NFL Draft Round One Recap: Boomer Sooner: Oklahoma Dominates

The Oklahoma Sooners have made a serious splash in the 2010 NFL Draft by occupying three out of the first four draft spots.

As everyone in America expected, the St. Louis Rams used the number one overall pick on quarterback Sam Bradford.

After Detroit selected the best player in this year’s draft, Ndamukong Suh, Tampa Bay picked defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

Next, somewhat surprising, the Washington Redskins used their first round pick on offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Are these players worth top picks, or are they just products of great circumstance?

First Bradford.

Undoubtedly the most impressive physical specimen of all the quarterbacks in this draft at 6’5”, 240lb, Bradford has all the physical tools to play quarterback at the NFL level. 

However, watching highlights of Bradford makes me doubtful that he will be successful. 

Very rarely in his college career was he pressured.  When watching film of his pocket passing, I am quite impressed, but not with Bradford.

The impressive part is that there is very rarely a defender even on the screen when he made his passes.  I’ll be shocked if Bradford has any success when NFL defensive lines are hitting him consistently.

McCoy has the speed to be a great NFL defensive lineman, but does he have the strength? 

23 reps on the bench press at the combine makes me wonder if he will be able to shed blocks at the NFL level.  He won’t be able to beat NFL linemen solely with speed like he did in the Big 12.

Trent Williams is probably the best NFL prospect of the three Sooners selected in the first round.

Again, the impressive part of Bradford’s highlights is the fact that he never had any pressure on him in the pocket. 

This is in big part thanks to Williams, whose quick feet and good hands translate well to the NFL. 

Williams has the attitude to play in a Mike Shanahan offense and will be an instant impact for the Redskins’ offense, which is now led by Donavan McNabb.