

On Sale At Newsstands Now! |
Bradford looks sharp in workout
Projected No. 1 draft pick Sam Bradford further enhances his status with NFL teams
By Staff and OU Reports
(2010-03-29)
NORMAN -- Former OU quarterback and 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford worked out for an audience of NFL scouts and coaches today at the team's indoor facility, and by all accounts, looked very impressive.
During the session that lasted approximately 40 minutes, Bradford threw 63 total passes to receivers that included former Sooner teammates Jermaine Gresham, Chris Brown, Brody Eldridge and Adron Tennell, as well as Buffalo Bills receiver Josh Reed. Of the 50 scripted throws he attempted, only one hit the ground (on a drop).
Representatives from 21 different NFL teams were ion hand, including St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo, Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy, Cleveland general manager Mike Holmgren and new Seattle coach Pete Carrol.
It marked the first time Bradford has thrown for scouts or coaches since he suffered a season-ending right shoulder injury in OU's loss to Texas on Oct. 17, 2009.
Bradford, who underwent surgery on his shoulder 11 days later, initially hurt the shoulder in the team's season-opening loss to BYU on Sept. 5.
Former Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt Brandt, now an analyst for NFL.com, described Bradford's performance as the best pre-draft workout by a quarterback that he had seen since former No. 1 draft pick Troy Aikman back in 1989.
Quotes from Bradford and OU coach Bob Stoops quotes following Bradford’s workout....
Sam Bradford
On the workout environment:
“It was different. It’s something I’m not used to. I don’t think anyone is really used to it until you get out there and actually do it. In a game you’re throwing against a defense and there are more people. The environment when you are just throwing for general managers and coaches, people that are going to make very important decisions, obviously it’s extremely nerve wracking but I think it was comforting having my teammates out there with me today. They could tell I was anxious for today and they did a good job at keeping me loose and they did a great job running and catching for me today.”
On his performance:
“I thought I did very well today, I showed a wide-variety of throws. I didn’t just come out and show the basic things, I showed some in the gun, on the move and different throws. I think I showed everyone that I can still make all the throws and my shoulder is just what is was before I got hurt.”
On his shoulder:
“My shoulder feels great. I feel like it’s getting stronger every week. As long as it continues to get stronger, I think there is no doubt that by the time it levels off it will be better and stronger than it was before the surgery.”
On the potential of being the No. 1 pick:
“To be honest, I haven’t thought about it a lot. It’s still almost a month away. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to play in the NFL, whether it’s with the Rams or another team. I’m just excited for that opportunity.
“That’s what everyone dreams about growing up, being the No. 1 pick. But, that’s really nothing that I can control. I can control how I work from here on out to get myself ready for the draft. If it happens, it happens, if not I’m going to be excited wherever I go.”
Bob Stoops
On Bradford’s performance today:
“I thought he did an excellent job. Like usual, he was incredibly accurate, sharp and he had excellent velocity on the ball. About halfway through I said ‘boy, I miss seeing that.’”
On what the scouts told him after Bradford’s workout:
“They were very impressed. I think he more than answered questions that he is ready to go. I don’t think there is any question that he is where he was, but even further along. He is bigger, he is stronger and with time in the weight room and maturity he’s only going to get stronger. I think he really showed that he has that great form, accuracy and probably even more strength.”
On questions from the NFL scouts about Sam:
“People want to know if they’re missing anything, if he is really the whole package that everyone says that he is. I say ‘absolutely.’ What you see is his ability out there, what you don’t see is all the intelligence tests they give him. I promise you he is off-the-charts on those, and in fact I have heard that. The way he learns and processes, he is just an incredibly sharp young man outside of talent. His competitiveness, how he understands and learns all of that together makes him the special player that he is.”
On expectations for Bradford’s workout:
“I was hopeful and prayerful that Sam would show his old self and more and I think he did that. With his increased size and strength, I think he showed how special he is and where he is going. He’s not done.”
|