In a recent episode of the Local Defenders Podcast, Randy Mueller, the Director of Player Personnel (DPP) for the Seattle Sea Dragons, shared his perspective on the XFL and the Seattle team’s strategy. His insights touched on the team’s selection process, future plans, and the unique characteristics of the XFL.
Mueller underlined the importance of selecting players who fit the team’s scheme, saying, “It’s not collecting players, it’s finding the players that fit best for us.” He argued that the Sea Dragons’ approach to player selection was different from other teams, primarily due to the unique schemes run by their coaches.
The DPP acknowledged that the team could improve on their player scouting in the future. “I didn’t think we did a good enough job in digging deeper, in finding character, how guys learn all of the intangible stuff because it was such a water through a fire hose experience just to get good players,” he admitted, promising a more thorough approach in the second year of the league.
Reflecting on the challenges of the upcoming XFL 2024 draft, Mueller emphasized the need to recruit fast receivers who can stretch the field, regardless of their size. “There’s always, I think, fast guys. And so we are looking for fast receivers that can stretch the field. And you can’t go wrong with that in any league, whether it’s the XFL, the NFL or whatever,” he said.
On the future of the league, Mueller expressed optimism and a sense of anticipation. “I know they’re planning for a second year already because I’ve been in on some of those planning meetings,” he revealed. Mueller also gave an entertaining account of how the XFL’s culture is different from the NFL, highlighting the fun and fan-friendly atmosphere of the XFL games.
The conversation also touched on the fan bases of various teams, with Mueller acknowledging that the league needs to strike a balance between time spent in home markets and the central hub in Dallas. He noted the challenge of establishing a strong presence in a city like Seattle, which already has several well-established sports teams.
A notable aspect of the XFL Mueller discussed was the concept of ‘The Hub’ – a centralized location where all teams were based. Reflecting on its implementation in Arlington, Mueller stated, “Competitively, it made a lot of sense… ESPN and the broadcast partners thought it was great. So from that standpoint, it worked out good. There’s some challenges for sure… but I think year two, hopefully some of those things can be ironed out.” He emphasized the need for patience and adaptation, given the unexpected challenges like extreme weather conditions, which were unlike those typically faced in the NFL.
Mueller also praised the unique broadcasting aspects of the XFL, such as the active involvement of coaches and referees. He admitted, “I think the broadcast gave access like no other league had ever done… I think the pride that the league ownership established this year on access and content is unmatched and that’s probably the strength of the product.” This allowed for a level of transparency and audience engagement that set the XFL apart from other sports leagues.
Overall, Mueller’s interview was an insightful glimpse into the workings of the Seattle Sea Dragons and the XFL as a whole. Key takeaways from the interview include the Sea Dragons’ unique approach to player selection, their commitment to improving their scouting process, and their strategy for the upcoming draft.
Mueller’s optimism for the league’s second year and his anecdotes about the unique culture of the XFL also stood out. Despite challenges such as establishing a strong presence in competitive markets like Seattle, the future of the XFL appears promising.
You can listen to the full interview here
