head coach Mike Macdonald noted that<\/a>, \u201c[Bradford] has done a great job this spring. His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic. I think he\u2019s made strides now. Let\u2019s go. You know, it\u2019s time to go prove it consistently.\u201d<\/p>\nThen, once camp had started and the pads had come on, Macdonald continued to have good things to say about Bradford.<\/p>\n
So, what exactly is it that coaches see in Bradford that fans seem to miss, as Bradford is consistently scapegoated by fans for the struggles of the team. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak offered a glimpse into the answer to that question Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a physical presence.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s really that simple. While lamenting the lack of strength that kept Christian Haynes off the field in 2024, former Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb noted almost the same thing about Bradford. The bit of Grubb\u2019s quote about Bradford was overlooked by fans who were more intent on understanding why Haynes wasn\u2019t playing<\/p>\n
Grubb\u2019s full answer as to why Haynes wasn\u2019t playing last season was, \u201cJust technique and power. I think that just raw power at the guard position in the NFL is so critical and that\u2019s why obviously Anthony can withstand a lot in there. Just his sheer size and just what he can take on the inside. So I think for Christian, it\u2019s not getting overpowered and overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n
In short, Bradford had, and continues to have, advantages when it comes to size and strength. The Seahawks list Bradford at 335 pounds, which is consistent with the 332 at which he tipped the scale at the combine. Add in the ability to put up 34 reps on the bench press with 33.5 inch arms, and it\u2019s not difficult to understand why offensive line coaches drool at the thought of Bradford\u2019s potential if he\u2019s able to put together anything resembling passable technique, given that even as he prepares to enter his third year in the NFL he remains one of the youngest members of the Seahawks offensive line.<\/p>\n
Putting everything together, what Shane Waldron and Andy Dickerson saw in Bradford are the same things Ryan Grubb and Scott Huff saw in Bradford, which are the same things Klint Kubiak and John Benton see in Bradford. Pure size and strength. And he brings a fiery attitude.<\/p>\n
That clip is from Bradford\u2019s rookie season. There\u2019s not a lot of technique or skill he\u2019s displaying. What he is displaying, though, is the raw strength to go head to head against first round pick Mazi Smith, himself a 323-pound physical specimen who put up 34 reps on the bench press at the 2022 NFL Combine.<\/p>\n
With all that said, there\u2019s certainly no denying that Bradford has struggled to this point in his NFL career. However, he\u2019s still young, meaning he still has the time to develop.<\/p>\n
And, most importantly, he\u2019s got the sheer size and strength that make offensive coaches drool as they tell themselves, \u201cI can fix him.\u201d<\/p>\n
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