So many mock drafts pegged the Los Angeles Chargers to take Nasir Adderley with the 28th overall selection in the first round.
When the Bolts were able to land Jerry Tillery with that pick, most thought the dream of getting the stud Delaware safety was dead.
So, you can imagine how stunned Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley was when Adderley was still available when the Bolts were on the clock in the second round.
"We were shocked we were able to get him (there)," he said moments after the Chargers took him 60th overall. "He came in and had a great visit. We really enjoyed him. His football knowledge and personality; he'll be a great fit for our group."
Most important is what Adderley can do on the field.
If his performance in college is any indication, the Bolts landed an ideal free safety for their scheme.
"That's what shows up on tape," Bradley added. "He has a lot of range. You see him make plays from red line to red line, sideline to sideline. He'll come up and tackle. Back there in that middle third, you need that type of athlete. He's got really good ball skills. They also played him close to the line of scrimmage at times where you saw him come up and make tackles in the open field. At that safety spot how we play it, he's got to be able to have that skillset. He's very aggressive, but plays the game very well. So he has a great chance in this defense."
The Delaware product certainly proved that over his career with the Blue Hens.
Over 45 games, Adderley totaled 264 tackles, 22 passes defensed, 11 interceptions and four forced fumbles. He joins the Bolts fresh off a dynamic 2018 campaign in which the ballhawk led the team with four picks and seven passes defensed along with 87 tackles and a forced fumble.
So, you can understand why Bradley is eager to see Adderley on the field.
However, he stressed nothing will be given to the safety, who'll have to earn his way onto the field.
"Obviously you want as many good players as you can," he said. "It creates great competition. We've got some fierce competitors in our building, and to add to it is always good. (Adderley) will have some learning curve, just like everybody does, but we're just so excited for him."
