If the Redskins want to draft quarterback Mark Sanchez, the scenario is simple: trade to the third pick, leaping ahead of any other team seriously interested in the Southern California passer.
Of course, it would take this year’s first- and third-rounder and almost definitely next year’s first rounder to jump the 10 spots. Keep in mind that last year’s third overall pick, quarterback Matt Ryan, received $34.75 million in guaranteed money from Atlanta.
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Which begs this question: Should the Redskins make that investment?
“If I don’t have a quarterback, and it’s obvious that’s the way they feel, then yes I would do whatever I have to do to get one,” said one NFL front office executive.
There’s some doubt as to whether Redskins owner Dan Snyder would be willing to part with next year’s No. 1.
“I don’t know if he’ll do that,” said another NFL source who knows Snyder well.
But Snyder did not take losing the Jay Cutler sweepstakes well. And multiple sources have said he really likes Sanchez (whom they hosted Friday, taking him out to dinner). NFL decision makers say Sanchez is a good fit for the West Coast offense, which Washington runs.
Snyder also could opt to wait and see if Sanchez gets past Seattle, which still had Sanchez among their list of candidates as of late last week, at No. 4.
“Dan Snyder will do everything he can,” the executive said. “They embarrassed themselves with [Jason] Campbell; they showed their cards as to how they feel about him. Dan can’t handle losing and now he has to come up with a win.”
Cleveland picks fifth and there was some reported interest. But the NFL source dismissed the Browns as a legitimate suitor.
St. Louis has shown some interest, but it’s hard to see the Rams picking Sanchez. Jacksonville (eighth) and San Francisco (10th) are possibilities.
The New York Jets (17th) and Tampa Bay (19th) are wild cards in this as well.
Kansas City picks third and, like many teams in the top 10, wants to trade further down to avoid the high cost of these picks. The Chiefs might find a willing dance partner in Snyder, who would love to make another big splash this offseason.