NFL

Sam Bradford

Citing “multiple league and media sources,” Profootballtalk.com reports that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford may refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the St. Louis Rams. JaMarcus Russell is the only No. 1 pick to not sign before the draft in the last four years. By refusing to sign, Bradford would gain leverage in contract talks.

The move could also spur St. Louis to shop the pick, fearing Bradford might hold out like Russell, or even draft another player. Signing early and reporting on time would give Bradford his best chance to start on day one. Being drafted No. 1 would also give him his best shot at the biggest contract.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: The Vikings hosted CB Tye Hill for a free agent visit on Monday. Hill is reportedly deciding between Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee, the latter of whom he met with last week. Both teams are in need of corner help, but Hill’s track record says he would do more to exacerbate the problem than cure it.

Minnesota: Vikings signed DL Michael Montgomery to a one-year contract. A misfit in Green Bay’s 3-4 last year, Montgomery returns to the friendly confines of a 4-3 alignment in Minnesota. He says he hopes to play left end for the Vikes, but at 6’5/285 is more likely to earn playing time on the interior. If Montgomery does see action outside, he’ll back up LE Ray Edwards.

San Diego: Unsigned restricted free agent Darren Sproles is participating in the San Diego Chargers‘ voluntary offseason program. He signed an injury waiver to protect himself. Sproles’ participation could mean that the sides are in long-term contract talks, or at least that Sproles isn’t upset with playing the 2010 season on another one-year tender.

Chicago: Greg Olsen reported to the Bears’ voluntary offseason program on time Monday. Olsen has been concerned that his role would diminish in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s tight end-unfriendly scheme, so if the Bears wanted to keep Olsen this year, it’s a good sign that he’s participating already. Still, we’d be surprised if the Bears didn’t field trade offers for Olsen on draft weekend after signing Brandon Manumaleuna to a $15 million deal.

2010 NFL Draft: Northwestern DE Corey Wootton ran in the 4.93-4.95 range in the forty-yard dash at the Wildcats’ Monday Pro Day. Wootton’s ten-yard splits of 1.66 and 1.71 seconds were more impressive. He also had a 32″ vertical and 9-foot long jump. At 6’6/272, Wootton’s best fit is probably at end in an up-tempo 3-4 defense like the Jets’ or Cowboys’.