Panthers Select CB James Bradberry in the second round

[Jeremy Igo]

PLAYER OVERVIEW

A four-year starter, Bradberry redshirted as a safety for head coach Hugh Freeze at Arkansas State in 2011, but his desire to play cornerback led him back home, transferring to FCS-level Samford. He recorded 45 tackles, 11 passes broken up and a pair of interceptions in 2015 to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

"The last time I seen this many people circled around the field was in high school when we played Hueytown," Bradberry told AL.com about his Class 5A championship game while playing for Pleasant Grove high school in Alabama.

"I noticed (famous NFL coaches) when I first got here, but then I tried to lock in and just pay attention to my coaches and just try to work on my technique."

Samford spent his redshirt freshman season at Arkansas State before transferring to Samford, and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Jaquiski Tartt, a second-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers last year who started eight games as a rookie.

"I saw him practice and play every day," Bradberry told AL.com. "I feel like I can play along with him, so it gave me some confidence coming out (to the Senior Bowl)."

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

STRENGTHS: When he can press and play close to the line of scrimmage, Bradberry extends to disrupt the route and stays balanced while keeping his eyes in the backfield to make a play on the ball. Looks the part with a tall, filled-out frame and cut physique. Vines for arms with a large wingspan. Controlled athlete, using measured footwork to press and transition...

Reaches his top speed quickly. Stance is his foundation, staying balanced while engaged to play bump-and-run. Lower body bend in off coverage with a quick trigger once he sinks to intercept angles. Large catch radius with the ballskills to make plays above the rim. Above average high-to-low tackler with the functional strength to fill and finish.

WEAKNESSES: Level of competition concerns and struggled vs. FBS receivers at times during Senior Bowl practices. Lacks the short-area burst to stick with top receiving prospects. Patient process, but often plays it too safe in off-coverage, arriving late to the ball. Route anticipation needs maturing. Shows hip tightness when changing directions, causing him to get turned around in coverage. Immature eye use and discipline.

Needs to improve his focus and technique to maintain proper positioning on vertical routes and combinations. Needs to take more chances and show more aggression to create and keep offenses honest - predictable and veteran receivers will figure him out quickly.

 

 

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1886795/james-bradberry

[Kevin Greene]

 

 

[Datawire]

[CWORS]

Big...big CB!!!

[Ken]

Genuinely don't know who this guy is. *Shrugs*

[davos]

The reaction should be fun :)

[BombzAway]

Sooo... he couldn't get the CB job at Arkansas St. so he transfers to Samford and we draft him in the 2nd round? Gettlemagic off the rails?

[chknwing]

in the fuging 2nd round?

[shreddingdefense]

ugh espn too busy talking to show chris gamble name our pick. but of course let the next team do so.

[Jeremy Igo]

Totally out of left field. 

 

Have to trust Gettleman here, Bene Benwikere proved he knows DBs. 

[Ship]

he might turn out great but fug this. this is just wasting my time.

[t96]

I bash the Pats for taking a 5th round CB and we took a UDFA CB... Seriously though I trust DG and am excited as hell for this kid. Just that I'd never heard of this dude and just looked up he was expected to be from 6th round to UDFA... Interesting to say the least.

[Bartin]

Height-weight-speed-athleticism stud with 33 inch arms. I know zero about him but if he's coachable his ceiling is through the damn roof. 96 percentile SPARQ. No clue if he has any polish and I know it's a "reach" but I like it.

[minicho]

Ball hawking corner? Perfect in our scheme. We dont need great players man to man, just players that will play the ball I'm the air and that's what it seems this guy does