Bruce Allen, Mike and Kyle Shanahan just watched New York Jets Rookie Quarterback, Mark Sanchez get tantalizingly close to a superbowl. We all know the Redskins were interested in Sanchez so will his success influence the Redskins to get what they believe is a franchise QB in the upcoming draft?
ESPN Draft Guru, Mel Kiper thinks the Redskins will Select Sam Bradford -- Kiper says "Mike Shanahan and the Redskins can get a quarterback who might have been the top player taken had he opted to come out last year. The Redskins need to find their franchise quarterback, and when healthy, Bradford is an exceptionally accurate passer with an underrated arm. Shanahan also hit on his last QB selection when he drafted Jay Cutler in Denver"
I can see a few of gaping holes in that theory. The first being that Bradford is not very mobile. The second is he has a history of injuries that concern me and the third is the Redskins offensive line sucks. Why would you draft a fragile rookie and place him in a position to fail? Jason Campbell was getting sacked on three step drops. Three step drops are specifically designed so that QBs don't get sacked. That is how bad the offensive line is in Washington. Perhaps Mike Shanahan will wave his magic offensive line wand and cure the line?
Let's take a look at Braford's scouting report (provided by walterfootball.com)
Strengths: Good size with room to add some bulk Peyton Manning-like accuracy Outstanding job of anticipating routes Solid arm strength Capable of making all the throws Smooth, consistent spiral Textbook footwork and can drop back if asked Great decision-maker since freshman year Understands timing Well versed in progression reads Experienced Very quick release Ridiculous level of production Sells play action Places ball in stride of receiver Will step up in pocket Decent athleticism Throws pro routes and has been under center more than given credit for in career Strong leader and good character
Weaknesses:
Toughness really hasn't been tested at this point in his career; never seen pass rush Arm strength is good, but he will struggle to fit ball in tight windows if he doesn't make very quick decisions We really do not know if he can make throws on the run yet Doesn't make any jaw-dropping throws Doesn't have Stafford/Sanchez level of upside Is never really forced out of pocket
Summary: The statistics are there and he has operated in a pro-style offense as a freshman. He does throw pro routes, however, he WILL get nitpicked. Matt Leinart was nitpicked. Aaron Rodgers was nitpicked. Brady Quinn was nitpicked. Bradford won't have any challenges this season, so scouts and draftniks will find the flaws. Bradford is a top-20 pick, but don't be shocked if he doesn't go as high as we expect (Top 5) next April.
Player Comparison: Eli Manning. Like Eli, Bradford lacks the elite arm, but he is a superb decision-maker with great accuracy and decision-making. Both have limited upside.
My thoughts: There is a lot to like and a lot to be concerned about. I think the kid can play personally but my biggest issue is not with Bradford but the Redskins offensive line. I gotta believe that Shanahan must have a plan to fix the O-line because if he does not this kid is going to spend his first year either hurt or running for his life. That said, if this kid has Peyton Manning like accuracy and football smarts then I am all for taking him.
If I were the Redskins brass I would not be influenced by Mark Sanchez's success because Sanchez had a superbowl quality defense to cover up for his mistakes. The Redskins do not have that luxury to put it mildly. If the Skins draft Bradford look for them to be active in the free agent period for offensive linemen.