Sam Bradford
6′4, 218 pounds | Quarterback | Oklahoma
Accuracy: Can put the ball into tight windows, even though he doesn’t have the best zip on his passes. Bradford showed elite accuracy as a sophomore when he won the Heisman Trophy in 2008. Completed 67.6 percent of his passes during his career completing 604 of 893 attempts. His accuracy is best when he’s not under pressure and he can step into his throws.
Arm strength: Bradford’s arm strength is good enough. He can’t bomb passes like JaMarcus Russell, but it’s good enough to complete deep outs. Bradford’s arm is probably best suited for a West Coast scheme, but that’s not to say he should exclusively play in that scheme. Puts a really nice touch on the ball. Athleticism: The mobility Bradford has is adequate. He won’t blow you away on film, but he does have a little bit of elusiveness. Is smart enough to know when he should pull the ball down and run for a first down.
Decision making: Elite decision maker. Rarely threw the ball into bad coverage. Does a really nice job anticipating routes and throwing it in the receiver’s stride. Field vision: Bradford made his name by being able to read defenses and check down to his second and third target. Plays intelligently before the snap, reading the defense. Showed the ability to pump his shoulder to move the safety over. The question here is whether Bradford will be able to make his pre-snap adjustments while dropping back.
Mechanics: Delivery is slightly similar to that of Philip Rivers. It’s a little higher, but Bradford looks like he pushes the ball. It’s a three-quarters delivery that might get him in trouble at the next level. Played almost exclusively out of the shotgun and will have learn how to play from under center.
Pocket awareness: Does a nice job of feeling the blitz coming in on him. Tends to keep his feet planted and doesn’t dance around in the pocket. The issue here is that Bradford had a phenomenal offensive line as a sophomore and rarely saw pressure.
Size: Has optimum height and looks to have large enough hands. One of Bradford’s biggest negatives is his lack of bulk. It was an issue coming into his junior season and could be the reason he got his shoulder injured in the BYU game. Bradford needs to add at least 15 pounds of strength to his frame. This will make him more durable and maybe even strengthen his arm.
Final word: Bradford’s draft stock is going to ride on how well he tests during workouts. He was widely considered coming into the 2009 season the best draft-eligible player in the nation.
He received that recognition because of his football intelligence, accuracy and leadership ability. However, Bradford saw his junior season ruined by two shoulder injuries and his throwing strength will be in question until he proves otherwise. As a sophomore, Bradford was clearly the best player in college football. He threw for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns as a sophomore on his way to the Heisman Trophy. What helped Bradford was an elite supporting cast, especially along the offensive line.
As a junior he only threw 69 passes and was constantly pressured while he was in the game.
Bradford is as good as a top five pick. But his durability concerns might push him out of the top 10. He’s by far the biggest question mark heading into the 2010 NFL Draft.
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