Vikings fill need on O-line with Bradbury selection
The Minnesota Vikings addressed their leaky offensive line by selecting center Garrett Bradbury out of NC State 18th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Vikings desperately needed better protection for expensive quarterback Kirk Cousins. Bradbury allowed just two sacks in pass protection in 2018.
Prospect profile
School: NC State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 306 lbs
Strengths
- True technician who mirrors hands and feet well
- Incredible in space, pulls in run/screen game are fun to watch
- Smart player who understands timing, has ability to pick up stunts and shifts
- Very good athlete for position
- Explodes off snap, often giving him early advantage
- Absorbs contact well, especially on bull rushes
Weaknesses
- Average play strength, was overpowered at times
- Has had trouble with penalties, especially early in career
- Versatile skill set to play guard but may not have size for it
Bottom line
Bradbury came to NC State as a tight end recruit and quickly developed into one of the top interior linemen in the nation. The 2018 Rimington Trophy winner (best center in the NCAA) is a pro-ready prospect who profiles extremely well in a zone-blocking scheme that can get him out in space. Bradbury will be an early-round target for teams looking to stymie a growing list of elite defensive tackles.