New York Jets Draft USC QB Mark Sanchez

Jets fans can finally rejoice! The New York Jets drafted USC Quarterback Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick at the 2009 NFL Draft. The Jets had the 17th pick at this year's draft but traded up with the Cleveland Browns to move up 12 spots to draft Sanchez. In exchange for the fifth overall pick the Jets received, the Browns got the Jets first-round draft pick (17th overall), second-round pick (52nd overall), defensive end Kenyon Coleman, quarterback Brett Ratliff, and safety Abram Elam. Sanchez was the second quarterback picked in the draft, first being Matthew Stafford picked Number One by the Detroit Lions.

There were many teams in the Mark Sanchez sweepstakes. Sanchez was the second most sought-after QB after Stafford. Other than the New York Jets, the Seattle Seahawks (4th overall pick), Jacksonville Jaguars (8th overall pick), San Francisco 49'ers (10th overall pick), and Washington Redskins (13th overall pick) were all interested in Sanchez. The Jets primarily made the trade up because Sanchez would of been picked by one of these teams.

The Jets needed a quarterback after they got rid of Chad Pennington and after Brett Favre's untimely retirement. Sanchez will compete immediately with Kellen Clemens for the starting QB position. There is a good chance that Sanchez could be the Jets starter in his first year, which is unprecedented for draft picks. Even if Sanchez does not win the starting QB job, there is a good chance he will see major playing time.

Sanchez didn't see a lot of playing time early in his college career at USC. As a freshman and sophomore, Sanchez played in a total of seven games and only starting three of those games to mixed results. Sanchez was the primary backup to John David Booty. Sanchez finally had his time to shine as a junior when Booty graduated college and was drafted to the NFL. Sanchez won the starting QB position and started all 13 games, leading the Trojans to a record of 12-1 and Number Three in the nation. USC also won the Rose Bowl and Sanchez was the offensive MVP of the game.

Sanchez ended his junior season at USC with 3,207 yards passing, 34 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Sanchez shocked everyone when he said he planned to forgo his senior year and enter the 2009 NFL Draft. The timing seemed to be right because other top quarterbacks (Bradford, McCoy, Tebow) stayed in school for their senior years.

Sanchez might lack the experience needed, but he makes up for it with leadership and charisma. All in all, the Jets made the best move in the draft.