Panthers GM Dave Gettleman scrapped his ‘Best Pick Available’ draft strategy two drafts ago to address ‘a crisis at a position’, that being CB. Consider it now ‘Crisis averted’. Bradberry looks like a steal in the second round now.
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CB James Bradberry
2016 snaps: 799
Key stat: Wasn’t beaten for a reception longer than 31 yards all season.
Another impressive rookie cornerback, Bradberry started from day one despite making the step up from Samford college as a second-round draft pick. Exposed badly in Week 1, Bradberry performed very well after that, and showed some spectacular plays in zone coverage consistent with a player of much more experience. He was beaten for an average of just 10.6 all season despite playing on the perimeter and not the slot where catch averages are lower.
He did get better as the season progressed, gaining confidence with every game. In fact he was playing really well late in the season, logging 11 tackles, 3 passes defensed and an INT in the Panthers’ final two games.
I don’t think Bradberry will be much of a secret after his second season. In fact I think the top trio of Bradberry, Darryl Worley and Captain Munnerlyn will be under-rated going into the season. Yet it’s very reminiscent of 2015 when the Panthers brought in vet Charles Tillman. Especially when you also consider the signing of S Mike Adams, who can a similar role to that of departed S Roman Harper (or better).