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Top Overall Pick Bradford Wins Early Rookie Weekly Awards
Photo - QB Sam Bradford - St. Louis Rams
The top overall selection of the NFL Draft 2010 wins the Draft Insiders weekly rookie award for his outstanding performance. His effort were instrumental in the Rams first two wins of the season and only the second and third victories for St. Louis in the past 30 games overall.
Bradford went 23 of 37 passes for 235 yards for 1 interception and 1 TD. It was a major breakout game for the top overall pick last April who has paid his dues over the early action. In his first two games, he had four interceptions while being sacked five times. On Sunday in the win over the Redskins, he threw only 1 interception with 1 sack while directing the Rams to an early 14-0 lead they never surrendered. He managed the game well, utilizing the Rams ground game to control the clock for a critical 35 to 25 minute advantage over the game that made the difference over the 2nd half of the game.
Bradford had another solid performance that was instrumental in the Rams second consecutive win of the season vs the Seahawks. It was the first time they have achieved back to back victories in two years. It was only the third victory for St. Louis in the past 30 games overall, as they already surpass their poor 1-15 record from 2009. Bradford went 23 of 41 passes for 289 yards for 1 interception and 2 TDs. It was another strong performance for the top overall pick last April who shows a fine understanding of the defense and fast developing recognition skills of pro defenses. Over his first two games, he had four interceptions while being sacked five times.
Scouting Report in Draft Insiders' Yearbook - March 2010
1. * Sam Bradford #14 - 6’4” 235 lbs - Oklahoma - Sp. 4.8 - Rating 93
Hindu Theory - Tom Brady
Athletic strong armed junior QB will be one of the blue chip prospects in this draft class despite missing most of the ’09 season due to a shoulder injury. Sam is a talented prospect with the skill set to be a premier NFL starter with some development. He won many Big 12 honors over his short career, including earning conference honors since his freshman season. Surprisingly, he entered this draft class after basically just a few games this fall that saw him suffer another shoulder injury that ended his campaign in September. Though he has enormous potential as a pro, he was a surprising addition to this class off his injury riddled final season. His decision to turn pro was influenced by the expiration of the NFL Players agreement and probable changes in the rookie salary cap on the horizon. He earns a high draft ranking on upside potential despite his limited college playing experience. He is an above average athlete who has a very good arm and a quick compact delivery that allows him to deliver the ball with excellent velocity, timing, touch and accuracy. He has progressed quickly in all aspects of play since starting as a redshirt freshman. He is a quality passer with fine measureables, including a very strong arm with good footwork that allows him to escape the pocket from heavy pass pressure. He can make the quick proper read and deliver the ball into tight spots in the intermediate and short zones. He is only an average runner, though he shows the ability to throw effectively on the move and within the pocket. He has a very good arm that the pro scouts seek in a prospect with the ability to drive the ball down the field and drop the ball into windows in coverage. As a junior, he looked to repeat his great sophomore performance but an early season shoulder injury ended his Sooner career. Over his career, he made few mistakes with only 16 interceptions in almost 900 passing attempts. Over his career, he made fast progress for a prospect with such limited playing experience. He shows a keen understanding of the position and rarely attempts to do too much or make the critical mistake. He is an accurate thrower with the touch to deliver all the passes, and showed fast improvement especially in the deep game over his late career. He displays a live arm with enough mobility and the touch and timing to make the big throws that the position demands. Over his short career, he showed excellent accuracy with a fine delivery and setup and the quick release and follow through to complete the pass. He has the arm to make all the throws and is very effective on the shorter and intermediate routes, leading the receivers nicely to run after the catch. He delivers the ball with good velocity with the toughness to hang in the pocket and make the difficult throw. He is very competitive, hard working and shows the ability to direct an offense and overcome adversity. Over his career, his decision-making and maturity improved quickly, though he still needs reps in reading coverage and finding secondary receivers.
The Numbers: As a junior, he started only three games and completed 39 of 69 pass attempts for a 57% for 562 yards with 3 TDs and 0 picks. During his sophomore season, he started all 14 games and threw for 4720 yards with a 68% completion rate with 50 TD passes and 8 picks. He earned the Heisman Trophy off that performance. Over his career, he started all 31 career games including all 28 games his 1st two seasons. He entered the ’09 season with 86 TD passes and just 16 interceptions with an impressive 68% completion rate. At the NFL Combine, he did not workout. He has a late March workout scheduled. He is similar to Tom Brady in many of his skills, in addition to last years first round prospect Mark Sanchez in size, AA and upside potential.
The Skinny: This guy could be a possible top overall selection off his overall talent and the high value of the position. He has the arm, mobility and smarts to earn a pro starting grade, but still faces a learning curve with limited playing time. He is a blue chip prospect with early NFL starting talent and upside to become a top flight leader. He should move up fairly fast on the depth charts, but only after showing complete health and an understanding of an offense. He has the physical and mental talent to be a fine NFL starter with outstanding upside as a passer, but must refine all aspects of the position to be ready for the pro game. Probable early #1 pick and possible first overall if healthy for the St Louis Rams who need a young passer. Top overall prospect with the skill set to be an elite pro leader in time, though he may not be ready for prime time playing time as a rookie.
Draft Projection: 1st Round - Top selection