Cynthia Frelund is a data scientist for the NFL Network, where she brings analytical insight to all aspects of the network’s coverage, including this week’s NFL Draft. In this episode, Cynthia talks about…

  • Her analytics-based mock draft and how it differs from traditional mocks and big boards
  • What prospect jumps out to her from a data perspective
  • How she uses predictive analytics during the NFL season
  • Dealing with the inevitability of predictions being wrong
  • Communicating data and working through resistance to analytics
  • Listening to NFL personnel and translating their thoughts into data
  • Tools that go into her modeling (including Computer Vision, NGS data and various programming languages)
  • Her path through business school and ESPN to her current position
  • Advice to women in the field
  • Her favorite marathon of the 20+ that she’s run

Show Links- Follow Cynthia on Twitter: @cfrelund - Women in Football Draft Special on Twitch - Mock Draft 2.0 - Analytics-based fits for top QBs - Cynthia’s NFL.com articles - Jets.com profile - Women in Sports Tech profile - Reddit AMA - FoxSports.com conversation - The42.ie interview - Northwestern’s predictive analytics master’s program - Follow TruMedia on Twitter: @TruMediaSports