Obscure Seahawks Bi-Weekly: Allen Bradford
Aug 1, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Allen Bradford (32) runs with the ball during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The eighth installment of “Obscure Seahawks Bi-Weekly” looks at linebacker Allen Bradford. Bradford has been around the Seahawks for a couple of years and has yet to truly make a mark. With a lot more uncertainty at the linebacker position this year, 2013 might be Bradford’s time to make an impact.
The Basics
Age: 24
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 235
Position: LB
Number: #52
College: USC
Method of Acquisition: Claimed off waivers from the Buccaneers 10/17/11, signed to the active roster from the practice squad 12/28/12.
Years Pro: 3
40 yard dash time: 4.58 seconds
Bench Press Reps: 28
NCAA career stats: 52 GP, 267 Attempts, 1585 Yards, 16 TD’s
Fun Fact: As you may have noticed in his stats above Bradford was a running back at USC. He was drafted in the 6th round as running back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who figured he had a chance to be a power back/short yardage weapon.
Scouting Report
Where others saw a plodding complementary back, Pete Carroll saw an explosive athletic linebacker. Bradford’s 4.58 40 time would have been third best among linebackers at the combine this year and his 28 bench press reps also would have ranked third in the position group. Bradford has the requisite size and athleticism to play linebacker but what he lacks is the experience. Since coming to the Seahawks he has appeared in one game, registering no statistics whatsoever and presumably playing special teams. Only the Seahawks coaching staff knows the degree to which this guy can actually play his position but the tools are definitely there. However, linebacker is a very instinctual position and a guy with so little experience playing it might not have developed the instincts yet. Worst case scenario he has potential as a playmaking special teamer.
Chances of Making the Team
Pretty good. The Seahawks are likely to carry five to six linebackers and there aren’t a lot of mortal locks in this group. Wagner and Wright are locked in and it seems like Malcolm Smith and Mike Morgan are also pretty safe bets. It’s kind of interesting how there are only three of Pete Carroll’s USC players on this team and they are all linebackers (Bradford, Smith and Morgan) but I digress. There are probably one or two spots for the other linebackers to fight for. Heath Farwell is one candidate but I expect him to be cut given his sizable price tag. The other main threats to a job for Bradford would be 2012 draft pick Korey Toomer and undrafted free agent John Lotulelei, who received the biggest signing bonus of any UDFA this year. If there are two spots Bradford would have a solid chance to beat out one of the guys, or step up due to injury. If there is only one spot he will be in a tough training camp battle. Because he’s got good athleticism and has been around the program for a couple of years I would give him a good chance to make this squad though. Arbitrary Estimates: 54% chance of making the team, ineligible for the practice squad.