Re: PGSF NFL Draft - DL817 is on the Clock
With the 26th pick in the PGSF NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville.
I don't see how Bridgewater falls this far, or even out of the top 5, but in this scenario, Cleveland will be salivating at the mouth. Bridgewater is the most NFL ready QB in the draft, and he's often overlooked because he doesn't have the personality of someone like Manziel.
Strengths Extremely competitive and driven to succeed.
Well-prepared and confident in his approach. Operated a pro-style,
progression-read offense where he is asked to scan the whole field and
set protections. Footwork is very clean and in rhythm -- throws on
balance with sound mechanics, a fluid delivery and smooth stroke. Very
good timing, touch and anticipation -- throws receivers open. Is patient
working through his reads and will step up in the pocket. Sells
play-action hard and takes what the defense gives him. Poised in the
face of the blitz and often anticipates it coming. Is very mentally and
physically tough -- played through a broken left wrist with a sprained
ankle in what was essentially the 2012 Big East championship game,
coming off the bench to captain the Cardinals to a come-from-behind
victory. Is a student of the game with a very good understanding of
football concepts. Plays like a coach on the field, knows the
responsibilities of everyone on the field and can get teammates lined up
correctly. Makes few mental errors. Consistently moves the chains and
converts in critical situations. Is given a lot of autonomy to make
pre-snap reads and adjustments at the line of scrimmage and understands
how to exploit defenses. Meticulous in his preparation. Has a passion
for the game and really works at it. Smart, determined and focused. Is
only 21 years old -- incredibly mature for his age and can see the big
picture. Really works at his craft and showed gradual improvement every
season. Football is extremely important to him. Highly respected,
unselfish team leader.
Weaknesses Has a very lean, narrow frame with limited
bulk and small hands. Does not drive the ball with velocity down the
field and can be affected by cold and windy conditions (see Cincinnati).
Can improve placement and touch on the deep ball. Adequate athlete. Is
not an overly elusive scrambler -- struggles escaping the rush and
buying a second chance with his feet vs. pressure. Passing stats are
padded from operating a passing game that relies heavily on short,
lateral tosses. Long-term durability could become a concern without
continued strength and weight gains.
Draft Projection Round 1
Bottom Line A calculated, football-smart,
precision-matchup rhythm passer, Bridgewater would be best suited
entering a warm-weather or dome environment such as those most common in
the South divisions. Would stand to benefit heavily from operating a
short, dink-and-dunk rhythm passing game. Compensates for a lack of
elite arm talent and prototype measureables with the intangibles and
football intelligence that could elevate the other 52 players around
him. Instinctive passer with the laser-beam determination to become a
Pro Bowl-caliber passer in the right system.
