All Leinart knew at USC was success. He lost two games in three years by six points, and Young was all that kept the Trojans from winning three straight national titles. I've heard the same story from a couple of scouts, that 'SC coach Pete Carroll, when asked whom he'd take between Carson Palmer, Leinart's predecessor and one of the best young QBs in the game today, and the guy he just had, said, while Palmer has all the tools, Leinart's the guy if you want to win championships. If for some reason, the Saints don't take him at No. 2, no doubt his former offensive coordinator, Norm Chow, and the Titans will at the third spot. Cutler could even go to the Titans, since Chow is said to not be all that enthralled with the idea of tailoring his offense around Young's unique talents.

The thing about Leinart is, in essence, he's been in the spotlight for three years in the second-largest media market in the country. With USC being the closest thing L.A. has to an NFL team, Leinart was the star of stars. If he goes to a place like New Orleans or Tennessee, or to almost any other market, one could argue the scrutiny will be less than it was at Southern Cal.

Sure, he had Reggie Bush, LenDale White and great protection, but somebody had to drive the bus. Maybe Leinart doesn't have the arm to make all the throws, or at least make them all look easy, but he's made big throws. For example, fourth-and-8 in South Bend, Ind. He could not have been cooler in crunch time of the title game, dancing to the band's music and keeping teammates loose in the huddle.

"The one thing, it was tough being in LA, dealing with all the pressure and the limelight, and really being the only team there that's had success the last couple of years," he said. "I think that, the publicity that I've gotten, whether it's going out, or anything that I got, I think that's going to prepare me for the NFL, just because that's the closest thing you're going to get. Obviously it's not the NFL. But wherever I do go I'm going to have great preparation. I've been there, I've seen everything, I've done tons of interviews, I've seen lots of things happen."

The best competition Leinart faced may have been in practice, and he's been well- schooled by USC's pro-level coaching staff. He's probably the best decision-maker of the three top prospects. He looks at himself as "a Tom Brady-type."

"I think my overall preparation at USC is going to be an advantage," Leinart said. "First playing behind Carson Palmer, who's a Pro Bowl quarterback, and learning from him. Playing against an NFL-style defense and Coach Carroll for five years -- Troy Polamalu, Lofa Tatupu, guys that I've played against. I think I've been prepared the best you can be prepared.

"Playing in big games. Being on the biggest stage, I think that's going to prepare me."

You'd have to think he's better, having passed on entering the draft after his junior year -- and on a chance at maybe being the top pick -- and gotten another year of seasoning.

"Far better," Leinart said. "I was able to really approach the game mentally ... the film watching … I've studied a bunch of NFL quarterbacks -- Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Rich Gannon, Brett Favre. I've spent a day with Rich Gannon, he came down to 'SC. Just to see how he prepares for a game every day during the week.