Four young Canadians just made it through the toughest job interviews of their careers at the 2015 NFL Combine.
Brandon Bridge, Tyler Varga, Brett Boyko and Christian Covington have completed their whirlwind four-day sessions in Indianapolis — early mornings, late nights and long days as they were put under the microscope by NFL teams.
Bridge and Boyko were the only two Canucks that participated in the entire combine — a minor ankle injury kept Varga from doing any on-field drills, and Covington opted out because he’s coming off knee surgery in November and is still recovering.
“If you’re hurt every coach and scout understands. But if you make the choice that you don’t want to do it, that’s a different conversation,” NFL Network Draft analyst Mike Mayock says.
ATTENTION Rogers and Shaw customers.
Already enjoying Sportsnet ONE? Now get access to digital editions of Sportsnet magazine at no extra cost.
As long as both players work out at their pro days — Covington on March 11 and Varga March 31 — as they’re scheduled to do, it won’t matter that they didn’t take the field at the combine.
Meanwhile, Boyko and Bridge were able to show what they could do on the turf in Indy. Despite running a slow 40, as if that even matters for an offensive lineman, Boyko shook off some nerves and turned in a solid effort in the positional drills. If you asked Bridge he would’ve likely wanted to run a faster time over 40 yards, but “Air Canada’s” arm was on full display.
Canadians’ NFL Combine measurements and results
Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama
Mississauga, Ont.
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 229 pounds
40-yard time: 4.72
225-pound bench press: DNP
Tyler Varga, RB, Yale
Kitchener, Ont.
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 222 pounds
40-yard time: DNP
225-pound bench press: 23 reps
Brett Boyko, OL, UNLV
Saskatoon, Sask.
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 301 pounds
40-yard time: 5.60
225-pound bench press: DNP
Christian Covington, DL, Rice
Vancouver, BC
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 289 pounds
40-yard time: DNP
225-pound bench press: DNP
Brandon Bridge’s combine throwing session
Your’s truly was part of a small group of writers that were granted access to take in Bridge’s passing period from a Lucas Oil Stadium luxury box. Only note pads and pens were allowed — no phones. So here are the notes on how Bridge performed:
Bridge was asked to execute an array of drops and throw a number of different patterns during his on field session Saturday. He threw three-step slants, five-step 10-yard outs, five-step 12-yard hooks, seven-step 17-yard square in routes and seven step post-corners.
On the quick game throws, Bridge showed compact, crisp feet. The ball came out in rhythm after his back foot hit the ground on his third step. That allowed him to deliver the football on time. Ball placement was precise on slant throws, out in front and leading the receiver so he could catch and run in stride.
Five-step throws started to show Bridge’s inconsistencies with his footwork. His feet were slow and he was off balance when throwing out routes to the left, causing balls to be thrown behind receivers coming out of their breaks. When throwing outs to the right hand side, Bridge’s feet were considerably better. He transferred weight smoothly and drove the ball with pace and ideal placement on each of those passes. And you could easily tell he was comfortable throwing a fade ball. The arc on his deep passes is beautiful. There is nice a combination of effortless pace with touch. Placement was impeccable each time on the outside shoulder of the receiver.
Lastly, Bridge’s seven-step efforts were solid. His footwork was quick and cleaner than when he took five step drops. Particularly when Bridge was throwing the deep-in he looked to be totally in rhythm and let the ball go so it arrived as the receiver was coming out of his cut. The post-corner throws showcased Bridge’s arm strength. He unleashed four balls on a line with zip and NFL-type trajectory.
After seeing Bridge’s full throwing session it’s clear he has an NFL-calibre arm. He has a quick snap and whip to his release. The ball comes off his hands smoothly and effortlessly. Those are always great traits to have, but Bridge needs to continue to clean up his footwork. At times it was slow and choppy and caused him to be off balance on those reps. When Bridge has his feet and arm in sync, it’s easy to see what NFL talent evaluators like about him. That’s why becoming consistent with each drop is going to be supremely important for Bridge moving forward.
Overall, consider Bridge’s stock pointing up.