Sam Bradford

Bradford thrived as a game manager last year after the Vikings surprisingly traded for him just before the season began when Teddy Bridgewater blew up his knee. Bradford set an NFL record for completion percentage and posted a career-low 0.9 INT rate. But after winning his first four starts, he led the team to just three more wins as the running game collapsed without Adrian Peterson and the O-line suffered numerous injuries. The gameplan -- tough defense and mistake-free offense -- became even more pronounced after Pat Shurmur took over as OC in Week 9. Shurmur used a short passing game as an extension of the run game and to protect Bradford. In nine games under Shurmur, Bradford completed 74.5 percent of his passes. He was accurate and effective on deep throws -- his 47.4 completion rate and 128.7 QB rating on passes more than 20 yards both ranked second -- but downfield passes accounted for a league-low 6.8 percent of his attempts. With Bridgewater still recovering, Bradford will start this year, and the Vikings improved his supporting cast with Latavius Murray and rookie Dalvin Cook in the backfield, WR Michael Floyd and perhaps three new O-line starters in addition to a new zone-blocking scheme. But that could mean fewer attempts for Bradford as the Vikings run more, and they're still not likely to stretch the field much.

On the surface, Bradford's first year in Philadelphia wasn't so bad. He set career highs in completion percentage, passing yards and YPA, and did so despite missing two games with a shoulder injury. The Eagles' offense struggled, however, scoring nearly 100 points fewer than they did in 2014, and even if coach Chip Kelly took the fall for that disappointing performance, Bradford also received his share of the blame. The organization signed him to a big two-year contract extension in the off-season, but then promptly made his future in Philly clear by trading up to select Carson Wentz with the second overall pick, relegating Bradford to the role of mentor and stopgap. When he has a clean pocket and can get into a rhythm, Bradford has the quick release and field vision to march a team down the field, but his arm strength is average at best after multiple injuries, and he's prone to bad decisions when pressured. The Eagles want him to stick around at least for 2016, as Wentz's small-school background might leave him ill-prepared to face an NFL defense in Week 1.

Bradford was traded to the Eagles in March, sending his stock higher than ever. Talent wasn't the issue in St. Louis: injuries and team context held him back. Bradford is coming off back-to-back left ACL tears, which cost him 25 games the last two seasons. In five years, Bradford has played just 49 of 80 games. He likely will be rusty this season — when he takes the field for the season opener it will have been more than 23 months since he last played a regular-season game. Although he has an unimpressive 6.29 career YPA (no more than 6.72 in any season), Bradford likely will find improved efficiency in a fast-paced Philadelphia offense that finished second in points and fourth in scrimmage yards last season. The Eagles have a deep and talented backfield, with DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews joining the dynamic Darren Sproles, to keep defenses honest. More important, Jordan Matthews and first-round pick Nelson Agholor figure to be a major upgrade from any wideout duo Bradford ever had in St. Louis. Veterans Miles Austin and Riley Cooper add depth and experience (albeit with limited explosiveness). Bradford, who is expected to practice this summer without restrictions, might be a risky fantasy pick, but he easily has the highest ceiling of his career.

Bradford's 2014 season was cut short by another torn left ACL, which paves the way for Shaun Hill to take over as the Rams' starting QB.

When Bradford posted 3,512 yards and 18 touchdowns as a rookie in 2010, many believed the next great fantasy quarterback was upon us. In the past two seasons, though, Bradford hasn't been able to complete 60 percent of his passes. There were many signs of improvement last year, however, including career-highs in YPA (6.7), touchdowns (21) and yards (3,702). Although the Rams let go of running back Steven Jackson, Bradford will actually have a better supporting cast in 2013 than ever before. St. Louis made it a priority to upgrade its offense in the offseason, adding tight end Jared Cook in free agency and drafting college teammates Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey to play wide receiver. The Rams also signed offensive tackle Jake Long – a move that could actually be more valuable to Bradford than the acquisitions of the skill players.

For Bradford, 2012 needs to be the year he breaks out. It takes a leap of faith to expect it to happen, but he just seems too talented to fail. Moreover, the Rams have finally given him some talent at wideout. Second-round pick Brian Quick is a big (6-3, 220) target with a huge wingspan, and fourth-round pick Chris Givens is a field stretcher who should at least have the effect of a poor man’s Torrey Smith. In addition, second-round running back Isaiah Pead will give Bradford a dangerous home-run threat in the backfield that’s bound to make some plays on screen passes. Bradford could make an Alex Smith-like jump in 2012 after averaging just six yards per pass and throwing 24 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in his first 26 NFL games.

Considering he missed most of his final collegiate season in 2009 at Oklahoma with a shoulder injury, Bradford’s rookie year was promising. In addition to having his team in the hunt for a (weak as the NFC West might be) division title, Bradford threw more touchdowns (18) than interceptions (15) and completed 60 percent of his passes. As a smart player with a quick release and rare accuracy, Bradford only figures to improve. The additions of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, tight end Lance Kendricks (second round) and wideouts Austin Pettis (third round) and Greg Salas (fourth round) are all helpful, too.

The Rams seem committed to throwing Bradford into the fire. If Bradford does have to throw a lot, as Matthew Stafford did in ‘09, the results will not be pretty nor productive for your fantasy squad — especially if your league subtracts for picks. Bradford also has some injury risk as he was beaten up last year at Oklahoma. Any No. 1 overall pick with the level of production Bradford achieved in college is worthy of keeper league consideration. But beyond that, avoid.