USC's Mark Sanchez mulls NFL options

Will he stay or will he go now?

Mark Sanchez certainly helped his case for the NFL draft last week, completing a whopping 28 of 35 for 413 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions against a solid Penn State defense in the Rose Bowl. He ran for a score too. Afterward, Sanchez and Pete Carroll spoke with reporters about the quarterback's future:

Carroll has repeatedly said that this can't be an emotional decision. If it's strictly on the numbers, ESPN's Todd McShay provides a pretty compelling reason for him to go. Here's his updated list of the top five NFL-ready quarterbacks:

1. Sam Bradford
2. Mark Sanchez
3. Matthew Stafford
4. Nate Davis
5. Josh Freeman

If Sanchez returns, USC will have 10 starters back on offense (important because they could lose all 11 on defense) and will transition into a strong offensive team instead of a strong defensive team. His leadership makes him uniquely important to the Trojans. For fans, his heart-on-his-sleeve style is always fun to watch.

Over the last two seasons, Sanchez always seemed to be laughing, grinning or yelling his lungs out. “He’s a goofy kid!" said wide receiver Damian Williams. "But we need that. You’ve got to have that enthusiasm out there.”

So we ask ...

-- Adam Rose