The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have two more picks remaining in round seven before their 2011 NFL Draft comes to an end. But while we wait to see how the Bucs conclude their weekend from Radio City Music Hall in New York City, a few preliminary words about their selection with the 22nd pick in round six (187th overall), USC running back Allen Bradford.
At just 5’11", Bradford packs a mean punch behind his nearly 250 pound frame. For a man that size, Bradford is surprisingly fast, clocking a 4.58 40-yard dash time. Of course, that kind of speed will preclude him from being an every-down back in the NFL. But really, in today’s game, there really aren’t too many teams that don’t lean heavily on multiple running backs.
For Bradford, his opportunity to contribute in Tampa will come in short-yardage and goal-to-go type situations. His footwork between the tackles is pretty good for such a large guy, and when he’s not unnecessarily bouncing it outside in search of a big run, his balance and ability to keep his pads low and drive the pile forward make him a nice prospect, especially for where he was drafted.
For a team that’s not going to blow anybody off the ball with its offensive line, Bradford might be able to find a niche on the Bucs’ squad beginning in 2011.
Stay tuned both here and at Bucs Nation for another round of updates about Tampa Bay’s seventh round selections, as well as for a complete recap of the weekend’s proceedings.