The Jets so coveted the Orange County Kid from USC that they moved into the top five in the draft to insure Sanchez would be the man to help wash the stench of Favre off the field in East Rutherford.

ESPN’s John Clayton is reporting that the deal is for five years and has an estimated $28 million in guaranteed money. 

It should be noted that Sanchez’s deal is considerably less than the guaranteed money given to the top pick in the draft, Matthew Stafford, and is the smallest contract handed out to a quarterback picked in the top five over the last few years.

Time will tell if Sanchez can live up to the billing as the next Joe Namath, at least now he has a paycheck to reflect the Baywatch lifestyle he showed in GQ.

Tomorrow is a huge day in St. Louis Rams franchise history. The Rams have the second overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Who will the Rams pick? Who do you want them to pick? Let me know. With the Lions locking up Matt Stafford there could be a mad dash for Mark Sanchez. The Rams are in the power position now. Seattle is looking hard at Sanchez, will they get him at #4? Will the Jets or Broncos try to move up? One thing is for sure the Rams phone should be ringing off the hook through the night.

NFL.com reports

One thing that could be legit or be a ploy (it is interesting, if nothing else): The Rams, who hold the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, have purchased a plane ticket for USC QB Mark Sanchez to fly from Los Angeles to St. Louis on Sunday, when the team plans to introduce its top selection.

This is a very interesting report. Either way Marc Bulger probably will not sleep well tonight. Could the Rams really make a power move like this, when they need help at so many positions? The Rams can now try to negotiate a deal with any possible player they are interested in. It is possible that the Rams could have someone selected and agreed to a deal prior to tomorrow morning. How crazy would that be. The Seattle Seahawks have to be shaking in their boots about the Rams possibly taking Sanchez. The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos both have two picks in the first round. The Niners who pick at #10 also want Sanchez. Will the Rams play keep away from the Seahawks and Niners, and then come back and get a player like Eben Britton in the top of the second round? I am very excited about the possibilities. It will be an interesting day on Saturday that is for sure.

I’m pretty sure that throughout his USC career the one thing Sanchez did have more than anything was confidence. In the Rose Bowl against USC it showed as his precision passes and pinpoint accuracy helped his NFL stock sky rocket into a potential top ten player.

When he announced he was leaving Southern California, even at the dislike of his head coach Pete Carroll, he sat at the podium with tons of confidence. Carroll told Sanchez he was making a mistake and that NFL teams needed more time to evaluate him before he went pro.

His young quarterback smiled and claimed he was ready.

Now I think Sanchez is hearing Carroll’s thoughts over and over as nightmares of a Aaron Rodgers type drop through the first round spirals through his head. On Monday he declined on the chance to go to New York for the draft. I have a feeling that his decision has a lot to do with his fear of falling out of the top ten and having to wait in the green room for hours while waiting to be selected.

He has publicly stated through his brother that he has elected to spend the day with friends and family. This may be the complete truth, but I know that if I was in Sanchez’s shoes I’d be worried about taking a free fall.

Nine players are going to New York, including Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman. Most mock drafts have Freeman going in round two, which makes his invite a little surprising. Brian Cushing, Brian Orakpo, Matthew Stafford, Aaron Curry, Jason Smith, Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe, and Michael Crabtree all are also going.

2. WR Michael Crabtree: I’ve been higher on Crabtree than most since he entered college. I feel like he can be a star at the NFL level but a lot depends on how teams believe he is recovering. His route running needs to be more precise.

3. OT Jason Smith: Smith launched up draft boards as other lineman fell down them. He looks like the best overall lineman available in the draft, ahead of Eugene Monroe. It’s not very often a Baylor player goes this early in the draft.

4. OT Eugene Monroe: A few teams still feel like he is the best player in this draft (outside of Curry). He looks like a sure top seven pick unless something crazy happens between now and draft day.

5. QB Matthew Stafford: I’ve had Stafford as my top quarterback for a year now. He can be successful at the NFL level but he’s got to end up in the right situation (like all drafted players). Detroit  isn’t the place you think of what you think of success.

6. DT B. J. Raji: Did he fail a drug test at the NFL combine? No he did not and now it will not affect his draft stock. Raji is easily the best defensive lineman available in this draft and a clear top ten pick.

7. WR Jeremy Maclin: I’m not as high as everyone else is on Maclin, but he is one of the few players in this draft that you know will be able to fit in in a lot of different ways if you select him. He can return kicks or catch passes. Either way he’s going to get the football in the open field, and that’s scary.

8. QB Mark Sanchez: Sanchez left USC too early but he’s still going to get a very nice paycheck for it. Expect Sanchez to go in the top 15 and get a starting position right away in most situations. Will he actually develop into a NFL QB? That remains to be seen but after studying him it’s clear he has all the talent he needs to make it.

9. OT Andre Smith: If you forget that he talked to a NFL agent too early and was suspended from the Sugar Bowl and his NFL combine issues then Smith is probably a top five player in this draft. The problem is that you can’t just push those potential character issues to the side.

10. CB Malcolm Jenkins: There is only one cornerback in this draft that can be counted on as a rookie to shut down NFL wide receivers next year. That one guy is Jenkins. Expect him to start right away, no matter where he ends up.

The main questions dealing with the NFL Draft at this moment are these:

• Will the Lions take Matthew Stafford #1 overall?
• If the Lions don’t take Stafford what happens to Stafford & Sanchez?
• In what order will Michael Crabtree & Jeremy Maclin go?
• Where will X-factor Andre Smith end up?

Here’s my best guess:

1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford (Georgia)
The Lions need their franchise quarterback and Stafford (on paper at least) appears to be the guy that fit that profile. Aaron Curry is another option here, but in the past the Lions seem to always go for the flashy, best player on the board type player and they usually get burned.

2. St. Louis Rams: OT Jason Smith (Baylor)
Last year the Rams got Chris Long, the defensive end from Virginia, instead of Jake Long to fortify their offensive line. Now they can get their offensive tackle as well. Smith has passed both Eugene Monroe, Michael Oher, and the other offensive tackles on most draft boards.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
How many times does the team with the third pick get the best player in the draft? Not very often. The Chiefs could also take Crabtree but this might be too good to pass up. Curry is going to be very good for years to come.

4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
This pick scares me because it makes too much sense to be true. Why wouldn’t the Seahawks get arguably the best player in the draft (aside from injuries) and their go to receiver?

5. Cleveland Browns: LB/DE Brian Orakpo (Texas)
This one also looks to make sense.  Everyone thinks Orakpo should go to the Browns. The Texas defensive end would certainly give the Browns a pass rush, something that was completely missing in 2008.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
The Bengals would be ecstatic if this scenario played out. Without having to move up at all they could get arguably the best offensive lineman in this entire draft. Monroe would solidify an offensive line needing a lot of help.

7. Oakland Raiders: WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
Do I think Maclin is this good? No, I really don’t but we all know how Al Davis is. Maclin would be an all around playmaker for the Raiders and his selection would give Oakland a young QB, young RB, and a young WR all drafted in the last three years.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT B. J. Raji (Boston College)
We’ve all heard about Raji’s drug test (which he didn’t fail) and his up and down draft stock. Some believe he can go as high as #4 to Seattle, while others seem him going towards the bottom of the top ten.

9. Green Bay Packers: DE Everett Brown (Florida State)
This is the first really hard position to choose in the mock draft. Brown is one of the most athletic players in this draft out of Florida State and he gets the nod over Maybin and Tyson Jackson.

10. San Francisco 49ers: QB Mark Sanchez (USC)
This looks like the landing spot for Sanchez unless a team jumps ahead of the 49ers. Sanchez isn’t as experienced as most teams like their franchise quarterback to be but at this point San Francisco has to take a chance.

11. Buffalo Bills: DE Aaron Maybin (Penn State)
All these defensive ends are really a toss up. In my estimation Maybin is the third best available behind both Orakpo and Brown.

12. Denver Broncos: DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)
Jackson has been harassing SEC quarterbacks for years and now he moves onto the NFL. The Broncos (like the Browns) can use any defensive help they can get. Adding Jackson would help by getting some pressure on the opposing quarterback, something Denver has lacked recently.

13. Washington Redskins: DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)
Defensive ends and offensive tackles are always the most picked players in the first round of the NFL Draft. I still don’t know if I’ve ever seen five defensive ends go this fast in a draft. Washington has multiple options here but in my opinion they elect to take Ayers, who is flying up draft boards quicker than any other player.

14. New Orleans Saints: LB Brian Cushing (USC)
Cushing has actually passed his teammate Ray Mauluaga on most draft boards (rated off overall, not position since OLB & MLBs are completely different positions). Cushing seems to ALWAYS be in the right place at the right time. He tracks the football like a wild animal.

15. Houston Texans: CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)
Secondary help in the AFC South? Imagine that. There’s probably a good chance this pick has a lot to do with Peyton Manning. Jenkins is the top corner in this draft and has the tools to become a shutdown cornerback in the NFL. That’s exactly what Houston needs.

16. San Diego Chargers: OT Andre Smith (Alabama)
A couple of weeks ago I never would’ve thought Smith could fall this far in the draft. He might not, but at this point he’s the biggest question mark in the draft. San Diego elects to go best available and takes Smith who has all of the talent in the world for an offensive lineman.

17. New York Jets: RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
Moreno is a very versatile running back that can cut on a dime and has an explosive step once he gets into the open field. The Jets already have a running back that can make plays, Leon Washington, but they are lacking a guy who can make big plays every down.

18. Denver Broncos: LB Ray Maualuga (USC)
During college football season I could’ve seen Maualuga going in the top five of the NFL Draft. The teams at the top do not need a middle linebacker and it has affected his draft stock. Even with that there’s no doubt this would be a steal at #18 overall.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)
I don’t think Freeman is worth a first round pick but the NFL is a copycat league. The Buccaneers need a quarterback and Freeman is the last one available until much later rounds. Tampa Bay takes Freeman here and begins a rebuilding project.

20. Detroit Lions: OT Michael Oher (Mississippi)
There was a point in time where Oher was the top rated draft prospect in this entire draft. Now the Lions could get him at #20 overall. If you are the Lions right here you’ve got to consider what could happen if you don’t take Stafford #1 overall. Is there any way you could get Curry and then trade up for Sanchez? It’s just something to think about. For now I think Detroit gets a big lineman to protect their franchise quarterback, Stafford.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Chris Wells (Ohio State)
This is just a gut feeling. If you’re Philadelphia you’ve got a great running back in Brian Westbrook that makes more plays in the passing game (due to Andy Reid’s play calling) than in the running game. Wells would give Philadelphia a third down back and a great goaline back at least. If he developed into more (like he should) it would be a fantastic pick.

22. Minnesota Vikings: WR Derrius Heyward Bey (Maryland)
Everyone keeps leaving out Heyward Bey when they discuss this year’s best receivers. He’s extremely talent and will be a great NFL wide receiver. The Vikings should take him over Percy Harvin (who I love) so it’s hard for me to say that.

23. New England Patriots: LB Clay Matthews (USC)
How about three USC linebackers going in the top 23 picks in this draft? Is it just me or does Matthews seem like the kind of guy New England always drafts? He’s going to play well and be in the right place at the right time to make plays more times than naught.

24. Atlanta Falcons: TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
Pettigrew is the only tight end worth a first round pick in this years draft. He’s a dynamic playmaker and would give Matt Ryan another receiver to throw the ball to.

25. Miami Dolphins: WR Percy Harvin (Florida)
Once again this pick just makes too much sense to me. Miami loves running the “Wildcat” offense and Harvin is the ultimate wildcat. Plus you can give Harvin, who played football in the same state, and add Miami fans in the process.

26. Baltimore Ravens: WR Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)
It seems like Nick’s crazy catch against West Virginia has helped launch him into the first round. There’s no doubt that he can be a very effective wide receiver and Baltimore would be getting great value here. A year after taking Joe Flacco they could add a potential star receiver for him to throw to.

27. Indianapolis Colts: DT Peria Jerry (Mississippi)
It seems like most of us mock draft ‘experts’ agree that this pick will either be Jerry or Evander Hood from Missouri. Jerry would help seal up the middle of the defensive line and plug up a big hole for Indy.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Eben Britton (Arizona)
Britton would be a steal this last in round one and it seems that Philadelphia loves taking lineman in the first round of the draft. After taking Wells earlier it would only make sense (based off of the Eagles past drafts) for them to go back to the line with their second pick.

29. New York Giants: LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
This is another best player available pick. Laurinaitis’ stock has fallen this offseason but he’s what Mel Kiper Jr. would call a “football player”. Basically that means he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win, including sacrificing his body.

30. Tennessee Titans: CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)
A couple of months ago Davis looked like a potential top 15 pick. Now he’s just hoping to be taken at the end of round one. Davis is another corner that has the chance to be a shutdown defensive back in the NFL. The Titans don’t have many holes and adding someone to your secondary is never a bad choice.

31. Arizona Cardinals: RB LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh)
I’ve had Arizona taking a running back since last offseason. The Cardinals need someone to help open up the passing game. If they could they’d throw it every down, but as we know the passing game starts with the running game.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: C Alex Mack (California)
Another pick that makes too much sense. He’s already visited with Pittsburgh and this is really the only glaring hole for the defending world champions.

Should the Bears draft Andre Smith? That’s what Kevin Allen of the Chicago Sun Times is wondering after the offensive tackle’s recent slide down draft boards. Smith is arguably the top talent in the draft, he’s just made too many mistakes to be drafted in the top ten.

Could QBs take an Aaron Rodgers type tumble? It’s something I’ve mentioned in previous posts, although I’m not all too sure it will happen.  Cliftin Brown of the Sporting News thinks both Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez have a reason to be worried.

Ranking the Running Backs: Who is the top running back in this year’s NFL Draft? I’ve stated in the past that I think it’s Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno and it appears King5’s Evan Silva agrees with me.

What if the Lions Don’t take Matthew Stafford? Once again here’s another possible look at a slide for Stafford that could send him flying towards the middle of round one. If this happens it will severly affect his bank account.

Cassell Trade Affects Top of Draft:

The trade means Kansas City, drafting #3 overall no longer needs a quarterback. Despite Tyler Thigpen’s great play to end the season many experts thought the Chiefs were still considering drafting quarterback Mark Sanchez from USC (assuming that Matthew Stafford would be gone already).

That means Sanchez will fall out of the top five for sure and could fall all the way to the middle of round one if Green Bay or San Francisco don’t take him at picks #9 and #10. This is all assuming that Matthew Stafford goes to the Detroit Lions at #1 overall, which is not a given. If Stafford doesn’t go #1 then we could have to wait for our first QB to come off the board at #9.

Houshmandzadeh signing drops Crabtree: A lot of people have had Michael Crabtree going #4 overall to the Seattle Seahawks for quite a while now. It made perfect sense. Seattle needed a big play wide receiver and a go to guy for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

It’s time to throw that out the window now. The Seahawks have signed former Cincinnati Bengals standout wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh to a five year deal, leaving Seattle’s wide receiver needs filled. Although it’s not inconceivable to think that Crabtree could go #2 or #3 to St. Louis or Kansas City it isn’t looking too likely. Both teams have young receivers they like. St. Louis has Donnie Avery and Kansas City has Dwayne Bowe.

That means the first receiver could have to wait until after the top five picks to be drafted. A lot will be decided by the Chad Johnson situation in Cincinati, but with Johnson still on board in Cincy for now it’s hard to imagine the Bengals spending that much money on a wide receiver. Oakland seems like a logical landing place, where Al Davis could pair young quarterback JaMarcus Russell and young running back Darren McFadden with a young wide receiver.

Mark Sanchez (Trojannyc.com)

Who is the top quarterback in this NFL Draft? It might be the biggest question to find an answer to now that all of the early entrees have announced their decisions.

NFL scouts are judging Stafford off of a NFL ready arm and Sanchez off of one performance in the Rose Bowl against Penn State. All first round QBs are risky, and these two are no different.

But who would you take? Let’s take a look at the video.

Sanchez was one of the biggest surprises to announce. USC head coach Pete Carroll said that he tried to talk Sanchez into returning for another season.

Here’s the complete list of underclassmen leaving school early:

Leaving:
North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks
Alabama OT Andre Smith
Iowa RB Shonn Greene
Rutgers WR Kenny Britt
LSU DT Ricky Jean-Francois
Kansas State QB Josh Freeman
Illinois CB Vontae Davis
Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno
Georgia QB Matthew Stafford
Florida State DE Everett Brown
Maryland WR Derrius Heyward Bey
Wisconsin RB P. J. Hill
Ohio State RB Chris Wells
Ohio State CB Donald Washington
Utah CB Sean Smith
USC QB Mark Sanchez
Auburn CB Jarraud Powers
South Carolina CB Captain Munnerlyn
Vanderbilt CB D. J. Moore
Southern Mississippi LB Gerald McRath
Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy
Penn State DE Aaron Maybin
Auburn DE Sen’Derrick Marks
Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin
Utah DE Paul Kruger
LSU DE Ricky Jean Francois
West Virginia OL Greg Isdander
Florida WR Percy Harvin
Ohio State WR Brian Hartline
Ball State QB Nate Davis
Arkansas TE Andrew Davie
South Carolina S Emanuel Cook
Boise State WR Jeremy Childs
Rice TE James Casey
Connecticut RB Donald Brown
Arizona OT Eben Britton

After playing his best game in the Rose Bowl the decision probably got a little bit harder than he first thought it would be. Now he’s comptemplating where or not to leave a national title contender for a buttload of cash and an uncertain NFL future.

It seems as if all the experts disagree a little on Sanchez, who is an inconsistent strong armed quarterback with all the tools in his arsenal to have a successful pro career. The question, like it has seemed to always be with Sanchez, is which version of him will take the field when he reaches the NFL.

He went from playing spectacular to having bad spells seemingly in the blink of an eye last season. We all know that in the pros that won’t cut it.

I rank Sanchez as the #3 QB behind both Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and Georgia QB Matthew Stafford.  If he leaves he will be a borderline first round pick due to the need for quarterbacks.