Draft analysis: Bridgewater may not be top pickBridgewater is a top prospect but not an elite NFL talent By Brent Sobleski USA Today SportsJan 5th, 2014
Name: Teddy Bridgewater School: Louisville Position: QB Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 205 Projected draft position: Top 10 NFL comparison: Matt Ryan Stats: 71 percent completion rate, 3,970 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and four interceptions Why you want your team to draft him: The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and Bridgewater is generally considered the top prospect at his position. Bridgewater has many of the qualities NFL teams search for in their quarterbacks. It starts with Bridgewater’s mental approach to the game. Louisville’s coaching staff gave the quarterback complete control of the offense. He had to read defenses and make the proper adjustments. More often than not, he was up to the task. Bridgewater is also considered a hard worker, who spends plenty of extra time in the film room. Bridgewater’s on-field performance is as impressive as his work off of it. Bridgewater throws with anticipation and regularly fits the ball into tight windows. He spins the ball well. His footwork is impeccable. And he can make accurate throws rolling to his right and left. Also, Bridgewater is an underrated athlete. He spends most of his time in the pocket, because it’s where he is most comfortable. When Bridgewater does feel pressure, he can create extra time by nimbly moving around the pocket to create more throwing space. Why you want your team to avoid him: There are two knocks on Bridgewater. First, Bridgewater has an above average arm. It’s not extraordinary. All his throws under 20 yards can be delivered with zip and accuracy. But his ball placement leaves something to be desired when attempting to throw the ball deep down field. Part of this is due to Bridgewater’s release. He has a slight loop in his motion as he brings his arm back, and he doesn’t set up on his platform properly. The second concern about Bridgewater is his slight frame. Louisville’s official site lists the quarterback at 205 pounds. He’s played closer to 195 pounds throughout the season. NFL teams will be concerned about how his frame will hold up over a 16-game schedule. Overall: May’s quarterback class is both fascinating and frustrating. Bridgewater could be selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans, or he could slide a little later in the Top 10. He’s far from the consensus top player in the draft. His situation doesn’t speak directly to Bridgewater’s talent, rather there isn’t an Andrew Luck-caliber quarterback prospect available. It makes it quite interesting for those teams selecting in the Top 10 overall. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and, of course, the Texans desperately need quarterback upgrades. Bridgewater is not necessarily a perfect fit for all of the organizations due to coaching changes or current systems. Bridgewater will almost certainly be taken by a team in the Top 10, but he’s far from a lock to become the No. 1 overall selection.
Anyone who passes on this kid will regret it.
May not be a BO'B type QB...which means Teddy can go to anyone who trades for #2. Is Teddy worth this year and Next year's #1?
Kinda sounds to me more like Russell Wilson than anyone else, but even if he turned out to be Matt Ryan, that's not all bad either. I'm not sure he'll go #1, but he'll be gone in the top 5 for sure,JMO.
If you're looking for 'franchise' this kid isn't it. He may be decent, but he is not elite. A huge PASS. Hopefully the Texans take him so there is no chance of him sliding to us.
If you're looking for 'franchise' this kid isn't it. He may be decent, but he is not elite. A huge PASS. Hopefully the Texans take him so there is no chance of him sliding to us.
Funny- I feel the same way about every QB in this class except Bridgewater.
I'm conflicted about Bridgewater, too. I just have a hard time getting past his build. He looks small and like he won't hold up to the NFL game. People compare him to Wilson and Brees, but Wilson is thicker and Brees is a strong guy despite his size. Plus, Brees works the pocket so well and gets rid of the ball so quickly that he usually avoids big hits. It seems clear that these are the skills that Bridgewater will need to thrive and reach his potential, and he may well be able to do it. I'm not sure I'd gamble a #1 overall pick on that "maybe." Of course, if you don't have another QB and the rest of the QB's in the draft have serious questions about them, as this draft does, then you're in a hard place. If you're the Bucs, you'd have to be supremely sold on the guy to spend what it would take to get him, and I can't see anyone being that sold on Bridgewater.Because of the QB shortcomings in the draft, I still think Hundley will end up #1 overall if he comes out. He's frustrating because he's not as accurate or as effective at reading defenses as Bridgewater, but his physical ceiling is much, much higher and a good QB coach will be believe he can make Hundley better at the other elements of the game. Now, if Hundley scores a 7 on the Wonderlic . . .
Because of the QB shortcomings in the draft, I still think Hundley will end up #1 overall if he comes out. He's frustrating because he's not as accurate or as effective at reading defenses as Bridgewater, but his physical ceiling is much, much higher and a good QB coach will be believe he can make Hundley better at the other elements of the game. Now, if Hundley scores a 7 on the Wonderlic . . .
Looks like Hundley will be staying at UCLA, so, um, nevermind. :DSeriously, though, next year's QB draft class looks sensational.
Bridgewater's game translates well into the pros. He's legit and a steal if he drops to the Bucs @7.
Because of the QB shortcomings in the draft, I still think Hundley will end up #1 overall if he comes out. He's frustrating because he's not as accurate or as effective at reading defenses as Bridgewater, but his physical ceiling is much, much higher and a good QB coach will be believe he can make Hundley better at the other elements of the game. Now, if Hundley scores a 7 on the Wonderlic . . .
Looks like Hundley will be staying at UCLA, so, um, nevermind. :DSeriously, though, next year's QB draft class looks sensational.
That's part of the equation for why I am fine rolling with Glennon this year. If he lights it up then great. If he doesn't there will be quite a few good QBs available next year.
You clowns say that every year. The year we drafted Freeman 90% of this board said the same thing and well the following year was even worse. Plus to get the one you want will probably not be feasible.
The Texans could really shake things up by taking JFF #1. That could be their thought process, seeing they are shopping the 1, they may be thinking they can get JFF a bit later in the first.
The Texans could really shake things up by taking JFF #1. That could be their thought process, seeing they are shopping the 1, they may be thinking they can get JFF a bit later in the first.
I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps its a smokescreen or that they really think they could move down a few spots and still; get him.
Texans don't deserve to win if they skip on a Bridgewater number 1. I will guarantee right now they make the playoffs next year if they pick him. If Texans skip him there is no way he makes it to 7.
They have already said the pick is for sale.
