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Originally posted by BB.com
Opportunity big for Bradham
Posted Apr 20, 2013
Mark Armstrong
Enthusiasm continues to resonate One Bills Drive, and voluntary veteran mini-camp lifted the excitement level to yet another new height. With a new coaching staff and fresh schemes on both sides of the ball, opportunities will present themselves for many players.
One player who appears poised to prosper from the changes is second-year linebackerNigel Bradham . Drafted in the fourth-round, Bradham spent the 2012 season working out of the strong-side linebacker position in the 4-3 defense, including starts in the final 11 games.
While Bradham found success at the position, strong-side linebacker was not a spot he had previous experience with. During his tenure at Florida State University, Bradham played weak-side as a freshman and sophomore, and inside as a junior and senior.
“Last year they moved me over to the SAM,” said Bradham. “I started out at the weak-side and then moved over to the SAM. The transition was different for me. It was a different role because I had never played SAM before.”
With defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s installation of a hybrid 3-4 defensive system, Bradham is heading back to the weak-side, and the 23 year-old is excited to be back to the position where he is most comfortable.
“Oh yeah, it’s definitely nice to be back over there,” Bradham said of the switch. “The role I had last year, I fit the team well and the coaches felt like that was best so I went out and played it.”
From the weak-side, Bradham should be able to better utilize the speed and power that made him one of the most dependable linebackers at Florida State University, and earn time on the field as a rookie in Buffalo.
“I see myself fitting in well,” Bradham said of the new scheme. “I feel like the scheme is really good for me, as far as where I can use my speed, my ability to cover, and pretty much be able to get some big plays and big hits on some guys this season.”
Bills GM Buddy Nix himself believes Bradham is an excellent fit, and he foresees a solid season.
“I think he’s a great fit for what we’re doing because he can fly,” Nix said Tuesday at the draft luncheon. “He can run. He’s a guy that the closer he gets to the ball, the faster he gets. He likes to play. He was an excellent special teams guy. I would think he’ll have a good year.”
Nix did not hesitate when asked if Bradham could play all three downs this season.
“Absolutely,” said Nix. “That’s my opinion. Coaches may be different. Yeah, I think he can.”
Bradham was used as a nickel package linebacker in the team’s minicamp last week.
With the additions ofManny Lawson , who will take over the strong-side, and Marcus Dowtin, Nix believes the Bills linebacker corps is better than advertised.
Posted Apr 20, 2013
Mark ArmstrongEnthusiasm continues to resonate One Bills Drive, and voluntary veteran mini-camp lifted the excitement level to yet another new height. With a new coaching staff and fresh schemes on both sides of the ball, opportunities will present themselves for many players.
One player who appears poised to prosper from the changes is second-year linebacker
While Bradham found success at the position, strong-side linebacker was not a spot he had previous experience with. During his tenure at Florida State University, Bradham played weak-side as a freshman and sophomore, and inside as a junior and senior.
“Last year they moved me over to the SAM,” said Bradham. “I started out at the weak-side and then moved over to the SAM. The transition was different for me. It was a different role because I had never played SAM before.”
With defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s installation of a hybrid 3-4 defensive system, Bradham is heading back to the weak-side, and the 23 year-old is excited to be back to the position where he is most comfortable.
“Oh yeah, it’s definitely nice to be back over there,” Bradham said of the switch. “The role I had last year, I fit the team well and the coaches felt like that was best so I went out and played it.”
From the weak-side, Bradham should be able to better utilize the speed and power that made him one of the most dependable linebackers at Florida State University, and earn time on the field as a rookie in Buffalo.
“I see myself fitting in well,” Bradham said of the new scheme. “I feel like the scheme is really good for me, as far as where I can use my speed, my ability to cover, and pretty much be able to get some big plays and big hits on some guys this season.”
Bills GM Buddy Nix himself believes Bradham is an excellent fit, and he foresees a solid season.
“I think he’s a great fit for what we’re doing because he can fly,” Nix said Tuesday at the draft luncheon. “He can run. He’s a guy that the closer he gets to the ball, the faster he gets. He likes to play. He was an excellent special teams guy. I would think he’ll have a good year.”
Nix did not hesitate when asked if Bradham could play all three downs this season.
“Absolutely,” said Nix. “That’s my opinion. Coaches may be different. Yeah, I think he can.”
Bradham was used as a nickel package linebacker in the team’s minicamp last week.
With the additions of
Now I like Bradham very much, but Manny Lawson, Marcus Dowtin and a 2nd year 4th round draft pick are going to be "better than advertised?" Buddy Nix has to go.
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