Brandon Bridge - 6'5, 235, 4.5-4.7 40, projected 5-7th round
Starting to garner scouts attention with his first year as a starter at South Alabama (previously played at Alcorn State before transferring). Fast, great laser arm, plays with/against weak talent so it's going to be a big knock on him. Has been drawing comparisons to Kaep.:
South Alabama Jaguars: Brandon Bridge Rising Up NFL Draft Boards
Standing at 6-5, 235 pounds, it is easy to see why South Alabama Jaguars' quarterback, Brandon Bridge impresses teammates, coaches and scouts.
Gifted with a strong-arm, gazelle like speed and great instincts, the 22-year-old's unique blend of physical and athletic tools have the word "potential" glued to him.
After recently being named to the prestigious NFL Senior Bowl's watch list, the former Peel Region standout looks primed to fulfill his potential with accomplishments.
Bridge's ascension up NFL scouts draft boards started on a sticky Louisiana evening back in mid-July at the Manning Passing Academy.
That evening in Thibodaux, Bridge showcased his potential in the Air-It-Out Challenge, finishing ahead of last years Heisman trophy finalist's Marcus Mariota and Bryce Petty.
Although Bridge did not win the contest, eventually losing to Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion in the finals, he left quite the impression on those in attendance. He even garnered high praise from the NFL's royal family, the Manning's. As both Eli and Peyton Manning were impressed with Bridge's skill set.
Ever since that sticky summer evening in the Bayou, Brandon Bridge is one of the hottest "sleeper" names on NFL draft boards.
Everywhere you look, Bridge and the rise of South Alabama football are synonymous. Analysts and player evaluators can't get enough of Bridge.
Recently, both CBS Sports' Dane Brugler and former Cleveland Browns Player Personnel Director, now Senior Bowl Executive Director, Phil Savage, have compared Bridge to current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
"Bridge is tall and lean with a rocket launcher on his right shoulder like the 49ers quarterback and has more than enough velocity to toss ropes to all levels of the field," said Brugler.
Savage quickly agreed with Brugler's assessment, deeming Bridge as "baby Kaepernick" on his personal Twitter account.
While the praise of Bridge's potential continues to flow in, he is not worried about the pressure that comes with it.
"I'm not worried about the pressure," Bridge said. "I've been waiting a long time for this. I'm not going to let the opportunity slip by."
After dismantling the Appalachian State Mountaineers 47-21 this past Saturday, South Alabama's record improved to 3-2, tied for third place in the Sun Belt Conference. Bridge played very well on Saturday, throwing for 339 yards, three touchdowns, as well as 23 yards rushing and another touchdown.
More importantly, Bridge led the Jaguars' offence to a season high 582 total yards, as well as the schools highest point total since 2010. Overall, Bridge has played well through five games, compiling 1,205 total yards and 8 total touchdowns.
http://tipofthetower.com/2014/10/06/south-alabama-jaguars-brandon-bridge-rising-draft-boards/
Dane Bulger's scouting report from CBS:
STRENGTHS: Does a nice job scanning from the pocket and pushing the ball downfield with talent that reminds me of a less refined Colin Kaepernick. Shows a good understanding of situations and field awareness, playing under control of the offense with a quick processor to read the field then grip it and rip it.
From a tools perspective, he has intriguing talent worth developing. I expect Bridge to be in the mix for a Senior Bowl invitation and it won't be surprising when he starts to "rise" up draft boards over the next few months.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal experience, especially against FBS-level competition. Needs to tighten his mechanics, improve his pocket presence and sharpen his ball placement.
COMPARES TO: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers -- Bridge is tall and lean with a rocket launcher on his right shoulder like the 49ers quarterback and has more than enough velocity on his passes to toss ropes to all levels of the field.
--Dane Brugler (9/16/14)
PLAYER OVERVIEW: South Alabama has never had a player taken in the NFL Draft, but between Bridge and TE Wes Saxon, that should change next spring. An Alcorn State transfer, Bridge is in his first season as the Jaguars' starter, and has showen an intriguing skill-set that is starting to create some buzz in the scouting community.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1776297/brandon-bridge
Limited videos, but:
And here's some old ones from his days at Alcorn State:
