2014 NFL Draft Instant Reaction: Packers select Outside Linebacker Carl Bradford

With the 121st overall pick the 2014 NFL Draft, the Packers select Carl Bradford from Arizona State University. This appears to a great value pick, as Bradford was projected to be a third-rounder in many mock drafts. Personally, I'm surprised the Packers didn't take a more natural fit at inside linebacker like a Max Bullough, but you can't argue with a guy that many believed was high on the team's draft board.

The knock on Bradford is that he was an undersized defensive end at Arizona State, and much like Nick Perry, will have to make the adjustment to either outside linebacker or inside linebacker at the next level. At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, he will have to work on his pass-rush moves and hand use while rushing the quarterback in order to be an effective player at the NFL level.

The positives on Bradford are that he is an explosive tackler who is very quick to the ball. He takes good angles, is a very good blitzer, and is athletic enough to be solid in pass coverage. He recorded a 37.5-inch vertical jump and 122-inch broad jump at the combine which highlighted a dynamic leaping ability. He ran a 4.76 forty-yard dash, which suggests he is fairly fast for his size, and his 20-yard shuttle time (4.3 seconds) is also impressive for his relative size.