Should Sam Bradford Go Pro?

After playing in the BCS national championship game, winning the Heisman Trophy, and leading Oklahoma to back-to-back Big 12 Conference Championships in football, there really isn't that much left for Sam Bradford to accomplish at OU. Bradford could return for his redshirt junior season, attempting to become the first man since Archie Griffin to win back-to-back Heismans, but that is a crapshoot. Just ask Tim Tebow. Bradford could return and set all of the offensive records he has broken at OU completely out of reach for anyone else who will play there, but there is little motivation to do that. Bradford could return, but he will be playing behind an offensive line that will suffer huge losses because of graduation. If Trent Williams decides to go pro, Bradford may be playing behind a whole new line next season.
Although his injury kept him out of the BCS championship game, there is a chance DeMarco Murray might test the NFL waters, too. Will Bradford be willing to return to play for a third year behind a completely rebuilt offensive line and new personnel in the backfield, too? Bradford isn't likely to match or exceed the superlative offensive number he put up this season, simply because you have to think Big 12 defenses will be somewhat improved next season. I certainly expect A&M to play better on defense when we head up to Norman next season.

The argument for Bradford going pro is that he has nothing left to prove at the college level. He hasn't won a national title, which could motivate him to come backa  third season, but he did play in two BCS games, and had a shot at winning the national championship. You can't ask for much more than that. By returning for his redshirt junior season, Bradford would also be risking injury, especially behind a rebuilt offensive line. All it takes is one hit in the wrong place at the wrong time, and all that NFL money will go up in smoke. Bradford may end up with the sad-sack Detroit Lions if he goes pro, but millions of dollars will make it easier for him to live with that heartbreak. His money can keep him warm in the cold Michigan winters.

If Bradford does return to college, he will be another great media sensation. He'll be hailed as a player who followed in the footsteps of Peyton Manning and Warrick Dunn, although Bradford has already accomplished more in two seasons than Manning did in four.  The media will gush about how wonderful it is to see someone turn down the filthy lucre offered by pro teams to remain a college student, but that gushing will be silenced if OU struggles while rebuilding next season.

Should Sam Bradford go pro? If I am thinking about what is best for him, I would say yes.