Mark Sanchez's Departure: Another Take

Although much of the USC fan base is still deeply disappointed and disheartened after Mark Sanchez declared for the NFL Draft just a week ago, I look at another take on the decision. 

While it has quickly become a tradition for the USC quarterback to stay on campus through his senior season, Sanchez made the RIGHT decision in leaving. You can argue it all you want; the facts are there and I believe he made the best decision for HIMSELF.

The most interesting facet about Sanchez's case is that he was only "The Man" for a year. For a person who waited in the wings of prior stars (like Leinart and Booty) for three years, it would be easy to stay for a second year. 

Last week, Sanchez made the harder decision. He did what Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow couldn't do—give up an amazing senior year as the top dog on one of the best college football programs of all time—forgoing receiving more individual accolades, withdrawing having the opportunity to play for a national championship,  and letting go of one more year of college life to go to the NFL—starting all over as a lowly rookie.

With those three aforementioned stars staying in school, it was probably very smart for Sanchez to declare NOW. Coming off of the performance he had at the Rose Bowl has him almost as high as he could possibly go. With the lack of "great" QB talent in the draft, it will be a two-man race (against Matthew Stafford of Georgia) to decide who is the first QB taken and likely the #1 pick overall going to the Detroit Lions. 

A number of mock drafts have Sanchez actually going in that No. 1 spot, including Scout.com:

Even if he doesn't become the first player taken, it is very likely he will be in the Top 10. Financially, being the No. 1 pick would mean a $70 million contract, with at least $30 million guaranteed. A 10th pick for Sanchez would likely mean at least a $40 million contract with $20 million in guaranteed money. Although that's a large difference, when you get $40 million, you are definitely doing well. Don't forget...If Stafford goes No. 1, there is a high probability that Sanchez will go at No. 3 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Aside from the financial decisions, Sanchez will be finishing up school this semester and obtaining his college degree in Communications—something that weighed heavily on his decision-making. Now, he can have his cake and eat it too. 

The decision has been made. Sanchez is going to the NFL.  My apologies to Pete Carroll, but Sanchez is ready for the NFL and the NFL is ready for Sanchez. We will find out on Apr. 25 whether or not his decision PAID off... 

In the mean time, we need to embrace our next star quarterback—Aaron Corp, Mitch Mustain, Matt Barkely, or Garrett Green...