Oklahoma Players Expected To Dominate NFL Draft

By Joshua Brakhage, The News On 6

UNDATED -- Experts predict Thursday's NFL draft will feature more players from Oklahoma colleges than from any other state. One could become the highest-paid rookie to ever play the game.

Even folks who don't follow football know that's a big deal.

Sooner star Sam Bradford suited up for CBS joining the Early Show team on the plaza Wednesday. Later at another publicity stop, the Heisman trophy winner wasn't hiding his nerves.

"I would like to know - or have a good idea - where I'm gonna go before tomorrow night gets here. If I walk into that room without knowing, my heart's going to be going non-stop, until I hear my name," Bradford said.

The former University of Oklahoma quarterback is likely to be the number one pick in the draft. The best quarterbacks in the past three drafts each locked up mega-contracts - starting at $68 million and growing every year.

Last year's top pick - quarterback Matthew Stafford - got a $78 million contract with $42 million guaranteed even if he never took a snap. It was the richest rookie contract ever.

There's pressure on the Saint Louis Rams to top that if they select Bradford this year.

OU and OSU players could make up four of Thursday's top 10. Former Sooner Gerald McCoy is arguably the best defensive player in the draft.

"It's like, man, am I still dreaming about my dream or is this really happening," McCoy said.

And it's bedlam between the two best offensive linemen available, OSU's Russell Okung and OU's Trent Williams.

"If we get down to 32, and I'm still in the green room then I get worried," said Williams.

"It's all up in the air. Everybody's bluff. Everybody's not showin' their cards. I'm just waiting," said former Cowboy Russell Okung.

Oklahoma State University star receiver Dez Bryant was suspended for most of last season, and OU tight end Jermaine Gresham watched from the sidelines with an injured knee. But both should be first round selections and each make millions.

Bradford says the money is the last thing on his mind.

"I just try to stay away from that, just try to have as much fun as possible, and realize that I'm extremely fortunate to be in the situation that I am," Bradford said.

But he'll be cashing in - "sooner" than later.

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