The top picks of this year's draft class will cash in soon. According to Forbes, first-round rookie contract projections range from $9 to $30 million. It's not exactly the $50 million guaranteed that Sam Bradford signed for -- prior to the 2011 collective bargaining agreement -- but hardly anything to scoff at.
Just because you're an early pick doesn't mean you're set for life though. Defensive end Jared Odrick, pick No. 28 of the 2010 NFL Draft, has a cautionary -- and hilarious -- tale for this year's first rounders. Odrick signed a $13 million rookie contract. You'd figure with that kind of money he'd be flying first class at worst, right? Not exactly.
The despair in his eyes seeps right through those John Lennon shades. The guy sitting next to him wasn't expecting to be boxed in by a 6-foot-5, 298-pound man. Odrick is not even in one of the exit-row seats!
It could be worse though. The plane he's on could have been destined for Ja Rule's Frye Festival.
That being said, Odrick is currently a free agent, but has earned over $26 million so far. I'm sure he's doing just fine.
Watch the NFL Draft LIVE today at noon ET on NFL Network.
