Show Me the Money: Rookies vs. Veterans Who Deserves Top Dollar?

Who wouldn't be smiling?

If you're the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft you have it made, especially if you're a quarterback.

You never have to set foot on an NFL field, never have to take one snap against an NFL defense, and you never have to prove yourself in the league, and you're paid like a future hall of fame player.

They might as well have a stamp on their forehead that says, "I'm so paid", and we'll all know who the first overall pick is.

Sam Bradford's contract with the St. Louis Rams is predicted to be over $100 million, with between $45-50 in guaranteed money. I'll say that again—guaranteed money.

This 22-year-old quarterback hasn't even taken a snap as a St. Louis Ram, and he's getting paid more than Tom Brady, who has won three Superbowl rings, along with two Superbowl MVPs.

That just doesn't sit well with me.

This is not about picking on Sam Bradford. This has been a recent trend in the NFL, and it is only going to get worse as time goes on.

It's seems crazy an NFL team is still willing to pay these rookies like they are all-pros after the failed experiment that was Jamarcus Russell.

Russell was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and was given a $61 million contract, with $32 million guaranteed.

After entering Raider Nation under Al Davis with monumentous expectations, Russell became the biggest bust in the history of the NFL.

He became one of the laziest players in the league, and literally threw his career away.

I am in no way saying Sam Bradford is going to be the next Jamarcus Russell, but it's ridiculous the league is allowing teams to invest so much in young player who has yet to prove himself in the NFL.

Anything can happen out of college, and it is never "guaranteed" a top pick will perform to the level of his "guaranteed" money.

Every NFL veteran is going to cringe when the St. Louis Rams solidify the lucrative contract with Sam Bradford.

Here are the top three NFL superstars who are going to ask, "Where's my money?"

3. Tom Brady

It's astounding to me that the New England Patriots even let Tom Brady's contract get to this point.

The possibility of Tom Brady becoming a free-agent should be a scary thought for the Patriots. Give the guy the contract he deserves ASAP.

His accomplishments speak for themselves:

Brady has been to four Superbowls, and won three of them with the Patriots.

He has been awarded two Superbowl MVPs in XXXVI and XXXVIII.

He holds the NFL single regular season record for touchdown passes with 50.

During any quarterback's first 100 starts in NFL history, he has the highest winning percentage ever with 76 victories.

Among quarterbacks with at least 150 NFL starts, Brady has the sixth-highest career passer rating of all time at 93.3.

Give the guy some dough.

2. Peyton Manning

Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has no plans of letting Peyton Manning go.

Who would?

This guy is the face of the franchise and deserves to get paid like it.

There isn't a more focused and poised quarterback in the league than Peyton Manning.

He is the Colts' all-time franchise leader in career wins, career passing yards, pass attempts, pass completions, and passing touchdowns.

A tremendous feat, knowing he surpassed Johnny Unitas in some of these categories.

The debate rages on about who should receive more money: Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.

In the end, whoever gets their new contract first will lay the foundation for the other.

1. Chris Johnson

I wasn't aware that Lil' Wayne was a running back for the Tennessee Titans, but you learn something new every day.

But on a more serious note, in 2009, Chris Johnson produced one of the most prolific offensive years ever recorded at the running back position.

He was voted the NFL offensive player of the year after leading the league in carries and producing an amazing 2,006 yards rushing.

Johnson is only the sixth running back in the history of the NFL to eclipse the 2,000 yard rushing mark in one regular season.

Jamal Lewis, O.J. Simpson, Terrell Davis, Eric Dickerson, and Barry Sanders are the only other backs in history to accomplish the same feat.

Johnson also broke Marshall Faulk's previous record of 2,429 total offensive yards from scrimmage in one regular season. Johnson gained 2,509 rushing and receiving yards.

Chris Johnson had an all-pro season in 2009, and even though the Titans restructured his contract to persuade him to return in time for training camp, he deserves a hefty contract.

Only 24-years-old, Chris Johnson has the potential to become one of the most prolific rushers in NFL history.