Rich Gannon, the NFL's MVP in 2002 for the Oakland Raiders, worked with Sanchez for two days recently, studying film at the Jets' complex in Florham Park, N.J.
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"The great thing about Mark is he doesn't just want to be good; he wants to be great," Gannon told USA Today. "And he's willing to put in the work to get there.
"He has a very bright future."
Although Sanchez helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game in his rookie season, he endured an up-and-down year in which he threw an AFC-worst 20 interceptions, was sacked 26 times and fumbled 10 times.
Gannon, who is now an analyst with CBS and Sirius NFL radio, told the newspaper that he and Sanchez talked about making the right decisions on third down and in the fourth quarter.
"We watched the interception and sack reels until 8 o'clock at night," Gannon told USA Today. "Then he had to get treatment the next morning. I was up at 6 and in at 7 watching the film with him.
"I really applaud a guy like that who wants to get better."
Gannon told the newspaper that he was impressed by Sanchez's progress in his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery in February.
Sanchez had the patella-stabilizing ligament in his left knee repaired in February, and he has participated in individual and passing drills since organized team activities began last month.
"This kid is back already throwing and is much further along than I thought he would be," Gannon told USA Today. "The goal is to have him back almost 100 percent by June 14 minicamp. He's throwing the ball particularly well, even though he told me he's not 100 percent yet with that knee.
"I don't think it's going to be an issue."
Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets now jogging on turfSanchez seeks summer switch
