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Faceoff - ILB Stewart Bradley, Philadelphia Eagles
Posted 7/25, exclusive to Footballguys.com
Upside - by Jene Bramel
Stewart Bradley doesn't jump off the scouting report as a stud IDP prospect. He doesn't have the best playing speed or range, but has enough instincts and fundamental skills to have earned the trust of the Eagles' coaching staff this season as their starting MLB. Though he's only played two games in that role, the team declined to bring in any competition for him, has moved last year's starter Omar Gaither back outside and has said that he'll wear the helmet communicator and have every down responsibility.Bradley's two games as the starter last year (8 solos, 1 sack, 1 interception) suggest that he'll probably be able to handle the full time role, especially with a full offseason to digest the playbook and take reps inside during OTAs. The "What have you done for me lately?" mentality of many IDP owners has seemingly forgotten the 102 and 88 solo tackle seasons former Eagle MLB Jeremiah Trotter produced in 2006 and 2007. Omar Gaither's 69 solo effort last season aside, the every down role in Philadelphia has solid IDP potential.
The FBG staff consensus redraft ranking for Bradley is LB50. That's within the low LB4 -- high LB5 tier in standard 12 team leagues. There's reason for caution when considering a player without elite talent who doesn't have a large body of work to look at for reassurance. However, Bradley has a vote of confidence from his coaches and the upside to go with it. He's got 85-90 solo tackle potential in a big play scheme. That's LB2 upside in a LB4-5 wrapper.
Downside - by Aaron Rudnicki
Bradley spent 3 years as a starting SLB at Nebraska and was a late 3rd round pick last year. After spending most of his rookie season as a reserve, he got his first start at MLB very late in the season and looked impressive. He collected 6 solos, 1 sack, and 1 INT against the Saints and followed that up with a solid performance against the Bills. With Takeo Spikes released, the Eagles plan to move their most experienced LB Omar Gaither from MLB to WLB, where he can become an impact playmaker. That clears a spot for Bradley to take over as the Eagles full-time MLB.Bradley has a good combination of size, speed, and intelligence that should make him a good fit in the center of the Eagles defense. Despite a couple of solid games last season, however, he remains unproven at the position. Can he hold up over an entire season at a position that he has never really played full-time before? If he struggles, there's always a chance that the Eagles will move Omar Gaither back inside to MLB. The history of production from Eagles LBs doesn't seem to bode well for Bradley either. Jeremiah Trotter was one of the best run stopping LBs in the league, yet he was still no better than a LB2 in most scoring systems. Bradley won't be used the same way as Trotter, but he should see more playing time than in passing situations which could help offset the difference.
Overall, I think there's certainly reason to be optimistic regarding Bradley's production this year, but I wouldn't count on him having the big breakout season that some people might be expecting. I see him finishing as a LB3, which is about average or maybe even slightly worse for a starting 3-down MLB.