Is Sam Still the Top Dog?

Originally Published: Apr 22, 2010 3:12 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

OKLAHOMA – If not number one, then where?

It has pretty much been assumed that the St. Louis Rams will take former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the top pick in Thursday’s NFL draft. The Rams finished 1-15 in 2009 and need a leader to help turn their franchise around. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound former Sooner slinger certainly could fit that mold.

But what if they don’t take him?

The Rams could easily take Nebraska pass-rushing star Ndamukong Suh with the number one selection instead of Bradford, leaving the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner swaying in the draft lottery wind.

If that happens, where does Bradford finally land?

Don’t be mistaken, Bradford is top-cut, USDA prime quarterback meat. He’s got all the tools that team presidents and head coaches crave, but just because the filet falls in your lap, doesn’t mean you have to pounce.

After St. Louis, the next few teams in line don’t necessarily need a quarterback. Detroit and Tampa Bay just drafted one last year in the first round, and Washington just traded for six-time pro bowler, Donovan McNabb.

The Kansas City Chiefs have the fifth pick this year, and may be a good fit for Sam. It’s close to where he played his college ball, perhaps drawing in some of the fan base. They don’t really have a glaring need at the quarterback position, but could take Bradford there anyway.

Don’t count out the possibility of teams scrambling to try to trade up to a more favorable position so that they can draft Bradford. If the Rams pass on him at the top slot, the Detroit Lions will move into a powerful position with the second overall pick.

Lower picks that may try to inch up to get Bradford include Cleveland (No. 7 pick), Buffalo, (No. 9 pick) and San Francisco (No. 13 pick).