Who The Hell Will They Draft 2009: USC QB Mark Sanchez
by Brad Wells on Apr 2, 2009 2:01 PM EDT
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I know back in February we said that this series was for players that we think the Colts could draft in 2009. So, I imagine you're thinking Why the f*&k is this idiot doing a draft profile of Mark friggin' Sanchez? I'm pretty sure project geo is thinking this, and likely has more colorful metaphors to describe just how stupid I am in doing a Sanchez profile.
Well, the reason I think Sanchez warrants a WTHWTD is I think it possible he could fall to 27th in the first. And, if he does, Bill Polian will draft him. If I had money (planning a wedding, so right now I have zilch) I'd bet on that. Bill Polian is not the kind of person to pass up a top 10 talent and a potential franchise player if he falls all the way to #27. The draft is all about value. In many cases, value over need, regardless of position. Though the best QB of his generation is playing for our team currently, the reality is he will not play forever. He might not play past age 36, as he has suggested.
Knowing this, and knowing the next time a Mark Sanchez-like player would be on Indy's radar would likely be following a 3-13 losing season, if someone this good falls this far to Polian, he will draft the guy.
Yes, it is somewhat possible that the Colts could draft Mark Sanchez
Photo: assets.nydailynews.com
So, that established, what do we know about this Sanchez guy other than the fact he comes from a school that produced Matt Leinart and John David Booty?
Well, for starters, we know the Colts have interest in Sanchez. The held a private workout for him a few weeks ago, and they likely attended the USC Pro Day yesterday (I have no confirmation, yet). Just like Indy attending Nate Davis' Pro Day, if Polian sends a scout to look at you or approves a private workout to evaluate your skills, he isn't doing it just for kicks. It means he saw something in you that he wants to evaluate. It means you have some value to the Colts.
The value that Sanchez could give Indy is immeasurable. Like what Steve Young gave to the 49ers, Mark Sanchez would be the ideal heir to the legacy Peyton Manning has built in Indianapolis. Is he a Peyton clone? No. Does he seem to have the same traits that helped Peyton become one of the best ever? Yes, he does.
From Mocking The Draft:
Sanchez is probably the most intelligent quarterback in this year's class. Playing out of USC's pro-style offense, Sanchez excelled at reading defenses and properly going through his progressions. Is always looking around on the whole field, keeping his face mask square with the line of scrimmage. Good arm strength to make just about any NFL throw.
From NFL Draft Countdown:
Intelligent with a high football IQ...Recognizes blitzes, can read coverages and go through his progressions...Product of a pro style offense...Is tough, fiery and super competitive...Truly loves the game...Excellent work ethic...A team leader and field general...Media savvy...Still has upside.
From NFLDraftScout (via NFL.com/Combine):
Cerebral. ... Reads defenses well and rarely throws into coverage. ... Goes through his progression quickly and takes what the defense gives him. ... Recognizes the blitz very well for a player of his experience and often targets the defenses' weak link when being blitzed. ... Good setup and a smooth, over-the-top delivery. ... Legitimate NFL arm strength. ... Capable of making every NFL throw, including the deep ball. ... Rather than relying on pure arm strength, Sanchez combines good velocity with rare anticipation, especially for a player of his limited experience. ... Consistently releases his passes before his receivers have even made their breaks, giving the defense little time to react. ... Distributes the ball all over the field.
The one positive trait that jumps out in the scouting reports, and on tape, is Sanchez's intelligence. He is a very smart player who understands blitzes, reads defenses, and know when and where to deliver the football. As we've seen with blockheads like Vince Young or immature morons like Leinart, if you do not have a brain above your shoulders, you cannot succeed in this league playing QB.
And, more specifically, if you are to have any hope at succeeding in the "K-Gun-style" offense developed by Peyton Manning and Tom Moore, you better know everything that happens on the field.
At his Pro Day yesterday, scouts marveled at Sanchez's ability to throw the ball on the run, throw with pressure in his face, and make good, sharp decisions. Indeed, when asked by scouts on hand to do specific throws that were not scripted, Sanchez did not hesitate. Sanchez not only did the extra work, he excelled at it.
But intelligence alone is not enough to be successful in this offense. Jim Sorgi is a smart guy, but when he gets down near the goal line with this offense, he struggles. The reason he does is he has no arm. Sanchez, while not having the gun of a Matthew Stafford or a Rhett Bohmer, does have a good arm. He can get the ball down field and place it in spots where only the wide receiver can catch it. He places good touch on the ball, and knows how to manipulate the ball's velocity to maximize accuracy rather than simply "gunning it in there."
Peyton's heir?
Photo: blogs.ocweekly.com
But what are the negatives?
From Mocking The Draft:
Sanchez' release is a windup, slow release. It's not as bad as former Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson, but it's similar. Does he have the size? Only 225 pounds, Sanchez needs to get bigger to handle getting hit in the NFL. Prone to some inconsistency. Had 22 touchdowns in six of his games. Still developing as a quarterback. Only started one full season and was injured at the start of the year. Started 16 games total.
From NFL Draft Countdown:
Limited starting experience...Doesn't have the ideal height that you look for...Durability is a concern...Does not always throw a tight spiral...Has some trouble with the deep ball...Can get flustered by a strong pass rush...Makes some bad decisions...Won't run away from people...Had an issue off-the-field...Was surrounded by a lot of talent.
From NFLDraftScout (via NFL.com/Combine):
Only one season as the starter and leaves USC with just 16 career starts. ... Career record of 4-2 outside of the state of California. ... Undeniable tools, but isn't yet a finished product. ... Runs a bit hot and cold and has a tendency to score touchdowns in bunches. ...
Another potential negative involves his character. While he was not known as a malcontent or a jack-ass in college, he was arrested in April 2006 after a female student accused him of sexual assault.
He was released from jail the following day, after posting $200,000 bail, but USC placed him on interim suspension that suspended him from the football team yet permitted him to take his semester finals, albeit separate from the general student body and under the supervision of campus security. On June 3, 2006, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced no charges would be filed against Sanchez due to a "lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt", noting the case was "essentially a 'one-on-one' allegation."
It is the only major character blemish in Sanchez's career at USC, and it did not result in a conviction, or even a trial. If Sanchez were repeatedly known for these kinds of things, obviously he wouldn't be worth a bucket of piss, let alone a first round pick. But since this was an isolated, event the resulted in no conviction, I don't think it is a serious character issue red flag.
While it might seem unfathomable that the Colts will one day have to soldier on without Peyton Manning, what we do not want to have happen to Indy is the fate that befell teams like Miami and Denver when their legend QBs walked away. And while likely teams like Tampa Bay, Minnesota, or SF will not pass up Sanchez in the real draft, if you follow some of the mock drafts, Sanchez falls clear out of the first round. Just like last season, when the Colts said they'd draft Joe Flacco if he fell to Indy in the second round, Indy will indeed snatch up Sanchez if he falls to #27. It doesn't matter if Peria Jerry, Ziggy Hood, or Master Blaster is still there in the late first. When franchise QBs drop that far to you, you take them.
Value over need. It's the policy Bill Polian has followed for decades. Last I checked, it's worked out pretty well for him and us.
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I don't have a link or access to ColtsPower
but (i’ve been told twice) they said there was no Indy workout for Sanchez.
I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter
I just read it
What they’re saying is pretty much they saw his schedule, the Colts weren’t on it, so if he didn’t work out prior to March 10th, the Colts aren’t looking at him. So it’s not a no, it’s more of a “We don’t know for sure, but we doubt it.”
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
I'd rather him not be there
Because I’d rather try to take Colt McCoy next year. Not to mention Colt would be the Colts QB. That just sounds cool. And I actually really like him. Not to mention Colt would be in the system for 3 years, not 4. I’d rather only payout 3 years of a contract for someone sitting on the bench. But I agree, in the next two to three years, it’ll be time to pick up an understudy for Peyton. That’ll be a reality shock I don’t think many people want to see, but it’s smart.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Colt McCoy...
I’ve been thinking the same thing. Let’s not forget that the “juggernaut” of USC plays most of its games in a less than stellar conference (sorry, LovinBlue). I’d much rather have a successful QB from the Big 12 or SEC…those guys get tested.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Apr 2, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Conference
Hey no worries, though I think Cal gave USC the biggest fight of anyone in our conference this year other than Oregon State.
Funny thing about Sanchez is that even though I can’t stand USC, I really like what I’ve seen of Sanchez – both as a player and a person. The only thing that would turn me against him is if the Pats took him, so I’m reserving judgement for now.
I really like what I’ve seen of Sanchez – both as a player and a person.
o rly…
In April 2006, Sanchez was arrested after a female USC student accused him of sexual assault.1213 He was released from jail the following day, after posting $200,000 bail, but USC placed him on interim suspension that suspended him from the football team yet permitted him to take his semester finals, albeit separate from the general student body and under the supervision of campus security.14 On June 3, 2006, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced no charges would be filed against Sanchez due to a “lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt”, noting the case was “essentially a ‘one-on-one’ allegation.”1516 The District Attorney’s office released the charge evaluation worksheet that said the alleged victim in the case said she consented to kissing and petting on Sanchez’s bed, and that she repeatedly refused Sanchez’s advances to have intercourse with her but continued the other activities with him when he complied; the woman later spent time with other students without mentioning an incident and later told her mother who reportedly called police later in the morning.1213 The woman involved left the university.17 Sanchez was required to take a rape awareness class at USC.18 USC reinstated Sanchez but he remained subject to team-related discipline for underage drinking and using fake identification on the night he was arrested.15 Sanchez had been previously detained but not arrested by USC’s Department of Public Safety for allegedly breaking a window at a fraternity party. Prosecuters were not allowed to use Sanchez’s record of high school activities of a similar nature in pursuing cases against him.14
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_sanchez
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
umm
so 2 college students get drunk, end up in bed, she’s more than okay with making out plus something but just not sex. He “complied” and her mom called police the next morning.
This doesn’t paint him as a saint but it really doesn’t seem too bad assuming he really never did anything more than ask for sex (a reasonable question when you’re drunk and making out in bed)
the fake ID’s were probably a bad idea though
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Well regardless of what actually happened, the guy exudes that whole Orange County, I’m better than you because I have an undeserved sense of entitlement persona which I hate. Screw him.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
I have to agree.
I live in Orange County (in Mission Viejo as a matter of fact) and I really, really, REALLY can’t stand both the sense of entitlement and materialistic, shallow people around me. Granted, not everyone is like that, but a whole LOT are. It is just disgusting.
That is the same vibe I get from him. Perfect example: after losing to Oregon-Friggin’-State…he pouts, curses and throws his wrist band down on the ground while walking towards the locker room. He is not Colt material.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Apr 2, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I have an aunt that lives in Mission Viejo. Small world.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
woah woah woah guys
Please look back at my douche comment. I don’t like the guy at all in any way. I was just saying that the sexual harassment thing smells like bullshit. He’s still a very douche-y looking guy who does not need to get drafted by our beloved Colts.
I’ve spent about a third of my life in the South, the East coast and the Midwest – I’ve avoided CA for a reason
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
haha
As soon as I posted, I regretted it. I’m actually incredibly jealous of the weather and there are parts of CA that I’ve visited and are really nice. My fiance and I joke about moving out there a lot.
My distaste really is aimed almost exclusively at the LA and OC stereotypes.
Sorry about the generalization. Just like not all of CA is bad, not all of Boston is bad either (my current hometown)
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Then you're half forgiven
I was born in raised in LA(ish), then moved to the Bay Area to go to school… and never left!
Still, there are definitely things to distaste.
The stereotypes are alive and well.
I was born here and raised in Europe during my formative years, so the whole attitude has eluded me. If I could figure out someplace else to move that has great weather, beaches and skiing – I’m there! =D Unfortunately, I can’t quite come up with anything. So, I just sit back and complain and judge others. ;D
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Apr 3, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that at some point we need to get Peyton's backup
But how many years do we want that backup on the bench? 2 or 3 years sounds fine but 5 years? Obviously we have no idea what the future will hold. Maybe something bad happens and he plays 1 more year or maybe his love of the game keeps him playing well for 10 more years. Either way, it still feels like a wasted pick when we have (probably) quite a bit more Peyton left.
In the next 2-3 years as Monster says, sure, of course. Now, I don’t think so
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
I’d rather have Sorgi than Dirty Sanchez.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
I forgot to add
Sanchez always struck me as a douche. I have no empirical research and I haven’t even seen him play that much. He just looks like a douche to me
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
WHAT!?
Can you tell me why please? I mean, that sounds completely absurd to me…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha OK" - Tom Brady
the douche comment or the sorgi comment?
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
MRW summed it up quite well.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
hey I want nothing to do with Sanchez either
does this mean we can be friends again?
I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter
No.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
FINE I NEVER LIKED YOU GUYS ANYWAY
I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter
He is a douche
And sexual assault charges were filed against him but dropped due to a lack of evidence. They did however convict him for having 3 fake ID’s on him.
The guy is Orange County trash.
And the problems...
With Sanchez are…
A. Only 1 year as a starter at USC (thats a big red flag for me)
B. Too much $$$ for a backup
C. Too early to think about Manning’s replacement (Green Bay learned this)
D. Too high of a pick for a backup especially considering the talent that will be there when we pick.
Sanchez would be a bad pick due to those reasons.
All valid reasons
with which I couldn’t agree more. I would like to add the “whiner” factor. This guy pouts big time.
I just cannot picture him as a Colt.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Apr 2, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Reach for the Stars
I agree that it is not too early to consider a viable back up for Peyton. I just don’t see Polian drafting Sanchez in the first round due to potential cap problems. There are others who know more about this than I do, but how can you afford the salary a first round QB would demand and pay PM who is still under contract? The Colts could not afford MH and opted to let him out of his contract and Marvin is a proven pro bowl player, though on the downside of his career. But as the saying goes, in BP we trust.
Exactly
Best Player Available is NOT a categorical imperative. Sinking first-round money into a backup is not smart cap management and it’s not smart football either. With so many other real needs, drafting a first-rounder into the one position that is well and truly settled is insanity. And I gotta say I don’t think Sanchez is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime talent that might justify such a pick. If Polian is seeing the kind of guy that comes around once a decade (IE another Peyton Manning) then of course he should grab him. Sanchez is a dime-a-dozen QB.
The only way I can see this....
Is if Polian took him to trade for a bag full of 2nd to 3rd round picks.
lol
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
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