Field Gulls
Many fans of the Seattle Seahawks have spent good portions of the offseason waging war against the idea of Anthony Bradford manning the starting spot at right guard when the Hawks take the field for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Given the struggles Bradford has faced in his two years in the NFL, that is not unsurprising. However, it’s a fact that has been staring fans in the face for months.
According to a report from Brady Henderson of ESPN, Bradford took most of the first-team reps during the offseason.
The team spent a not insignificant portion of the offseason working to see if 2024 third-round pick Christian Haynes could win the starting job at center, a sign that Haynes wasn’t likely to be named the starter at right guard since teams don’t tend to have a presumed starter switch positions.
Then, on the eve of training camp in July, head coach Mike Macdonald noted that, “[Bradford] has done a great job this spring. His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic. I think he’s made strides now. Let’s go. You know, it’s time to go prove it consistently.”
Then, once camp had started and the pads had come on, Macdonald continued to have good things to say about Bradford.
So, what exactly is it that coaches see in Bradford that fans seem to miss, as Bradford is consistently scapegoated by fans for the struggles of the team. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak offered a glimpse into the answer to that question Tuesday.
“He’s a physical presence.”
It’s really that simple. While lamenting the lack of strength that kept Christian Haynes off the field in 2024, former Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb noted almost the same thing about Bradford. The bit of Grubb’s quote about Bradford was overlooked by fans who were more intent on understanding why Haynes wasn’t playing
Grubb’s full answer as to why Haynes wasn’t playing last season was, “Just technique and power. I think that just raw power at the guard position in the NFL is so critical and that’s why obviously Anthony can withstand a lot in there. Just his sheer size and just what he can take on the inside. So I think for Christian, it’s not getting overpowered and overwhelmed.”
In short, Bradford had, and continues to have, advantages when it comes to size and strength. The Seahawks list Bradford at 335 pounds, which is consistent with the 332 at which he tipped the scale at the combine. Add in the ability to put up 34 reps on the bench press with 33.5 inch arms, and it’s not difficult to understand why offensive line coaches drool at the thought of Bradford’s potential if he’s able to put together anything resembling passable technique, given that even as he prepares to enter his third year in the NFL he remains one of the youngest members of the Seahawks offensive line.
Putting everything together, what Shane Waldron...
