With the fourth pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Jets select … USC Quarterback Matt Leinart

If you are a New York Jets fan, nothing will make you happier than hearing those words from Commissioner Paul Tagliabue during the NFL Draft tomorrow.

But while Leinart is the flashy choice, he may not be the Jets choice. Gang Green may prefer to fill a more pressing need rather than have Leinart holding a clipboard on the sidelines.

The Jets appear to be favoring offensive tackle and Freeport, L.I., native D’Brickashaw Ferguson with their top pick, and rumors have surfaced that they may even trade down to draft Maryland tight end Vernon Davis or Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. But if Leinart is still on the board after the first three picks, will the Jets go with what they think is best for the team, or what is best for their fans?

If they choose to pass on Leinart, they are also passing up a possible franchise quarterback who, with his obvious popularity, could put the Jets back on the map like Michael Vick did for the Atlanta Falcons.

With Chad Pennington’s health in question and Patrick Ramsey’s mediocrity evident, now may be the best chance for the Jets to lock up a future quarterback. The Giants did so two years ago with Eli Manning, and with his high-profile image after college, New York was the perfect market for endorsement deals. While the Jets may be concerned that Leinart will be too distracted by playing in New York, he did compile a 37-2 record as a starter at USC while dating stars Alyssa Milano and Kristin Cavalleri.

Then again, this is a moot point if Leinart is drafted before New York’s fourth pick.

The Tennessee Titans are the only team drafting before the Jets who are interested in taking a quarterback, but rumors are circulating that they may be more inclined to take the more athletic Texas QB in Vince Young third overall. The two teams drafting ahead of the Titans — Houston and New Orleans — have no plans to draft a quarterback. Reggie Bush, barring any unforeseen snags in negotiations, will likely go to the Texans with the top pick, and the Saints, after signing free agent quarterback Drew Brees, may be leaning towards drafting defensive tackle Mario Williams at number two.

But how much should we read into what player a team looks interested in? Let’s not forget that the pre-draft is all about strategy, and any team could just be bluffing who they’ll select to throw off another team’s draft plans.

No matter whom the Jets select in the first round, with 10 picks in the two-day draft, head coach Eric Mangini should be able to fill his roster with plenty of talented players. But the most important selection that fans should be concerned about is the number four pick, and the top player they should want to see holding up a Jets jersey next to Paul Tagliabue is Matt Leinart.

WHAT ABOUT THE N.Y. GIANTS?

After locking up free agent linebackers Lavar Arrington and Brandon Short, the Giants can now address another need. Look for the G-Men to take a cornerback with the 25th overall pick, with Ohio State’s Ashton Youboty and South Carolina’s Jonathan Joseph their prime targets. University of Miami star Sinorice Moss, brother of Santana Moss, could be an intriguing pick if the Giants choose to add depth at the wide receiver position and worry about finding a cornerback in the later rounds. Whoever they choose, general manager Ernie Accorsi is dead-set on picking the most talented player, regardless of their position, at that point in the draft.