The conflict between analytics and traditional scouting have resulted in extensive cliches on both sides of the table. Analytics folks are only thinking about their numbers and think a calculator can tell them everything they need to know. Scouts use their “eye test” and if something seems off, well then it’s time to write the player off entirely.
Those extremes do not always pop up, but one writer overheard something that sends shivers down the spines of some.
So last week I heard two NFC West scouts debating the merits of a QB (Riley Ferguson) wearing tights at Shrine Game. One was adamant it was a sign of doom and weak character. Guess they're not taking Tanner Lee... https://t.co/WhyxgGH94L
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) January 23, 2018
I’d like to think he was joking, but given the timing of it, I’m guessing he is serious in what he heard. It reminds me of the A’s scouts from Moneyball talking about an ugly girlfriend and a player not having confidence.
All I can say is, I really hope this did not involve a 49ers scout!
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