There was a great deal of pressure on 2nd year linebacker Omar Gaither at the beginning of the season because he was attempting to move from outside linebacker to the middle while replacing popular former middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
Omar Gaither had a good year as the team’s starter at middle linebacker. He led the team in tackles with 103. Gaither is a smart, take charge backer with great instincts. He played like a veteran from the time he went on the field as a rookie. His strength is in pass defense where he contributed a big interception against the Giants. Omar did a more than adequate job against the run. Gaither is good and can get better but he doesn’t play the physical style you would like see at middle linebacker. In addition Omar at 240 lbs. with average speed doesn’t have the speed and strength you see in great linebackers, which means he might not have a huge upside.
Stewart Bradley, who is bigger than Gaither, plays a physical style, so the Birds may get him on the field at times against the run. In the couple of games he played in we saw him, anchor a goalline stand, run over a couple of running backs on blitzes, and cover backs out of the backfield with a blanket. This kid could wind up being very good.
Bradley has also shown some great versatility. His upside is immense.
07’ Grade – B-
