NFL Draft Preview: Rumors Abound as Bradford Settles in to Top Spot

With 2010′s NFL Draft just one month away, the league feels like a schoolyard as rumors and gossip begin to grow. With the Donovan McNabb lottery already in full swing, it appears that news of other deals in the NFC East are getting fans and sportsbook odds makers talking.

Reports indicate that Dallas Cowboys’ running back Marion Barber could be dealt after suffering a myriad injuries over the past few seasons – especially given the fact that the team lacks depth in other areas, and coach Jerry Jones has publicly stated he prefers Felix Jones in the starting spot over Barber. It remains to be seen whether or not Dallas is actually interested in dealing Barber, and it is important to note that it would take significant interest from another franchise in order to generate the kind of offer Dallas would be looking for.

Oklahoma’s QB Sam Bradford is widely considered the number one pick in the draft by online sports book cappers and other expert prognosticators. With nine of the last 12 overall top picks being quarterbacks, Bradford’s elevation over Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska’s formidable defensive tackle and another frontrunner for the number one spot – was not surprising for many fans.

With the St. Louis Rams tipped to choose first, may pundits are predicting head coach Steve Spagnuolo will go against his tendencies to think defense first, and jump at the chance to pick up a franchise quarterback in Bradford. While many individuals have questioned Bradford’s durability, don’t expect such concerns to dissuade Spagnuolo from jumping on the opportunity to snag the future star.

In terms of other picks, CJ Spiller, a leader in mock drafts and expected to be the first running back selected, while Tim Tebow – despite an incredible college career with Florida, isn’t expected to go until the second round. This comes off the tip that many are questioning his ability to transfer his skills to the pro level.

Jimmy Clausen, former star for Notre Dame is being tipped as a target for the Redskins at number 4, however, some experts think that Washington may focus on an offensive tackle, still, the majority of pundits expect Clausen to be Washington’s pick when the time comes.

Overall, offensive linemen are considered more and more desirable in the Draft in recent years, and odds makers are expecting several to be chosen in the first round. Conversely, wide receivers are considered less en vogue, and experts are predicting no more than two are picked in the first round.