Clayton: Confident Sanchez has solid showing - Page 12

**Tribal Warfare** · 02-22-2009, 07:08 PM

Confident Sanchez has solid showing
A ball of nervous energy, USC QB Mark Sanchez had a good throwing performance Sunday at the combine.

ESPN.com
Archive

INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the neat things about having a top quarterback participate in the combine is seeing how his personality is exposed before scouts, coaches and GMs for 32 teams.

USC's Mark Sanchez clearly showed his competitive nature Sunday.

Sanchez was in a group that featured 10 quarterbacks, but the only one who didn't throw was Matthew Stafford of Georgia, a close friend of Sanchez's who is competing with him to be the top pick in the draft.

Instead of throwing at the combine, most potential first-round QBs elect to hold their own throwing session in March at their college campuses with receivers they know. Peyton Manning, one of the most competitive quarterbacks in the game, skipped the combine workouts when he turned pro in 1998 and advised Stafford to do the same. Stafford did only the running drills and vertical drills Sunday.

Sanchez, a ball of nervous energy during the drills, elected to do all of them.

"That's just me," Sanchez said Friday, two days before his workouts. "I've got to do this. I feel like I want to do it. I'm a competitive person. I want to win, and that's what I'm about. It would kill me not to throw.''

Sanchez wasn't great in the throwing drills, but he was good enough. He proved he could make all the necessary throws to be a top NFL quarterback. His slant passes to his right were the strongest. He held the ball high and displayed good mechanics. He completed both of his go passes to the right side at 31 and 32 yards. His 40-yard go patterns to his left were accurate and had nice arc. Very few of his passes hit the ground, showing that he has a catchable ball.

I could tell this week that the competitive fire within Sanchez still burns after he had one of the best games of his career in the Rose Bowl. Sanchez completed 28 of 35 passes for 413 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 victory over Penn State. He was ready for his next challenge, so he applied for the NFL draft and skipped his senior season.

"I feel like this really was the right time for me," Sanchez said. "That was obviously the pinnacle of my career. I felt very tuned in, dialed in for that game. I visualized things very well, and we played at heck of a game as a team first. We peaked at the right time, and it was a good way to go out."

Sanchez showed confidence in his throwing motion and mechanics Sunday. He also had a good fan base, led by, of all people, Stafford, who cheered Sanchez when he ran his 40 and encouraged him during the throwing session. Although Stafford didn't throw, he took time to help Sanchez loosen up before the drills. Their friendship goes back to the Nike Elite 11 camp in high school.

Stafford edged Sanchez in the 40-yard dash, running 4.84 seconds twice. Sanchez ran a 4.88 and 4.97. Sanchez topped Stafford in the vertical jump, leaping 32.5 inches to Stafford's 30.5.

Should Sanchez go ahead of Stafford in the draft?

"Absolutely," Sanchez said. "I'd better think that. And I think he should think that, too. That's what we've got to think. As a competitor, that's all I want to do is be the best that I can be. And the best you can do in this draft is be No. 1.''

**doomy3** · 02-23-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCwolf

Sorry Rererun......just my opinion. and u want to draft with the #3??

QB

**doomy3** · 02-23-2009, 12:41 AM

I am leaning towards Raji if Stafford is off the board personally

Reerun_KC · 02-23-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCwolf

Sorry Rererun......just my opinion. and u want to draft with the #3??

I want a RG or another LT....

orange · 02-23-2009, 04:46 AM

More reviews trickling in:

Quarterback:

Winners:
Pat White, West Virginia - The lack of credit White is getting at quarterback is bordering on ridiculous. Even without the great 40 (4.55) and other measureables, White was the best thrower in the 2nd group of quarterbacks today. He displayed accuracy and arm strength building upon an excellent Senior Bowl week and Meineke Car Care Bowl. It is time for people to stop talking about his decision to not workout at wide receiver and start evaluating him as a quarterback. He is the 4th best quarterback in the draft and would be higher if he was taller (Michael Vick was also only 6'). Call him the a wildcat novelty if you want but he looks more and more like a quarterback every time I see him play.

Josh Freeman, Kansas State - NFLN did viewers a huge disfavor by not showing his workout but early word is he showed a tremendous arm and has ideal height. He could be working his way into the end of round 1.

Stephen McGee, Texas A&M - If you are looking for a sleeper QB, McGee might be your guy. He did not play much this year due to a shoulder injury but he is a great athlete (4.66 40) and had a nice day throwing the football today.

Curtis Painter, Purdue - Did a nice job throwing the ball during his workout and may have shown enough to get drafted after a sub-par senior season.

Losers:
Mark Sanchez, USC - Early word is Sanchez did a good job in the interviews but his decision to throw did not improve his stock. It was as if Sanchez was pressing during the throwing drills as he had too much mustard on his short throws and overthrew several passes including an out and post corner. The arm strength, footwork and motion were there but the accuracy was not. It was not a terrible performance but it was not the type of workout you expect from a guy who is trying to be the the overall #1 pick. Despite the struggles, Draft101 Chief Scout Dan Wernery still thinks Sanchez will get taken in the top 10 on draft day.

Nate Davis, Ball State - Like Freeman NFLN did viewers a disfavor by not showing his workout but the lack buzz afterward is not a good sign. On the plus side, the early word is he showed good arm strength during his workout.

http://nfldraft101.com/articles/177/...zz_Day_Two.jsp

Hopefully someone will post some video.

orange · 02-23-2009, 04:57 AM

Another:

LOSERS

• USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
He didn’t lose much ground this week. But he couldn’t seize the opportunity to change a lot of minds about who the best quarterback in the draft may be. Stafford still wears that crown coming out of the combine, and unless he crashes next week at Georgia’s pro day (not likely), or simply has terrible ink board sessions with coaches (also not likely), he’ll still be the first quarterback off the board. If anything, Sanchez’s solid performance in passing drills Sunday underscores what most people suspected about this quarterback class anyway: it’s just plain weak.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...yhoo&type=lgns

CoMoChief · 02-23-2009, 06:11 AM

Sanchez didn't impress me at all. Certainly didn't look like a #3 overall pick.

He wasn't terrible......just dont think hes worth #3 pick.

keg in kc · 02-23-2009, 06:13 AM

I'd say it's like a presidential debate. People who didn't like Sanchez to start with will find negatives, people who did will find positives, and it won't make any difference in the end.

**DaKCMan AP** · 02-23-2009, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

If anyone tells me Sam Bradford is better prospect than Eric Berry or Carlos Dunlap I get to beat them in the head with a pipe Ken Hamlin style.

Carlos Dunlap or Eric Berry next year.

Mecca · 02-23-2009, 07:32 AM

Maybe it's just me but I was not impressed by Pat White all of the "arm strength" throws he made looked like he was throwing with every single thing he had in his body, I discussed it earlier.

Chiefnj2 · 02-23-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Maybe it's just me but I was not impressed by Pat White all of the "arm strength" throws he made looked like he was throwing with every single thing he had in his body, I discussed it earlier.

It's just you.

Reerun_KC · 02-23-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

It's just you.

My question is, Do KC Chiefs fans know anything about QB's and drafting one?

20 years of embarrasement and we all act like we know how to build a franchise?

BTW, Sanchez is getting alot of LOVE from Todd McShay this AM, He just said on ESPN...

**Tribal Warfare** · 02-23-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

My question is, Do KC Chiefs fans know anything about QB's and drafting one?

20 years of embarrasement and we all act like we know how to build a franchise?

BTW, Sanchez is getting alot of LOVE from Todd McShay this AM, He just said on ESPN...

Pioli also said that he loves cerebral players, and that's a feather in the cap with Sanchez.

Reerun_KC · 02-23-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Pioli also said that he loves cerebral players, and that's a feather in the cap with Sanchez.

TM was hinting on ESPN that after the pro days things could get very interesting between Stafford and Sanchez... Said alot of coaches are raving over Sanchez on his combine preformance...

Shag · 02-23-2009, 10:19 AM

When is USC's pro day?

MIAdragon · 02-23-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

My question is, Do KC Chiefs fans know anything about QB's and drafting one?

20 years of embarrasement and we all act like we know how to build a franchise?

BTW, Sanchez is getting alot of LOVE from Todd McShay this AM, He just said on ESPN...

Careful that’s a double edged sword you’re wielding there

02-22-2009, 07:08 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3037187	Clayton: Confident Sanchez has solid showing Confident Sanchez has solid showing A ball of nervous energy, USC QB Mark Sanchez had a good throwing performance Sunday at the combine. ESPN.com Archive INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the neat things about having a top quarterback participate in the combine is seeing how his personality is exposed before scouts, coaches and GMs for 32 teams. USC's Mark Sanchez clearly showed his competitive nature Sunday. Sanchez was in a group that featured 10 quarterbacks, but the only one who didn't throw was Matthew Stafford of Georgia, a close friend of Sanchez's who is competing with him to be the top pick in the draft. Instead of throwing at the combine, most potential first-round QBs elect to hold their own throwing session in March at their college campuses with receivers they know. Peyton Manning, one of the most competitive quarterbacks in the game, skipped the combine workouts when he turned pro in 1998 and advised Stafford to do the same. Stafford did only the running drills and vertical drills Sunday. Sanchez, a ball of nervous energy during the drills, elected to do all of them. "That's just me," Sanchez said Friday, two days before his workouts. "I've got to do this. I feel like I want to do it. I'm a competitive person. I want to win, and that's what I'm about. It would kill me not to throw.'' Sanchez wasn't great in the throwing drills, but he was good enough. He proved he could make all the necessary throws to be a top NFL quarterback. His slant passes to his right were the strongest. He held the ball high and displayed good mechanics. He completed both of his go passes to the right side at 31 and 32 yards. His 40-yard go patterns to his left were accurate and had nice arc. Very few of his passes hit the ground, showing that he has a catchable ball. I could tell this week that the competitive fire within Sanchez still burns after he had one of the best games of his career in the Rose Bowl. Sanchez completed 28 of 35 passes for 413 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 victory over Penn State. He was ready for his next challenge, so he applied for the NFL draft and skipped his senior season. "I feel like this really was the right time for me," Sanchez said. "That was obviously the pinnacle of my career. I felt very tuned in, dialed in for that game. I visualized things very well, and we played at heck of a game as a team first. We peaked at the right time, and it was a good way to go out." Sanchez showed confidence in his throwing motion and mechanics Sunday. He also had a good fan base, led by, of all people, Stafford, who cheered Sanchez when he ran his 40 and encouraged him during the throwing session. Although Stafford didn't throw, he took time to help Sanchez loosen up before the drills. Their friendship goes back to the Nike Elite 11 camp in high school. Stafford edged Sanchez in the 40-yard dash, running 4.84 seconds twice. Sanchez ran a 4.88 and 4.97. Sanchez topped Stafford in the vertical jump, leaping 32.5 inches to Stafford's 30.5. Should Sanchez go ahead of Stafford in the draft? "Absolutely," Sanchez said. "I'd better think that. And I think he should think that, too. That's what we've got to think. As a competitor, that's all I want to do is be the best that I can be. And the best you can do in this draft is be No. 1.''
Posts: 43,455

02-23-2009, 12:41 AM	#167
doomy3 Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $3123539	I am leaning towards Raji if Stafford is off the board personally
Posts: 12,880

02-23-2009, 04:46 AM	#169
orange MVP Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Denver, CO Casino cash: $10004900	More reviews trickling in: Quarterback: Winners: Pat White, West Virginia - The lack of credit White is getting at quarterback is bordering on ridiculous. Even without the great 40 (4.55) and other measureables, White was the best thrower in the 2nd group of quarterbacks today. He displayed accuracy and arm strength building upon an excellent Senior Bowl week and Meineke Car Care Bowl. It is time for people to stop talking about his decision to not workout at wide receiver and start evaluating him as a quarterback. He is the 4th best quarterback in the draft and would be higher if he was taller (Michael Vick was also only 6'). Call him the a wildcat novelty if you want but he looks more and more like a quarterback every time I see him play. Josh Freeman, Kansas State - NFLN did viewers a huge disfavor by not showing his workout but early word is he showed a tremendous arm and has ideal height. He could be working his way into the end of round 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M - If you are looking for a sleeper QB, McGee might be your guy. He did not play much this year due to a shoulder injury but he is a great athlete (4.66 40) and had a nice day throwing the football today. Curtis Painter, Purdue - Did a nice job throwing the ball during his workout and may have shown enough to get drafted after a sub-par senior season. Losers: Mark Sanchez, USC - Early word is Sanchez did a good job in the interviews but his decision to throw did not improve his stock. It was as if Sanchez was pressing during the throwing drills as he had too much mustard on his short throws and overthrew several passes including an out and post corner. The arm strength, footwork and motion were there but the accuracy was not. It was not a terrible performance but it was not the type of workout you expect from a guy who is trying to be the the overall #1 pick. Despite the struggles, Draft101 Chief Scout Dan Wernery still thinks Sanchez will get taken in the top 10 on draft day. Nate Davis, Ball State - Like Freeman NFLN did viewers a disfavor by not showing his workout but the lack buzz afterward is not a good sign. On the plus side, the early word is he showed good arm strength during his workout. http://nfldraft101.com/articles/177/...zz_Day_Two.jsp Hopefully someone will post some video.
Posts: 11,661

02-23-2009, 04:57 AM	#170
orange MVP Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Denver, CO Casino cash: $10004900	Another: LOSERS • USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. He didn’t lose much ground this week. But he couldn’t seize the opportunity to change a lot of minds about who the best quarterback in the draft may be. Stafford still wears that crown coming out of the combine, and unless he crashes next week at Georgia’s pro day (not likely), or simply has terrible ink board sessions with coaches (also not likely), he’ll still be the first quarterback off the board. If anything, Sanchez’s solid performance in passing drills Sunday underscores what most people suspected about this quarterback class anyway: it’s just plain weak. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...yhoo&type=lgns
Posts: 11,661

02-23-2009, 06:11 AM	#171
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $7672254	Sanchez didn't impress me at all. Certainly didn't look like a #3 overall pick. He wasn't terrible......just dont think hes worth #3 pick.
Posts: 39,245

02-23-2009, 06:13 AM	#172
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I'd say it's like a presidential debate. People who didn't like Sanchez to start with will find negatives, people who did will find positives, and it won't make any difference in the end.
Posts: 58,682

02-23-2009, 07:32 AM	#174
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-742950	Maybe it's just me but I was not impressed by Pat White all of the "arm strength" throws he made looked like he was throwing with every single thing he had in his body, I discussed it earlier.
Posts: 115,387

02-23-2009, 10:19 AM	#179
Shag MVP Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Casino cash: $-1436658	When is USC's pro day?
Posts: 5,186

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode