He is in no way in consideration to start for a Fantasy team, but I do over a few teams have a couple Rams (Lloyd, SJax). What type of QB is Brandstater, a strong armed gunslinger, or more of a cerebral check down type? The team is a mess, the OL is terrible, but does this guy have any chance at moving the ball at all for the Rams, and thus salvaging any of Lloyd or SJax's value? Or are we thinking this is a train wreck and just stay away from all Rams?
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Tom Brandstater (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Mene
- Start date
Macdaddy_2004
Footballguy
Can he get the ball to Brandon Lloyd I have no idea.
DocHolliday
Footballguy
This just made my choice between Lloyd and Robinson more interesting. Probably many folks have to choose between Lloyd and another decent WR. Robinson is downgraded due to Austin returning. Lloyd is downgraded due to a 3rd string QB. Since my team is not the point, I will not bother giving my decision. The point is that Lloyd is downgraded this week.
Topes
Footballguy
It's still Thursday, but two more pieces to consider are:Laurent Robinson shoulder injury.
We don't know with any certainty who will start for STL on MNF. Could be Bradford yet.
Raiderfan32904
Footballguy
I'm not really considering starting Lloyd b/c of Brandstater. Don't know much about him, but he's another Fresno St QB that's going to get his feet wet in a trial by fire against a hungry Seattle defense.
I don't expect much downfield throws even being attempted, instead he'll be a checkdown, quick slant, screen, dump off type QB. Gibson may be a sneaky start, if you're a gambler. I don't see many RZ opportunities and I can't see Lloyd as anything but a downfield decoy. Having said that, I don't like much my other option in Dwayne Bowe who is on Revis Island. But I still think Bowe will get more targets than Lloyd. Lloyd looks like a very weak WR3 this week, and that depends on your options. Normally he's a must start type of guy. But the QB's hes had to work with make him a scary start.
I don't expect much downfield throws even being attempted, instead he'll be a checkdown, quick slant, screen, dump off type QB. Gibson may be a sneaky start, if you're a gambler. I don't see many RZ opportunities and I can't see Lloyd as anything but a downfield decoy. Having said that, I don't like much my other option in Dwayne Bowe who is on Revis Island. But I still think Bowe will get more targets than Lloyd. Lloyd looks like a very weak WR3 this week, and that depends on your options. Normally he's a must start type of guy. But the QB's hes had to work with make him a scary start.
Avery
Footballguy
I understand that you're going out of your way not to make it a "WDIS" to avoid the wolf pack of thread police jumping down your throat, but seeing who people are considering starting instead of Lloyd helps gauge where people see him this week.I mean it's obvious that he is downgraded from Stafford to Feely to Branstater, but the question is, how much?
thriftyrocker
Footballguy
In the preseason game Brandstater started in 2009 (for McDaniels before the Orton/Cutler trade), Lloyd had 3 catches for 58 yards. I wouldn't expect anything great, but Lloyd should be ok.
That's what I was looking for. Information from someone who has seen him play, or knows a bit about him from a scouting standpoint. I did a quick google earlier, but didn't find much. Mobility could help, as bad as that OL has been.
SaintsInDome2006
Footballguy
College stats at Fresno:
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tom-brandstater-1.html
I expected better. What I see is 31 INT's in 3 seasons of WAC ball.
Dec. 3rd he was on the practice squad, but he has been out since 2009. 09 with DEN; `10 with Indy & MIA. That's it.
Would be interesting to see if he ever had any preseason stats.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tom-brandstater-1.html
I expected better. What I see is 31 INT's in 3 seasons of WAC ball.
Dec. 3rd he was on the practice squad, but he has been out since 2009. 09 with DEN; `10 with Indy & MIA. That's it.
Would be interesting to see if he ever had any preseason stats.
DocHolliday
Footballguy
My guess is that it is a big downgrade. Actually, it is more of an increase of risk. I have no idea how Branstater is going to target Lloyd or if the targets will be catchable. Also, will Branstater be able to move the ball enough to keep the O on the field?Robinson is dealing with the injury as pointed out in the earlier post. Lots of issues to consider but we still have a few days. If Robinson is playing, he starts over Lloyd for me. Of course, if Bradford is playing, Lloyd gets the start.'Avery said:
I've actually got Steven Jackson and am wondering if he's even rosterable for the next 3 weeks due to the Rams' problems.
One way to look at it is...Brandstater can't be anyworse than the way that offense has performed all year. I think he'll surprise as he throws for nearly 150 yards and an pair of INTs. The Rams would be lucky to sniff the endzone. Their offense will probably play VERY conservative. Just due to the lack of options, Lloyd will probably garner 3-6 catches on 6-8 targets...maybe 30-60 yards. 6-10 points in a ppr league.
Jackson, the only other person even worth owning is more difficult to predict I think. Last time they played Seattle he went 15 for 42 on the ground and caught 3 passes for 19 yards...8 points in ppr. I think you can expect close to those numbers this time around. I think they might feed him more, say 20+ carries. But the OLine is even more diminished since their prior game, and this time they are playing IN SEATTLE. Very tough venue.
I'm sitting him for McGahee (who's dinged up and has a tough Chicago defense coming to town).
The next two weeks the Rams have Cincinnatti and the Steelers (who's defense hasn't given up a TD in over two games). Any Rams offensive players are quite likely not even rosterable. I'm keeping SJax because there ain't anything else out there by way of RBs, and he should at least touch the ball 20 times a game. But he's sitting behind Chris Johnson, Reggie Bush and McGahee the rest of the way.
One way to look at it is...Brandstater can't be anyworse than the way that offense has performed all year. I think he'll surprise as he throws for nearly 150 yards and an pair of INTs. The Rams would be lucky to sniff the endzone. Their offense will probably play VERY conservative. Just due to the lack of options, Lloyd will probably garner 3-6 catches on 6-8 targets...maybe 30-60 yards. 6-10 points in a ppr league.
Jackson, the only other person even worth owning is more difficult to predict I think. Last time they played Seattle he went 15 for 42 on the ground and caught 3 passes for 19 yards...8 points in ppr. I think you can expect close to those numbers this time around. I think they might feed him more, say 20+ carries. But the OLine is even more diminished since their prior game, and this time they are playing IN SEATTLE. Very tough venue.
I'm sitting him for McGahee (who's dinged up and has a tough Chicago defense coming to town).
The next two weeks the Rams have Cincinnatti and the Steelers (who's defense hasn't given up a TD in over two games). Any Rams offensive players are quite likely not even rosterable. I'm keeping SJax because there ain't anything else out there by way of RBs, and he should at least touch the ball 20 times a game. But he's sitting behind Chris Johnson, Reggie Bush and McGahee the rest of the way.
For some "light" reading, if you're really interested...
My link
Overview
Regards as the premier quarterback in the Western Athletic Conference, Brandstater possesses the range and arm strength that National Football League teams look for in a pro style quarterback. The unquestioned leader of the team put up impressive numbers since taking over the starting position as a sophomore, but has also excelled in the classroom, earning conference academic honors the last three seasons. His intelligence on the field is evident, but academically it is even more impressive, having graduated before his junior campaign and is finishing up work on his Master's degree.
Fresno State has boasted some great college quarterbacks in recent years and Brandstater has placed his name right next to the likes of Kevin Sweeney, Trent Dilfer, David Carr and Billy Volek in the school record books. He closed out his career ranking fifth in school annals in pass completions (584) and fourth in pass attempts (989), while ranking sixth all-time with 6,857 yards passing and 7,006 yards in total offense. His 47 touchdown passes placed him seventh in Bulldogs annals.
At Turlock High School, Brandstater was a relatively unknown prep quarterback, as he played in an offense that relied more on the running attack. He threw for more than 1,000 yards as a senior, but made a better impression as a defensive back. He earned first-team All-District defensive honors from the Modesto Bee and guided his team into the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship vs. Stockton Lincoln in his final campaign.
Brandstater was the top quarterback performer in Fresno State's Summer Football Camp in 2003. He decided to enroll at the university in 2004, spending the season as a redshirt. In 2005, he saw brief action in eight games behind starter Paul Pinegar, completing just 6 of 13 passes for 49 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
The following season, Brandstater earned the first of three Academic All-Western Athletic Conference honors. He started 10 of 11 games, completing 146 of 268 attempts (54.5 percent) for 1,490 yards, 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He then spent the summer working on his degree and with coach Pat Hill, as the pair worked on improving his throwing mechanics.
Brandstater arrived back on campus for 2007 fall drills having already earned his degree. It was time for him to also earn some national recognition. He finished 23rd in the NCAA with a 140.49 passing efficiency rating and finished sixth in the WAC with an average of 213.23 yards per game. He amassed 2,654 yards on 211 of 337 passes (62.6 percent), connecting for 15 touchdowns against only five interceptions.
The three-time Academic All-WAC choice topped his previous season's numbers as a senior. He ranked fourth in the league in passing efficiency and total offense, as he hit on 221 of 371 tosses (59.6 percent), generating a career-high 2,664 passing yards to go with 18 touchdowns, as he collected 2,614 yards in total offense.
Analysis
Positives: Very good height and adequate build for the position. Despite his size, his feet are good enough to be effective on the bootleg and moving within the pocket. Good arm strength for short and intermediate routes, and is improving his accuracy on those throws. Has an efficient delivery. Shows some touch on shorter routes, taking a bit off the throw. Operates from under center and the shotgun. Not afraid of contact, and will attempt to block (cut or otherwise) on reverses or even downfield. Good hand work on play fakes. Throws accurately running to his right.
Negatives: Converted high school safety. Regressed in his decision-making in 2008. Generated a lot of yardage on quick throws from a spread offense look. Does not make a great deep throw, more often than not floating it up for grabs. Struggles to get the ball between linebackers and safeties on deeper routes. Bird-dogs his primary receiver at times, but is improving at looking off coverage and going through progressions. Tries to float passes to open targets instead of just throwing the ball. Not consistent with his spiral, as the ball will come out of his hand a bit wobbly. Will not threaten a defense with the big run, although he does switch the ball to his outside hand to secure it in the open.
Compares To: MARK BULGER, St. Louis -- While Brandstater has the pro size, he will need to add more bulk. He has good command in the huddle and has operated in a pro-style defense, but despite what some others feel there seems to be too much inconsistency with him throwing long, especially on the move. He tries to force the ball too much between second-level defenders, and one look at the high amount of passes that have been picked off or deflected shows he still needs a lot of coaching and tutoring. Not to call him a product of the Fresno State system, but how many Bulldogs had success in the NFL?
Scouting Report
GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.1
Body Structure: Brandstater has a tall frame with adequate upper body muscle definition, and his lower frame needs to develop better muscle tone. He has adequate thighs and calves, but his frame might be at maximum growth potential after adding 10 pounds prior to the 2004 season.
Athletic Ability: Brandstater has good size and good arm strength for the quarterback position, but lacks athletic agility and looks stiff in his change of direction. He can get some yardage off the bootleg, but seems to lack vision on the move, as he will run into spots or just toss the ball away with dire consequences. He operates out of a pro-style offense, so his arm was constantly on display, but had just pedestrian numbers and seemed to regress in 2008. He has adequate quickness dropping back from center, but lacks the feet to avoid the pass rush, as he tends to lose balance when flushed out of the pocket. His arm strength is his best asset, especially on intermediate and long tosses (34 completions for over 20 yards in 2008). He has enough ability to consistently put the ball where the receiver can catch it. But he must revert to 2007 form, where he was very good at locating second and third option targets instead of just throwing the ball into a crowd (interceptions increased for five in 2007 to 12 in 2008). GRADE: 5.4
Football Sense: Brandstater is a quick learner who calls a bulk of his plays from the line of scrimmage. He knows all protections and can recognize coverages on the pre-snap and on his pass drops. He is especially effective at reading hot routes and is quick to pick up the blitz. He is a three-time Academic All-WAC pick and graduated after just three years, so it is obvious that he will not have problems digesting a complicated playbook. GRADE: 7.2
Character: Brandstater is a solid individual who is well-respected, polite and shows a good work ethic. He has no known off-field issues and is highly intelligent. He is a classic team-first player who is smart, stable and has a good personality. GRADE: 6.5
Competitiveness: Brandstater is highly competitive, but there are times he tries to create something out of nothing and needs to know when it is best to just throw the ball away rather than force the issue. He shows good confidence in the huddle and is not the type who will show his frustration on the field. He is the type that tries to carry the team on his shoulders, but really did not have much to work with the last two years (most of his completions went to TE Bear Pascoe). He plays and practices with intensity and keeps his emotions under control in pressure situations. GRADE: 6.3
Work Habits: Brandstater is a good leader by example, but will get vocal when his teammates need it. He takes pride in being the quarterback and wants to do well, spending a lot of time in the film room or with the coaches. He works hard on and off the field and shows good ethic in the weight room. He will stand tall under pressure, take a hit and deliver. GRADE: 6.2
ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 5.51
Set Up: Brandstater is just adequate in his set up. He does not really have heavy feet, but there are times where he looks too methodical in his drops. Once his feet are set, he will stand and deliver, though. He has a decent throwing motion, but has a bit of a wind-up in his release. He has the body control to stand tall and be ready in the pocket, but he seems to lose some velocity on his tosses when throwing on the run. His quickness dropping back from center is good and he does keep his feet under him, playing with good balance. GRADE: 5.3
Reading Defenses: As a junior, Brandstater seemed to have overcome his love for his primary target, doing a nice job of going through route progression to locate secondary targets. But as a senior, he tried to force the issue too much, resulting in him more than doubling his interceptions. Between the pass thefts and tosses he had broken up, the defense got a piece of 14 percent of his pass attempts in 2008 (12 interceptions, 40 pass deflections on 371 attempts). He is prone to making some bad decisions, as he just seems to throw too much into double coverage. He picks up the blitz and knows where to go with the ball, showing good vision and judgment on his reads, but tends to force the ball into coverage when his protection breaks down. He does show good timing and touch, but he has to stop forcing his throws into coverage. GRADE: 5.3
Release: Brandstater shows a high release on his throws. He will sometimes revert to a full wind up, but shows the ability to deliver most of his throws with quickness. Even when he uses a long throwing motion, he gets the ball away in time. When he keeps his delivery a little bit higher than three-quarters, he can carry the ball properly to get a quick release. GRADE: 6.0
Arm Strength: Brandstater shows adequate zip on his short to intermediate throws, but his long ball does float too much and he needs to get the ball away with a more consistent spiral (ball gets away from him when going deep). He can throw in the seam, but tends to feather the ball more than he should. GRADE: 5.7
Accuracy: Brandstater needs to improve his touchdown to interception ratio. His short passes are generally on target, except when forced to throw on the move. He has good touch with accuracy on the short throws, putting the ball where the receiver can catch it. He just does not show great accuracy throwing long, as he will force several throws into coverage rather than toss the ball away. He just needs to do a better job of reading defenders and coverage before he attempts to air it out. GRADE: 5.5
Touch: Brandstater is a bit inconsistent throwing the deep comeback from the opposite end of the field. He shows better touch and accuracy throwing short and intermediate. He takes a little too much off the ball throwing long (ball floats). He has decent anticipation and timing on routes, but there are occasions where he needs to throw the ball quicker, especially when pressured. On most of his pass thefts, it seemed as if he was not taking a good enough pre-snap look to see coverage and make the adjustment. GRADE: 5.2
Poise: Brandstater plays with good poise, as he will stand tall in the pocket and step into his throws. He can take a shot and stay composed in the pocket, but he will try to force some throws when trying to escape pressure. He has a presence standing in the pocket and is mechanically sound when not flushed out. GRADE: 6.0
Leadership: Brandstater is a solid leader both on and off the field. He wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line and shows that he has total command of the huddle. When he gets into a rhythm, he makes things happen. GRADE: 6.0
Pocket Movement: Brandstater is only adequate when throwing the ball rolling out and scrambling, as he lacks mobility and elusiveness in and out of the pocket. He moves around, but lacks the speed to be effective running the ball. He will step up and buy time, but is not a threat with his feet. He does have decent timed speed, but perhaps due to his tall, lanky frame, he fails to sink his pads and looks awkward when he has to run with the ball. GRADE: 5.2
Scrambling Ability: If your offense is looking for Brandstater to scramble or get any yards running with the ball, that could be a problem. He is a productive quarterback in the pocket, but even with his timed speed he is also a marginal open-field runner. He squares his shoulders properly on delivery, but does not have the scrambling skills or avoidance ability to throw on the run, as he does not look natural doing this. He seems to be more productive throwing when running to his right than to the opposite field. GRADE: 4.9
Compares To: MARK BULGER, St. Louis -- While Brandstater has the pro size, he will need to add more bulk. He has good command in the huddle and has operated in a pro-style defense, but despite what some others feel there seems to be too much inconsistency with him throwing long, especially on the move. He tries to force the ball too much between second-level defenders, and one look at the high amount of passes that have been picked off or deflected shows he still needs a lot of coaching and tutoring. Not to call him a product of the Fresno State system, but how many Bulldogs had success in the NFL?
OVERALL GRADE: 5.64
--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas
Career Notes
Brandstater started 36 of 45 games at Fresno State … His 584 pass completions rank fifth in school annals behind Paul Pinegar (848, 2002-05), Kevin Sweeney (740, 1983-86), Mark Barsotti (559, 1988-91) and David Carr (587, 1997-2001) … Finished fourth in school annals with 989 pass completions, topped by Pinegar (1,405), Sweeney (1,355) and Barsotti (1,031) … His 6,857 yards passing and 7,006 yards in total offense rank sixth in Fresno State history … His 47 touchdowns placed seventh and his 32 interceptions rank fifth on the Bulldogs all-time record chart … His career-high 2,722 yards in total offense in 2006 rank 11th on the school single-season record list.
2008 Season
Academic All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection for the third consecutive year … Completed a career-high 221 of 371 passes (59.6 percent) for 2,664 yards, eighteen touch-downs and twelve interceptions while starting thirteen games … Lost 50 yards on 51 carries, but ran for four scores … Ranked fourth in the conference with 2,614 yards in total offense, an average of 201.08 yards per game … Converted 67 of 165 third-down plays (40.61 percent) … 34 of his pass completions were for 20 yards or longer … In addition to having twelve of his passes picked off (for 58 yards in returns), 40 other pass attempts were deflected by the opposition … Sacked 18 times for minus 136 yards.
2008 Game Analysis
Wisconsin … Completed 15 of 27 attempts for 225 yards and a 61-yard touchdown, as ten of his tosses were good for first downs, including three for 20 yards or longer.
Toledo … Followed with 231 yards on 22 of 28 tosses (78.6 percent) with four touchdowns and no interceptions, as he also ran for a score in a 55-54 overtime victory.
UCLA … Connected on 70 percent of his throws (21 of 30) for 238 yards and three scores to lead the Bulldogs to a 36-31 triumph.
Hawaii … The Bulldogs fell in overtime, 32-29, as Brandstater threw for 204 yards on 12 of 24 attempts, but was also intercepted three times.
Idaho … Bounced back with a pair of touchdowns and 125 yards on 14 of 23 passes and also scored on a 2-yard run.
Utah State … Generated 25 of 36 throws (69.4 percent) for 257 yards and a touchdown in a 30-28 decision.
Louisiana Tech … Gained a season-high 296 yards on 23 of 38 tosses that included four touchdowns, including a long of 33 yards.
Nevada … Was intercepted twice, but also threw two touchdowns on 23 of 43 passes for 260 yards.
New Mexico State … Completed 14 of 20 throws (70.0 percent) for 146 yards, but it was his feet, not his arm that led the team to a 24-17 victory, as Brandstater ran for a pair of scores.
Colorado State (New Mexico Bowl) … Closed out his career by hitting on 13 of 23 attempts for 186 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
2007 Season
Academic All-Western Athletic Conference pick … Started all thirteen games, ranking fourth in the conference with a passing efficiency rating of 140.49 … Completed 211 of 337 passes (career-high 62.6 percent) for 2,654 yards, fifteen touchdowns and only five interceptions … Ran for 118 yards and three scores on 48 attempts (2.5 avg) … Ranked sixth in the league with 2,772 yards in total offense, the 11th-best season total in school history … Was sacked seventeen times for losses totaling 113 yards.
2007 Game Analysis
Connected on 21 of 31 throws (67.7 percent) for 260 yards and three scores in the Texas A&M game … Added 263 yards on 21 of 39 attempts with a touchdown vs. Boise State … Gained just 131 yards on 13 of 18 throws (72.2 percent), but two of those were good for touchdowns vs. Utah State … Added 209 yards on 15 of 26 tries, along with three touchdowns in a 37-30 loss to Hawaii … Hit on 23 of 39 passes (79.3 percent) for a career-high 313 yards and two touch-downs while also rushing for a score in a 45-29 triumph over Kansas State … Ran for a touchdown and completed 10 of 19 tosses for 205 yards in the season finale vs. New Mexico State … Named MVP of the Humanitarian Bowl, leading the team to a 40-28 win behind 23 of 30 passes (76.7 percent) for 285 yards and a touchdown while also running for his third score of the 2007 campaign.
My link
Overview
Regards as the premier quarterback in the Western Athletic Conference, Brandstater possesses the range and arm strength that National Football League teams look for in a pro style quarterback. The unquestioned leader of the team put up impressive numbers since taking over the starting position as a sophomore, but has also excelled in the classroom, earning conference academic honors the last three seasons. His intelligence on the field is evident, but academically it is even more impressive, having graduated before his junior campaign and is finishing up work on his Master's degree.
Fresno State has boasted some great college quarterbacks in recent years and Brandstater has placed his name right next to the likes of Kevin Sweeney, Trent Dilfer, David Carr and Billy Volek in the school record books. He closed out his career ranking fifth in school annals in pass completions (584) and fourth in pass attempts (989), while ranking sixth all-time with 6,857 yards passing and 7,006 yards in total offense. His 47 touchdown passes placed him seventh in Bulldogs annals.
At Turlock High School, Brandstater was a relatively unknown prep quarterback, as he played in an offense that relied more on the running attack. He threw for more than 1,000 yards as a senior, but made a better impression as a defensive back. He earned first-team All-District defensive honors from the Modesto Bee and guided his team into the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship vs. Stockton Lincoln in his final campaign.
Brandstater was the top quarterback performer in Fresno State's Summer Football Camp in 2003. He decided to enroll at the university in 2004, spending the season as a redshirt. In 2005, he saw brief action in eight games behind starter Paul Pinegar, completing just 6 of 13 passes for 49 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
The following season, Brandstater earned the first of three Academic All-Western Athletic Conference honors. He started 10 of 11 games, completing 146 of 268 attempts (54.5 percent) for 1,490 yards, 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He then spent the summer working on his degree and with coach Pat Hill, as the pair worked on improving his throwing mechanics.
Brandstater arrived back on campus for 2007 fall drills having already earned his degree. It was time for him to also earn some national recognition. He finished 23rd in the NCAA with a 140.49 passing efficiency rating and finished sixth in the WAC with an average of 213.23 yards per game. He amassed 2,654 yards on 211 of 337 passes (62.6 percent), connecting for 15 touchdowns against only five interceptions.
The three-time Academic All-WAC choice topped his previous season's numbers as a senior. He ranked fourth in the league in passing efficiency and total offense, as he hit on 221 of 371 tosses (59.6 percent), generating a career-high 2,664 passing yards to go with 18 touchdowns, as he collected 2,614 yards in total offense.
Analysis
Positives: Very good height and adequate build for the position. Despite his size, his feet are good enough to be effective on the bootleg and moving within the pocket. Good arm strength for short and intermediate routes, and is improving his accuracy on those throws. Has an efficient delivery. Shows some touch on shorter routes, taking a bit off the throw. Operates from under center and the shotgun. Not afraid of contact, and will attempt to block (cut or otherwise) on reverses or even downfield. Good hand work on play fakes. Throws accurately running to his right.
Negatives: Converted high school safety. Regressed in his decision-making in 2008. Generated a lot of yardage on quick throws from a spread offense look. Does not make a great deep throw, more often than not floating it up for grabs. Struggles to get the ball between linebackers and safeties on deeper routes. Bird-dogs his primary receiver at times, but is improving at looking off coverage and going through progressions. Tries to float passes to open targets instead of just throwing the ball. Not consistent with his spiral, as the ball will come out of his hand a bit wobbly. Will not threaten a defense with the big run, although he does switch the ball to his outside hand to secure it in the open.
Compares To: MARK BULGER, St. Louis -- While Brandstater has the pro size, he will need to add more bulk. He has good command in the huddle and has operated in a pro-style defense, but despite what some others feel there seems to be too much inconsistency with him throwing long, especially on the move. He tries to force the ball too much between second-level defenders, and one look at the high amount of passes that have been picked off or deflected shows he still needs a lot of coaching and tutoring. Not to call him a product of the Fresno State system, but how many Bulldogs had success in the NFL?
Scouting Report
GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.1
Body Structure: Brandstater has a tall frame with adequate upper body muscle definition, and his lower frame needs to develop better muscle tone. He has adequate thighs and calves, but his frame might be at maximum growth potential after adding 10 pounds prior to the 2004 season.
Athletic Ability: Brandstater has good size and good arm strength for the quarterback position, but lacks athletic agility and looks stiff in his change of direction. He can get some yardage off the bootleg, but seems to lack vision on the move, as he will run into spots or just toss the ball away with dire consequences. He operates out of a pro-style offense, so his arm was constantly on display, but had just pedestrian numbers and seemed to regress in 2008. He has adequate quickness dropping back from center, but lacks the feet to avoid the pass rush, as he tends to lose balance when flushed out of the pocket. His arm strength is his best asset, especially on intermediate and long tosses (34 completions for over 20 yards in 2008). He has enough ability to consistently put the ball where the receiver can catch it. But he must revert to 2007 form, where he was very good at locating second and third option targets instead of just throwing the ball into a crowd (interceptions increased for five in 2007 to 12 in 2008). GRADE: 5.4
Football Sense: Brandstater is a quick learner who calls a bulk of his plays from the line of scrimmage. He knows all protections and can recognize coverages on the pre-snap and on his pass drops. He is especially effective at reading hot routes and is quick to pick up the blitz. He is a three-time Academic All-WAC pick and graduated after just three years, so it is obvious that he will not have problems digesting a complicated playbook. GRADE: 7.2
Character: Brandstater is a solid individual who is well-respected, polite and shows a good work ethic. He has no known off-field issues and is highly intelligent. He is a classic team-first player who is smart, stable and has a good personality. GRADE: 6.5
Competitiveness: Brandstater is highly competitive, but there are times he tries to create something out of nothing and needs to know when it is best to just throw the ball away rather than force the issue. He shows good confidence in the huddle and is not the type who will show his frustration on the field. He is the type that tries to carry the team on his shoulders, but really did not have much to work with the last two years (most of his completions went to TE Bear Pascoe). He plays and practices with intensity and keeps his emotions under control in pressure situations. GRADE: 6.3
Work Habits: Brandstater is a good leader by example, but will get vocal when his teammates need it. He takes pride in being the quarterback and wants to do well, spending a lot of time in the film room or with the coaches. He works hard on and off the field and shows good ethic in the weight room. He will stand tall under pressure, take a hit and deliver. GRADE: 6.2
ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 5.51
Set Up: Brandstater is just adequate in his set up. He does not really have heavy feet, but there are times where he looks too methodical in his drops. Once his feet are set, he will stand and deliver, though. He has a decent throwing motion, but has a bit of a wind-up in his release. He has the body control to stand tall and be ready in the pocket, but he seems to lose some velocity on his tosses when throwing on the run. His quickness dropping back from center is good and he does keep his feet under him, playing with good balance. GRADE: 5.3
Reading Defenses: As a junior, Brandstater seemed to have overcome his love for his primary target, doing a nice job of going through route progression to locate secondary targets. But as a senior, he tried to force the issue too much, resulting in him more than doubling his interceptions. Between the pass thefts and tosses he had broken up, the defense got a piece of 14 percent of his pass attempts in 2008 (12 interceptions, 40 pass deflections on 371 attempts). He is prone to making some bad decisions, as he just seems to throw too much into double coverage. He picks up the blitz and knows where to go with the ball, showing good vision and judgment on his reads, but tends to force the ball into coverage when his protection breaks down. He does show good timing and touch, but he has to stop forcing his throws into coverage. GRADE: 5.3
Release: Brandstater shows a high release on his throws. He will sometimes revert to a full wind up, but shows the ability to deliver most of his throws with quickness. Even when he uses a long throwing motion, he gets the ball away in time. When he keeps his delivery a little bit higher than three-quarters, he can carry the ball properly to get a quick release. GRADE: 6.0
Arm Strength: Brandstater shows adequate zip on his short to intermediate throws, but his long ball does float too much and he needs to get the ball away with a more consistent spiral (ball gets away from him when going deep). He can throw in the seam, but tends to feather the ball more than he should. GRADE: 5.7
Accuracy: Brandstater needs to improve his touchdown to interception ratio. His short passes are generally on target, except when forced to throw on the move. He has good touch with accuracy on the short throws, putting the ball where the receiver can catch it. He just does not show great accuracy throwing long, as he will force several throws into coverage rather than toss the ball away. He just needs to do a better job of reading defenders and coverage before he attempts to air it out. GRADE: 5.5
Touch: Brandstater is a bit inconsistent throwing the deep comeback from the opposite end of the field. He shows better touch and accuracy throwing short and intermediate. He takes a little too much off the ball throwing long (ball floats). He has decent anticipation and timing on routes, but there are occasions where he needs to throw the ball quicker, especially when pressured. On most of his pass thefts, it seemed as if he was not taking a good enough pre-snap look to see coverage and make the adjustment. GRADE: 5.2
Poise: Brandstater plays with good poise, as he will stand tall in the pocket and step into his throws. He can take a shot and stay composed in the pocket, but he will try to force some throws when trying to escape pressure. He has a presence standing in the pocket and is mechanically sound when not flushed out. GRADE: 6.0
Leadership: Brandstater is a solid leader both on and off the field. He wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line and shows that he has total command of the huddle. When he gets into a rhythm, he makes things happen. GRADE: 6.0
Pocket Movement: Brandstater is only adequate when throwing the ball rolling out and scrambling, as he lacks mobility and elusiveness in and out of the pocket. He moves around, but lacks the speed to be effective running the ball. He will step up and buy time, but is not a threat with his feet. He does have decent timed speed, but perhaps due to his tall, lanky frame, he fails to sink his pads and looks awkward when he has to run with the ball. GRADE: 5.2
Scrambling Ability: If your offense is looking for Brandstater to scramble or get any yards running with the ball, that could be a problem. He is a productive quarterback in the pocket, but even with his timed speed he is also a marginal open-field runner. He squares his shoulders properly on delivery, but does not have the scrambling skills or avoidance ability to throw on the run, as he does not look natural doing this. He seems to be more productive throwing when running to his right than to the opposite field. GRADE: 4.9
Compares To: MARK BULGER, St. Louis -- While Brandstater has the pro size, he will need to add more bulk. He has good command in the huddle and has operated in a pro-style defense, but despite what some others feel there seems to be too much inconsistency with him throwing long, especially on the move. He tries to force the ball too much between second-level defenders, and one look at the high amount of passes that have been picked off or deflected shows he still needs a lot of coaching and tutoring. Not to call him a product of the Fresno State system, but how many Bulldogs had success in the NFL?
OVERALL GRADE: 5.64
--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas
Career Notes
Brandstater started 36 of 45 games at Fresno State … His 584 pass completions rank fifth in school annals behind Paul Pinegar (848, 2002-05), Kevin Sweeney (740, 1983-86), Mark Barsotti (559, 1988-91) and David Carr (587, 1997-2001) … Finished fourth in school annals with 989 pass completions, topped by Pinegar (1,405), Sweeney (1,355) and Barsotti (1,031) … His 6,857 yards passing and 7,006 yards in total offense rank sixth in Fresno State history … His 47 touchdowns placed seventh and his 32 interceptions rank fifth on the Bulldogs all-time record chart … His career-high 2,722 yards in total offense in 2006 rank 11th on the school single-season record list.
2008 Season
Academic All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection for the third consecutive year … Completed a career-high 221 of 371 passes (59.6 percent) for 2,664 yards, eighteen touch-downs and twelve interceptions while starting thirteen games … Lost 50 yards on 51 carries, but ran for four scores … Ranked fourth in the conference with 2,614 yards in total offense, an average of 201.08 yards per game … Converted 67 of 165 third-down plays (40.61 percent) … 34 of his pass completions were for 20 yards or longer … In addition to having twelve of his passes picked off (for 58 yards in returns), 40 other pass attempts were deflected by the opposition … Sacked 18 times for minus 136 yards.
2008 Game Analysis
Wisconsin … Completed 15 of 27 attempts for 225 yards and a 61-yard touchdown, as ten of his tosses were good for first downs, including three for 20 yards or longer.
Toledo … Followed with 231 yards on 22 of 28 tosses (78.6 percent) with four touchdowns and no interceptions, as he also ran for a score in a 55-54 overtime victory.
UCLA … Connected on 70 percent of his throws (21 of 30) for 238 yards and three scores to lead the Bulldogs to a 36-31 triumph.
Hawaii … The Bulldogs fell in overtime, 32-29, as Brandstater threw for 204 yards on 12 of 24 attempts, but was also intercepted three times.
Idaho … Bounced back with a pair of touchdowns and 125 yards on 14 of 23 passes and also scored on a 2-yard run.
Utah State … Generated 25 of 36 throws (69.4 percent) for 257 yards and a touchdown in a 30-28 decision.
Louisiana Tech … Gained a season-high 296 yards on 23 of 38 tosses that included four touchdowns, including a long of 33 yards.
Nevada … Was intercepted twice, but also threw two touchdowns on 23 of 43 passes for 260 yards.
New Mexico State … Completed 14 of 20 throws (70.0 percent) for 146 yards, but it was his feet, not his arm that led the team to a 24-17 victory, as Brandstater ran for a pair of scores.
Colorado State (New Mexico Bowl) … Closed out his career by hitting on 13 of 23 attempts for 186 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
2007 Season
Academic All-Western Athletic Conference pick … Started all thirteen games, ranking fourth in the conference with a passing efficiency rating of 140.49 … Completed 211 of 337 passes (career-high 62.6 percent) for 2,654 yards, fifteen touchdowns and only five interceptions … Ran for 118 yards and three scores on 48 attempts (2.5 avg) … Ranked sixth in the league with 2,772 yards in total offense, the 11th-best season total in school history … Was sacked seventeen times for losses totaling 113 yards.
2007 Game Analysis
Connected on 21 of 31 throws (67.7 percent) for 260 yards and three scores in the Texas A&M game … Added 263 yards on 21 of 39 attempts with a touchdown vs. Boise State … Gained just 131 yards on 13 of 18 throws (72.2 percent), but two of those were good for touchdowns vs. Utah State … Added 209 yards on 15 of 26 tries, along with three touchdowns in a 37-30 loss to Hawaii … Hit on 23 of 39 passes (79.3 percent) for a career-high 313 yards and two touch-downs while also rushing for a score in a 45-29 triumph over Kansas State … Ran for a touchdown and completed 10 of 19 tosses for 205 yards in the season finale vs. New Mexico State … Named MVP of the Humanitarian Bowl, leading the team to a 40-28 win behind 23 of 30 passes (76.7 percent) for 285 yards and a touchdown while also running for his third score of the 2007 campaign.
I was looking for something with a little more detail.
otb_lifer
Footballguy
Corn Rocket
Footballguy
Brandstater and B Lloyd were on the Broncos in 2009 wern't they? Might have had a little time to play togehter during practice.
Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll
Footballguy
Oh I remember this guy now. He lost to Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl in his last game. Going in, he was supposed to be this NFL prospect but he looked terrible. His numbers might not show it but believe me, he sucked. And so did we, so that means he REALLY sucks, ha. That wasn't the only game I saw him, just the most memorable. Had a super easy WAC schedule and while FSU was still good to boot. Add in his size and stuff scouts love and you've got the perfect combination for being overrated.
God was I pissed when the Broncos drafted him...
There, that's all you guys need to know.
God was I pissed when the Broncos drafted him...
There, that's all you guys need to know.
Flying Elvis
Footballguy
Struggling with Rams myself. I would love to know if that long missive comparing Brandstater to Bulger is using the Good Bulger or Bad Bulger. lol
I wish I could say I have any real answers. I could easily see Lloyd having a nice outing due to "play-from-behind-mode" but that hasn't done a damn thing for any Rams player all year.
The affected team I am struggling with has Steven Jackson and Lloyd. I have to fill 5 spots (RB / RB / WR / WR / F) using Wells, Maurice Morris, Steven Jackson, Desean Jackson, Lloyd, Meachem and Torrey Smith. It's compounded by PPR, which makes me think Steven Jackson is still a better option than Beanie vs. the stifling SF DST. For me, it will be torture and run right up to the wire.
So . . . as a "value comparison" . . . I like Morris far better than Jackson or Wells and Jackson slightly better than Wells due to PPR & matchup. I think Lloyd is a complete unknown and will struggle with my WR starts and currently rank them as Desean / Meachem / Lloyd / Torrey. How's that for boom or bust? smh.
I wish I could say I have any real answers. I could easily see Lloyd having a nice outing due to "play-from-behind-mode" but that hasn't done a damn thing for any Rams player all year.
The affected team I am struggling with has Steven Jackson and Lloyd. I have to fill 5 spots (RB / RB / WR / WR / F) using Wells, Maurice Morris, Steven Jackson, Desean Jackson, Lloyd, Meachem and Torrey Smith. It's compounded by PPR, which makes me think Steven Jackson is still a better option than Beanie vs. the stifling SF DST. For me, it will be torture and run right up to the wire.
So . . . as a "value comparison" . . . I like Morris far better than Jackson or Wells and Jackson slightly better than Wells due to PPR & matchup. I think Lloyd is a complete unknown and will struggle with my WR starts and currently rank them as Desean / Meachem / Lloyd / Torrey. How's that for boom or bust? smh.
