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Bradford will mull NFL option after season's done
 
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 12/11/2008  2:41 AM
Last Modified: 12/11/2008  2:44 AM

 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Sam Bradford answered all the questions just right, said all the right things.

When it comes to the possibility of leaving the University of Oklahoma in January for the riches of professional football, Bradford will gather all the information and weigh all the scenarios and talk to all the experts.

"At this point, I haven't put enough effort into that decision to give you an answer," he said.

But away from the glare of camera lights and microphones, in a dim hallway inside the Disney Boardwalk Convention Center, Bradford briefly reflected on the idea that his memorable effort on Nov. 29 in Stillwater might have been his last game in the state of Oklahoma.

"Well, I mean, we'll see," he said, "but I think it's a very slim chance."

Bradford is a third-year sophomore. After redshirting the 2006 season, he won a three-man competition last fall, then threw an NCAA-freshman record 36 touchdown passes and led major college football in passer efficiency. This year, he performed even better, leading the nation in efficiency and TD throws and guiding the Sooners to a 12-1 record and a spot in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Moreover, Bradford is a darling among NFL scouts, and could be in line for an enormous payday. Scouts admire his size (6-5, 217), strong arm (Bradford ranks third nationally in yards per attempt) and uncanny accuracy (school-record .688 career completion percentage), as well as intangibles like leadership, poise and maturity.

Although
he has yet to submit a request for the NFL's official assessment of his draft status, he's been regarded as the best quarterback available and, depending on a team's need, could go as high as No. 1 overall. The top five picks in last year's draft averaged six-year contracts worth $59.4 million, with an average guaranteed income of $28.4 million. Quarterback Matt Ryan, chosen third by Atlanta, got a $72 million deal, with $34 million guaranteed.

ESPN scouting analyst Todd McShay ranks Bradford second on his Top 32, and long-time draft observer Mel Kiper, who doesn't rank underclassmen on his official board unless they have declared for the NFL, has said he thinks Bradford could be the top quarterback in the draft.

When the Sooners finish the 2008 season in Miami on Jan. 8, Bradford will have seven days to announce his decision before the Jan. 15 deadline.

"Right now, I'm probably just going to try to gather as much information as possible, just determine, if I did decide to go to the NFL, where I'd possibly be drafted," he said. "But right now, I'm really not thinking about that."

Two factors might sway Bradford's decision as much as anything: First, beginning with the 2010 draft, future rookies will have their salaries capped. Second, OU loses five seniors on the offensive line and three seniors at wide receiver, as well as other offensive underclassmen, including tight end Jermaine Gresham, who might go pro.

This week, Bradford is on the national awards circuit, wearing a deep crimson cast over his left hand and forearm to protect his surgically repaired thumb (which he said is healing fine).

But next week, Bradford said, he'll start getting his hands dirty researching his viability as an NFL quarterback.

Another possible factor: What if Bradford wins the Heisman Trophy and OU wins the national championship? What reason would he have to return if he wins both?

"The national championship, even if we won it, with the guys we have coming back, I'd like to make a run at back-to-back," Bradford said. "That might not have a lot to do with my decision, but it might play a small part."

Bradford said other than his mother and father, he expects to lean most heavily on the Sooner coaching staff, particularly quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel.

"It's probably something I'll talk to him more about when I go back next week," he said.

Draft targets



Among eligible players who could declare for the NFL draft, here are the top five as ranked in Scouts, Inc.'s Top 32

1. OT Andre Smith, Jr., Alabama

2. QB Sam Bradford, So., Oklahoma

3. QB Matthew Stafford, Jr., Georgia

4. WR Michael Crabtree, Jr., T. Tech

5. CB Malcolm Jenkins, Sr., Ohio State



2008 NFL Draft



Top 5 picks

(Guaranteed money in parentheses)

1. Jake Long, Miami Dolphins: 5 years, $57.5 million ($30 million)

2. Chris Long, St. Louis Rams: 6 years, $56.5 million ($29 million))

3. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: 6 years, $72 million ($34 million)

4. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: 6 years, $60 million ($26 million)

5. Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City Chiefs: 5 years, $51 million ($23 million)



John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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GrannyTazzy, Tulsa (12/11/2008 6:16:01 AM)
I know the guys make enough money to retire on (if they invest it wisely and dont blow it), but I like it when they choose to finish their education. To me it says more about them than the millions of dollars they can make.
Report Comment
Bird1, Tulsa (12/11/2008 7:43:40 AM)
Over the past two years, we've seen that Sam is not just a smart kid, but he also has a good deal of common sense. As a Die Hard Sooner Fan, I would love to keep him here for two more years, but also as a Die Hard Sooner Fan, I want the best for our Players. I think he will make the right decision for himself. I just hope it's here. Same for Kevin Wilson, but I know some other school will snatch him up to fill their head coaching position.
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KJL, Sallisaw (12/12/2008 1:20:15 AM)
He would be kinda silly if he didn't go especially if he is going top 5. I don't need a five minute rant from Pat Jones to figure out Bradford will go high.
Report Comment
Rhymeister, Tulsa (12/12/2008 7:51:30 PM)
Mark it down, Stafford will be a bust in the NFL. He's slow and he's simply not that accurate.

If I were Bradford I'd take the money and run. Don't take a chance of getting hurt à la Jason White.
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KJL, Sallisaw (12/13/2008 11:12:52 PM)
OU fans better hope Bradford doesn't end up in Detroit or Dumptroit as I call it.
 

 
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