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Seattle Seahawks offensive guard Anthony Bradford is entering a make-or-break season. The fourth-year lineman is in a contract year. Bradford finds himself entrenched in a position battle at right guard for the second consecutive offseason with Christian Haynes.
Bradford has failed to establish himself as a long-term solution in Seattle. He disappointed last year, and was occasionally benched for Haynes. Pro Football Focus assigned Bradford an overall grade of 48.3, claiming he allowed seven sacks and 28 pressures in pass protection. He was also whistled for a team-high 10 penalties.
It’s possible the Seahawks could release Bradford if Haynes defeats him for the right guard job. Pump the brakes on that notion for now. ESPN recently compiled all 32 teams’ “most surprising” performers this offseason. Bradford was the choice for Seattle after impressive offseason workouts.
“When the Seahawks hired offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, a popular reaction was that Bradford may have a hard time winning back the starting job at right guard,” Brady Henderson wrote. “After all, he’s a big, powerful blocker who doesn’t seem like an ideal fit for an outside zone scheme that suits more athletic linemen.
“It’s time to press pause on that notion after a trimmer-looking Bradford shared first-team reps with Christian Haynes during OTAs and minicamp. “A.B.’s done a great job this spring,” coach Mike Macdonald said. “His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic. I think he’s made strides … It’s time to go prove it consistently. He knows that, but he’s right in the thick of it with the battle at right guard.”
It’ll be worth monitoring Bradford’s progress and involvement at training camp. The former LSU standout has been operating with a sense of urgency this offseason. Bradford must impress and adapt to Kubiak’s offensive system if he’s to extend his career in Seattle.
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