Sam, stay in school: expectations can be too high for young QBs

By Jake Trotter, Staff Writer

Published: October 29, 2008

NORMAN -- At the moment, Todd McShay rates Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford as the top prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft.

But the ESPN draft analyst has a surprising suggestion for Bradford: Consider staying in school.

“It's not just about where you get drafted,” McShay told The Oklahoman. “A lot of guys have gone early and they're not ready. Then they're forced to play. There is more money to be made than in your rookie contract.”

McShay points to Alex Smith and JaMarcus Russell. Both quarterbacks left school early, became No. 1 draft picks and signed monster rookie contracts.

Three years later, Smith is on injured reserve and expected to be released by the 49ers.

Russell has struggled in his first two seasons with the Raiders, now without a long-term head coach.

“They cashed in as rookies, but expectations were so high. And yet those teams are drafting there for a reason -- they're awful,” McShay said. “There's an unbelievable amount of pressure to produce. You have to be way beyond your years to handle it.”

McShay also points to Peyton Manning, who as a junior at Tennessee was projected to be the top pick in the draft, but returned to school for his senior season.

“Sure, it's a short-term fix financially. That kind of money is hard to turn down, I get that,” McShay said. “But if you can, have long-term vision like Peyton Manning did. Go back to school and continue to learn. Nothing is like college football. Life is good there, enjoy it, finish what you started.

”Yes, there is a chance you get injured. That's why you take out an insurance policy and then you don't think about it.“

But McShay understands why Bradford would leave early, especially since this quarterback draft class will be one of the worst in years.

”I'm not going to lie -- it's a bad group,“ McShay said. ”There's not a senior quarterback in the country I can give a first- or second-round grade to.“

As of now, McShay also has Georgia junior quarterback Matthew Stafford as a first-round talent and USC junior Mark Sanchez as a probable second rounder.

But to McShay, Bradford is the superior NFL prospect.

”He can make all the throws,“ McShay said. ”He has a quick release and all the physical tools.

“You also have to have accuracy. I haven't seen a more accurate passer in college football for the kind of throws you have to make in the NFL.”

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