First, the pros: very nice touch, terrific accuracy, quick release, good arm strength, almost everything you want physically in a QB (except for that sidearm release).

But I'm wondering how he'll fare in an NFL environment that requires him to be a lot more patient, a lot more careful, and progress through multiple reads. In that Oklahoma offense, seems like he just had to throw the ball to a particular spot with minimal "interpretation" or reads. In other words, the same thing that any other spread-offense college QB has done over the years.

Last night, when Bradford was pressured in the pocket or forced to scramble and improvise, he didn't make any plays that indicated his star-power at the next level. His interception resulted from an off-target throw while pressured, and he took a couple of ill-advised sacks when he should've just thrown the ball away. And he didn't do anything of consequence at the end of the game, when they had to drive for scores. Of course, most QBs would have a difficult time under those circumstances, but the great ones are able to make at least one or two under-pressure plays that show they're worthy of the next level. Didn't see that from Bradford last night.

He's a risky selection for any NFL team, and when you consider that the 49ers in particular have committed to a grind-it-out running game under Singletary, it doesn't seem like the best environment for Bradford to flourish.

Personally, I'd rather get an impact defensive player along the front-seven. A pass-rusing OLB (Curry? Orakpo? )or a stud DL (McCoy? Raji?) would be a safer bet, a better fit, and pay faster dividends.

_________________________________________________________