The 2009 NFL Draft begins Saturday and the hot topic as in any year is about the current crop of quarterbacks. Leading that group is Matt Stafford of Georgia with former USC Trojan MarK Sanchez following. These two will be the first signal callers taken in the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford and Sanchez each had one remaining year of collegiate eligibility but opted to forgo college and enter the draft.
Stafford, at 6"3'235 lbs., is a big strong armed quarterback with excellent skills both mental and athletic. Stafford could have benefited from another year in college but his skill level dictates his move to the professional ranks. Stafford's down side is his on field decision making and is turnover prone. Stafford was 17-4 as a starter at Georgia.
It's no secret the Detroit Lions, who own the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft are interested in Stafford and are leaning on making him their choice. Critics however; think Detroit should build along the offensive line and grab another top quarterback. The Detroit situation could very well be settled before Saturday. The Lions would like to have their top pick in the fold prior to the draft.
Any quarterback coming out of the University of Southern California system is going to get plenty of attention and that is exactly what Mark Sanchez is getting. Criticized earlier by Trojans coach Pete Carroll for opting out of his final season of college eligibility; Sanchez has been wooed NFL scouts in the NFL combine and individual workouts. Projected earlier as a lower 1st round pick, Sanchez has flown up the board and could go in the top-five.
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Sanchez has good NFL size at 6"2" and 227 pounds and has quality arm strength. His down side is in experience only starting one year at USC. In his career with the Trojans, Sanchez only started 16 games. He was impressive in those starts throwing 313 pass completions for 3,998 yards ranking him ninth in USC history.
Some experts have Sanchez going as high as No. 3 to the Kansas City Chiefs while others have him dropping as far as 10th.
According to NFL.com, Freeman never had the weapons that both Stafford and Sanchez had to work with but he made things happen with his strong arm and mobility. He also developed touch and has top physical skills. He might have the best opportunity of the three top-level quarterbacks to succeed at the next level.
Freeman might be available to the New York Jets as the 17th pick. There are reports the Jets would like to move up the board via trade to get Sanchez but staying put and taking Freeman is the most likely scenario.
