[ESPN] Who will go number 1: Bridgewater vs. Clowney

Bridgewater's size is the only thing that concerns me about him as well. I'm pretty sure he can play well in the NFL, though you never know. Wilson is listed at 5-11 206 lbs and Bridgewater is 6-3 196 lbs. It's okay for Wilson to be that weight given his size but for Bridgewater that's pretty frail. He'll need to get bigger if he wants to be able to take NFL hits.

 

I think this play perfectly illustrates everything Bridewater is about. Even though he's being faced with pressure, he never folds. His great footwork allows him to avoid pass-rushers, but he keeps his eyes downfield and finally launches the ball deep to where only his receiver can catch it.

http://youtu.be/XxA8zqa6MEg?t=10m13s

 

I find that amazing how he avoids the pass rush. It's not just his footwork, which is amazing, but he instinctively where to move to avoid the sack. He stays in longer than most current NFL QB's would.

He never abandons the pocket unless it is absolutely necessary and almost always looks downfield before he even considers running. People who complain about his size haven't watched him. He is strong and difficult to bring down. He steps up big when more is on the line. It's no coincidence he is so good on 3rd down and has such a high scoring percentage in the red zone. And when the game is big he is bigger. Just witness his game against 4th rank Florida in the Sugar bowl. His only problem is he can't play defense.

 

I'm so impressed that Teddy B is given 3 plays to make a change at the LOS. He's able to look off safeties and go through his progressions. These skills combined with his accuracy, good-enough arm, and athleticism in the pocket make me really think that he's a can't-miss prospect. Guys, we're looking at the next Aaron Rodgers.

 

Oh lord 1:25 of the video brought some terrible flashbacks

 

I agree. I see a lot of rodgers in bridgewater.

 

LOL! But hey, he scored a TD on it!

Texans Super Bowl Motto next season: From Rosencoptering to Bridgecoptering, Super Bowl Champions 2014.

 

he will probably add size as he bcomes a pro anyway. i dont see how larger calves will protect his knees or prevent someones bones from breaking like cushings did. gronkowski just tore his acl and that guy is huge, i would be more worried about smaller guys taking out your legs as opposed to 300lb dudes smashing you in the chest..

 

The more video I watch of Bridgewater, the more I'm impressed. The kid has ice in his veins, he is so cool and calm. He is not flashy like Manziel yet he can and does make plays like Manziel when absolutely necessary.

Of course no one is as spetacular as Manziel but Bridgewater surprisingly is not far behind him the ability to scramble and make miraculous plays. The difference is he chooses not to unless absolute necessary.

Unlike Manziel he does not run out of the pocket when it breaks down a little. He is fearless and stays locked in while pass rushes move in. He has amazing footwork and he is instinctively elusive.

I think why some aren't sold on him is he is not amazingly flashy. I would even agree a bit and think that is a bit of a fault of his. He is always looking downfield and always tries to pass 1st second third.

You don't see many amazing runs by him because most times if he sees a opportunity to pass, no matter how slim, he takes it.

That's the one thing I would have to say he needs to change a bit. There where times it was clear he had a better chance to make more yards than the receiver he was passing too yet he passed anyway.

It wasn't because he was afraid to run but rather he seems to trust his receivers more than they deserve. That's a fault that he will need to work on. Understanding when it is better just to run with the ball even if there is a receiver open.

The ting is most of the time it is better to pass but a small percentage it would be better if he ran. Not a big deal especially considering most QBs have the opposite problem and it's so hard to break them of that.

What I would say to those who are not sold on Bridgewater is watch more video of him. You will see those spectacular plays you want and you will understand he has that ability but he just doesn't do it as much as you might like because he always tries to stay in the pocket first. And while he is in the pocket he is going through his progressions once and even twice, always looking for his open receiver using his footwork to avoid the pass rush until a receiver is open or the pocket completely breaks down and then and only then does he run.

When you watch that there is nothing spectacular to see. He is just moving his feet a little and staying in the pocket avoid the defense. But when you understand how nimble his footwork is and how quick he goes through his progressions and with a terrible OLine how cool and calm he remains under pressure then you might understand how good this kid is.

I would say he has the worst offensive line of any other top tier college QB. Winston doesn't have to deal with the pressure that Bridgewater goes through nor Manziel or Mariota. Not even Luck got tested like that. And as for skinny legs, this kid is strong and takes more hits after passes than any other college QB's I've seen. And the reason why is because he is fearless. He stays in the pocket till the very last second. I'll be honest, I haven't watched a lot of Clowney or Barr but I have watched a lot of Manziel and Mariota and Boyd. And Bridgewater is by far the best choice.

What's even more important to me is this kid continually gets better. He is better this year than last year and much better from the first year. He just turned 21 and he will get bigger and better and stronger.

And he comes with great character and leadership. His coaches love him and he loves them. He instill teammates to follow him by his fearlessness on the field. I'm not afraid of these guys, why should you be. We're not lesser than these guys we can beat these guys. Follow me. And they do.

Quarterbacks like Bridgewater don't come around very often. He has both the Tangibles and intangibles. We need to grab this kid if we have the chance.

 

Bridgewater does have some crazy good footwork. He is going to have to invest in some dancing shoes if we keep Newton

 

I don't want Bridgewater. The non-physical keys to success at QB in the NFL is being intelligent, a good decision maker, a fast decision maker, confident and mature. You must be able to lead other professional football players. Mental strength and competitive spirit are keys. The best of the best have all this -- Brees, Rodgers, Manning, Brady. Obviously you must also have good fundamentals and a strong, accurate arm -- those are prerequisites. QB speed is rendered irrelevant in the NFL, due to the speed of defenses. Don't even look at that when evaluating talent. Escapability and the ability to extend plays (different than speed) helps, but is not high on the list of evaluation criteria. If the QB is not razor sharp from a mental standpoint, then he's not a top tier QB in the NFL.

I'd rather draft Matthews or Clowney at 1, then take a chance on guys like Mettenberger, Jeff Mathews, or Aaron Murray in a later round.

 

arent these literally the things that bridgewater is praised for.. have you watched him play???

 

Who says he doesn't have these intangibles?

 

You just described Teddy Bridgewater. It's why I am so high on him. He has all of the physical abilities wrapped in a mature intelligent leader. He has great decision making skills. He is exactly what you described as a successful NFL QB. The only thing I see slightly as a fault is he doesn't understand how good he is. He is too humble. But in this day and age of Clowney type egos he is refreshing. Do your research and you will see.

 

i just hope the rox don't pick a QB with their 1st pick...they have more pressing needs.

 

I'm with you on this. This is a deep QB draft and the Texans have more pressing needs in other areas. They can get a QB with their other pick

 

defensive ends and offensive tackles dont change franchises.. we have the premier DE and an all-pro LT and were a 2-11 team.. take the qb..

 

He doesn't. Listen to him in an interview. It's frightening to think that we would invest tens of millions into someone with this mental makeup. He's shy and lacks confidence. Maturity is also lacking. I see a thin facade of confidence on the field that will be shattered under pressure in the NFL.

I want the Texans to gather a panel of proven leaders in several fields -- business, medicine, law, law enforcement -- and interview all of the QB candidates for their mental makeup. This is what I would do in my business if I was making such a key hiring decision. Mental makeup is #1 for success.

 

bridgewater plays some of his best football in the 4th quarter, but hey he doesnt interview well..