With Matthew Stafford already locked up as the No. 1 overall pick, all eyes turn to USC QB Mark Sanchez. Where will he fall? Some late-night ESPN viewing can clarify some things:
- Chris Mortensen said there is about a 20% chance the St. Louis Rams will take Sanchez at No. 2
- Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay believe Sanchez will go off the board when the Seattle Seahawks picks at No. 4.
- Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels told Ed Werder that he does not believe his team will trade up to take Sanchez, nor would he be a lock if he fell to No. 12, the Broncos' first of two first-rounders. He also said the team has not contacted anyone about trading up, but admitted that the Jacksonville Jaguars have contacted him about moving up to No. 8.
- Sal Paolantonio caught up with New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum after a draft meeting, and the GM told the ESPN reporter that his team is in fact interested in moving up from No. 17, most likely to draft Sanchez. Many people believe it would take the Jets' first-rounder, second-rounder and fourth-rounder to move up to No. 8 to draft the QB. Another scenario that has been floated around involves the Cleveland Browns, Brady Quinn and the No. 5 overall pick.
Other late-night notes:
- With 11 draft picks this year, the New England Patriots could possibly move up into the top 10 to draft some defensive help.
And don't forget, the draft day LIVE BLOG kicks off at 3:45 pm ET/12:45 pm PT.
Showing posts with label Mark Sanchez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Sanchez. Show all posts
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Cutler and the Draft
As the Jay Cutler saga continues in Denver, a number of teams have turned their attention to the situation. And clearly, this will have an enormous affect on the draft.
First and foremost, if Cutler is traded from the Broncos, they would sit pretty at No. 12 to possibly take a quarterback. I do believe either Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez will be available at that position, and the Broncos would clearly have to take a quarterback. That is, unless they instead choose to go the one-year rental route (a la Jeff Garcia).
Among the teams interested in Cutler:
Detroit Lions (picks 1 and 20)
New York Jets (pick 17)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (pick 19)
Minnesota Vikings (pick 22)
Clearly, if either of these teams - or any other team for that matter - acquires Cutler, their draft day needs will be drastically altered. Furthermore, the Broncos would at the very least acquire the team's first- and third-round picks in exchange for Cutler, giving Denver quite the drafting arsenal.
As the situation continues to unfold, the draft day picture will continue to develop.
First and foremost, if Cutler is traded from the Broncos, they would sit pretty at No. 12 to possibly take a quarterback. I do believe either Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez will be available at that position, and the Broncos would clearly have to take a quarterback. That is, unless they instead choose to go the one-year rental route (a la Jeff Garcia).
Among the teams interested in Cutler:
Detroit Lions (picks 1 and 20)
New York Jets (pick 17)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (pick 19)
Minnesota Vikings (pick 22)
Clearly, if either of these teams - or any other team for that matter - acquires Cutler, their draft day needs will be drastically altered. Furthermore, the Broncos would at the very least acquire the team's first- and third-round picks in exchange for Cutler, giving Denver quite the drafting arsenal.
As the situation continues to unfold, the draft day picture will continue to develop.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Free Agency Making Waves
We're less than a week into free agency, and already the open market is causing a stir. A lot of faces changing places, and, from a draft perspective, it is helping to make the pictures a bit clearer - or in some cases, a bit muddiers.
Kansas City Chiefs: The acquisition of Matt Cassel guarantees the Chiefs will not be using the No. 3 overall pick to select a quarterback. Instead, they'll almost certainly improve their defense. Look for LB Aaron Curry to be the pick for KC. Plus, think about how he'll be able to learn from the other Patriot acquired via trade, Mike Vrabel.
New York Jets: The Jets have once again been incredibly busy, signing former Raven Bart Scott and trading for Lito Sheppard. There are also heavy rumors New York will make a run for safety Jim Leonhard and cornerback Corey Ivy. As Rex Ryan continues to raid his former team, the Jets continue to present a draft day question mark. Will they target USC QB Mark Sanchez? If they acquire Ivy, will they still go after the best available defensive back? Are Florida State's Everette Brown or LSU's Tyson Jackson, both defensive ends, in the cards? And with the release of Laveranues Coles, is a wide receiver possible? Still a lot of questions left to be answered.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos have brought in four defensive players thus far, including S Brian Dawkins. I don't think they're done adding to that side of the ball. If one of the big three offensive tackles falls to them at No. 12, they'd have to consider, but with a new 3-4 scheme being put in place, I think one of the edge rushing defensive ends would be the fit here.
Washington Redskins: The signings of Albert Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall (re-signed) mean the 'Skins will have a formidable defense this year. I'd expect them to make a run for one of those offensive tackles, perhaps by trading up in to the back end of the top 10.
Kansas City Chiefs: The acquisition of Matt Cassel guarantees the Chiefs will not be using the No. 3 overall pick to select a quarterback. Instead, they'll almost certainly improve their defense. Look for LB Aaron Curry to be the pick for KC. Plus, think about how he'll be able to learn from the other Patriot acquired via trade, Mike Vrabel.
New York Jets: The Jets have once again been incredibly busy, signing former Raven Bart Scott and trading for Lito Sheppard. There are also heavy rumors New York will make a run for safety Jim Leonhard and cornerback Corey Ivy. As Rex Ryan continues to raid his former team, the Jets continue to present a draft day question mark. Will they target USC QB Mark Sanchez? If they acquire Ivy, will they still go after the best available defensive back? Are Florida State's Everette Brown or LSU's Tyson Jackson, both defensive ends, in the cards? And with the release of Laveranues Coles, is a wide receiver possible? Still a lot of questions left to be answered.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos have brought in four defensive players thus far, including S Brian Dawkins. I don't think they're done adding to that side of the ball. If one of the big three offensive tackles falls to them at No. 12, they'd have to consider, but with a new 3-4 scheme being put in place, I think one of the edge rushing defensive ends would be the fit here.
Washington Redskins: The signings of Albert Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall (re-signed) mean the 'Skins will have a formidable defense this year. I'd expect them to make a run for one of those offensive tackles, perhaps by trading up in to the back end of the top 10.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Post-Combine Thoughts
[Note: I apologize for the lack of any substantive posting during the Combine. Such is the life of a college student.]
There's nothing like the NFL Combine, really. The eyes of the football world turn to Indianapolis to see how high a guy can jump, how far he can jump when standing still, and how many reps he can do on the bench press.
Do you get two points if your starting defensive tackle can do 28 reps at 225? No?
The combine did, however, provide us with some clarity in a couple of situations. The offensive tackle picture became a little less muddier. Andre Smith decided it would be a good idea to leave the Combine early and not tell anyone. This erratic move, coupled with his Sugar Bowl suspension and weight issues, clearly makes him the No. 3 offensive tackle. As for the other two - Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe - some people believe Smith has the slight edge. When it's all said and done, all three will be first round draft picks, but I still hold to the belief that Monroe will be the first tackle off the board.
Aside from that, I wouldn't say there were major changes at other positions. Matthew Stafford is still the guy at quarterback, with Mark Sanchez a close second. On the defensive side of the ball, the top players at each position remain intact.
In other words, the Combine served to reinforce our beliefs - not change them.
There's nothing like the NFL Combine, really. The eyes of the football world turn to Indianapolis to see how high a guy can jump, how far he can jump when standing still, and how many reps he can do on the bench press.
Do you get two points if your starting defensive tackle can do 28 reps at 225? No?
The combine did, however, provide us with some clarity in a couple of situations. The offensive tackle picture became a little less muddier. Andre Smith decided it would be a good idea to leave the Combine early and not tell anyone. This erratic move, coupled with his Sugar Bowl suspension and weight issues, clearly makes him the No. 3 offensive tackle. As for the other two - Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe - some people believe Smith has the slight edge. When it's all said and done, all three will be first round draft picks, but I still hold to the belief that Monroe will be the first tackle off the board.
Aside from that, I wouldn't say there were major changes at other positions. Matthew Stafford is still the guy at quarterback, with Mark Sanchez a close second. On the defensive side of the ball, the top players at each position remain intact.
In other words, the Combine served to reinforce our beliefs - not change them.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Favre Gone; Is Sanchez Next?
With yesterday's announcement that Brett Favre would be retiring, let the speculation begin: Who will be the next quarterback of the New York Jets?
The Jets have three QBs currently on their roster: Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Brett Ratliff. But they also have the No. 17 overall pick, and there is heavy speculation that USC QB Mark Sanchez could fall to New York. The Trojans gunslinger would be a welcome addition in NY. He is in the pro mold with an excellent arm and good smarts. He makes pretty good reads and can be effective in short-yardage and home run ball situations.
There is some question, however, as to whether or not Sanchez will be available at 17. There is widespread speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs (3rd overall) and San Francisco 49ers (10th overall) are interested in taking Sanchez, if he isn't drafted by the Detroit Lions with the first overall selection.
There is also the possibility of the Jets trading down in the first round and selecting Kansas State's Josh Freeman, although it is more likely that they will take one of the big two or no QB at all.
I think Sanchez will be available at 17, and it will be hard for the Jets to pass him up, given his skill level coming out of a pro system at USC. If you asked me to mock the draft today, Sanchez would be a Jet.
The Jets have three QBs currently on their roster: Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Brett Ratliff. But they also have the No. 17 overall pick, and there is heavy speculation that USC QB Mark Sanchez could fall to New York. The Trojans gunslinger would be a welcome addition in NY. He is in the pro mold with an excellent arm and good smarts. He makes pretty good reads and can be effective in short-yardage and home run ball situations.
There is some question, however, as to whether or not Sanchez will be available at 17. There is widespread speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs (3rd overall) and San Francisco 49ers (10th overall) are interested in taking Sanchez, if he isn't drafted by the Detroit Lions with the first overall selection.
There is also the possibility of the Jets trading down in the first round and selecting Kansas State's Josh Freeman, although it is more likely that they will take one of the big two or no QB at all.
I think Sanchez will be available at 17, and it will be hard for the Jets to pass him up, given his skill level coming out of a pro system at USC. If you asked me to mock the draft today, Sanchez would be a Jet.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Mock Critique: McShay 1.0
Todd McShay released his first mock draft, and it is chock full of, well, different stuff. You've been seeing a lot of the same from many of the experts, but McShay is taking a different route.
He has plugged Baylor OT Jason Smith into the number two hole, although he acknowledges the St. Louis Rams have multiple options at the position. He finally listened to me (or so I'll say) in giving the Kansas City Chiefs an OLB at three, not a quarterback. Scott Pioli will go defense first, and that means Aaron Curry.
Which leaves the question: Where does Mark Sanchez go? The answer: The New York Jets at 17. I completely agree; if Sanchez manages to slip past the 49ers, he will fall all the way to 17, and the Jets can't pass him up. It's a no-brainer to make that selection.
I disagree, however, with his pick at 18. The Chicago Bears shouldn't take Florida WR Percy Harvin. They already have a big-time playmaker in Devin Hester, and with Hester playing on offense more and more, adding Harvin makes no sense.
The rest of his draft is pretty agreeable, although I don't think the Philadelphia Eagles will take TE Brandon Pettigrew if OT Michael Oher is still on the board.
One other note: McShay has the New England Patriots taking USC LB Clay Matthews at 23. What a story that would be. The former walk-on with a football pedigree becomes a first round pick.
He has plugged Baylor OT Jason Smith into the number two hole, although he acknowledges the St. Louis Rams have multiple options at the position. He finally listened to me (or so I'll say) in giving the Kansas City Chiefs an OLB at three, not a quarterback. Scott Pioli will go defense first, and that means Aaron Curry.
Which leaves the question: Where does Mark Sanchez go? The answer: The New York Jets at 17. I completely agree; if Sanchez manages to slip past the 49ers, he will fall all the way to 17, and the Jets can't pass him up. It's a no-brainer to make that selection.
I disagree, however, with his pick at 18. The Chicago Bears shouldn't take Florida WR Percy Harvin. They already have a big-time playmaker in Devin Hester, and with Hester playing on offense more and more, adding Harvin makes no sense.
The rest of his draft is pretty agreeable, although I don't think the Philadelphia Eagles will take TE Brandon Pettigrew if OT Michael Oher is still on the board.
One other note: McShay has the New England Patriots taking USC LB Clay Matthews at 23. What a story that would be. The former walk-on with a football pedigree becomes a first round pick.
Friday, January 23, 2009
TOP 5: Quarterbacks
(1) Matthew Stafford, Georgia
(1) Mark Sanchez, USC
(3) Josh Freeman, Kansas State
(4) Nate Davis, Ball State
(5) Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State
The question at the quarterback position remains: Who is number one? Is it Stafford or Sanchez?. Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer. I have done nothing to settle that debate because I truly see them on equal footing for now. That could change, of course, as teams continue to evaluate their performance at the various scouting stops.
Everyone agrees, however, that after these two, it's really slim pickings. Freeman has ascended the draft charts to be the (almost) consensus number three, with Davis close behind.
Everyone also seems to be in agreement that Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and Missouri's Chase Daniel are quickly falling out of favor. I was never high on Harrell, but I think Daniel could surprise as a late-round draft pick.
Other names to watch: Drew Willy (Buffalo), Cullen Harper (Clemson), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State)
These are not the next three names on my list, but they're three guys who should garner some attention on day two and, if drafted, have a lot of potential.
(1) Mark Sanchez, USC
(3) Josh Freeman, Kansas State
(4) Nate Davis, Ball State
(5) Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State
The question at the quarterback position remains: Who is number one? Is it Stafford or Sanchez?. Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer. I have done nothing to settle that debate because I truly see them on equal footing for now. That could change, of course, as teams continue to evaluate their performance at the various scouting stops.
Everyone agrees, however, that after these two, it's really slim pickings. Freeman has ascended the draft charts to be the (almost) consensus number three, with Davis close behind.
Everyone also seems to be in agreement that Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and Missouri's Chase Daniel are quickly falling out of favor. I was never high on Harrell, but I think Daniel could surprise as a late-round draft pick.
Other names to watch: Drew Willy (Buffalo), Cullen Harper (Clemson), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State)
These are not the next three names on my list, but they're three guys who should garner some attention on day two and, if drafted, have a lot of potential.
Mock Critique: Kiper Version 1.0
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. released his first 2009 mock draft, which officially signals the start of the 2009 mocking season. Usually, anything done before that is simply attempts at grabbing the air. Nothing substantive occurs until the Duke of the Draft...ok, I'll stop putting Kiper on a pedestal.
But with the release of Kiper's first version (which, to no surprise, is only available in part to non-Insider subscribers [don't worry, I'll critique the second half of the first round too)], it provides us with some things to talk about.
There are a few picks I can't agree with. We'll start with my beloved New York Jets. There's just no way they can take Florida WR Percy Harvin with the 17th pick. There's no denying the Jets need a receiver to step up and be a big-play guy, but Harvin is not the answer. He's only about 5-10, and while he's an explosive weapon who can play multiple positions, he doesn't fit the type of receiver the team needs. They need a tall receiver - not another Santana Moss.
Backtracking for a moment, Kiper has the Kansas City Chiefs going with USC QB Mark Sanchez at No. 3. I'm not sold on this, at least for now. Tyler Thigpen showed considerable growth throughout the season, and I have to think there's some institutional confidence in him - perhaps enough to mean KC will not go QB in the first round.
A team that I do think will eventually take a quarterback is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, I don't think they will go that route in the first round. Kiper has the team grabbing Josh Freeman, the signal-caller from Kansas State, at 19. Freeman's stock has taken a jump in recent weeks, but I'm not sold on him. I think the team is more likely to use a late-round selection to draft a QB. To me, it makes sense to remain with Jeff Garcia at the helm, at least for the first year of the new coaching regime. I know the rookie coach-QB combo worked this year, but I wouldn't expect similar results.
But with the release of Kiper's first version (which, to no surprise, is only available in part to non-Insider subscribers [don't worry, I'll critique the second half of the first round too)], it provides us with some things to talk about.
There are a few picks I can't agree with. We'll start with my beloved New York Jets. There's just no way they can take Florida WR Percy Harvin with the 17th pick. There's no denying the Jets need a receiver to step up and be a big-play guy, but Harvin is not the answer. He's only about 5-10, and while he's an explosive weapon who can play multiple positions, he doesn't fit the type of receiver the team needs. They need a tall receiver - not another Santana Moss.
Backtracking for a moment, Kiper has the Kansas City Chiefs going with USC QB Mark Sanchez at No. 3. I'm not sold on this, at least for now. Tyler Thigpen showed considerable growth throughout the season, and I have to think there's some institutional confidence in him - perhaps enough to mean KC will not go QB in the first round.
A team that I do think will eventually take a quarterback is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, I don't think they will go that route in the first round. Kiper has the team grabbing Josh Freeman, the signal-caller from Kansas State, at 19. Freeman's stock has taken a jump in recent weeks, but I'm not sold on him. I think the team is more likely to use a late-round selection to draft a QB. To me, it makes sense to remain with Jeff Garcia at the helm, at least for the first year of the new coaching regime. I know the rookie coach-QB combo worked this year, but I wouldn't expect similar results.
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