SJ Mock Draft projects Sanchez to Bucs, Maualuga to Denver

Did Sanchez make the right decision to stay or did Pete Carroll have the more realistic view? It all depends on who you talk to and which mock draft you're reading.

The updated Mock at SportsJabber. net projects Mark Sanchez to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It also sends Rey Maualuga to the Jets, and Brian Cushing to the Denver Broncos. Though this mock has Sanchez lower than some, there are others in agreement with Pete Carroll, and the quarterback's name is absent from the first round.

Unlike many mock drafts run by one individual, Sports Jabber has a draft team assembled from all regions of the country. They are the eyes and ears of the nation, and before a prospect is ever postioned on the board, there is an evaluation and group debate. Positions will change several times before April's draft, as we receive results from the NFL Scout Combine and individual Pro-Day workouts. 12 Trojans have been invited to Indianapolis to participate in this year's Combine. Be sure to track the player movement through updates in the draft and Sports Jabber reports.

2009 Sports Jabber Mock Draft (Updated 2/7)

Titans release Mike Williams

I’ve said it plenty times before, only to be wrong, but I’ll say it again. Mike Williams has appeared on his last NFL roster. If he finds another GM willing to give him a shot, it would surprise me. Although Mike was great at USC, he lacked development of personality and skills, when he dumped 2 years of college eligibility to fight the NFL and attempt to squeeze into the draft as a sophomore. Everything the NFL didn’t want in a wide receiver was found in Mike Williams. He was slow, had no hands, out of shape, and had a bad attitude. It’s remarkable that he was given this many chances, but not odd, when you consider all the coaches giving him a tryout after he left Detroit were linked to USC. Maybe the next stop can be Canada or coaching on a college sideline. He has the knowledge but not the skills and tools to succeed, so he can probably assist in the development of some younger talent.

Clueless…as if….

Matt Leinart admits he was clueless in camp last year, but I think his slump had already revealed that. Matt was clearly not the same quarterback that commanded the offense under Dennis Green. Ken Whisenhunt’s offense had a different look, and he appeared lost at the line. He claims he has a better perception this year, which will enable him to command the Cards offense again in '08. If the Arizona offensive line can block anyone, it would be pretty hard for any of their QBs to fail. The cards receiving corps is one of the best in the NFL, even with Boldin disgruntled about his contract.

Keary on…

Brandon Marshall is still facing a possible NFL suspension. If a suspension comes, Keary Colbert is in a great position to showcase his talent. Mike Shanahan has been singing Colbert praises, and the former Trojan may actually be a better fit with the Donks than he was in Carolina.

Smith down but not out….

Steve Smith is struggling with a groin injury in camp, but isn’t in any danger of sliding in position. Unlike earlier reports that Smith could be threatened by Mario Manningham, that no longer appears the case. Camp has been a struggle for Mario, as he struggles to find separation against defensive backs. One of those DBs is our own Terrell Thomas, who continues to perform well. Thomas locked down Manningham in the 2007 Rose Bowl, so why should it be a surprise in Giants camp.

Jarrett Continues to Blow Opportunities

Like other Trojan fans, I sat here and frowned at NFL franchises that passed on both Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith in the first round of the 2007 draft. How could I not believe they were first round worthy? The cardinal and gold pumps through my veins. I could understand Calvin Johnson being the first receiver taken, with his speed and hands on such a large frame. But Teddy Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez? Please!

One year later, I can see those franchises had it right, at least in the case of Dwayne Jarrett. Steve Smith has a superbowl ring. Injury kept him off the field for a good part of the 2007 season, but he was always productive, and a sure handed pass catcher in the Giants red zone. Dwayne Jarrett failed to become that NFL receiver I thought he would be. Instead of proving all those that passed on him wrong, he continues to prove them right.

The Panthers aren't looking for a No. 1 receiver, because they have one in their own Steve Smith. All they're asking is for someone to step up and make some plays on the other side, to loosen the double teams Smith faces with each snap of the ball. For whatever the reasons may be, Jarrett wasn't able to do it.

He aimed to prove his worth in the upcoming camps, and would be challenged by the Panthers acquisition of Mushin Muhammed. Jarrett was believed to be the frontrunner, up until this latest incident. Jarrett was arrested on Monday night and charged with DWI. Punishment is nearly certain, and can include entry into the NFL's substance abuse program. Not a good move for Dwayne, whose own actions may be planting him on the bench for another season.

The good news out of Carolina is the waiving of the often injured Justin Hartwig. This move most likely gives Trojan Ryan Kalil the starting center position. Also, away from the coast, and up in the Rockies, the Denver Broncos signed Keary Colbert, who was released by the Panthers last month.