NFL
Nigel Bradham: Next Man Up
Nigel Bradham has been a standout since being signed during the 2015 off-season from Buffalo. Coming over with Jim Schwartz, the Eagles gained a very solid linebacker who would prove to be a critical signing. In his first season in Philly, he had 102 combined tackles and 2 interceptions, while in all 16 games.
He has continued his strong play into this season, as he has played 13 games this season and has 69 tackles with one sack. The Eagles have already handed out four-year contract extensions to Defensive Tackle Timmy Jernigan and receiver Alshon Jeffery. As a result of this and GM Howie Roseman’s magic with contracts, Nigel could be next in line.
Rising to the Occasion
Jordan Hicks suffered an ankle injury and would miss the second half of the Carolina game. With him out Mychal Kendricks and Bradham stepped their game up as he would finish the game with 10 total tackles and two pass breakups. Kendricks would finish with 17. The following week, Hicks returned but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Since then, he has been a constant in the line-backing core and has shown up every week ready to go. During the Panthers game, a player told him they had never heard of him before that game and Bradham responded: “you must not watch football”. With injuries to Jordan Hicks, Joe Walker, and Mychal Kendricks being in and out of favor with the coaches, Bradham could prove to be a critical piece to this defense.
Bradham’s Future
While Bradham isn’t going to receive the attention that a player like Von Miller or Thomas Davis gets. He also probably isn’t going to win Defensive Player of the Year. What he does do is compete every week; something that goes back to his days in Buffalo. Taken with the 4th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Florida State University, he would go on to only miss seven games in four seasons.
In 2014, he had a career-high 104 tackles. Bradham is currently in the final year of his two-year contract signed in 2014. Only 28 years old, having Bradham for the next four years would continue to provide veteran leadership to younger players. It would also bring intensity to the Eagles defense, as this team is in the midst of a potential dynasty. What better way to reward one of your key mainstays who’s been nothing short of amazing on the field.
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Article originally posted on Tha Sports Junkies 101.
Andre Johnson
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