Let me first off make it clear that in my mock draft coming soon, I have Bradford going to the top spot.

The more I think and make mock drafts, the more I find their news-oriented than evolution-oriented, as these teams have secret boards that only they know and people with sources on TV (like Kiper and McShay) change their mock a day before the draft on TV and get a lot right because of the sources they have over, let’s say, me.

But, the best speculation I can do is pick apart the reasons that the Rams could go against the expected and let Bradford go. Judging by more board and if I was the Rams, I would take Ndamukong Suh, but we’ll take a look at the reasons for why it could be a name other than Sam Bradford.

5. They’d Rather More Picks and Trade Down

If the Rams don’t want Bradford, there are at four teams very interested in getting higher in the draft to snatch him up.

The Redskins at 4, Seahawks at 6, Browns at 7, and Bills at 9 all have needs at quarterback, with the Redskins and the Browns being the most urgent and in love with Bradford.

The Rams may be able to swing a 1^st overall pick for a 1^st, 2^nd, and a 2011 2^nd rounder, which isn’t a bad deal for a team in need of a 2-3 year rebuilding plan.

4. They Have Concerns about his Shoulder and Knee

All reports are thus far that the shoulder has checked out and is at or very near 100 percent. And the knee from 2008 also has been subject to tests for scouts who want to see how it will hold up, but that has gone fairly well as well.

But, all it takes is the Rams to get a little nervous about a player who will get 35+ million guaranteed to not be fully healthy.

That’s a big concern, and with the team likely back in the Top 5 of the draft, they may have a shot at a more stable quarterback next season. Banking on Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker is a bold move, but if they have concerns about the injuries, it may be worth the risk.

3. The Rams Would Rather Take the Best Player Available

It seems that before Adam Schefter came out and said he “guarantees” that the Rams will take Bradford, Ndamukong Suh was viewed as the safe and projected pick.

I’m not so sure that the Rams opinion changed because of Schefter, and if they were considering Suh at one point, nothing has happen to erase him from their board.

Sure, Bradford fills a fan and long-term need, but adding Suh to what would become a solid front seven, the Rams could have a respectable defense along with a left tackle, a franchise running back, and former Pro Bowl quarterback in Marc Bulger.

Plus, keep in mind the contract. A quarterback at the top of the draft will ask for a lot more than a defensive tackle, and with the Rams in the midst of an ownership change, they might want to conserve money.

2. They Like Jimmy Clausen More

Hey, maybe I’m against the consensus here and I have been the whole season, but I like Jimmy Clausen more than Bradford and from the people I’ve talked to, I’m not entirely alone.

Clausen in more pro ready than Bradford, but that’s not even why he’s a good fit for the Rams. Going back to Clausen’s freshman and sophomore years at Notre Dame, he didn’t have good protection or weapons at all, which is likely what he’ll walk into in St. Louis.

While I think Bradford is a better fit scheme-wise for the Rams, Clausen fits their offensive talent in the now and though it would be unexpected, it wouldn’t shock me. They are in negotiations with Clausen as well as Suh, McCoy, and Bradford.

1. Bradford Won’t Sign

And speaking of in-negotiations, one of the biggest issues now that could get more and more blown-up as we move closer to the draft is if Bradford will pull an Eli Manning and say he won’t go with the Rams.

It wouldn’t be a total shocker. The Rams don’t have a great offense in place, and teams like the aforementioned Redskins, Browns, and Bills could be desperate to either trade for him after they pick him.

But, if a team isn’t willing to dish out top pick money or draft picks to get to the top spot and take Bradford, the Rams may just have to bite the bullet and go with a player willing to sign the rookie contract.

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