Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 10!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 10...

10. Mark Sanchez, QB Southern California Trojans

2008 Season Stats:
241/366, 3207 yards and 35 TDs, 10 INTs

Career Stats:
313/487, 3965 and 41 TDs, 16 INTs

Personal Stats:
6'2" 227 lbs. JR

Strengths:

His biggest strength is his "it" factor, Sanchez is a winner and a leader. He has spirit and never give up attitude. He also has a good frame and size, he is quite athletic and moves well in the pocket, he has a very good delivery and puts the ball in the spots it needs to be. He has a solid but not elite arm, he can fit the ball into tight spots and can make every essential throw in the NFL from the deep comeback to the quick out. Moves well on the run and throws well and is sneaky athletic when the pocket breaks down. Plays with a high football IQ and reads defenses well and still has room to grow. He loves the game of football, has a great work ethic and is great with the media.

Weaknesses:

His most primary weaknesses are his lack of experience and his durability. He has only one full season of starting experience and though it was in a pro style offense he really could have benefited from another year at USC. As for durability, he had a broken thumb in 2007 and then a dislocated knee cap before the 2008 season. He also has some off the field issues that were never fully disclosed as he accused of sexual assault. As for his game, a violent pass rush will confuse and frustrate him, he won't run away from defenders and makes bad decisions at times because of his inexperience and wills throws based on over confidence and the talent around him.

Overall:

Mark Sanchez comes from a Pro Style offense at USC and is probably a year or two away from starting and being an effective NFL quarterback. He will more then likely be a starter down the road considering his lack of experience, but his tendencies to make plays, his IQ and depending on the starting cast around him he could potentially step in day one and be an effective player. I think he's a better QB then Matt Leinart but he's not quite up to snuff of Carson Palmer. I think he projects as a great pro and he could easily be the face of a franchise for a long time considering his passion, love of the game and ability to smooth talk the media.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 22nd selection in the NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select...










There you have it folks, be sure to tune in next week for Prospects #9 and #8!