USC's Mark Sanchez is the hottest prospect entering this weekend's NFL draft. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)

It’s only one day before the draft, and the rumors are flying — particularly about quarterbacks. One of the most talked-about players in those rumors is USC’s Mark Sanchez.

The Rams (No. 2), Browns (No. 5), Broncos (Nos. 12, 18), Redskins (No. 13) and Jets (No. 17) have been rumored to be interested in Sanchez.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Sanchez could go as high as No. 2 to the Rams:

There is a growing belief in league circles that the Rams — who already have quarterback Marc Bulger — are taking a serious look at the former Trojans standout. … Sanchez is rapidly becoming the man of the hour, the linchpin player who figures to determine the direction of the draft from the top.

“Teams have been doing more and more work on him,” said an NFL personnel executive — but not with the Rams. “They’re starting to realize that he may be worth the risk to move up.”

Further fueling speculation that Sanchez could go No. 2, the Rams have booked the quarterback on a Sunday flight to St. Louis, NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports.

The Denver Post reports that the Broncos, a strong candidate to move up because of their two first-round picks, were involved in discussions with the Jacksonville Jaguars about trading up to the No. 8 spot. But with the buzz building around Sanchez, that might not be high enough.

Coach Josh McDaniels later said he doubts the Broncos would move into the top 10.

Let’s sort through some of the other buzz:

• The Denver Post reports that the Broncos asked the Browns about Brady Quinn but were told no. However, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that something still could be in the works: However, that doesn’t mean the Browns and Broncos won’t pull off a draft-day trade involving a quarterback. The Broncos have discussed trading up to get USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, and if he’s still there at No. 5, the two teams will undoubtedly talk.

• If the Jets lose out in the Sanchez sweepstakes, they could pursue Redskins QB Jason Campbell, the Washington Times reports.

• The New York Daily News reports that the Jets also could pursue Quinn or Campbell if they miss out on Sanchez: Not only do they remain interested in trading up for USC’s Mark Sanchez, suddenly the hottest prospect in the draft, but the Jets are involved in trade scenarios for the Browns’ Brady Quinn and the Redskins’ Jason Campbell, league sources said Thursday.

Posted in: Around The Web, Draft  |