The newest member of the Buffalo Bills linebacker group is Carl Bradford.
Picked in the fourth round pick by the Packers in the 2014 NFL draft out of Arizona State, Bradford could never crack the active roster in Green Bay. He spent his entire rookie season on the inactive list and the majority of the following two years on the practice squad.
On November 19, 2016, he was promoted to the Packers active roster but was released on December 17 and was subsequently picked up by the 49ers.
The 6’1”, 250-pounder was an edge-rusher in college, but the Packers tried him at off-ball linebacker.
At Arizona State, Bradford accumulated 39.5 tackles for loss and 20 sacks in his final two years with the Sun Devils.
He has no NFL stats in his pro career.
I had Bradford as the No. 9 edge-rusher in the 2014 draft class, compared him to Junior Galette and had him a mid Round 2 - mid Round 3 grade.
Here’s what I wrote about him:
“Desired burst off the snap. Usually launches into offensive linemen low, which is good. Big-time motor. Has very limited pass-rushing counter moves. Displays good punch at the point of attack, but it's not overwhelming. Disengages from blocks well to get his hands on running backs. Solid play recognition ability. Holds his own against larger offensive linemen blocking for the run. Bull rush isn't powerful enough to push back offensive tackles and his speed rush usually isn't fast enough to routinely beat them around the edge. Play is ideal for 4-3 DE, but his size and superior athleticism are better suited for 3-4 OLB. Played with his hands in the dirt for the majority of 2013. Above-average run defender.”
At the 2014 combine, Bradford ran a 4.76 in the 40, broad jumped 122” and had a vertical of 37.5”. His three-cone time was 7.25.