Bradford lone unsigned draft pick in St. Louis
The top overall pick in the draft Sam Bradford remains unsigned. The former University of Oklahoma star was absent for the first day of rookie workouts on Thursday, and could potentially miss a sufficient amount of time at training camp if Bradford’s agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra do not reach a deal soon with Rams Executive Vice President of Football Operations Kevin Demoff.
"Like every other head coach, you want your players here," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "But I understand the process. Can I take that line and put it on a tape recorder?"
Bradford, being the competitor that he is, stated that he did not want to miss a single practice to avoid falling behind in St. Louis offensive schemes. But the Rams number one overall can't report to Rams camp without a the contract.
St. Louis might end the week on a high note as reports say that the Rams expects the Heisman Trophy winner to sign sometime on Friday. It is reported Bradford's contract could make him a rich man with earnings ranging between $40 and $45 million dollars in guaranteed money.
Teams across the league have had trouble getting their first round picks into camp. Only four first round draft picks have signed as of Friday morning including former Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant. The New England Patriots signed the 27th pick Devin McCourty on Wednesday morning and the Raiders placed Rolando McClain under contract.
The latest addition to this list is Tim Tebow who signed the dotted line after Thursday’s workouts.The Buccaneers' Gerald McCoy, the Redskins’ Trent Williams and Seahawks, Russell Okung all remain unsigned.
A.J Feely though wasn't overly worried about Bradford missing a step due to his lack of practice. "Right now, he just missed a practice," Feely said. "It’s not the end of the world. You’d like to have him out here to work with these guys, but he’s been through the whole offseason program. It’s just a day. Sam’s a smart guy.
"He’s bright. I don’t see him lagging. I don’t see him sitting at home on the couch not doing anything, he’s going to be out there preparing and getting ready to go." Feely will open camp as the Rams' starting quarterback. "Just like I stated all last spring, if we played today, A.J. would be the guy," Spagnuolo said.
But the rookie will have every opportunity to steal the job before the season opener. We have come to expect first round rookie quarterbacks to earn the reins of their new team by playing good in training camp and most importantly during the preseason.
In 2008, Matt Ryan was named the starter in Atlanta and a year after Matthew Stafford became Detroit’s signal caller. These rookies were able to land starting jobs by showcasing their talents and earn the right to be the starting quarterbacks of their respective teams.
Spagnuolo didn't seem too concerned about the possibility that Bradford might miss the two days of rookie workouts before the first full-squad practice Saturday.
"We wouldn't be able to play the season," the coach joked. "Of course, every day matters, but however it happens and when he gets in here we'll deal with it."
Bradford's first year success will depend in part on the changes to the offensive line, notably the addition of the 33rd player selected in April, Rodger Saffold. The second round pick is expected to start at right tackle.
However, the team is struggling to run and pass the ball because of their youth and inexperience on the offensive line. When Bradford does sign, the guys upfront will have to do a better job protecting Bradford, their franchise player and quarterback for the future.
Tags: