The Vikings "got the guy they wanted" in Thursday night's first round of the NFL Draft. Garrett Bradbury, a senior Center from N.C. State was chosen by the Vikings #18 overall and it's expected that he will be a starter from day one.
During WCCO's Draft Night coverage Thursday, former Viking General Manager and Tennessee Titan President Jeff Diamond said, "The Vikings improved immeasurably", by drafting Bradbury. Listen here to Henry Lake, Steve Thomson, Eric Nelson and Jeff Diamond break down the pick.
The pick was praised almost unanimously by sports websites with Sports Illustrated giving the pick an "A+" grade, NFL.com an "A", and CBS Sports a "B+".
So, who is Garrett Bradbury? Here are a few things to know about the newest Viking.
He is extremely versatile Bradbury came to N.C. State as a tight end. He played mostly special teams early, then his sophomore year at guard before transitioning to center his junior and senior seasons. Most are predicting he stays at center, where he was awarded the Rimington Trophy last season as the nation's "Top Center". But Viking General Manager Rick Spielman has held off on committing to that, saying Thursday night, “The most important thing right now is getting the best football players we can get in".
He is a 'Team-First' player From a redshirt freshman to team captain and then the top center in the country, individually he has accomplished plenty. But the word humble has followed Bradbury too. He consistently credits his teammates for his success. His offensive line at N.C. State was nicknamed the "Band of Brothers" in reference to the close knit group of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who fought their way through Europe in WWII. “Individual honors for the offensive line are kind of an oxymoron,” Bradbury said in December in Charlotte. “Everything starts and ends as a group. It’s weird to take credit for an individual award.”
Bradbury has both brains and Brawn Bradbury was a CoSida Academic All-District member, co-winner of NC State's Earl Edwards Award — which goes to the player with the top GPA — and won the Independence Bowl's scholar-athlete award. He earned his business supply operations management degree back in 2017. "He blew them away when it comes to the intelligence tests. When they talk about schemes and setting things up. He was on top of these NFL-level defensive schemes, in the way rookies normally aren't. He's going to be Quarterback Kirk Cousins' best friend", Star Tribune Viking Reporter Andrew Krammer told WCCO's Cory Hepola Friday. "He's known as an athletic, intelligent guy".
He's very excited to be a Minnesota VikingAfter being selected by the Vikings, Bradbury said, "I can’t put into words how excited I am. This has been a dream of mine for a long time. I can’t explain how crazy it is. There are so many people I want to thank- Mr. Spielman, Coach Zimmer. I am kind of speechless right now. Just super excited to come to Minnesota. Learn about Skol Nation, meet everyone and just become part of the team and I’m excited to play football again!" We love that 'Skol Nation' reference. Good on you Mr. Bradbury!