James Bradberry, Samford, CB: 2016 NFL Draft Profile

James Bradberry

College: Samford

Position: Cornerback

Height/Weight: 6-1/211

College Stats: 128 tackles, 8 interceptions.

A former Arkansas State defensive back, James Bradberry made the move to FCS program Samford so that he could continue playing safety. Bradberry made the right choice in heading to the Southern Conference program, starting nearly every game of his college career.

After a redshirt freshman season that saw him make 32 tackles and two interceptions, Bradberry looked comfortable with a sophomore season that included 26 tackles and another two interceptions. Bradberry turned into one of the best cornerbacks at the FCS level during his junior (25 tackles, two interceptions) and senior (45 tackles, two interceptions). He was named to the First Team All-Southern Conference squad as a senior.

Pros:

Bradberry has excellent size for a cornerback prospect at 6-1, 211 pounds. Scouts are enamored with his physical prowess and expect him development to come from using his physical skills in a better way. He is very active with his long arms, showing a knack for press coverage and really jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. Bradberry is one of the better cornerbacks in this year's draft to use the sideline as an extra defender.

The Alabama native is an active run stopper, not afraid to get in the mix and take down ball carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage. He showed much more of an ability to get into the backfield during his senior season. Bradberry also knows what it takes to be a player at the next level after watching teammate Jaquiski Tartt start eight games as a rookie for the San Francisco 49ers.

Cons:

Needs to work on his form in press coverage. Lack of optimal form causes Bradberry to allow receivers to get to the inside and beat him off the line. He must prove than he can handle himself versus the very quick receivers that can beat press coverage.

Bradberry has been called out by scouts for too much complacency on the backside of a play. He will jog towards the play rather than use his speed to help from the backside. That can be fixed with coaching.

Where will Bradberry be drafted?

Bradberry checks off all of the physical requirements for playing cornerback at the NFL level. He has several things to work on to make his way into the rotation on defense, but should be a great pickup for a team willing to invest time into him.

My prediction is Bradberry hearing his name called with the #147 pick of the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins.