Redskins Could Be in Sanchez Business

Three weeks ago, the Redskins' interest in quarterback Mark Sanchez was strictly pre-draft scouting and due diligence. Now, with the NFL draft 10 days off, it sounds a lot more like owner Dan Snyder has fallen in love. Again.

After losing out in the Jay Cutler sweepstakes -- and subsequently having to reassure Jason Campbell that he's the team's starter (for now) -- the 'Skins might be in the quarterback business come draft day. When I wrote about it last month, it seemed far-fetched; I even joked that Snyder had been taking his anti-insanity meds:

"I suspect the fog of draft day might cloud Dan Synder's judgment -- particularly if Matthew Stafford and Sanchez are still available -- but from the vantage point of five weeks out, the Redskins' pre-draft strategy seems like a relatively sane one. But again, a lot can change between now and April 25."

Maybe not, it turns out. Via the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora:

The Redskins have maintained strong interest in USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, according to team and league sources, and are evaluating him closely as a top candidate to be selected with their 13th overall pick in the April 25-26 NFL draft.

There is a possibility that Sanchez, considered by some to be the best passer in the draft, could be gone by the time Washington picks, but the Redskins have a history of draft-day deals and parting with future picks in order to move up. The Redskins were very impressed with Sanchez's workout at USC's pro day, according to sources, and the quarterback is scheduled to visit Redskins Park this weekend.

So nothing definitive, but given Snyder's track record, nobody would be surprised if he actually traded up to take Sanchez, other needs be damned. As La Canfora notes, "Sanchez would not fill an immediate need, but several other players possibly available with the 13th pick would." Like, say, Michael Oher, Andre Smith, Aaron Maybin, Robert Ayers, Everette Brown, any of the USC linebackers ... basically anybody but Sanchez.

If Sanchez is Snyder's guy, he would be the third quarterback the Redskins have drafted in the first round since 2002 (Patrick Ramsey, '02; Campbell, '05). This would seem to suggest that the front office might be better off going after free agents who have had NFL success. Except that's the strategy that got Washington in its current predicament.

Or here's a thought: maybe the 'Skins should hire a proper general manager.

In the meantime, we are -- along with Campbell -- left to wait and wonder. Common sense suggests that Washington wouldn't make a play for Sanchez, but, again, this is Snyder we're talking about. Sometimes he can't help himself.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-15-2009 @ 4:00PM

godisonnyquil said...

I hope this doesn't happen, we don't need any more young QBs.

But while I know everyone is quick to jump on the poor decision-making of Snyderrato, I think this is a smokescreen for wanting to trade out of the 13th pick. Teams who need a QB will be more likely to give up more if they think there's a risk of losing the option to draft Sanchez. Cutler was one thing, but I really don't think Danny and Vinny have any real intention of drafting Sanchez.

4-15-2009 @ 4:03PM

Adam said...

Jason LaCanfora usually just likes to spread rumors which hurt the image of Snyder and Cerrato. They probably are just bluffing, and JLC is overplaying it.

DaveWill said...

I wouldnt worry too much about what jason laconfora thinks. I wouldnt be surprised if it did happen but i doubt it. JLC loves to bash the front office and will take every opportunity to do so. be it rumor or actual facts he's gonna jump all over them. to this point the F.O. hasnt done anything to make him stop his bashing.

4-15-2009 @ 4:48PM

obamaizadope said...

Look, Campbell is a disaster. He's gone as far as his brain will let him go. He has above average physical talents, but not the brain to match. I don't think Sanchez is the answer either, Cutler would have been the shiznit, and Leftwich would have taken them deep into the playoffs..

4-16-2009 @ 6:54AM

royalpt78 said...

Leftwich hasnt taken ANYBODY deep in the playoffs. And he wont again this year in Tampa.

4-16-2009 @ 11:34AM

caadidas1 said...

leftwich is horrible

4-15-2009 @ 4:55PM

fedxslevel21 said...

If Danny or Vinny pull the trigger on Sanchez it will be a waste of a first round pick for this team. He might be a good QB, but who knows what he can do in the NFL. If you're going to trade up, get DE Orakpo!!!!

4-15-2009 @ 5:02PM

tipcpup01 said...

I'm certainly no Redskins apologist (Go 'Boys!), but I feel Campbell's pain here. The guy has had something like 7 different Offensive Coordinators in the last 8 years, including every year he's been a pro. Which means every 12 months he needs to learn an entirely new playbook. Truth be told, he hasn't done half bad considering this. What the Deadskins need above all else is continuity in the coaching ranks. Who knows what Campbell can do with more than one year in a system.

4-15-2009 @ 10:21PM

hatrick said...

I'll take Campbell or Sanchez any day over your over-rated and overpaid "choke artist" Romo...sorry losers!

4-15-2009 @ 5:52PM

NwspprConnection said...

Godisonnyquil is right. It's a move to get the Jets to trade up, giving the Skins the opportunity to pick up Oher or Smith at 17 and an additional pick.

4-15-2009 @ 5:55PM

lazyindiankid4 said...

Danny boy needs to stop doing this crap with our organization.Don't get me wrong, I love Mark Sanchez play and his off the field conduct. But the Redskins, need to give Jason Campbell a freaking break. Campbell has been in a new offense about EVERY season. Now how much of you guys think you can handle that? Plus, his WR's can't get open for their life (besides occasionally Moss). Our running game is inconsistent because of the lack of depth behind Clinton Portis. And our s*&@!& O-line can't block more than 2 seconds. If we keep our D and special teams the same as last year besides the punting unit. And if we get a few solid OL players in the draft, WR's do better especially kelly and Thomas, and if Jason does what he is supposed to do. I can guarantee a successful year.

Good luck to Sanchez wherever he rounds up. Good Luck to my SKINS.
Enough Said

HAIL!

4-15-2009 @ 9:17PM

Dblackmac1 said...

Hello do anyone in the skins organization realize that 1 we have no OLB 2 a terrible O-LINE and 3 a backup RB who cant hold on to the ball and cant get out of his own way! Yeah we really need another QB that we cant keep up right to complete a pass. I'm with JC on this one. Once again he's getting a bad rap.

4-15-2009 @ 10:14PM

bears0492 said...

Sanchez should go #1. I personally think he's better than Stafford, and he's going to have a more successful career.

4-16-2009 @ 8:58PM

yeah for some reason, i have something good saying about Sanchez over Stafford. He just looks more professional, poised, and NFL style QB

4-16-2009 @ 4:19AM

Alfie said...

This has got to be a smokescreen.....if it is, this might just help us earn that 2nd rounder that we oh so desperately need~

4-16-2009 @ 2:15PM

coltbrennan5 said...

what about colt brennan? at least give me a shot!

4-20-2009 @ 2:06PM

MikeBlev said...

OKAY SO HERE'S THE THING.. daniel stop acting like a gm... You're killing this franchise.. Cambell is the BEST CHANCE TO WIN. Good grief, you've given him ,what, 4 different offensive schemes he's had to learn. Also i love Brennan. Great back up and spark. If Knowshon is avalible.. and we don't take him my heart will be hurting. Give Portis some help. QB is the last thing need to worry about.