It looks like the Jets' repeated statements of support for Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff were an elaborate smokescren. Gang Green shook up the top of the NFL Draft by making a trade to move up to the fifth pick to select Mark Sanchez, the quarterback from USC.
The Jets worked with an old friend/enemy/frenemy to get the deal done. Eric Mangini's Browns owned the fifth pick, which may explain why the Jets didn't have to give up a boatload of draft picks to move up. They gave up their first-round pick (#17 overall), their second-round pick (#52 overall), defensive end Kenyon Coleman, safety Abram Elam and Ratliff for Sanchez.
That price tag makes it very easy to like the deal for the Jets. The three players aren't key contributors and the Jets have to clear salary to make room for Sanchez anyway. The second rounder is about the least you'd have to add to your own first rounder to leap up as many picks as the Jets did, so give the Jets high marks on the deal from that standpoint.
You also have to give them high marks in the boldness column. The Jets clearly didn't feel like they had a quarterback they felt comfortable with for the future and felt like Sanchez was someone who could bring them to the next level. If that's your mindset, you have to go out and get the deal done, even if it is a risk of the magnitude they took today.
And it is a massive risk. Earlier this week, we discussed the Jets quarterback needs and came down against taking Sanchez or any other rookie. The price paid lessens some of the risk, but concerns still remain about how well this will all work out.
Sanchez's stock has been steadily rising in the last few months, but he made just 16 starts for the Trojans and his decision to go pro was seen by many as a mistake. His arm strength doesn't strike you as enough to cut through late season wind at the Meadowlands, but scouts have raved about his quick release and pocket presence. That presence needs to translate to strong leadership, because the Jets pretty much have to start Sanchez from day one.
Making the trade, paying the salary that Sanchez will demand and once again telling the world that Clemens isn't a starting quarterback mean that they've put their long and short-term future in Sanchez's hands. Rex Ryan watched how well that worked with Joe Flacco, and lightning had better strike twice because the rest of this team is built to win now.
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That's a lot of pressure on the shoulders of a young quarterback, pressure that isn't going to be decreased by the presence of a big-time wide receiver. The Jets have Jerricho Cotchery, David Clowney, Chansi Stuckey and Brad Smith at receiver at the moment. None of those guys fits the bill as a threat that defenses have to game plan to stop and, unless they make another trade, there won't be any help coming until the third round.
Ryan made a lot of bold statements about going to the White House when he was hired as the Jets coach. This trade was an equally bold statement. Now it's time to find out how much bite there is behind the bark.
Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.
