QB Mark Sanchez Our #5 Overall Draft Pick?

The Browns are apparently very impressed with USC's quarterback Mark Sanchez. Could it be that the Browns are so impressed that we might select Sanchez as the fifth overall pick in the upcoming College Draft? The answer is very likely NO. We sure hope not.

Unbdoubtedly, Sanchez is one of the very best QBs in the Draft this year. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs just under 230 pounds. He is just 22 years old. He received an All-American Honourable Mention by Sports Illustrated in 2008. He was named to the First Team All-Pac 10 in 2008. He was the All-American Player of the Year in 2004. Sanchez has played in four Rose Bowls, winning three of them in consecutive years between 2007 and 2009. He was named the 2009 Rose Bowl Offensive Most Valubale Player. He has been ranked third and second in quarterback polls among college coaches and the Associated Press. Mark led the Trojans to a 12-1 season last year, throwing 34 touchdowns (second in USC history). He passed for more than 3000 yards and threw 10 interceptions.

Sanchez performed well at the Indy Scouting Combine and in pro workouts since. In fact, some commentators have expressed the view that he is just as impressive up close as QB Stafford who could be the first overall Draft pick by the Lions. Sanchez is taking a risk in entering the Draft early rather than returning to USC in that quarterbacks often do not fair well in the Draft until they have exhausted all of their eligible College experience. In fact, USC head coach Pete Carroll has made no secret of his disagreement with Mark's decision to enter the Draft this year. Sanchez is the first QB at Southern Cal to do that in nearly twenty years.

So why would the Browns publicly express some interest in Sanchez. That is likely strategic in order to keep a trade of the fifth overall pick more viable. It suits no purpose for us to commit to selecting a defensive player in the first round, although that is exactly what we should do and probably what we will do. Brian Orakpo is still the leading candidate, or should be in our opinion. Aaron Curry is a possibility if the Kansas City Chiefs do not select him before we get to pick.

The Browns are hosting another private workout very soon with Orakpo along with other defensive players. That is where we should focus in the first round.

Besides, we have an ongoing quarterback competition between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. Quinn is already a first round Draft selection. Anderson is already a Pro Bowler despite last season's debacle. Why in the world would we want a third QB in the mix? If the plan is to trade Quinn or Anderson and pick up another QB, then that other QB should be a veteran who can mentor and play if required right away, not someone from the Draft who cannot make an immediate impact no matter how impressive in College.

Go Browns! Go Defense!

-Clayton

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