Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Sam Bradford.
Sam Bradford enters the 2010 draft as the top prospect and likely No. 1 pick.
NFL position: QB
Height: 6-4 1/4
Weight: 236
40 time: 4.90
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Tom Brady, Patriots
Arm strength: Has deceptive arm strength. Has a bad habit of sometimes throwing flat-footed on quick-hit passes. When striding into throws, gets good zip on the ball. The intermediate and deep passes in Oklahoma’s offense also typically required touch passes and thus he doesn’t throw the ball with as much zip.
Accuracy/release: Shows excellent accuracy when striding into throws, but will need more zip on intermediate and downfield routes in the NFL. On quick-hit routes, consistently puts the ball in the right spot and through tight windows. Sets up quickly, and shows a quick and efficient release but it looks at times as if he’s pushing the ball a bit, a la the Chargers’ Philip Rivers.
Field vision: Consistently reads the defense well, both at the line pre-snap and during the play. Sees the field well from shotgun alignment, goes through progressions quickly and correctly identifies the open man. Must learn to do all these things while dropping back from center to be as effective — a real challenge and underrated aspect.
Running ability: Lacks elite quickness, speed or athleticism, but is good enough to extend a play or perhaps gain a first down with his feet. Senses pressure well up the middle but does struggle to feel the blindside pressure.
Intangibles: Has great intangibles. Is smart, and adjusts easily to changes based on the defense from shotgun alignment. Shows good leadership skills. Shows good poise in the pocket, willing to take a big hit to deliver the ball. Does not force passes into bad spots, and is willing to throw the ball away to avoid a sack.
Bottom line: Bradford is tall and athletic and proved his shoulder healthy during NFL physicals after missing several games last season with a sprain. The bigger question, though, is how well he’ll adjust to lining up under center to play in a traditional NFL offense. Still, he is the most accurate QB we ever have graded and seems like a lock to be the No. 1-overall pick.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.