50 Million Dollar Man

It is here! Football finally made it to the scene. The Pirates are 30 games under .500 and probably on the way to losing 100 games. What I am stunned at is the amount of guaranteed money the St. Louis Rams gave First pick in the 2010 draft QB Sam Bradford. Bradford received a whopping 50Million in guaranteed money. Sam Bradford 9 months ago injured his shoulder on his throwing arm and missed the balance of the season for the Oklahoma Sooners. To Bradford's credit, he worked hard to get back in throwing shape and he performed well at the Combine, his pro day, and in his personal workouts. But 50Million dollars for an untested rookie. This is getting totally out of hand. Look at the Bengals selection in the 2009 draft OT Andre Smith from Alabama who was the 6th overall choice. Smith has a weight clause with the Bengals but still ballooned up to 370 pounds with his 6'4" frame. Also, Smith has an ankle problem that is keeping him from camp participation. He received a large amount of guaranteed money. After watching Andre Smith play for the Crimson Tide, I felt he was more a Guard rather than a Tackle. Speed rushers were too quick for him in pass protection. Smith is a good run blocker, and has the strength and leverage in his body to turn defenders. Playing guard is where he belongs if he ever plays. Switching to Bradford, I like his release, I like his accuracy, his arm strength is nice, but Sam Bradford needs to build up his body. The quarterbacks in the NFL can really take a pounding. Look at Lions #1 overall selection Matt Stafford from Georgia. He really took a beating during the 2009 season. I am looking at the first choice in the 2011 draft to get upwards of 55Million guaranteed dollars. A rookie salary cap is needed and the NFL should start funneling the money to veterans that have had productive careers.