Seahawks Rookie Lineman Anthony Bradford: ‘Compete to Start'?
The NFL Draft's third day is largely viewed as a time to add depth to rosters, and while the Seattle Seahawks certainly did that, it's possible they selected a few starters, too.
One such instance is offensive lineman Anthony Bradford, who started games at right guard, left tackle and right tackle in each of the past two seasons at LSU but is expected to play inside for the Seahawks.
Taken off the board in the fourth round at No. 108 overall, the 6-4, 332-pound Bradford has been on Seattle's radar for quite some time.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider watched Bradford play live against Tennessee, during which he was forced to play left tackle after finding out that morning he wouldn't be playing guard due to the regular starter being unable to go.
While LSU suffered a 40-13 home defeat, Bradford's versatility left a lasting impression on Schneider that rung true on draft day ... and leaves Seattle's top boss with the belief that he took a starting-caliber player in Round 4.
"He moves out there and goes and plays tackle and he played well," Schneider said. "So, he's a big man, he can compete to start, and he can get you out of a game at tackle."
The live exposure was only a small part of the evaluation process, which was ultimately capped off by a "great visit" in Seattle between Bradford and the Seahawks' coaching and player development staff.
A native of Muskegon, Michigan, Bradford impressed Seattle with his maturity, and his four-year, 29-game career at LSU was equally as impressive, illustrating several key traits that Schneider anticipates will help him blossom at the sport's highest level.
"Square, power, heavy hands - you can see him finishing people," Schneider said. "He's from Michigan, Baton Rouge. He had a rough go where he grew up in Michigan and has overcome a lot, would go back and see his mom. His mom was struggling for a little while back home. So, he's overcome a lot of things in his life."
Now, the 24-year-old Bradford is poised to "compete" for a starting spot on Seattle's offensive line, likely with Phil Haynes at right guard.
Just one year removed from a stellar draft class that netted multiple impact players on Day 3, including Pro Bowl cornerback Tariq Woolen, Schneider is hoping for similar success this time around ... and seems confident that Bradford can help deliver exactly that.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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