Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford: No. 14, QB, 6-4, 218
Bradford is a confident passer who displays a quick release and seems to trust his throwing motion. He does a nice job manipulating defenses with his eyes, using the pump fake as a weapon to target overly aggressive defensive backs. But he played in a "check with me" offense at Oklahoma, where all the audibles come from the sideline. He will need to learn to make his own pre-snap adjustments at the next level. Is a very accurate quarterback who exhibits the anticipation find open receivers on all levels of the field.
Possesses a full array of passes in his arsenal and throws a very catchable football. Takes the majority of his snaps from the gun and looks confident quickly scanning the field and going through his reads. But he doesn't showcase the same type of effectiveness when asked to go through his progressions from under center and lacks ideal footwork in his drop. Gets a bit high and narrow with his base when he sets in the pocket. He doesn't generate much power from his legs. He does, however, showcase good body control and create a lot of torque from his waist up when throwing the ball on the move. Processes information quickly and consistently makes good decisions when asked to bootleg or roll outside. Possesses average NFL arm strength and lacks the ability to fit passes into tight areas when he's late with a read.
Needs to do a better job being patient with the ball in the red zone and throwing it away when nothing is there. Bradford is the kind of leader teams really seem to rally around. But he can get rattled when hit often, and he could stand to add a bit more muscle to his frame. Needs to answer the durability questions and prove he can handle to rigors of a 16-game NFL season. A smart, decisive quarterback, Bradford is accurate with the football. He is rarely given credit for his above-average athleticism. He can certainly make all the throws at the next level. Has the makings of an intriguing West Coast quarterback if he can improve his footwork.
Grade: 6.9
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