What's sup with Cory Bradford?

[woodbuck27]

A Work Horse
Veteran Receiver Corey Bradford Looking to Lead Through Actions, Not Words

By Chrissie Zavicar
Detroitlions.com
June 13, 2006

Bradford has already shown glimpses of his playmaking ability over the course of the Lions’ offseason.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Since Head Coach Rod Marinelli arrived in Detroit, he has been focused on creating the right attitude among his players.

He has stressed the importance of “team” and has done all he can to find passionate and driven players to further build the foundation of talent already set in Detroit.

Marinelli had a certain type of player he was looking for over the course of the offseason and that wasn’t necessarily any “big name” players.

He was looking for exactly the right pieces to fit the Lions’ puzzle; pieces that would not only fill important roles on the field, but would possess the work ethic he felt necessary to create a winner in Detroit.

One such piece is wide receiver Corey Bradford; a big-play receiver who holds incredible speed and a drive to succeed that has him leaving everything out on the field in practice, and will no doubt carry over to gameday in the fall.

Wide receivers coach Kippy Brown, who also coached Bradford for one season in Green Bay and four in Houston, described Bradford as a player who “has speed and he’s got explosion and talent that makes him a playmaker.”

Bradford was this year’s first free agent signing and is now the most-tenured receiver on the Lions roster. He has four more accrued seasons than Eddie Drummond, who had the most NFL experience among Lions receivers heading into this offseason.

Bradford was immediately looked at as a player who could make a positive impact.

“There’s no such thing as me coming in and being the veteran and leading the guys, we all help each other on certain stuff,” said Bradford. “Basically my job is to come here and play and really work hard, and by me working hard, the other guys can see it and follow it.

“So far the guys that have been here, they’ve been busting their butts. So we help each other really.”


Bradford is projecting himself as a receiver who is a big-play threat every time he catches the football.

When he arrived in Detroit, Bradford was immediately looked at by outsiders as the player who could “turn things around” with the Lions receivers. But Bradford doesn’t look at it that way at all. In fact, he is learning just as much from his fellow receivers as they are from him.

“They didn’t feel like I came in and was trying to be a player-slash-coach,” said Bradford. “I’m more of an action guy. I might not say anything, but when I come on the field, they’re going to look and be like, ‘Man, look how he’s practicing, look how he plays.’ And that’s just going to speak for itself.”

Though the Lions have yet to take the field in a game situation, Bradford’s playmaking has already spoken for itself. His speed and ability to catch deep passes already jumps out on the practice field, and he is focused on learning the intricate offense developed by Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz.

“With other teams I have mostly been either a deep threat or known for catching a short pass and taking it to the house,” said Bradford. “But this offense right here, right now, they give me more chances actually running routes; I’m running hooks and deep ends. I’m not just running goals all the time.”

As a receiver who has played nearly a decade in the NFL, Bradford has the capability to demonstrate a solid work ethic for a Lions team that holds a lot of young talent. But it’s not just his tenure that speaks volumes.

Though Bradford is approaching his ninth NFL season, his career as a professional football player hasn’t been handed to him by any means. Drafted in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers out of Jackson State, Bradford wasn’t looked at as a player who would stick around in the NFL.

But he took comments from his critics and used them to his advantage by allowing the negativity to fuel his fire.

“When I first came up, coming from a small school, people said, ‘He’s not going to get drafted, he’s not going to last that long,’ said Bradford. “So far I’ve been playing – this is going to be my ninth year. Basically I just feed off of any kind of negativity.”

In addition to a passion for the game of football, Bradford has other qualities that make him an ideal player for any coach.


Fellow receivers have noticed the work ethic and dedication Bradford has both on and off the playing field.

“As far as willingness to do what you ask him to do, he’s probably as good a guy as I’ve ever coached in that respect,” said Brown. “But the thing that I love the most about Corey is his dependability that, even when he doesn’t do everything right, you can bet he’s trying with everything he’s got to do it the way you ask him to do it.”

With a nose-to-the grindstone attitude, Bradford will be an important component of the Lions highly-dynamic offense. He has led by example and his work habits both on and off the field aren’t going unnoticed by his teammates.

“Corey’s older than most of us and he studies his book a lot, so he’s picking up the schemes very well,” said fellow-receiver Eddie Drummond.

“One thing that I think he’s going to put in Mike Martz’s mind is that he’s accountable and all coaches like Martz love people like that: people who are going to be where they’re supposed to be and do what they’re supposed to do.”

That’s the thing about Bradford; he simply comes in every day and does what he’s supposed to do. He understands his role and is comfortable not necessarily being the most celebrated player on the Lions roster.

“Basically, I feel my role is going to be: every time I touch the ball, a big play is going to happen,” said Bradford.

“I just want to come in and play and just win. Because wins are going to overshadow any individual stuff.”


Anybody know what this former Packer cost the Lions?

Since leaving the Packers for 4 season's in Houston, Cory Bradford had 130 catch's for 1992 yards (about a 15 yd. avg.) and 18 TD's.

[Murphy37]

I remember him when he was a Packer. I thought he showed some signs, but I didn't think he would be around this long. Good for him. I wouldn't mind having him back in Green and Gold.

[woodbuck27]

I remember him when he was a Packer. I thought he showed some signs, but I didn't think he would be around this long. Good for him. I wouldn't mind having him back in Green and Gold.

Hi Murph.

Yes I liked Cory Bradford and thought he would break through with us. He had a pretty decent season in 1999 with 37 catch's for 637 yds. . . .
( a 17.2 yd. avg.) and 5 TD's. He was looking good. He started only 2 games that season.


Here's some more on the Lion receivers.

A Course of Development
Lions Receivers are Learning a New Offense and Adapting to a New Way of Work

By Chrissie Zavicar
Detroitlions.com
June 1, 2006


ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- When the Lions chose wide receivers as No. 1 picks in three consecutive drafts, it created a bit of a stir in Detroit.

Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Mike Williams have been under a microscope since they arrived, carrying an enormous amount of pressure to succeed and become an arsenal of scoring power.

But all that seems to follow these three players is speculation on whether they are putting forth enough of an effort or whether they truly want to succeed in Detroit.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz may have put all of those worries to rest on Thursday at the Lions mini-camp in Allen Park. When talking about his offense, and specifically his receivers, he had nothing but positive words with a look of excitement in his eye as though Detroit should be prepared for an outburst in 2006.

“They’re very athletic, it’s a good crew and they’re learning the work ethic and they’re willing and that’s the biggest thing that I see. They’re willing; they’re not fighting anybody. They’re open and receptive and trying to run what you’re doing and trying to work hard.”

Though there is high expectation in Detroit with the arrival of Martz and Head Coach Rod Marinelli, it is still early. With a little less than two months remaining until training camp, these players are still trying to get into the top shape they will need to be in so they can succeed in the high-tempo offense the Lions are looking to run.

“On every snap we want them to sprint down the field, that kind of a thing,” said Martz. “We don’t run guys in and out. So the conditioning of what we do lends itself to maybe a different type of mode in camp.

“But the conditioning part is very uncomfortable and that’s something that some of them aren’t used to being in – in an uncomfortable situation.”

While everyone wants to know how the Lions wide receivers are doing, it is still too early to see all they are truly capable of. The fact that they are still learning the offense and still trying to get their bodies into the condition Martz needs them to be leaves them performing at a lower level than the talent they possess.


Martz believes WR Roy Williams will be an elite receiver in the NFL.

“You can’t evaluate a receiver until he’s in shape,” said Martz. “You can’t. You get a wide receiver who’s out of shape; he runs a bad route and then drops balls. So you have to get them in great shape before you can have any kind of idea what they are.”

Though the receivers aren’t at the conditioning level they will be at by September, they are already showing signs of improvement due to hitting the weight room.

In fact, Martz’s best example of a player doing just that was Charles Rogers.

“Charles is starting to get in shape – he’s doing a great job now of getting in and out of cuts,” said Martz. “He couldn’t put his foot on the ground and change direction early because he wasn’t in very good shape.”

Rogers is probably the most-watched receiver out of the three and there has been speculation that he is being ruled out of the Lions offense. But Martz is impressed with Rogers and is showing no signs of keeping him out of anything.

“Charles has made a big, big jump over the last four or five days, I’m very pleased with his effort. It’s hard for him because [the system] is different. He’s going to make some mistakes mentally. But he’ll learn. I think Charles is going to be fine.”

Martz is impressed by more than just Rogers. When he first arrived in Detroit, he was concerned that the Lions’ big receivers weren’t going to work in his offensive scheme. What he found, however, was a high level of talent and an ability to do more than what their size would imply.

“[They’re] very athletic receivers,” said Martz of Rogers, Williams and Williams. “Big guys. Usually as soon as you get a tall receiver in stature you say, ‘Well, he doesn’t have good feet.’ They do. And they can all run. All three of them can run.

“I wasn’t sure the size of these guys – whether they could get in and out of stuff. I’ve been amazed how well they can.”

While Martz has taken notice of Rogers’ improvement over the course of the offseason, he has also taken note of Mike Williams’ speed and quickness and the ability of Roy Williams.

In the two seasons Roy Williams has been in the NFL, he has constantly been talked about as an incredible talent, with his leaping grabs and the way he always seems to come down with the ball.


Martz has been impressed with WR Eddie Drummond's work ethic and the top physical condition he is currently in.

When asked if he considered Williams as an elite receiver, Martz said, “I think he is. Roy’s one of those guys, it doesn’t take you very long to be around him. If you watch practice out here at all, it’s not hard to figure that one out.

“I’m excited, but we’ve made no effort to isolate him at all, we’ll just teach him the offense. But when we do, I think he could be very effective.”

While much of the focus surrounding the Lions offense tends to center around Rogers, Williams and Williams, Detroit has many other talented receivers heading into training camp. Martz has been particularly impressed with wide receiver/return specialist Eddie Drummond.

“Eddie is a great example of a guy,” said Martz. “He’s learned two positions, he’s making some mental errors, but boy he’s working hard. That’s a guy that is in shape right now. He could run forever and that’s what you want. He just keeps practicing and if he just eliminates an error here and there as the preseason comes around, he should be a good backup.”

When it comes down to it, the Lions are strong at the receiving position. They have a solid group of players who will fight for roster spots come August and September.

But the one thing that fans should take note of is the way Martz has that look of excitement when talking about next season. As though no one has any idea what the city could be in store for.

“I’m very encouraged by, not just the ability, but just the overall attitude of these guys and their desire to learn this stuff and to win,” said Martz. “We didn’t know in 1999 what was going to happen (in St. Louis).

“Who knows where this thing is going. That is what is so much fun about it.”

[Green Bud Packer]

Re: What's sup with Cory Bradford?

A Work Horse
Veteran Receiver Corey Bradford Looking to Lead Through Actions, Not Words


Anybody know what this former Packer cost the Lions?

Since leaving the Packers for 4 season's in Houston, Cory Bradford had 130 catch's for 1992 yards (about a 15 yd. avg.) and 18 TD's.

4 years 7.4 million for a guy who average a little over 30 catches a year. millen is genius.

[Murphy37]

How ya doin Woody? Hows da fishin up der? This is the first year I havn't taken a trip to Canada in a while. Tell me about the Walleyes up der again will ya Woody. Tell me a walleye story and then tuck me in. I have had way too much to drink. Nevermind

[Bretsky]

I remember him when he was a Packer. I thought he showed some signs, but I didn't think he would be around this long. Good for him. I wouldn't mind having him back in Green and Gold.

Corey Bradford made a bit mistake in leaving Brett Favre, who helped make players out of far less talent than Bradford. I wish he'd have stayed as well.

[Bossman641]

Bradford was one of my favorite players on the team. Seemed like he always got open deep.

[chain_gang]

Yeah I remember Bradford a little in Green Bay, I think there was a playoff game against S.F. in Bradford's rookie year, when he hauled in a long pass and made a nice over the shoulder catch. Madden was commentating during the game, and saying Favre throws a pass to...who is that guy, Summerall says it's seldom used Corey Bradford. Madden says, Man is Favre something special now he's throwing passes to some guy named corey bradford, I don't even know where he came from.

Well anyways I guess you had to see the game, I thought that exchange between summerall and madden was frickin hilarious.

[Row 67]

Maybe not this year, but I think Detroit will be a force in the division next year. Mike Martz is an offensive genius, and that article about receievers and having them in shape is pretty telling. There is no question that the receivers in Detroit have talent. What they have never had before now is good coaching, and a QB that can get them the ball. Now that they have coaching, all Detroit needs is a QB, and their offense will be a force.

Of cousre, Detroit's ownership is a disaster, and the Matt Millen experiment has been a total failure to this point. Thats an awful lot of negative momentum they need to turn around. Looks to me though that they might be on the right track.

[mraynrand]

Bradford is a limited receiver. Deep threat guy, can run a slant. Maybe his route running has improved in Houston and will help Detroit a bit. Hands of granite.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Maybe not this year, but I think Detroit will be a force in the division next year. Mike Martz is an offensive genius, and that article about receievers and having them in shape is pretty telling. There is no question that the receivers in Detroit have talent. What they have never had before now is good coaching, and a QB that can get them the ball. Now that they have coaching, all Detroit needs is a QB, and their offense will be a force.

I think Detroit is farther away from being good than any team in the division, by far. As long as Millen is there to bumble things, they are guaranteed to suck. Their receivers are overrated. Roy Williams is good. Charles Rogers gets injured every other game and isn't great when he's healthy. There's talk that Mike Williams will be converted to TE or cut. He's been THAT disappointing. Apparently, he's REALLY slow. Bubba Franks-like slow. They have Kitna and McCown at QB. Neither is the long-term (and probably not the short-term) answer. They have a few good players, but every team does.

[K-town]

I remember Corey Bradford in 1999 - the year that we were blessed with Ray Rhodes, and the year that Ray Sherman finally got to run the offense. There was talk that year of a "more vertical" passing game. It seemed the most effective play that year was what my buddies and I called the "Corey Bradford interference pass," where they'd send Bradford on a deep go or "fly" route, and pray for the pass interference call. Especially the Denver game that year. Ugly.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Corey Bradford is an excellent guy to have in your receiver stable. Not sure you want him starting. Ya, he was kind of one-dimensional, but what a dimension to have! Bradford can make a critical difference in a couple games a year.

[Fritz]

Seems like we've got two or three Corey Bradfords on this team already.

[Bretsky]

Seems like we've got two or three Corey Bradfords on this team already.

Not sure who they are Fritz.

Bradford is a burner. He's a very different WR than Fraudeson or Gardner. Not nearly as good as Driver, and a different WR than Jennings.

Truth be told, in terms of guys I'd value over Bradford on GB, I'd take

1. Driver
2. Jennings (based on potential

and then everything is debateable.

Undecided who I'd take between Gardner and Bradford.

I'd take Bradford over Ferguson, Boerighter, Rodgers and the rest.