In the second round (62nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Samford University’s James Bradberry.
He was the Panthers’ first selection out of three cornerbacks in the 11th round of the 2016 draft.
James Bradberry IV, a cornerback with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League, was born on August 4, 1993. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football for Samford.
After the Panthers released Josh Norman, defensive coordinator Sean McDermott organized a competition during training camp to choose a new starting cornerback. Bradberry faced off against Robert McClain in the hiring process.
Along with seasoned Bené Benwikere, head coach Ron Rivera selected Bradberry the starting cornerback to open the regular season. He recorded six combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Carolina Panthers 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos in his first career start and professional regular season debut.
During the game’s opening drive, he made the first tackle of his professional career against running back C. J. Anderson.
In Week 2’s 46-27 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on September 18, 2016, Bradberry had two combined tackles, two pass deflections, and his first career interception off a ball by quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
He recorded two solo tackles on October 2, 2016, but was forced to leave the Panthers’ 48-33 loss against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter due to an injury.
Bené Benwikere and fellow rookie Daryl Worley, who took over for Bradberry, allowed Julio Jones to amass more than 300 receiving yards. Benwikere, the Carolina Panthers’ top cornerback, was released on October 7, 2016, in response to the dismal Falcons’ performance by the secondary.
Bradberry moved up the depth chart to No. 1 cornerback for the team after being released, followed by fellow rookie Daryl Worley as their No. 2 starting cornerback and Zack Sanchez as their No. 3 backup.
Due to a serious case of turf toe he sustained after the loss to the Falcons, Bradberry missed the following three games (Weeks 5-8).
During a 40-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, Bradberry recorded a season-high eight combined tackles and broke up a pass.
What Overall Is James Bradberry?
James Bradberry IV has a Zone Archetype, a Short Stride Default Running Style, and an Overall Rating of 85 in Madden NFL 23.
How Good Is James Bradberry?
James Bradberry is currently No. 1 in the ranking of NFL’s top cornerbacks.