NFL Draft SportingNews: Sanchez tops tons of talent

**Tribal Warfare** · 01-16-2009, 11:03 PM

Sanchez tops tons of talent

By Russ Lande - SportingNews 13 hours, 22 minutes ago

This story first appeared in Friday’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.

USC coach Pete Carroll might not think quarterback Mark Sanchez, a fourth-year junior, is ready, but NFL scouts and personnel men are happy to see him among the 46 underclassmen to declare for the 2009 NFL draft. In fact, four of the top five picks could be underclassmen, including Sanchez as the No. 1 overall pick.

With predraft workouts having begun this week leading to Saturday’s East-West Shrine Game, Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande, a former NFL scout, provides an updated mock draft (*—denotes underclassmen):

No. 1 Lions. Mark Sanchez*, QB, USC

Sanchez is NFL-ready and has a similar skill set to Matthew Stafford, but does not make the mistakes under pressure that Stafford does occasionally.

No. 2 Rams. Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Rams officials love Andre Smith’s talent but worry about his weight. Monroe isn’t quite as good a run blocker but is an elite pass protector.

No. 3 Chiefs. Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia

Despite Tyler Thigpen’s strong finish and Stafford’s occasional interceptions, GM Scott Pioli should grab a QB to build around.

No. 4 Seahawks Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama

Seattle is desperate for receivers, but Walter Jones is not getting any younger. Smith would start at right tackle in ’09 and then shift to the left side when Jones retires.

No. 5 Browns. Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State

Don’t believe the rumors of Wells lacking great toughness or work ethic. He will become an NFL franchise back.

No. 6 Bengals. Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Bengals must find a way to pressure the QB. Orakpo is raw but has the physical talent to become a special edge pass rusher.

No. 7 Raiders. Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Raiders still need a top-flight left tackle to protect JaMarcus Russell, and Robert Gallery is not the answer.

No. 8 Jaguars. Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC

Maualuga is a violent, aggressive middle linebacker who changes games with his hitting ability, and Jags need someone to replace malcontent Mike Peterson.

No. 9 Packers. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

The Packers desperately need someone to clog the middle of their run defense.

No. 10 49ers. Josh Freeman*, QB, Kansas State

Freeman is a big, strong-armed quarterback with top athleticism, character and passing tools.

Russ Lande founded GM Jr. Scouting LLC, a football scouting service that analyzes NFL draft prospects for Sporting News.

01-16-2009, 11:03 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2747187	SportingNews: Sanchez tops tons of talent Sanchez tops tons of talent By Russ Lande - SportingNews 13 hours, 22 minutes ago This story first appeared in Friday’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free. USC coach Pete Carroll might not think quarterback Mark Sanchez, a fourth-year junior, is ready, but NFL scouts and personnel men are happy to see him among the 46 underclassmen to declare for the 2009 NFL draft. In fact, four of the top five picks could be underclassmen, including Sanchez as the No. 1 overall pick. With predraft workouts having begun this week leading to Saturday’s East-West Shrine Game, Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande, a former NFL scout, provides an updated mock draft (—denotes underclassmen): No. 1 Lions. Mark Sanchez, QB, USC Sanchez is NFL-ready and has a similar skill set to Matthew Stafford, but does not make the mistakes under pressure that Stafford does occasionally. No. 2 Rams. Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia Rams officials love Andre Smith’s talent but worry about his weight. Monroe isn’t quite as good a run blocker but is an elite pass protector. No. 3 Chiefs. Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia* Despite Tyler Thigpen’s strong finish and Stafford’s occasional interceptions, GM Scott Pioli should grab a QB to build around. *No. 4 Seahawks Andre Smith, OT, Alabama Seattle is desperate for receivers, but Walter Jones is not getting any younger. Smith would start at right tackle in ’09 and then shift to the left side when Jones retires. No. 5 Browns. Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State* Don’t believe the rumors of Wells lacking great toughness or work ethic. He will become an NFL franchise back. No. 6 Bengals. Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas The Bengals must find a way to pressure the QB. Orakpo is raw but has the physical talent to become a special edge pass rusher. No. 7 Raiders. Jason Smith, OT, Baylor The Raiders still need a top-flight left tackle to protect JaMarcus Russell, and Robert Gallery is not the answer. No. 8 Jaguars. Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC Maualuga is a violent, aggressive middle linebacker who changes games with his hitting ability, and Jags need someone to replace malcontent Mike Peterson. No. 9 Packers. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College The Packers desperately need someone to clog the middle of their run defense. No. 10 49ers. Josh Freeman*, QB, Kansas State Freeman is a big, strong-armed quarterback with top athleticism, character and passing tools. Russ Lande founded GM Jr. Scouting LLC, a football scouting service that analyzes NFL draft prospects for Sporting News.
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