How Analytics Shape NFL Team Building
Episode Description
ABOUT THE EPISODE Brandt Tilis, Executive Vice President for Football Operations for the Carolina Panthers, joins the show to break down NFL roster construction, draft strategy, and the economics of quarterback contracts. He explains how teams balance analytics, film evaluation, and salary cap constraints. In the second half, the hosts discuss the intensity of the World Baseball Classic, automated strike zones, and surprising NHL playoff races.
ABOUT THE PODCAST Sports is a game of numbers. Wharton experts Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, Cade Massey, and Adi Wyner team up to tackle the world of sports, from current events to longstanding issues such as: What sports streaks are the most impressive? How do you rank the best players? Can athletes be compared across sports? Moneyball Highlights explains how decision-makers in the game can avoid the common mistakes and embrace the data. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.
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Brief Summary
Brandt Tillis discusses NFL team building, free agency, and the draft process with the Wharton Moneyball hosts.
Key points
- Brandt Tillis Joins the Show. Brandt Tillis, NFL executive, shares insights on team dynamics and recent successes.
- Reflecting on Team Success. Brandt discusses the pride in the team's recent achievements and playoff atmosphere.
- Navigating NIL Changes. Brandt addresses the impact of NIL on player behavior and team dynamics.
- Draft Room Insights. A look into the culture of an inclusive draft room and the importance of collaboration.
- Evaluating Draft Success. The challenges of accurately rating draft classes and the uncertainty involved.
- Position Value Debate. A discussion on the importance of drafting impact players regardless of position.
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Episode highlights
- Brandt Tillis Joins the ShowBrandt Tillis, NFL executive, shares insights on team dynamics and recent successes.“Thanks for having me!”1:13Mar 18, 2026
- Reflecting on Team SuccessBrandt discusses the pride in the team's recent achievements and playoff atmosphere.“We’re very proud of the season we just had.”4:05Mar 18, 2026
- Navigating NIL ChangesBrandt addresses the impact of NIL on player behavior and team dynamics.“We’re just trying to navigate that ourselves.”11:07Mar 18, 2026
- Draft Room InsightsA look into the culture of an inclusive draft room and the importance of collaboration.“It's amazing to hear you say you lead with an inclusive draft room.”19:46Mar 18, 2026
- Evaluating Draft SuccessThe challenges of accurately rating draft classes and the uncertainty involved.“We just don't know enough about draft ratings.”22:04Mar 18, 2026
- Position Value DebateA discussion on the importance of drafting impact players regardless of position.“Just get the player, don't worry about the position.”27:23Mar 18, 2026
- The Mahomes MomentA pivotal moment during training camp that showcased Patrick Mahomes' potential.“This is real. This is very real.”29:48Mar 18, 2026
- Skins' Incredible Pitching SkillsSkins showcases his unique pitching ability, baffling batters with identical deliveries.“What chance does a batter have if his four pitches are completely identically delivered?”39:46Mar 18, 2026
