Bradford Concern

[LA Rammer]

Is Bradford really as safe #1 pick overall?

Consider this:

He was sacked a total of 6 times in his Heisman year with the best o-line in the country and then takes 2 shots last year and gets hurt both times.

Do you really think he's going to be able to take shot after shot against NFL All-Pros/Pro Bowlers week in and week out, especially with an o-line that gave up the 2nd most sacks in the NFL last year?

[CanadianRamsFan]

Lucky for us, it doesn't matter what we think. Apparently guys who do this for a living think he will be fine

[shower beers]

Is Bradford really as safe #1 pick overall?

Consider this:

He was sacked a total of 6 times in his Heisman year with the best o-line in the country and then takes 2 shots last year and gets hurt both times.

Do you really think he's going to be able to take shot after shot against NFL All-Pros/Pro Bowlers week in and week out, especially with an o-line that gave up the 2nd most sacks in the NFL last year?

Just a bit late to the conversation, eh?

[LA Rammer]

Just a bit late to the conversation, eh?

Last minute reaction. We are at the brink of our future here, you think?

[berg8309]

No #1 is a safe pick, that's a myth that a DT is a "safe" pick. It is only safe from the sense that if Suh busts, he can probably still be useful as a backup, where as bust qbs are often not useful as a backup (Partially due to their super high salary).

Either way, if a player busts from the #1 overall, you are screwed. If the Rams are satisfied that Bradford's shoulder will hold up, then I will trust in them. This has been debated over and over so often, that it seems silly to dive back into "Can he hold up in the NFL" right now. I think everyone is pretty well decided on where they stand, and in any case, it isn't up to us.

[Nick]

No #1 is a safe pick

Why stop there? No pick anywhere is a safe pick, if you think about it. The only difference is the risk, consequences, and backlash of missing is reduced the further down the draft you get.

But there are some prospects who are viewed as less of a risk - who have a higher floor, if you will - than others, for various reasons.

[morgansedge]

Hi LA Rammer, I am a long time sooner fan and your numbers for sacks in 08 are wrong. Sam was sacked 11 times not 6. Also he took a lot more hits than you think. He was sacked 4 times in th TCU game alone. If you can find the highlights from 2008 check the Cincinnati,TCU., Texas and Florida games. Sams a lot tougher than you give him credit for. He has excellent pocket awareness and got a way from several potential sacks that year. I Hope That all the Ram fans will get to see just how special Sam is. He will do everything in his power to help the Rams win games.

[Nick]

Hi LA Rammer, I am a long time sooner fan and your numbers for sacks in 08 are wrong. Sam was sacked 11 times not 6. Also he took a lot more hits than you think. He was sacked 4 times in th TCU game alone.

You bring up an interesting point. Bradford's sacks seemed to come in spurts.

In 2007, Bradford played in 14 games and was sacked 12 times, but six of those sacks came in two games (3 vs Iowa State, 3 vs WVU). So in the other twelve games that season, he was only sacked six total times.

In 2008, Bradford played in 14 games and was sacked 11 times, but eight of them (3 vs TCU, 3 vs Texas, and 2 vs Florida) came in three games. So in the other eleven games, he was sacked only three times.

I would guess this helps demonstrate the outstanding protection he had, the benefits of the spread offense in regards to protection, and Sam's quick delivery and decision making within the offense.

[ram1906]

Had many predraft concerns about taking Bradford. He is here. Now i hope we have a coaching staff and talent level that can nurture his growth. IMO he lacked pocket presence. He took many hits and sacks in that OU spread. Where was that quick release and pocket presence in that BYU game? BYU put multi d fronts on OU and it CONFUSED Sam. Humm sounds like something he better get used to and be heavily coached up on. Thats a huge curve to get over. But thats where we are. We need to bolster some support. FYI. I saw a report on ESPN which charted rookies QB win rate versus pass attempts. over 25 attempts = less than 20% win rate. Message: SJ and hopefully Westbrook and O-line. Get ready to work if we are going to win.

[dave626]

I thought that horse was dead, ah well lets kick it again to be sure.

[Bralidore(RAMMODE)]

Sam Bradford isn't perfect? Whaa....?

[RebelYell]

I thought that horse was dead, ah well lets kick it again to be sure.

x2 Can't wait for the first time he gets up limping and we get 2 dozen more threads on the subject.

[berg8309]

I thought that horse was dead, ah well lets kick it again to be sure.

Maybe we aren't kicking hard enough?

[#39 Fan]

Sacks does not equal how many hits a qb takes. Surely you realize that? Contact-sport n all

As a Texas fan, I got to see most all of Bradford's college career. He took several hits (some viscious), he'll be fine. He's a really tough kid

[jerseyramsfan]

Is Bradford really as safe #1 pick overall?

Consider this:

He was sacked a total of 6 times in his Heisman year with the best o-line in the country and then takes 2 shots last year and gets hurt both times.

Do you really think he's going to be able to take shot after shot against NFL All-Pros/Pro Bowlers week in and week out, especially with an o-line that gave up the 2nd most sacks in the NFL last year?

Breaking News: The Rams Drafted Sam Bradford last Week!!!