The start of a series on the Tennessee Titans college scouting staff...
Scout: Phil Neri
Region: Neri scouts everything west of the Mississippi “over the top” of the scouts who have smaller regions in that area. That means he’s a second set of eyes on the West.
Tenure: In 38th NFL season, 11th with the Titans.
Previous work: He spent seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns as their director of college personnel. Neri scouted for the Saints in 1997, the Seahawks from 1984-96 (finishing as director of college scouting), the Eagles from 1979-83 and the Blesto Scouting Combine in 1978. Coached and taught at Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks, California) before serving as a graduate assistant at San Jose State for two seasons.
College: Played linebacker for Santa Clara University.
Personal background: A native of Santa Monica, California, Neri and his wife, Julie, have two children and reside in Gilbert, Arizona.
Some Titans’ hits from his territory: DL Jurrell Casey (third round out of USC in 2011), CB Alterraun Verner (fourth round out of UCLA in 2010), WR Kendall Wright (first round out of Baylor in 2012).
Some Titans’ misses from his territory: QB Jake Locker (first round out of Washington in 2011), LB Akeem Ayers (second round out of UCLA in 2011), WR Damian Williams (third round out of USC in 2010).
GM Ruston Webster says: “He has experience on all levels of personnel. He’s well-known throughout the West. He does a good job for us in that area as the cross-checker.”
