BRADFORD TO EXPLORE OPTIONS

Oklahoma red shirt sophomore Sam Bradford told an Oklahoma newspaper that he will be exploring his options for the 2009 draft in the next few weeks. Bradford said he and his father plan to consult with NFL coaches, general managers and scouts before deciding whether to return to the Sooners next season. Bradford was one of three players named as finalists for this year's Heisman Trophy after he led the nation in passing efficiency this season while throwing for a school-record 4,464 yards for the 12-1 Sooners who will play Florida in the BCS title game in January.

Ralph Mancini and Ross Mandel of the NFL Draft Bible give their take:

Mancini's Take: If you're looking for a quarterback who makes quick decisions with a good arm, size, impressive mobility and impeccable accuracy, Bradford has all that and more. The talented Sooner really sold me on his future as a pro in a recent game versus Texas Tech in which Bradford continually used his feet to evade the rush and create passing lanes--something that the less-athletic Graham Harrell did not do. This kid looks like a winner to me, Rosstradamus.

Mandel's Take: Indeed he does, Rev...Bradford has the most important tools to be successful at the next level--a quick mind, a strong arm, and an accurate delivery. He also has moxie and as the Rev said, he's a winner. Bradford's timed speed is in the 4.7-4.8 range, but he has great pocket presence and to the best of my knowledge, no one has ever put a stopwatch on a quarterback's escapability--it's a matter of instinct and know-how, not timed speed. However, Bradford still has two years of eligibility left and although he'd be the first quarterback taken in the draft this coming April, he and his family haven't made a decision yet on his future.

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department