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Bruce Gradkowski (1 Viewer)

  • Thread starter Thread starter CrossEyed
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CrossEyed

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What's the story with this guy? I know that Gruden was raving about him in the pre-season. Was this coachspeak or is this guy legit. I saw his college numbers were pretty outrageous (over 70% completion % two years in a row). Can he do it in the NFL? I'm talking from a dynasty perspective, not necessarily this year.

 
During preseason, did he seem to lock on to one specific receiver?

The reason I ask is because I'm about to cut my losses on Michael Clayton, but if Grad likes to look his way, maybe I'll wait a little bit.

 
I think he is Polish. :D

Plus I heard he loves Mike Clayton.

 
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Tampa passing leader in the preseason. You can check out the game info here-

sportsline

A few interceptions and a fumble but overall some very good drives. I haven't watched any of the tampa games but he couldn't do much worse than they have done so far.

 
CrossEyed said:
What's the story with this guy? I know that Gruden was raving about him in the pre-season. Was this coachspeak or is this guy legit. I saw his college numbers were pretty outrageous (over 70% completion % two years in a row). Can he do it in the NFL? I'm talking from a dynasty perspective, not necessarily this year.
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I can't tell you how he'll be but I feel he has potential. He did a superb job at Toledo was considered a decent prospect coming out of college.Will he succeed in TB? Who knows. But it's clear Gruden is going with him and not a vet, which he could. I think he gives this guy a serious opportunity to succeed. A word of caution, Gruden can become impatient with QB's. His track record is one littered from some decent QB's:B. Johnson-won him a SBGreise-was going to be the saviorSimms-the next savior of which he seemed to be getting impatient with already.So understand the risk of rookie failure and the coach being impatient. But with an 0-3 start he might have plenty of season to work with. :yes:
 
Rookie qb on a mediocre team. I can tell you to stay away unless he's the only option you have. Odds are he ends up riding the pine sooner rather than later. Wouldn't surprise me if Tampa traded for a qb very soon.

 
Skinsfansince72 said:
Rookie qb on a mediocre team. I can tell you to stay away unless he's the only option you have. Odds are he ends up riding the pine sooner rather than later. Wouldn't surprise me if Tampa traded for a qb very soon.
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Did you miss that this was regarding a dynasty perspective?
 
I think he is either going to be really good, or really bad. He does fit Grudens system better, and I don't see how anyone can do any worse than Simms. I expect him to be able to move the ball much better than Simms, and connect for a bunch of short yardage passes to bigger targets like Smith & Clayton (maybe Stovall later in the season). I actually heard that Gruden may be considering using the shotgun :shock: Gradkowski primarily ran this form of O at Toledo.

 
He's not going to be asked to win games. Very likely, you'll see a Buc team that looks just like it did last year when Simms took over. And that means a more simple play-calling system and some hardcore west-coast-ness.

Great news for Cadillac owners, not so great news for the already disgruntled owners of Buc Receivers. Gradkowski is likely to be of minimal fantasy value even if the Bucs win their next 8 games while Simms is out. As soon as Simms is back, he'll be the starter.

if Gradkowski really pans out, it won't be for another 3-4 years, and at best it's just a crap shoot. So many things can change, I'd say his value is nill in dynasty leagues unless you just happen to want to throw out a flier.

 
MLBrandow said:
He's not going to be asked to win games. Very likely, you'll see a Buc team that looks just like it did last year when Simms took over. And that means a more simple play-calling system and some hardcore west-coast-ness.Great news for Cadillac owners, not so great news for the already disgruntled owners of Buc Receivers. Gradkowski is likely to be of minimal fantasy value even if the Bucs win their next 8 games while Simms is out. As soon as Simms is back, he'll be the starter.if Gradkowski really pans out, it won't be for another 3-4 years, and at best it's just a crap shoot. So many things can change, I'd say his value is nill in dynasty leagues unless you just happen to want to throw out a flier.
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I don't see Simms jumping right back in as the starter, he will have to earn his way back to the #1 spot. Beating out Mcnown & Gradkowski. Gradkowski = ROY ;)
 
I love Gradkowski & have been pimping him since the draft. The thing that bugs FFers is his drafts status (6th round pick). However, I believe those people would be well-served to forget what round Gradkowski was drafted in. The reason he didn't go on the 1st day is because he's not 6'3" & went to Toledo. Simple as that.

Gradkowski is tough, smart, can make all the throws, & is very mobile. He didn't use his legs much in college because he didn't need to, but he'll use them in the pros. FFers are going to be surprised at the rushing yards he'll rack up (not every game, but over the long-haul). He's not Michael Vick, but he's athletic & has good speed.

Don't expect miracles, though. Like every rookie QB, he's going to play like crap at times, but he's a great dynasty prospect, IMO (especially considering you might be able to get him fairly cheap right now).

 
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So what can you tell me about how he looked today. Stats looked pretty good for a rookie making his first start.

 
CrossEyed said:
So what can you tell me about how he looked today. Stats looked pretty good for a rookie making his first start.
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He looked sharp and really poised.The only thing that bothers me a little bit is that every time he goes back to pass, I'm wondering why "Kazoo Gramatica" is playing QB. They have the same number, and they are about the same height. :D

 
I thought he looked pretty good today -- he and Lienart had solid debuts -- Gradkowski of course being the more surprising in many respects.

 
I thought BGrad looked great considering. Looked like he was checking down, threw the ball VERY well.

If BGrad pans out, let Simms go, and concentrate on the offensive line, THOUGH with all of the starters in there (I consider Trueblood a starter) they didn't look HORRIBLE yesterday, unless the Saints Defense just isnt that good, which could be true.

 
from the pre-draft FBG Rookie Reports

6. Bruce Gradkowski - Toledo Rockets - 6’2” 222 lbs.

Positives

Bruce Gradkowski is a mobile quarterback that can beat you with his arm or his feet. He is a fierce leader on the field and has total command of his huddle. Gradkowski is best throwing the underneath routes, and is deadly accurate on crossing routes and fade stops. When the pressure is on Gradkowski is at his best, often breaking into the 2nd level of the defense with a quick initial burst that takes many by surprise. He is a dangerous roll out passer that can set up and zip the ball past the defense with touch and accuracy. He is very good at spreading the ball around and has tremendous field vision, often checking down to his 3rd or 4th receiver. Has a great over the top release that makes his passes more difficult to bat down.

Negatives

His hands are small and thus this leads to some fumbling issues and ball security problems. He makes good decisions with the football, but doesn't make snap decisions so the pass rush can get to him if they’re persistent. He has adequate arm strength, but cannot put the proper zip on the long out patterns. Good throwing motion, but he does have a slight hitch when trying to put something extra on the pass.

Numbers Games

68.2% - Gradkowski set a NCAA record for career completion percentage. Also the first QB in NCAA history to have 2 consecutive seasons with a completion percentage over 70%.

NFL Comparison

David Garrard

Summary

Bruce Gradkowski had a monster finish to his college career, throwing for almost 600 yards in his final 2 games. He is a tough competitor that has stayed relatively injury free during his college career. He has the mobility and work ethic that coaches love and it should help him secure a spot as someone’s 3rd stringer. With determination and opportunity Gradkowski could see playing time within a couple of years.

 
Simms has a much stronger arm...especially deep...but I don't think you need the gun in Gruden's passing offense. Grads seems to fit what Gruden wants to do perfectly.

 
Skinsfansince72 said:
Rookie qb on a mediocre team. I can tell you to stay away unless he's the only option you have. Odds are he ends up riding the pine sooner rather than later. Wouldn't surprise me if Tampa traded for a qb very soon.
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I disagree. Gruden loves this guy and he actually looked really good yesterday. A couple of well thrown passes were dropped (Galloway). The Bucs should've won that game.
 
Beetle said:
Skinsfansince72 said:
Rookie qb on a mediocre team. I can tell you to stay away unless he's the only option you have. Odds are he ends up riding the pine sooner rather than later. Wouldn't surprise me if Tampa traded for a qb very soon.
Click to expand...
I disagree. Gruden loves this guy and he actually looked really good yesterday. A couple of well thrown passes were dropped (Galloway). The Bucs should've won that game.
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I hate that line. No disrespect to you, but Galloway is part of the team and he failed to do his job... so they lost, they deserved to lose. To let Bush power his way to a first down and to let him run back a punt is unacceptable to me. The Bucs tackling was terrible and that has been a staple of the bucs D for years...The Bucs seem to be getting back on track and actually resembling a NFL team. I was happy with that... baby steps...

 
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