Drive Time: Devon Smith, Ricky Seale and Matt Leitch

In this episode of Drive Time with Travis Wingfield, the focus shifts to the behind-the-scenes scouts who help build the Miami Dolphins' roster for the 2026 NFL Draft. The podcast features three intimate interviews with key scouts: Devin Smith (Northeast region), Ricky Seal (West region), and Matt Leach (Southwest region). Each shares their unique journey from playing and coaching to scouting, emphasizing the importance of character, teamwork, and player development. They discuss the nuances of scouting across different levels—from blue-blood programs to FCS schools—and highlight how the process has evolved with a new staff under John Eric Sullivan. A recurring theme is the value of collaboration, camaraderie, and the emotional weight of draft day. The scouts also reflect on how their playing experiences inform their evaluations, especially when assessing work ethic, coachability, and intangibles. The episode closes with a look ahead to the draft, the team’s draft capital, and the excitement of building a new era in Miami. Key takeaways include: 1) Character and fit are non-negotiables in player evaluation; 2) Scouting is as much about people as it is about talent; 3) The transition from college to pro scouting requires a shift from pure talent assessment to deeper character and cultural fit analysis; 4) Driving over flying is preferred by scouts for efficiency and connection; 5) The new Dolphins staff fosters strong team cohesion and collaboration; 6) Small school players often shine in all-star events and deserve attention; 7) Personal experience as a player enhances a scout’s ability to evaluate intangibles; 8) Preseason games serve as a vital reset for scouts to recalibrate their evaluation standards.