The following is PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki’s exclusive ranking of the top 10 quarterbacks in the 2010 NFL draft, with an in-depth scouting report detailing biographical notes plus each prospect’s positives, negatives, summary and projected draft spot. These reports have been excerpted from PFW’s 2010 Draft Preview, scheduled for a March 30 release.
1. QB Sam Bradford
Oklahoma junior
Ht: 6-4 1/4 | Wt: 236 | Sp: 4.9e | Arm: 34 3/8 | Hand: 9 1/2
Notes: Father, Kent, was an offensive lineman for the Sooners (1977-78). Sam also played basketball and golf as a prep. Redshirted in 2006. Started all 14 games in ’07 and completed 237-of-341 pass attempts (69.5 percent) for 3,121 yards with 36 touchdowns (single-season freshman record) and eight interceptions. Won the Heisman Trophy, Davey O’Brien Award and Sammy Baugh Trophy in ’08 after starting all 14 games and tossing 328-483-4,720-50-8 (67.9). Suffered torn ligaments in his left (non-throwing) hand on the third series against Oklahoma State but finished the game and delayed surgery until after the Big 12 title game. Led the country in TD passes and established the highest pass efficiency rating in OU history (180.84). Started only three games in ’09 because of an injured right shoulder and finished with 39-69-562-2-0 (56.5) passing. Had surgery on his right (AC joint) shoulder on Oct. 28 and missed the rest of the season. A two-time team captain and OU’s career passing leader (8,403 yards) and TD-passes leader (88).
Positives: Extremely smart and competitive. Decisive. Knows where to go with the ball and gets rid of it very quickly with precision accuracy. Stays composed and is not easily rattled under duress – stands in the pocket and delivers the ball. Sets quickly and steps into his throws. Has quick enough feet to avoid the first wave and escape the rush in a short area – moves and avoids and can hasten his delivery and whip it quickly when needed. Shows very good touch and outstanding accuracy. Can drive the intermediate route and consistently connect deep. Fits the ball into tight windows and can thread the needle. Arm is strong enough to make every throw. Throws a very catchable ball. Very good anticipation and timing at every level. Outstanding positional instincts. Is a well-respected, determined leader who commands respect -takes the game very seriously. Has rare leadership qualities and mental makeup and is intensely competitive – gathered his teammates on the sideline against Miami (Fla.) while he was out with an injury and ripped them. Highly motivated. Mature beyond his years and handles himself like a pro. Very tough and will play through pain.
Negatives: Has not played much under center, operating heavily out of the shotgun, nor has he made pro-style, NFL reads in OU’s simplified offense. Lacks strength with a narrow build and does not have a rifle arm – loses some ball velocity on the move. Tends to use a sidearm delivery. Often operated with a clean pocket early in his career and does not like to step up in the pocket. Not a scrambler and will not create with his feet. Played with a very strong supporting cast as a sophomore and did not always feel the rush (behind a leaky, makeshift offensive line) as a junior. Needs to learn how to land and brace himself from contact to preserve his health. Is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery after landing on his throwing shoulder twice as a junior.
Summary: Does not have the arm or athletic talent of John Elway or Troy Aikman, but Bradford’s accuracy is as good as any quarterback since Philip Rivers(notes) entered the draft, and his competitive spirit, intelligence and accuracy will allow him to develop readily. Would be most effective in a fast-paced, shotgun-prevalent offense similar to that of the Colts, where he will not have to adjust to working as much from underneath center. Durability is his greatest concern. Could be the first overall player drafted in a QB-driven league and should be able to contribute immediately and develop into a great pro.
Tags: football, heisman trophy, NFL draft, Sam Bradford