Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
I'm not really surprised that Sam Bradford will take a long look at declaring for the NFL draft, as reported today by the Oklahoman. I'll be even more surprised if he doesn't eventually declare for it after the Sooners' bowl game.
The looming wage scale that is being rumored in the NFL draft will make all potential draftees think long and hard if they can make more money this year than next.
The Sooners have a built-in advantage with Bradford's father formerly playing for the Sooners back in the 1970s. But I don't know if that would be strong enough hook to get him to come back to school if Bradford learns he would be a first-round draft pick and could land a multi-million dollar contract.
I think if the Sooners are successful in the FedEx BCS Championship Game, it might make his chances of turning pro that much higher. If the Sooners were to lose, it might make him want to return to school where a delicious potential challenge with Colt McCoy might materialize in October.
It will be interesting to see how high Bradford's stock will rise with a strong performance in the bowl game. I know scouts are salivating over his size, his very accurate and powerful arm and his developing ability as a quarterback. Most have told me he's likely a mid-to-late first round draft pick.
But whether that will be enough to convince him to turn pro remains to be seen.
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
