To: ESPN Executives

From: Andrew Marchand

Re: Matt Leinart

CC: Vince Young

Dear Execs:

More Merril Hoge, please!

On ESPN’s NFL Draft special on Tuesday, Hoge said he wouldn’t pick Matt Leinart or Vince Young in the first round, while adding he wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets and Titans took a pass on both.

Leinart’s arm strength and accuracy aren’t ideal, while Young’s footwork is questionable, according to Hoge. Hoge said Vanderbilt’s Jay Cutler is the only quarterback he would pick in the first round.

In fact, Hoge even added that Oregon QB Kellen Clemens (who?) is better than Leinart and Young.

The Memo has no idea if Hoge is right, but he demonstrated exactly what we are looking for in analysis. He gave a strong, unpopular, against-the-grain opinion and backed it up with logic.

For some reason, most analysts have short memories. What do you think the “experts” were saying about Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith or Heath Shuler before their drafts? Who knows if Hoge is right? But, at worst, he is interesting.