ESPN put a piece together last week looking at the most surprising player on each team during the off-season.
Brady Henderson named Anthony Bradford for the Seahawks:
“When the Seahawks hired offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, a popular reaction was that Bradford may have a hard time winning back the starting job at right guard. After all, he’s a big, powerful blocker who doesn’t seem like an ideal fit for an outside zone scheme that suits more athletic linemen.
“It’s time to press pause on that notion after a trimmer-looking Bradford shared first-team reps with Christian Haynes during OTAs and minicamp. “A.B.’s done a great job this spring,” coach Mike Macdonald said. “His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic. I think he’s made strides … It’s time to go prove it consistently. He knows that, but he’s right in the thick of it with the battle at right guard.”
I’ve tried to caution people against writing Bradford off. He was a player who did impress for LSU and had a physical profile that suggested a degree of upside. He’s not really been helped that in his two years in the NFL so far he’s had two different offensive line coaches, two different offensive coordinators and the system in both instances flipped between mediocre and awful.
I’ve always thought there was a player in there. Not necessarily a top guard destined to become an elite performer — but certainly someone who can start and do a job at right guard.
The key thing to consider is despite his size, he is an athlete. People have suggested that he’s too big for the zone blocking scheme but look at his combine testing. At 332lbs he ran an outstanding 5.08 forty yard dash. On top of that, his 10-yard split (1.74) was better than Charles Cross’ (1.75). He’s only 0.01 seconds slower than Jason Peters as a rookie and 0.02 seconds slower than Trent Williams. He can move for his size.
He’s also an explosive tester. His TEF score of 3.17. Here’s a list of names to compare that score to:
Grey Zabel — 3.23
Donovan Jackson — 3.19
Chris Lindstrom — 3.18
Anthony Bradford — 3.17
Alijah Vera-Tucker — 3.16
Trent Williams — 3.11
Tate Ratledge — 3.10
Will Fries — 3.10
Quenton Nelson — 3.07
Tyler Linderbaum — 3.05
Erik McCoy — 3.05
Penei Sewell — 3.04
Joe Thuney — 3.04
Joe Alt — 3.02
Elgton Jenkins — 3.01
Cody Mauch — 3.01
Garrett Bolles — 3.00
Considering their selections this year included Grey Zabel and Bryce Cabeldue — both quick, explosive testers — it’s seems this is the profile type the Seahawks are looking for. If Bradford has slimmed down as suggested by Brady, he could become even quicker and more athletic.
Mike Macdonald mentioned consistency and that’s the key. He has to find a level of performance and take his opportunity in training camp. With a far more experienced offensive coaching staff and a proven system, he’s likely getting the best coaching he’s received at the NFL level.
Bradford has a chance to make the right guard spot his own. The physical talent has always been there. Now he’s got to take to the new scheme, win the job and be consistent.
