In the final days leading up to the NFL draft, league sources say there is developing intrigue surrounding a host of teams interested in selecting quarterback Mark Sanchez.
The most serious interest in Sanchez, a USC product, is coming from the Seattle Seahawks at No. 4; the Cleveland Browns at No. 5; the Washington Redskins at No. 13; and the New York Jets at No. 17. Several current veteran quarterbacks, including Brady Quinn of the Browns and Jason Campbell of the Redskins, would be on the block should either team select Sanchez.
And on Friday, the Denver Post reported that according to an NFL source, the Broncos, who hold the No. 12 and No. 18 picks, were discussing ways to move up and get Sanchez.
According to the Post, Broncos general manager Brian Xanders and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy were impressed by Sanchez during a private workout earlier this week in Los Angeles.
The Redskins have talked about a number of scenarios, especially this one: trading from 13th to fourth and selecting Sanchez, then dealing Campbell to another team, perhaps the Minnesota Vikings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Jets -- to recoup lost picks.
Campbell's second-half drop-off last season concerned the Redskins' front office enough that it has stepped up its pursuit of Sanchez. Campbell also is in a contract year and Washington would have to invest franchise-type money to keep him for 2010 and beyond.
The Browns' interest in receiver Michael Crabtree has waned, so Cleveland has discussed taking Sanchez with the fifth pick, then trading Quinn perhaps to the Bucs or Jets. The Jets, league sources say, appear to be the team most interested in obtaining Quinn, but New York still is trying to piece together a trade package to jump above Washington and pick Sanchez.
Sal Paolantonio covers the NFL for ESPN.