Although Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the second overall pick in the draft, has made clear his desire to report on time for training camp, we’re hearing that talks between the team and Suh’s agents are moving slowly.
There’s a school of thought that agents Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker are aiming for top-pick money, possibly under Parker’s 2009 theory that No. 10 overall pick Michael Crabtree should have been a top-five selection. Suh was regarded by many as the best player available in the draft, and Barnes and Parker could be arguing that the Rams had no choice but to take quarterback Sam Bradford because: (1) the Rams desperately need a franchise quarterback; and (2) they have dumped too many first-round picks of late into linemen.
Though Barnes was believed to be taking the lead in the negotiations, Parker likely is more involved, now that he has gotten a deal done for receiver Dez Bryant at the 24th overall position.
It’s now believed that Barnes and Parker will wait to finalize Suh’s deal until Bradford works out his contract.
Either way, it’s looking less likely that Suh will realize his vision of showing up for his rookie training camp on time.