TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #9 Sam Bradford

SAM BRADFORD - Quarterback, St Louis Rams

Number 9 on the list brings us another young star from the gridiron, this time a quarterback. Sam Bradford is our 2nd quarterback to make the list. Playing what many consider the toughest position in all of sports, Bradford was able to come in as a rookie and play at a pretty high level. He even made the lowly St Louis Rams relevant again - no small task.

Coming into the 2010 season it was not a given that Bradford would be so successful. He suffered a brutal AC joint sprain in his shoulder in the first game of his junior season at Oklahoma, missing about a month of action. He then re-injured the shoulder against Texas a few weeks later and was forced to undergo season-ending surgery. Many feared, that his shoulder woes would keep him from being taken #1, but Bradford was impressive in his workouts and the Rams decided to go ahead and make him their franchise quarterback with the #1 overall pick.

Bradford's college career is as impressive as anyone on this list, which is even more impressive when you consider that he really only played two years at Oklahoma. In his first season as a red-shirt freshman, Bradford won the starting gig in 2007 and set the world on fire. He broke the record for touchdown passes by a freshman with 30 TD throws and led the Sooners to a Big XII championship and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl against West Virginia - which they lost 48-28.

As a Sophomore, things got even better. Bradford is the first and only Heisman trophy winner to make the list. In 2008 Bradford led a high-powered Sooner offense to an NCAA record 702 points scored. He also led the Sooners to a 3rd straight Big XII title and an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game against Florida. Bradford became the 2nd sophomore in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy (Tebow) in one of the closest votes in the history of the award, barely edging out Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow. Bradford received 300 1st place votes - 9 less than Tebow - but he landed the most 2nd place votes by far which helped him win the award for most total points. In a little known fact, Bradford was the first player of Native American descent to win the award since Jim Plunkett in 1970.

Following that record breaking season, Bradford surprisingly passed on the NFL draft to return to Oklahoma for his Junior season. We all know how that turned out with the shoulder injuries mentioned above. Nonetheless, Bradford was still the #1 overall pick in 2009.

As a rookie with the Rams, Bradford was able to put up better or comparable numbers with some of the best QB's in the NFL - Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb and Mark Sanchez. Certainly, he's not yet in the company of Manning, Brady, Brees or Roethlisberger but many believe he has the ability to get there.

Although, he is in Manning's company in one way. Bradford surpassed Peyton Manning's record for most completed passes by an NFL rookie quarterback (326)and finished the season with 354 completions out of 590 attempts, also surpassing Manning's record of 575 for most attempts by a rookie quarterback. He is just the third rookie quarterback to start all 16 regular season games and pass over 3000 passing yards, joining Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan. He completed 60% of his passes for 3,512 yards and threw for 18 touchdowns and 15 picks. All in all, Bradford was pretty impressive as a rookie QB. Perhaps, his most impressive stat was the 7-9 record of the St Louis Rams who were 1-15 a year ago with virtually the same squad.

Bradford and the Rams missed the playoffs with a loss in the final week of the season to Seattle. Bradford struggled in the game, showing that he still has a way to go before he is an elite QB. However, at just 23 years old, and with the success he has already enjoyed there are few who doubt that Bradford will get there. St Louis Rams fans can certainly breath a little easier knowing that they have a franchise QB in place and now just need to put the pieces around him. In the weak NFC West, Bradford and the Rams should enjoy plenty more success in the coming years.

Some Love For Sam Bradford

A lot of people heard that Tom Brady broke the record for most attempts without an interception, but no one is really talking about Sam Bradford breaking Peyton Manning's record for completions as a rookie quarterback by completing 28 of his 37 throws. He has 335 completions in 2010, which eclipses Manning's 327 completions in 1998.

That's damn impressive when you think about the lack of talent that he has around him. It is very rare for a rookie QB to come in and have such a huge affect, but Bradford has done just that. Now we will see him in the playoffs something Peyton Manning was unable to do. If the Rams can get some more talent around him, and he can stay healthy Bradford might just turn into one of the best QBs in the NFL.

Rams Cut Marc Bulger

The Rams cut Marc Bulger yesterday, which most likely means that Sam Bradford will be the #1 pick in the upcoming draft (good call DP). The question is what happens to Bulger now?

The hot rumor today is that the Steelers might jump on him as insurance in case this whole Big Ben raping chicks gets out of control. I don't think it would be a bad idea, but the Steelers offensive line would have to get a lot better. Bulger has shown in the past that he can be a serviceable QB, but he needs time in the pocket. When the Rams stopped blocking for him he folded then CC on a diet.

Still, what it comes down to is who would you rather trust...Batch or Bulger?

I would have to say I'd take Bulger even though Batch knows the system better.

Rams Taking Bradford #1?

Bradford is in great shape. Scouts say that he bulked up for the draft, and is looking very strong. There also rumors that Bradford will now be the #1 pick in the upcoming draft (just as DP predicted). While I still think Vick is going to ST. Louis I can't argue that this rumor is gaining momentum.

There is also a rumor that if the Rams are truly going to pick him #1 that the Redskins will try to make a trade with them to take the #1 pick, because they are in love with Bradford. This is a great situation for the Rams, if I was them I would trade down, because QB is not their only problem and they can grab Clausen with the Redskins pick.

These are all just rumors at this point, but this is a story you'll be reading about all the way up to draft day.

Sam Bradford To Enter NFL Draft

"Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford will have season-ending shoulder surgery and expects to enter the NFL Draft in April. The Oklahoma quarterback injured his right, throwing shoulder twice this season, most recently against Texas on Oct. 10. The school announced Sunday that Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala. Bradford is expected to address reporters following the Sooners' practice on Monday night in Norman, Okla.

"I dreamed about coming to Oklahoma my whole life," Bradford said Sunday in a statement. "That's the reason I came back for this season. And I came back to play, not sit on the bench. That's the reason I tried to play after the injury. I'm very disappointed that it didn't work out differently. Under these circumstances, and after talking to several people, this is the right thing for me to do at this point (Sportsline)."

DP and I have different takes on this. DP thinks he is making the right choice here, and should cash in. Although I think he should come back I think it was a mistake in the first place to come back from this year. The reason I would comeback for next year is the fact guys like Tebow and McCoy will be gone. So not only could Bradford make another run at a Heisman, but he could also be in line for a National Championship. Either way, I am not a Sam Bradford believer so I really don't care...

Bradford To Have Surgery, Done For Year

"There is a "very good chance" Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will announce he is having season-ending surgery on his shoulder, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad on Wednesday. Bradford, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, was to address his plans in a news conference at 6:30 ET Wednesday. He later canceled saying he wants more time to gather information. Bradford re-injured his right shoulder on Oklahoma's second possession during a 16-13 loss to No. 3 Texas on Saturday. The quarterback had previously been out a month with a sprain of the AC joint in his right, throwing shoulder (ESPN)."

So, Bradford is done for the year, and he really hurt his draft stock coming back to the Sooners this year. There is a good chance he would have been the #1 pick, now if he enters the draft this year I don't see him being in the top 10. DP and I disagree on this topic. If I was him I would come back, since guys like Tebow and McCoy will be gone, so there is a good chance that he could get another Heisman under his belt. Plus Oklahoma could be in place to take a run at a National Title. DP doesn't think it is worth the risk, which is a reasonable argument.

Anyways, Bradford will not be announcing his NFL plans when he officially announces that he is going to have season ending surgery, so we will not know for some time...

Bradford To Start Against Baylor

"Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford will start at quarterback for No. 19 Oklahoma on Saturday against Baylor. Spokesman Kenny Mossman announced the decision in a Twitter post on Friday morning and the news was posted on the school's Web site. Bradford, hasn't played since suffering a shoulder injury late in the first half of the Sooners' season-opening loss against Brigham Young on Sept. 5 (Sportsline)."

Obviously this is a big deal for the Sooners, but I think Bradford has done a lot of harm to his draft stock by coming back. I think now he will actually come back for his senior year. The Sooners aren't going to do too much damage this season since they already have two losses, so I expect to see Bradford back next season to see if he can make another run at a title and/or Heisman (which will be a lot easier without guys like Tebow around).

Tebow and Bradford Hopeful to Play

Here's what Bradford had to say:

“You say the national championship is out of the picture, but what happens if we win nine straight games and we win the Big 12? There’s still a possibility,” Bradford said Tuesday in his first public comments in a month. “To win another Big 12 championship and become the first team to win four straight Big 12 championships, I still think there’s a lot in front of this team and I think it would be extremely selfish for me to say, `The possibility of a national championship is slim now, so why come back?”’

Source

And here's the latest on Tebow:

Tebow returned to practice on a limited basis, though he still has not been cleared to play in the top-ranked Gators’ Saturday night game at No. 4 LSU. Tebow wore a red, non-contact jersey—normal for quarterbacks—and took snaps with the first-team offense.

“He looked like Tim out there today,” coach Urban Meyer said. “Obviously practice is a lot different from what’s going to happen Saturday night. We’re still doing an evaluation.”

Source

Bradford's right, Oklahoma does have a reasonable chance to win the Big XII. And coming back this weekend against Baylor will give him a start under his belt before the Sooners play Texas on the 17th.

A lot of people hate both these guys, which is understandable. I hope Tim Tebow gets caught molesting squirrels. But you have to admire their competitiveness, and their desire to play on Saturday.

-The Commodore

Bradford A No Go For Miami

Quarterback Sam Bradford's return to Oklahoma's offense won't come this week.

Freshman Landry Jones will start under center when the No. 8 Sooners play Saturday at No. 17 Miami, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Thursday.

The Sooners practiced this week with Bradford, who suffered a shoulder joint sprain in a season-opening loss to BYU.ESPN

This is shitty news for Oklahoma who desperately needed Sam Bradford back if they wanted to stand a chance against the U. Jacroy Harris is due for a bounce back game, and it seems like Oklahoma has been a little flat since they lost Bradford. But college football has been weird this year so anything can happen.

Sam Bradford Update

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford has been increasing his activity in practice, but a decision on whether he will start Saturday at Miami has yet to be made, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday.

"He has picked up his number of throws, the distance and his velocity each day," Stoops said. "He's been better every day.ESPN

Sam Bradford is going to be the key to the Miami vs Oklahoma game this weekend. Both teams are highly overrated and shouldn't be even be in the talks in a National Championship. But I like the Sooners if Bradford plays, but if he doesn't I'm all Hurricanes. Also, I'm sick of analysts blaming the weather for Miami's loss to VaTech. There are a lot of hard showers in my Miami, so kiss the baby all you fucks.

Sam Bradford Done For 2-4 Weeks

Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford is not expected to need surgery on his sprained right shoulder and the quarterback could play again for No. 3 Oklahoma in two to four weeks. ESPN

This sucks for Bradford who should have left school last year and been a top 10 pick. However, he didn't, and now he has to deal with the consequences. This injury doesn't only mean that Oklahoma as a team is fucked, but Bradford will most likely fall to the SECOND round. That's right I said Second round. His footwork is terrible, his arm strength is OK, and the only reason Oklahoma was so good last year was because of their strong offensive line. Now his weaknesses are going to be in the forefront and his offensive line is extremely inexperienced. Sucks for Bradford.

Sam Bradford Back To Oklahoma

You are fucking stupid Sam. You could have been the first pick overall but you are going to blow it all on a fucking injury. This is probably a bigger mistake than Matt Lienart coming back another year. You could have been the savior of Detroit, but your going to throw it all away. The only way I will accept this is if you win the Heisman over Tebow again. However, you are a fool, your stock can't get any higher, and you have nothing to prove. The Lions need you, but obviously this isn't going to happen. For shame.

Heisman Hopefuls

1. Chase Daniel – QB- Missouri
His Strong Arm has led to big play after big play. Daniel is seventh in yards and 8th in touchdowns; I’m waiting to see how he plays under the pressure of a late season Big 12 match up.

2. Javon Ringer – RB- Michigan State
This guy is the real deal, he has posted two 200 hundred yard performances already. He is second in yards and tied for first in rushing touchdowns with 12.

3. Graham Harrell- QB- Texas Tech
Harrell has excelled in Texas Tech’s offense and has put on a passing clinic so far. He has found fellow candidate, Michael Crabtree for 8 of his 18 touchdowns, which is good for second in the country.

4. Michael Crabtree- WR- Texas Tech
This comes as no surprise after Crabtree’s coming out party last season. Once Texas Tech begins their in conference schedule his numbers may decrease, but look for him to make plays all season long.

5. Sam Bradford – QB- Oklahoma
Mr. Efficiency, Bradford is second in both, QB rating and touchdowns. He has only thrown three interceptions through five games. It doesn’t hurt that he plays for the #1 Sooners.

-Brian B