The Read Optional NFL Podcast

Apr 10 2025 33 ep. 80 mins 22
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Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast.

www.readoptional.com

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2025 NFL Draft Tiers: Cornerbacks -- Part II

Apr 10 2025 91 mins  
It’s Part II of our cornerback tiers and evaluations. If you missed part one, you can find it here.Trey Amos - How does Amos fit best in the NFL? Why did seeing his well-developed skill set in a full-time role take so long?Azareye'h Thomas - Thomas's disappointing 40 has his stock falling some, but is that tumble deserved after looking at his tape?Maxwell Hairston - Hairston's NF

2025 NFL Draft Tiers: Wide Receivers -- Part II

Mar 26 2025 95 mins  
It’s part two of our wide receiver rankings, tiers and evaluations, with discussions on Elic Ayomanor, Jaylin Noel, Jack Bech, Jayden Higgins, Jalen Royals, Tre Harris, Isaiah Bond, Savion Williams and more,Elic Ayomanor - Is Ayomanor the hidden gem of the 2025 class?Jaylin Noel - The field-stretching, clear-out potential is legit, but how many teams in the NFL will really play a

The best and worst free agency signings

Mar 11 2025 109 mins  
New Pod! Jon and I are joined by Josh Queipo to break down our favorite (and least favorite) moves from the first 24 hours of free agency. We discuss the best fits, worst contracts, top under-the-radar additions and a whole bunch more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readoptional.com/subscribe

2025 NFL Draft Tiers: Interior Defensive Line -- Part II

Feb 26 2025 98 mins  
New Pod! It’s part two of our in-depth look at the 2025 interior defensive line draft class focuses on a bunch of less-heralded prospects, many of whom the guys are higher on than the bigger names mentioned in Part 1!Jamaree Caldwell - Jon has a throwback comparison for Caldwell's body type, and I am endlessly fascinated with his potential.Alfred Collins - Is Collins being underr

2025 NFL Draft Tiers: Edges -- Part I

Feb 18 2025 120 mins  
It’s draft season! And we kick off their 2025 NFL Draft coverage with Part 1 of our detailed look at the edge defender class, including the wonder of Abdul Carter, Jalon Walker controversy, Mike Green and much more. Edge is the leading position in this class, and we dig into the what and whys of our individual tiers.Abdul Carter — There is one issue with Carter that isn’t bei

The Big Super Bowl Preview

Feb 06 2025 58 mins  
New Pod! We’re breaking down the main schematic matchups and subplots ahead of Chiefs-Eagles Part II. We’re talking about Spags’ approach to slowing down Saquon Barkley, how Chris Jones and Jalen Carter will be used as chess pieces, whether Vic Fangio will shift his approach slightly against Mahomes and a ton more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with

AFC Wildcard Preview

Jan 08 2025 67 mins  
New Pod! It’s playoff time! We kick off our playoff previews with the AFC, with a long look at all three matchups. Can the Texans, Steelers or Broncos pull off an upset?Texans v Chargers - Can Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter win their matchups against Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater? Are the Chargers capable of attacking the Texans’ biggest weakness to great success? Can Nico Coll

The 2024 All-Underrated Team: Offense

Dec 17 2024 135 mins  
New Pod! We have a fun pair of shows this week. Jon and I are building out our teams of underrated players from this season, going position by position on both sides of the ball. There are three stipulations: the player cannot have made an All-Pro team, Pro Bowl roster or be a rookie. Other than that, anything goes. We are starting with our offenses.Which QB qualifies for the All-U

What is wrong with the Chiefs secondary?

Dec 05 2024 102 mins  
We’re back digging into the rest of the AFC. We discuss the diverging directions of the Bills and Chiefs secondaries, Chamarri Conner issues, the Dolphins pass game staying elite with Tua, De’Von Achane’s usage/role and Bernhard Raimann’s development in Indy.Bills - How has Sean McDermott gotten this secondary to play at such a high level? What are the staples of a strong B

Is Josh Allen the midseason(ish) MVP?

Oct 31 2024 23 mins  
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comNew pod! We wrap up our AFC week by digging into compelling storylines around the conference.Bills - Are the Bills running the most distinctive offense in the NFL? What are some of the things that Joe Brady is doing to create success? Does the style maximize Josh Allen? Raiders - Has Tyree Wilson actu