilities. Coaches sometimes look at the football part -- how do they play football on tape? Now most scouts have some feel for it too, but guys who aren’t evaluators of talent sometimes have a better feel of what the player looks like and how they fit.

“And sometimes there is a good balance of talent evaluation and measurables versus coaching and fit. So that’s what you hope for, to get the best of those both those worlds, to find the best players, A lot of times there is a difference involved in what they see on tape and it’s a good thing.”

But just as some scouts may have a better eye and feel for wide receivers than defensive linemen, some coaches are better at evaluating draft prospects than others.

So how do general managers learn new assistant coaches and figure out how to weigh their input in scouting meetings like the ones being held now?