LSU offensive guard Anthony Bradford is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft. Bradford started contests for LSU at right guard, left tackle, and right tackle throughout the 2022 campaign. Bradford’s inside-outside abilities will get him drafted rather early in April.
Bradford was outstanding at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Muskegon, Michigan native ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 5.08 seconds with a 30-inch vertical and 8-foot-10 broad jump. Bradford looked smooth and in control throughout on-field drills as well.
Bradford recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his excellent performance at the combine, positional versatility, and more. Bradford could be an instant starter in the NFL.
JM: You made starts at right guard, left tackle, and right tackle in 2022. How did you balance that back and forth?
Anthony Bradford: I’m an offensive lineman through and through. Growing up, I wasn’t one of those kids that played multiple positions. I always played on the offensive line (laughs). My expertise is on the offensive line.Â
At LSU, it was just a situation that came up where they needed me to bounce around a little bit and play different positions. I did that to help the team. I honestly didn’t think anything of it. I went in with an open mind. I executed the assignment to the best of my ability.
JM: You sure did. What position are you most comfortable playing at the next level?Â
Anthony Bradford: I feel like I’m most comfortable at right guard. I’m such a big and powerful guy. I’m tough to move. At right guard, I can clog up the middle and stop those pass rushers from getting inside penetration.
I feel like I can play both tackle and guard in the league though. I feel most comfortable at right guard though.
JM: Have you heard feedback from teams regarding your future position?
Anthony Bradford: Not so much about any one individual position. Every team is telling me that I’m versatile and can play multiple positions. I’m pretty sure it’s locked in at right guard to start though.
JM: You were outstanding at the combine. You ran the 40-yard dash in 5.08 seconds with a 1.74 10-yard split. You also leaped a 30-inch vertical and 8-foot-10 broad jump. How would you grade your overall performance?
Anthony Bradford: Man, I’m proud of myself (laughs). I have to start by saying that. I came in there understanding this is the NFL Scouting Combine. I never doubted myself. This is the biggest pre-draft stage. I’ve been watching this event on television since I was a young kid.
I came in with confidence. I knew I was going to do what I do best. I feel like I did amazing at the combine.
JM: If people doubted your athleticism, which some probably did, you put those concerns to bed. Did you meet with many teams formally? Do you have any top-30 visits coming up?
Anthony Bradford: I met with about five or six teams formally. They were the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Philadelphia Eagles. I have like four top-30 visits in April with the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. Do you see yourself playing in a gap or power scheme? I feel like you executed those assignments to perfection at LSU.
Anthony Bradford: I can definitely see myself playing in a gap or power scheme. I feel like teams are falling in love with my aggressiveness once the ball is snapped. They know I can create displacement on defensive linemen. I impose my will first and foremost. I think gap scheme teams will have the most interest in me.
JM: You were born in Muskegon, Michigan and went to high school locally. That’s a long way away from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It’s two different worlds. Did you experience any culture shock when you first arrived in Louisiana?
Anthony Bradford: Yeah, the culture shock was the first thing I had to overcome (laughs). I loved it though. It was a different scene for me. I’m from up north, midwest, you know what I’m saying? It’s different.Â
Coming down to Baton Rouge, not only was it a different life experience for me, but I became a part of the culture. I embraced it.Â
JM: What was the most shocking realization for you?
Anthony Bradford: Honestly? My experience at LSU taught me that I could play in the NFL. That’s the best gift LSU gave me. That was the best realization for me. I came to LSU to pursue a dream. LSU helped me realize that dream. As close as I am now to achieving that dream, it’s the biggest blessing.
JM: We love that for you. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Anthony Bradford going to make at the next level?
Anthony Bradford: I’m going to bring new competition to whichever team drafts me. It’s going to be good, healthy competition. It’s going to be refreshing. I bring an aggressive mentality to the table. I’m bringing a new aspect to our locker room.
I’m bringing that juice, that swagger. I’m excited to showcase my skills at the next level.
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