Mark Sanchez
QB, USC · 2009 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #5 (NYJ)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
QB (QB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 35.6% of the time (270 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 79 of ~160 possible regular-season games from 2009 through 2018 (~49%). Last NFL season: 2018.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #8 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#5).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
USC: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.93 40-yard dash at 227 lbs: faster than 19% of QBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 79 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 32 |
| Passing | 1314/2320, 15,357 yds, 86 TD, 89 INT |
| Rushing | 170 att, 457 yds, 13 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2018 |
The 2009 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2009 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position QB | 35.6% n=270 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 227 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.93 s |
| Vertical | 32.5" |
| Broad jump | 116" |
| 3-cone | 7.06 s |
| Shuttle | 4.21 s |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #8 overall (#2 QB) |
Picked around him 2009 redraft
| 2 | Jason Smith | redraft #113 |
| 3 | Tyson Jackson | redraft #42 |
| 4 | Aaron Curry | redraft #95 |
| 6 | Andre Smith | redraft #30 |
| 7 | Darrius Heyward-Bey | redraft #69 |
| 8 | Eugene Monroe | redraft #50 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.