Hawks' interest in Sanchez a ruse?

It’s been two weeks in which people have attempted to talk me into the idea that drafting Mark Sanchez would be a good thing. And for two weeks I’ve attempted to talk them into the idea that drafting Mark Sanchez would be a bad thing.

Now, I don’t know anything about anything anymore.

With the No. 4 pick overall in the NFL Draft, the Seahawks have made it known that the former USC quarterback is near or at the top of their list. Draft gurus and analysts are all pointing to Sanchez. I listened to ESPN insider John Clayton for a few hours on his Saturday radio show yesterday and he doesn’t even know for sure what the Hawks should do in the first round. And if Clayton doesn’t know anymore, you know something is screwy.

If you like to over-think things like I do, one might come to the conclusion that the Seahawks’ interest in Sanchez is simply a clever ruse to get Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to make another irrational decision to trade up to the No. 3 spot for Sanchez. A one-sided bro-mance emerged when Snyder fell head over checkbook for Sanchez after watching the quarterback workout in Los Angeles for scouts.

If this happens, and Danny Boy gets his man in Sanchez, badass linebacker and high-character guy Aaron Curry would be right there for the taking. Seattle GM Tim Ruskell must have developed a man crush of his own when he learned Curry wouldn’t be attending the draft with a posse of his boys. No, he’s taking a young kid who survived a battle with leukemia. Almost to a fault, character matters more than talent for Ruskell. Plus, some are saying Curry is the next Dick Butkus. Stop it already!

I’m not sure what the Redskins could give Kansas City to lose Aaron Curry. Definitely multiple picks, including their first rounder, possibly a starting defender, an offensive lineman and probably a kidney. Who knows?

If Sanchez is as good as some of the draft gurus are saying he is, and he’d be the franchise quarterback of the future, I’d have to concede that it would make sense to take Sanchez even though the history of highly drafted quarterbacks is littered with cautionary tales (see Leaf, Ryan; Smith, Alex).

From what I’ve read thus far, Sanchez could be the safest quarterback pick among he, Matt Stafford and Josh Freeman. Sanchez’s arm might not be as strong as the other two, but it is said he has better intangibles, footwork and a greater ability to grasp the pro playbook. Bottom line, he’s a smart guy who can lead an offense and a team. Sounds like Matt Hasselbeck.

Speaking of Hasselbeck, Sanchez has indicated he’d love to come to Seattle. Well, duh. Sanchez would be paid $12 million a year to hold a clipboard and learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC for a couple years. Who wouldn’t like that gig? Conversely, if Sanchez goes to Washington, he can kiss his sweet California-tanned keaster goodbye. He’ll be playing and playing right away. Danny won't wait and coach Jim Zorn doesn't have the seeds to stand up to him.

On the weeks the draft gurus aren’t picking Sanchez, they are back to picking Michael Crabtree. This is the wide receiver that hasn’t run a 40-yard dash for scouts yet, is still recovering from foot surgery, was shorter than everyone thought and teams have begun to question Crabtree’s overall desire to push himself. Sounds terrible, but pretty much on par with any wide receiver you get these days. Offensive tackle Eugene Monroe’s name is still out there as well. He could be the safest pick of all with the fewest question marks.

We’ll know what the Hawks do for sure in about six days. Sometimes you just have to go big or go home. Roll the dice and hope for the best. The moment Seattle selects its No. 3 pick may be one of those times.