PODCAST · sports
The Read Optional NFL Podcast
by Oliver Connolly
Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast. readoptional.substack.com
Episodes
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Breaking down the Myles Garrett and AJ Brown trades
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I break down every aspect of Monday’s mega-deals: Myles Garrett traded from the Browns to the Rams; AJ Brown moving from the Eagles to the Patriots. We discuss the players, the value, the winners and the...
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Buying & Selling Sophomore Stocks: Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I kick off our offseason Summer Scouting series with a look at the 2025 rookie class. We go pick by pick through the first round, buying, holding or selling stock in the players after their rookie season.…
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2026 Organizational Tiers: Part III
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I wrap up our tiers of the best organizations in the league by running through the final two tiers. We look at the underachievers, the perennial basement dwellers, and those franchises on the upswing. Who…
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2026 Organizational Tiers: Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our evaluations of all 32 NFL franchises, moving on to our third tier. If you missed part one of the series, you can find it here. On this episode, we dig through our third tiers. Should the...
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2026 Organizational Tiers: Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com It’s here! Jon and I kick off our annual organization rankings by running through our first and second tiers. We look at the elite and the good, tiering organizations based on the combination of ownership, GM,...
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A 2022 Draft Retrospective
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com You asked, we’ve answered. Jon and I open up our archives to look back at the 2022 NFL Draft class. We discuss our initial evaluations, how we’ve each evolved our grading and analysis of prospects, where we stacked...
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Evaluating & Tiering Every NFC Team's 2026 Draft Class
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon & I wrap up our draft coverage by evaluating and tiering every team’s class. We finish up with the NFC, discussing why the best organizations disappointed, why we differ on the value of a couple of classes, the...
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Evaluating & Tiering Every AFC Team's 2026 Draft Class
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon & I wrap up our draft coverage by evaluating and tiering every team’s haul. First up, it’s the AFC. What did we like? What didn’t we like? What was confusing? What are the best scheme fits? Who are the later...
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2026 NFL Draft Live: Day Three
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
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2026 NFL Draft Live: Day Two
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
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2026 NFL Draft Live: Day One
Jon & 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. 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…
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The Final 2026 Mock Draft
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Programming note: Jon and I will be LIVE throughout the first two days of this year’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…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Running Backs
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I wrap up our 2026 scouting series with a look at this year’s running back class. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Tight Ends
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series. This week, we’re onto tight ends. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when evaluating, and run...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Cornerbacks -- Part III
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I wrap up our look at the 2026 cornerback class. We rattle through our evaluations of Keith Abney II, Julian Neal, Malik Muhammad, Chandler Rivers, Ephesians Prysock, and a number of interesting Day Three...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Cornerbacks -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series with another look at the cornerback class. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when evaluating, and...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Cornerbacks -- Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series, and we’re onto the cornerbacks. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when evaluating, and the first...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Offensive Tackles -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I wrap up our look at this year’s offensive line class by running through our tackle evaluations. We take a look at Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor, Clemson’s Blake Miller, Utah’s Caleb Lomu, and some of our...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Offensive Tackles -- Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series with another look at the offensive line class — and we’re onto the tackles. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: IOL -- Part II -- Centers
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our 2026 draft breakdowns with a look at this year’s center class. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when evaluating,...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: IOL -- Part I -- Guards
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our 2026 draft breakdowns with a first look at the offensive line class. We’re kicking off with the highest-ranked guards by consensus this year. We discuss the requirements for the position in…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Interior Defensive Linemen -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I wrap up our look at this year’s interior defensive line class with a look at two of the most intriguing prospects: Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton and Southeastern Louisiana’s Kaleb Proctor. When then hit on...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Interior Defensive Linemen -- Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our prospect breakdowns with a look at this year’s interior defensive line class. We first hit on the news about PFF’s layoffs and their impact on sports media more broadly. We then discuss the...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Quarterbacks
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I finally wade into the most controversial — yawn — conversation of draft season. That’s right: we’re talking Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson in the latest episode of our scouting series. We discuss what it...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Slot Corners/Overhang
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our 2026 draft breakdowns with a look at the slot/overhang defenders in this class. Few positions have evolved as much in the NFL — both in their usage, the skills required and the archetypes…
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Analyzing the Jaylen Waddle trade
Jon and I finally get a chance to break down the Jaylen Waddle trade, including why it’s a win-win for the Broncos AND for the Dolphins, and what his expected impact should be. Did the Broncos overpay for Waddle? Does that even matter? What does Waddle bring to the offense that they didn’t have?...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Wide Receivers -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our analysis of the 2026 receiving class. We go in-depth on the strengths, weaknesses, potential scheme fits, and our grades for five more players in a deep and talented class. If you missed Part...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Wide Receivers -- Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our 2026 draft breakdowns with a first look at the receiver class. We discuss the requirements for the position in the modern game, the skills, tools, and techniques we look for when evaluating,...
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Breaking down every team's free agency haul (or non-haul)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com The Raiders and Titans splashed the cash. The Jets are Jets-ing. The Bears are up to stuff. The Patriots added two potentially key contributors. And the Falcons… did something. Jon and I bounce around every team in...
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Live: NFL Free Agency with Jon Ledyard
Earlier, Jon and I were joined by Josh Queipo on a live stream to break down all the moves from the first few hours of NFL free agency. If you missed it live, you can find the video and audio here — if you’re a podcast-only listener, it will automatically be in your feeds. This was our first of...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Edges -- Part III
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series with a look at four more edge prospects, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, potential scheme fits, and our grades for each player. There are two players we both think…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Edges -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series with a look at five more edge prospects, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, potential scheme fits, and our grades for each player. We also discuss the value of a…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Edges -- Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our 2026 scouting series by breaking down this year’s edge class in depth. We kick off with the top-five guys on the consensus board: Miami’s Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, Texas Tech’s David...
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Checking in from the NFL Combine
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon & I discuss the latest from the Combine: what matters, what to look for, what teams are looking for, and how it is different from those outside the building. We then discuss Sean Payton and Dave Canales giving…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Safeties -- Part III
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com It’s part three of our scouting series on this year’s safety class. If you missed parts one and two, you can find them here. On this episode, Jon and I look at LSU’s AJ Haulcy, Texas’s Michael Taaffe, TCU’s Bud...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Safeties -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I continue our scouting series with a look at another batch of safeties. If you missed part one — on how we evaluate safeties, Caleb Downs and more — you can find that here. On this episode, we discuss...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Safeties -- Part I
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com We continue our 2026 Draft evaluation series with our first look at the safety class. We discuss the requirements for a safety in 2026, how we will evaluate the position, and the critical traits. We then discuss…
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Linebackers -- Part II
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com It’s Part Two in our linebacker evaluation series. If you missed Part One, you can find it here. On this episode, Jon and I break down the strengths, weaknesses, schematic fits and reveal our tiers on a deep...
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2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Linebackers -- Part I
It’s that time! Jon and I kick off our long-awaited draft series with a talented and deep linebacker class. We discuss the different types of modern linebackers, our evaluation processes, Arvell Reese’s rightful position, if Sonny Styles & CJ Allen belong in that special tier too, and one LB that...
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Recapping the Super Bowl
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com We did it, people. Seattle’s win on Sunday brought an end to the season. Jon & I wax poetic about the beautiful defensive struggle of Super Bowl 60, including the relentless pressure paths of Mike MacDonald, Devon...
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A mega Super Bowl preview
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I preview an exciting Super Bowl matchup. We dig into the schematic, coaching and player matchups, including: how the Patriots’ defensive line can win the day, how Seattle’s offense could create issues for...
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Wrapping up the coaching carousel
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I run through the latest hires from the coaching carousel, including Klint Kubiak to the Raiders, Mike LaFleur to the Cardinals, a new defensive staff in Buffalo and Jesse Minter making a call on the Ravens...
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The mega coaching update
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I discuss allllll the latest coaching news from across the NFL. We dig through: Bills: HC – Hired Joe Brady DC - Jim Leonhard the favorite (Schefter) Ravens: HC – Jesse Minter (replacing John Harbaugh) OC –…
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Recapping the Championship games
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com What a pair of games! Jon and I break down everything from the NFC and AFC title games. Sam Darnold was incredible, JSN is a one-of-one, Klint Kubiak put together an A++++ gameplan, and the Rams defense couldn’t…
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Breaking down the NFL's Divisional round
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I break down the latest coaching news: the Titans have settled on Robert Saleh; Jeff Hafley is the guy in Miami; Drew Petzig is the new OC in Detroit; and the Commanders have a new offensive line coach. We...
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Emergency Podcast: The Bills fire Sean McDermott
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I hop on the pod to discuss the Bills firing Sean McDermott. How much of the blame for Buffalo’s postseason failure should fall on McDermott? Why was Brandon Beane promoted after McDermott’s exit? What…
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Reacting to John Harbaugh joining the Giants
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I react to the news of the Giants hiring John Harbaugh. How good is the Giants job? Is Harbaugh the right fit? What will his new staff look like? Where does he move the needle in 2026? We then run through…
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AFC Wildcard recap & Divisional round preview
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com Jon and I break down the AFC’s wildcard round, discuss the latest news around the league and then preview the entire upcoming Divisional slate. Who should the Eagles target with Kevin Patullo gone? How big of a…
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Breaking down the NFC's Wildcard round
Jon and I break down three exceptional NFC matchups from Wildcard weekend. How did the Rams adjust against the Panthers? Why did they struggle in the mid-point of the game? Who is to blame for the Packers’ late-game collapse? How much of the blame should go to the Packers’ coaching staff compared...
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Keys to the game: Wildcard Round Preview
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.com It’s playoff time! Jon and I dig into every matchup ahead of the Wildcard round. We break down the biggest matchups, the schematic duel,s and the keys to each game. What does Jessie Minter have prepared for Drake...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Read Optional NFL Podcast have?
The Read Optional NFL Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Read Optional NFL Podcast about?
Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast. readoptional.substack.com
How often does The Read Optional NFL Podcast release new episodes?
The Read Optional NFL Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Read Optional NFL Podcast?
You can listen to The Read Optional NFL Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Read Optional NFL Podcast?
The Read Optional NFL Podcast is created and hosted by Oliver Connolly.
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