James Bradberry

A four-year starter, Bradberry redshirted as a safety for head coach Hugh Freeze at Arkansas State in 2011, but his desire to play cornerback led him back home, transferring to FCS-level Samford. He recorded 45 tackles, 11 passes broken up and a pair of interceptions in 2015 to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. "The last time I seen this many people circled around the field was in high school when we played Hueytown," Bradberry told AL.com about his Class 5A championship game while playing for Pleasant Grove high school in Alabama. "I noticed (famous NFL coaches) when I first got here, but then I tried to lock in and just pay attention to my coaches and just try to work on my technique." Samford spent his redshirt freshman season at Arkansas State before transferring to Samford, and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Jaquiski Tartt, a second-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers last year who started eight games as a rookie. "I saw him practice and play every day," Bradberry told AL.com. "I feel like I can play along with him, so it gave me some confidence coming out (to the Senior Bowl)."

level of competition concerns and struggled vs. fbs receivers at times during senior bowl practices. lacks the short-area burst to stick with top receiving prospects. patient process, but often plays it too safe in off-coverage, arriving late to the ball. route anticipation needs maturing. shows hip tightness when changing directions, causing him to get turned around in coverage. immature eye use and discipline.

Needs to improve his focus and technique to maintain proper positioning on vertical routes and combinations. Needs to take more chances and show more aggression to create and keep offenses honest - predictable and veteran receivers will figure him out quickly.

strengths

When he can press and play close to the line of scrimmage, Bradberry extends to disrupt the route and stays balanced while keeping his eyes in the backfield to make a play on the ball. Looks the part with a tall, filled-out frame and cut physique. Vines for arms with a large wingspan. Controlled athlete, using measured footwork to press and transition...

reaches his top speed quickly. stance is his foundation, staying balanced while engaged to play bump-and-run. lower body bend in off coverage with a quick trigger once he sinks to intercept angles. large catch radius with the ballskills to make plays above the rim. above average high-to-low tackler with the functional strength to fill and finish.

WEAKNESSES

in our view

Bradberry is well-versed with press technique and isn't shy using his long arms and physical hands to disrupt the rhythm of receivers, but his high center of gravity and stiffness force him to get turned around, lacking the burst to recover. Although he needs to improve his anticipation and aggressiveness in off coverages, Bradberry will also be a candidate for zone schemes or a transition to safety