Name: Brandon Bridge
College: South Alabama
Class: SR
Position: QB
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 235
Background/Character | Leadership: 8 | Experience: 7 | Off-the-Field: 9 |
| Mental Capacity: 8 | Mental Toughness: 9 | Durability: 9 |
Brandon Bridge was a one-year full-time starter for South Alabama after he transferred from Alcorn State, then sat a year despite being eligible to play. He had high grades throughout school, showing that he is responsible and intelligent off the field. His ability to master an offense quickly and be a n immediate leader of the team is a flag, as he lost a QB battle at S. Alabama.
Final Grade: 8.33
Athleticism | Balance: 9 | C.O.D: 9 | Explosiveness: 9 |
| Flexibility: 8 | Coordination: 9 | Body Type: 9 |
It’s nearly impossible to find a better athlete than Brandon Bridge at quarterback. He’s a tremendous runner in terms of speed and elusiveness. He could switch positions if he is asked to. His long frame is already filled out nicely, and he can make plays outside of the pocket that are true “wow” moments. His upside is truly immense with his physical tools.
Final Grade: 8.83
Arm Talent | Arm Strength: 10 | Velocity Control: 7 | Touch: 5 |
| Arm Adjustment: 7 | Release Quicks: 9 | On the Move: 7 |
Bridge has one of the strongest arms I’ve seen. He has the ability to flick his wrist slightly and make the ball soar as far as he needs. His release is very fast and he doesn't need to wind up to get velocity. He’s a natural passer capable of any throw. He needs to put more air under some passes, though, as all of his throws are darts right now.
Final Grade: 7.5
Passing Technique | Mechanics: 5 | Release: 7 | Under Pressure: 5 |
| Drops: 5 | Movement: 5 | Throwing Base: 6 |
When things break down around Bridge, he isn't bad, but he isn't great yet, either. His mechanics break down and he will fall back when throwing. His arm can compensate, but only to a certain extent that won’t cut it in the NFL. His accuracy is good, but not where it needs to be. Bridge’s feet can be an adventure to watch as he tries to move through his progressions. He needs time to develop and allow the game to slow down for his eyes.
Final Grade: 5.5
Passing Instincts | Football IQ: 7 | Pre-Snap Reads: 5 | Field Vision: 4 |
| Decision Making: 5 | Pocket Presence: 3 | Poise: 6 |
With the lack of experience that Bridge has, his lack of natural pocket prowess shouldn't be unexpected. He forces too many passes into the arms of defenders, and is prone to staring down targets. His ability to feel pressure is lacking right now, although he escapes well with his athleticism. It’ll take time and reps for Bridge to see the field better.
Final Grade: 5
| Player Comparison: | Colin Kaepernick |
| Projected Draft Position: | Late Day 3 |
| Best Scheme Fit: | Vertical Spread |
| Injury History: | Injured ankle in 2014 |
| Career Accolades: | NFLPA Game participant |
| Career Stats: | 50.7 completion percentage, 2,325 yards, 16 TDs, 10 INTs |
Final Analysis
It’s hard to find a player with more physical tools than Brandon Bridge. The South Alabama quarterback was surrounded by terrible receivers that dropped a ton of passes, so his statistics should be a lot better than they were, but the film has a lot of positives nonetheless.
His arm strength and lightning-quick release are extremely impressive and worthy of being developed. He isn't blind to coverages, either, but he has to work on using his eyes to work the defense instead of being reactive. Bridge needs serious time as a practice squad or third-string quarterback to develop.
Getting reps to develop will be tough to find in that role, but he’s a better investment than a quarterback with little or no upside.
Final Grade: 6.45- 6th Round Value