Former NFL GM Tom Telesco Joins Check the Mic!
What really happens inside an NFL draft room? Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson talk with former Chargers & Raiders General Manager Tom Telesco for a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process that shapes NFL teams.
From the Colts’ thought-process behind Ricky Williams vs. Edgerinn James in the 1999 Draft, to Herbert vs. Tua for the Chargers in 2020, to the Raiders’ evaluation of Michael Penix Jr. in 2024, Telesco shares rare insights into the world of NFL front offices. He also breaks down how coaches, scouts, and analytics all work together in the war room. Plus, he gives Steve some much-needed advice for his next GM interview.
After the interview with Tom Telesco, Steve & Sam also cover Frank Ragnow's retirement from the NFL after 7 seasons with the Detroit Lions, and the current contract disputes surrounding players like Trey Hendrickson, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons and more.
00:00 Intro
1:00 Tom Telesco joins
2:54 Bill Polian
5:30 NFL Teams getting smarter
7:30 1999 NFL Draft - Edgerinn James vs. Ricky Williams
13:40 Behind-the-scenes on draft nights
16:00 2020 Chargers Draft - Justin Herbert vs. Tua Tagovailoa
21:05 Pre-draft intel
22:35 Balancing scouting evaluations with coaching opinions
26:00 Drafting by scheme fit
28:23 2024 Raiders Draft
34:10 Arm length importance for OTs
39:40 Tom’s tips for Steve’s GM interviews
43:00 Interview recap
57:20 Frank Ragnow Retires
1:03:08 Edge Rusher Contract Disputes
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