3 Minnesota Vikings players trending towards draft bust status

Garrett Bradbury – C

Much was expected of Garrett Bradbury when the Minnesota Vikings took the North Carolina State product at No. 18 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The prolific center was deemed to be one of the best players at the position entering the league that year and it didn’t take long for the prospect to cement his status as a starter at the next level.

Given that Bradbury was a first-rounder, he was under the microscope more than most. Expectations are obviously higher when you’re one of the first names called and this is something the lineman has failed to meet more often than not.

There’s been nothing terrible about Bradbury’s play. Although his pass protection is sometimes suspect due to being a little undersized compared to most professionals.

However, the Vikings didn’t draft Bradbury high to be a middle of the pack center. They took him to be a starter for the next decade and unless something drastically improves this offseason, that might not be the case.

Communication and a lack of discipline have plagued Bradbury throughout his career. This caused plenty of frustration in 2021 as the player gave up no fewer than eight penalties according to Pro Football Focus.

With a new regime beginning in Minnesota, those in power might decide to explore trade options for Bradbury and take their chances with someone else.