Jimmy Clausen (Panther)

[Texasfrog]

Wow, spun up by the National press to be the best QB ever to breath air and walk and talk and basically pick up a football to 2nd RD (48 Pick).

Now, not saying that's too bad because Drew Brees was an early 2nd rd pick. I'm just saying the national press was just off a little "cough cough" on this one. 3 year ago this kid was basically seen "Walking on water" by most of the national football press.

ps. For the record I do think he'll have a decent NFL career. Nothing great but he'll be at least an average NFL QB.

[Favpack]

I think he'll be above average. It appears he takes a non-team approach, which will get a qb killed in the NFL, but we'll see.

[mad_fan]

Sports Press = Political Press nowadays...

We need a list of second round QBs that were above average...
Let's see...I'll start...
Brett Favre...

[TrojanHorse03]

As overhyped as Clausen was coming out of high school and and college, because of his team situation I think Clausen might get the last laugh with Steve Smith to snag his bad throws and DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to ride. When it comes to the development of young QBs in the league its all about the personnel around them. That said I still find it funny and don't want it to be forgotten that he was called a "ten year prospect" and the Lebron freaking James of football :eek:(no respect) . Could a QB be more overhyped and how again :confused:?

[KT2000]

Carolina is about as good of a situation as he good have hoped for. They've actually got some talent.

[twcpfan1]

Guess we already have the ready made excuse in case Clausen is successful. It's gotta be the players around him. Conversely it's also the players and coaches around them that landed VY in the nuthouse and why Bradford will be the biggest NFL bust in the last 15 years.

[TrojanHorse03]

Guess we already have the ready made excuse in case Clausen is successful. It's gotta be the players around him. Conversely it's also the players and coaches around them that landed VY in the nuthouse and why Bradford will be the biggest NFL bust in the last 15 years.

No excuses, it's a team sport. Tell us what did Matt Sanchez, Matt Ryan, and Ben Roethlisberger's teams have in common to start their careers, hmmm? I don't know why you felt compelled to throw the VY one in there, I hadn't heard that.

[twcpfan1]

No excuses, it's a team sport. Tell us what did Matt Sanchez, Matt Ryan, and Ben Roethlisberger's teams have in common to start their careers, hmmm? I don't know why you felt compelled to throw the VY one in there, I hadn't heard that.

Go back and read your post. Sure sounds to me like you're saying Clausen will be bailed out for something he hasn't even failed at yet. It's all about balance. Frog starts a thread about how far Clausen dropped and yet failed to mention where McCoy, the Texas boy ended up. What about Tebow? Everybody was sure after his pro day that he would not have an NFL career. Guess where he got drafted. Did you not hear all the talk about VY having the worst receivers in the NFL? Funny how we pick apart Tebow's mechanics and yet when it comes to Vince, it's something he can develop over time. Just keeping it real.

[TrojanHorse03]

Go back and read your post. Sure sounds to me like you're saying Clausen will be bailed out for something he hasn't even failed at yet.

As overhyped as Clausen was coming out of high school and and college, because of his team situation I think Clausen might get the last laugh with Steve Smith to snag his bad throws and DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to ride. When it comes to the development of young QBs in the league its all about the personnel around them. That said I still find it funny and don't want it to be forgotten that he was called a "ten year prospect" and the Lebron freaking James of football :eek:(no respect) . Could a QB be more overhyped and how again :confused:?

I don't know where you're coming from. Is the issue with my post saying that the team around them is big in the development of young qbs, and is an invalid excuse not a reason? As it was as well for example Ben R., Matt Ryan, Matt Sanchez, Joe Flacco.... Or are you taking issue with me saying Steve Smith and a strong running game is a reason Clausen might have the last laugh, and is a invalid excuse?

[twcpfan1]

I don't know where you're coming from. Is the issue with my post saying that the team around them is big in the development of young qbs, and is an invalid excuse not a reason? As it was as well for example Ben R., Matt Ryan, Matt Sanchez, Joe Flacco.... Or are you taking issue with me saying Steve Smith and a strong running game is a reason Clausen might have the last laugh, and is a invalid excuse?

I guess I really do not have an issue with anything you said. I totally agree that a lot of any qb's success has to do with the players and coaches around him. Guess I'm just anticipating all the spin if or rather when Clausen turns out to be more successful than Bradford. It won't ever have anything to do with Clausen actually being the better qb.

[TrojanHorse03]

I guess I really do not have an issue with anything you said. I totally agree that a lot of any qb's success has to do with the players and coaches around him. Guess I'm just anticipating all the spin if or rather when Clausen turns out to be more successful than Bradford. It won't ever have anything to do with Clausen actually being the better qb.

I don't think Clausen's the better QB, but you are right if he is a success it isn't just because of other players and likewise if Bradford is a bust and we're on the same page it is big though.

[mad_fan]

I don't think Clausen's the better QB, but you are right if he is a success it isn't just because of other players and likewise if Bradford is a bust and we're on the same page it is big though.

Forgive me for skipping the stuff in between...but when you start a paragraph...

As overhyped as Clausen was coming out of high school and and college,

I know what follows...
objective analysis (not)...
:rolleyes:

I'm sure you guys will settle whatever the debate is...correctly...

[da hawaiian]

Wow, spun up by the National press to be the best QB ever to breath air and walk and talk and basically pick up a football to 2nd RD (48 Pick).

Now, not saying that's too bad because Drew Brees was an early 2nd rd pick. I'm just saying the national press was just off a little "cough cough" on this one. 3 year ago this kid was basically seen "Walking on water" by most of the national football press.

ps. For the record I do think he'll have a decent NFL career. Nothing great but he'll be at least an average NFL QB.

Predicting talent and projected impact is like Voodoo magic. 2nd round pick aint too bad.

[TrojanHorse03]

Forgive me for skipping the stuff in between...but when you start a paragraph...



I know what follows...
objective analysis (not)...
:rolleyes:

I'm sure you guys will settle whatever the debate is...correctly...

So are my comments about Clausen's hype inaccuarate, certainly coming out of high school I think we can all say not if so let me know....

[Texasfrog]

Predicting talent and projected impact is like Voodoo magic. 2nd round pick aint too bad.

I already said that I think he'll have at least an average to maybe slightly above average NFL career.

Being picked in the 2nd round aint bad either because there has been many 2nd, 3rd and 4th rd QB picks have great NFL careers. Drew Brees and even Tom Brady or more recent examples of late round QB picks.

My whole point about Clausen is the following: Just a few years ago when he came out of High School he was being touted by the National Press (NBC mostly) as the next messiah QB that basically was the best QB ever to come out of the high school ranks. He was basically being touted as a future NFL 1st overall Pick caliber QB with probably a Heisman or two under his belt.

It's not so much a knock on Clausen as it is the National Press and some of these National Scout people who many of them have a hidden agenda they support.

Again, it wont surprise me at all to see Clausen have a 12 year NFL career and take a team to a few playoffs and maybe further. I think the kid has some solid talent just not "WALK ON WATER" talent.

[BlakeJ]

Jimmy Clausen = Mark Sanchez and Matt Ryan

Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford = Matt Stafford

Jimmy will see plenty of playoff games before Colt or Sam see 8 win seasons.

[steeler 01]

Jimmy Clausen = Mark Sanchez and Matt Ryan

Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford = Matt Stafford

Jimmy will see plenty of playoff games before Colt or Sam see 8 win seasons.

Jimmy Clausen is the best QB in this years draft.

[Dawg Fan]

Jimmy Clausen is the best QB in this years draft.

Well at least I agreed with you on one post LOL but you must be on crack if you think Claussen is better than Bradford.

[steeler 01]

Well at least I agreed with you on one post LOL but you must be on crack if you think Claussen is better than Bradford.

Why, because he wasn't taken 1st like Bradford? Just watch Clausen in the pros.

[yankee]

Jimmy Clausen is the best ostrich in this years draft.

fify

[Dawg Fan]

Why, because he wasn't taken 1st like Bradford? Just watch Clausen in the pros.

no it is not that at all, virtually every scout said he was the best pro potential QB in the draft and I think they probably have a better handle on it than you do.

[steeler 01]

no it is not that at all, virtually every scout said he was the best pro potential QB in the draft and I think they probably have a better handle on it than you do.

That's fine. I'm sure they said the same thing about Leaf, Russell, Tim Couch etc.............

[BDB]

drew, smith, williams.

all he has to do to succeed is not make bad decisions..... i think he has that in him....most of the time.

[twcpfan1]

drew, smith, williams.

all he has to do to succeed is not make bad decisions..... i think he has that in him....most of the time.

So the franchise qb is nothing more than a game manager? I think the 1-15 St Louis Rams needs and expects a lot more from the #1 pick. Why didn't they just hold out another year and pick up McElroy in the 6th or 7th round next year?

I'm very surprised nobody is concerned about Bradford's toughness. He'll start to look pretty average once he takes his initial NFL hit. I think everybody's blinded by the fact that he's such a nice guy and that he plays in the Big 12.

[yankee]

So the franchise qb is nothing more than a game manager?

i feel like that if the panthers thought they had a certain franchise QB, they would have drafted him in the first round. and then not draft another QB later on. he certainly could turn out to be a franchise QB...but then again, trent dilfer won a super bowl.

[Dawg Fan]

That's fine. I'm sure they said the same thing about Leaf, Russell, Tim Couch etc.............

it is always easy to seek out some of the failures but I don't remember everyone thinking Jamarcus Russel was going to be a great QB in the NFL. What about Aikman? Really you might think you know more than the professionals but I seriously doubt you have more insight or you would be in that business making millions

[twcpfan1]

i feel like that if the panthers thought they had a certain franchise QB, they would have drafted him in the first round. and then not draft another QB later on. he certainly could turn out to be a franchise QB...but then again, trent dilfer won a super bowl.

It was a very weak qb class. I don't think McCoy, Bradford or Clausen will ever be franchise qbs. This is why Suh should have been the first pick. STL could have easily picked up one of those 3 in the next round and there would not have been much of a downgrade whoever it was.

[yankee]

It was a very weak qb class. I don't think McCoy, Bradford or Clausen will ever be franchise qbs. This is why Suh should have been the first pick. STL could have easily picked up one of those 3 in the next round and there would not have been much of a downgrade whoever it was.

what in the world are you smoking? bradford wouldn't have gotten past the 7th pick.

[twcpfan1]

what in the world are you smoking? bradford wouldn't have gotten past the 7th pick.

Read my last post carefully this time. I said they would have picked up 1 of the 3 by their next pick. I never said it was going to be Bradford. My point is I don't think there would have been much of a drop off had they ended up with either Colt or Clausen. And they would have had Suh. They really made a bad call.

[steeler 01]

it is always easy to seek out some of the failures but I don't remember everyone thinking Jamarcus Russel was going to be a great QB in the NFL. What about Aikman? Really you might think you know more than the professionals but I seriously doubt you have more insight or you would be in that business making millions

Well since you're listing these so called experts(Like Mel Kiper) who did say Russell would be a top 5 QB. These so called experts that you're praising, don't do very well in the long term as far as choosing Franchise QB's. I'm sure the drafts back me up in this.


David Klingler
David Carr
Tim Couch
Ryan Leaf
Akili Smith
Heath Shuler
Rick Mirer
Andre Ware
Joey Harrington

For every Aikman and Manning, there are 4 or 5 of these guys.



I make good money, wouldn't change what I'm doing for anything.

[yankee]

Read my last post carefully this time. I said they would have picked up 1 of the 3 by their next pick. I never said it was going to be Bradford. My point is I don't think there would have been much of a drop off had they ended up with either Colt or Clausen. And they would have had Suh. They really made a bad call.

i read your post, and i have no idea why you think bradford would have been around for the rams second pick. THAT was my point. read carefully this time.

[twcpfan1]

i read your post, and i have no idea why you think bradford would have been around for the rams second pick. THAT was my point. read carefully this time.

Read again. I never said Bradford would be around. What I said was at least one out of Bradford, McCoy and Clausen would be available. Never said all 3 would be. What part of that is tough to comprehend. I'll rephrase it for you. STL could have had Suh and McCoy/Clausen. Much much better deal than getting Bradford and no Suh.

[Dawg Fan]

Well since you're listing these so called experts(Like Mel Kiper) who did say Russell would be a top 5 QB. These so called experts that you're praising, don't do very well in the long term as far as choosing Franchise QB's. I'm sure the drafts back me up in this.


David Klingler
David Carr
Tim Couch
Ryan Leaf
Akili Smith
Heath Shuler
Rick Mirer
Andre Ware
Joey Harrington

For every Aikman and Manning, there are 4 or 5 of these guys.



I make good money, wouldn't change what I'm doing for anything.

so I am supposed to believe you know more than the experts. Come on man, it is awfully easy to be an easy chair expert. Your opinion is your opinion and mine is mine. It doesn't make a bit of difference what we think anyway. Proof will be during next season.

[yankee]

Read again. I never said Bradford would be around. What I said was at least one out of Bradford, McCoy and Clausen would be available. Never said all 3 would be. What part of that is tough to comprehend. I'll rephrase it for you. STL could have had Suh and McCoy/Clausen. Much much better deal than getting Bradford and no Suh.

i guess my issue was you including bradford in with clausen and mccoy when clearly he was not in the same league. i just wondered why you didn't say the rams could have gotten suh and then mccoy/clausen instead of saying rams could have gotten bradford/clausen/mccoy. but whatever, i guess i'm just being nit-picky since you seem pretty determined to shoot down any chance the kid has at being successful. whatever floats your boat, i guess.

[twcpfan1]

i guess my issue was you including bradford in with clausen and mccoy when clearly he was not in the same league. i just wondered why you didn't say the rams could have gotten suh and then mccoy/clausen instead of saying rams could have gotten bradford/clausen/mccoy. but whatever, i guess i'm just being nit-picky since you seem pretty determined to shoot down any chance the kid has at being successful. whatever floats your boat, i guess.

No. I'm just of the opinion that Sam is not that much better than Colt or Clausen if at all, contrary to popular opinion of course. I always knew that Bradford would go in the top 5 or 10. I just could not see what most people seem to see in him, and why they'd pass up Suh to take him when they very well knew that they could get Clausen or Colt the next time they're on the clock.

[Dawg Fan]

Bradford is head and shoulders above the other two if you followed the tryouts. He is stronger and a better passer and may even be taller than those other two. It will be fun to see how he adapts to the nfl and if he does like I think he can there will be some crow to be eaten;)

[twcpfan1]

Bradford is head and shoulders above the other two if you followed the tryouts. He is stronger and a better passer and may even be taller than those other two. It will be fun to see how he adapts to the nfl and if he does like I think he can there will be some crow to be eaten;)

Forgive me for being skeptical about evaluating these guys while they're wearing shorts and t-shirts and no defense in their face.

[steeler 01]

Exactly, Montana and Brady aren't exactly world beaters in shorts and shirts, but they got the job done just as well as anybody ever has.

Forgive me for being skeptical about evaluating these guys while they're wearing shorts and t-shirts and no defense in their face.

Bradford is head and shoulders above the other two if you followed the tryouts. He is stronger and a better passer and may even be taller than those other two. It will be fun to see how he adapts to the nfl and if he does like I think he can there will be some crow to be eaten;)

[steeler 01]

so I am supposed to believe you know more than the experts. Come on man, it is awfully easy to be an easy chair expert. Your opinion is your opinion and mine is mine. It doesn't make a bit of difference what we think anyway. Proof will be during next season.

What experts? Todd McShay? Todd McShay is a piece of ****. The guy has no clue wtf he's talking about.

Matt McGuire (who wrote the scouting reports on Bradford and McCoy) from Walterfootball has a different perspective. He likes the arm and knowledge that Bradford has, but isn't sold on his athleticism (it's only "decent") and he wasn't sold on Bradford's ability to throw on the run...or to throw it in general:

Doesn't make any jaw-dropping throws...

Arm strength is good, but he will struggle to fit ball in tight windows if he doesn't make very quick decisions...

We really do not know if he can make throws on the run yet.
















Matt McGuire

Junior Quarterbacks - Jimmy Clausen

I bet you never thought in the past month that Notre Dame junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen is one of the most underappreciated quarterback prospects in the history of the NFL Draft. But after reading this blog entry, you just might change your mind.

First, I am going to tell you why you might not like Clausen, and let's be real here, there is a lot of bias against him. Some criticism is warranted, but a lot isn't.

Notre Dame is the most hated football program in America, period. They are the Duke of the gridiron. Automatically, you hate Clausen because he went to Notre Dame, just like you hated J.J. Reddick because he went to Duke. If you want to make an analysis as objective and professional as possible, then you need to cut the crap and get over the Notre Dame hate if you have it - and a lot of that is out there. Think about it: if you put Sanchez on Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen at USC, then Sanchez is the hated prospect and Clausen is the beloved underclassman.

Maybe you don't like Clausen because of the blond, spiky hair, or the limo appearance he had when he was a senior in high school to declare for Notre Dame. These aren't "low profile" characteristics and automatically, you might have disliked him.

For whatever reasons you're down on Clausen, please put them in the back seat and have an open mind when reading this blog entry.

Clausen just amassed one of the most impressive junior seasons among pro-style quarterbacks in the past 10-20 years.

Let's remember that Clausen had a very bad offensive line this year for Notre Dame. Sure, he had good weapons, but the running game was poor and receivers Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph missed significant action (eight games missed total between them).

When Floyd went out, Clausen stepped up. With a bum turf toe, he didn't play at all in the second half and led the team to a game-winning drive to beat Purdue. The following week, he posted 422 passing yards against Washington. Over the next three games (USC, Boston College, Washinton State), Clausen threw for 774 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Clausen is a huge reason for Golden Tate's big season as well. While Tate is a talented player, he couldn't have done it without Clausen's extremely high level of accuracy.

Numerous times, Clausen played through pain this season. He led his team in games in crunch time, and was without a doubt the most clutch quarterback in the nation this year.

Criticizing Clausen because he had talent around him is a very poor argument. It isn't like Clausen was putting up just above average statistics - he dominated opponents. He showed a very high football IQ and rarely forced the ball in coverage. Did he throw some balls up for grabs? Sure, but Peyton Manning does the same thing occasionally to Reggie Wayne. Drew Brees lofts the ball up for Marques Colston in the red zone. Philip Rivers relies on Vincent Jackson. Quarterbacks can't do it all by themselves.

One statistic that can't be discussed enough is Clausen's 7:1 touchdown-intercpetion ratio, which is absolutely unheard of among junior quarterbacks in pro-style offenses. This is just ridiculous. It doesn't happen and it isn't supposed to happen. Give the man some credit where credit is due.

The bottom line is Clausen certainly needs to be looked at as one of, if not the most polished junior quarterback prospect in the history of the NFL Draft. I didn't say the BEST junior quarterback prospects because he doesn't have the physical skill, but he is certainly one of the most NFL-ready.

Analyze the statistics of a select group of quarterbacks in the spreadsheet below; all of these stats were taken from each quarterback's junior season. Aside from Matthew Stafford (I'm including him because I had him No. 1 overall on my big board), these highly thought-of quarterbacks that have gone on to outstanding success in the NFL.

Clausen simply blows everyone out of the water. His touchdown-interception ratio puts Peyton Manning's 1996 season to shame. His completion percentage is a good five points ahead of Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. Clausen threw six less interceptions than EVERYONE.

Clausen's ranks across the board: 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st.

I just don't understand how someone like Todd McShay can say Clausen is a second-round talent when you consider how his statistics compare to some of the NFL's current greats.

I'm not a fan of just analyzing statistics, and my evaluation of Clausen really doesn't have very much to do with them. All I am doing is putting his season into perspective.

The perspective proves that Clausen is worthy of much more respect than I feel like he is getting at the moment. We will probably never see a better junior season ever again. Charlie Weis leaving the college game means that there is one less West Coast offense in the NCAA.

Over the next 10 years, I fear that nearly all snaps are going to be taken out of shotgun and NFL front offices are going to be throwing darts and evaluating prospects based on physical tools only since the schemes are so easy to execute.

Clausen isn't executing an easy scheme - he is executing the toughest scheme on the national stage. Every week the camera is on him, and every week he delivered. If Notre Dame's defense was just above average, this team would have won 10 games.

If you don't like Clausen because he is cocky, then that is fine. I just hope you are consistent and also say Rivers is a bad NFL quarterback because he is cocky - because a slightly confident leader can't win games in the NFL, right?

Maybe if Philip Rivers went to Notre Dame...

Junior quarterback NFL Draft prospects



http://walterfootball.com/mattblog091229.php


http://walterfootball.com/mattfiveoffense.php








I think you fall in to the I HATE JIMMY CLAUSEN people.

[BDB]

@steeler tl;dnr

[BDB]

So the franchise qb is nothing more than a game manager? I think the 1-15 St Louis Rams needs and expects a lot more from the #1 pick. Why didn't they just hold out another year and pick up McElroy in the 6th or 7th round next year?



no. clausen is a game manager. the same colt should be used and the way a bunch of qb's that have been drafted SHOULD have been used.

[TrojanHorse03]

Well since you're listing these so called experts(Like Mel Kiper) who did say Russell would be a top 5 QB. These so called experts that you're praising, don't do very well in the long term as far as choosing Franchise QB's. I'm sure the drafts back me up in this.


David Klingler
David Carr
Tim Couch
Ryan Leaf
Akili Smith
Heath Shuler
Rick Mirer
Andre Ware
Joey Harrington

For every Aikman and Manning, there are 4 or 5 of these guys.



I make good money, wouldn't change what I'm doing for anything.

Actually, there is no bigger Clausen fan on Earth than Kiper and I mean no one. I personally have nothing against Clausen and think the character concerns were way over blown.

[Dawg Fan]

My bad, steeler is a better judge of talent than the professionals:rolleyes:

You have your OPINION just as I have mine, that and $4.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks

[Dawg Fan]

What experts? Todd McShay? Todd McShay is a piece of ****. The guy has no clue wtf he's talking about.

Matt McGuire (who wrote the scouting reports on Bradford and McCoy) from Walterfootball has a different perspective. He likes the arm and knowledge that Bradford has, but isn't sold on his athleticism (it's only "decent") and he wasn't sold on Bradford's ability to throw on the run...or to throw it in general:

Doesn't make any jaw-dropping throws...

Arm strength is good, but he will struggle to fit ball in tight windows if he doesn't make very quick decisions...

We really do not know if he can make throws on the run yet.
















Matt McGuire

Junior Quarterbacks - Jimmy Clausen

I bet you never thought in the past month that Notre Dame junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen is one of the most underappreciated quarterback prospects in the history of the NFL Draft. But after reading this blog entry, you just might change your mind.

First, I am going to tell you why you might not like Clausen, and let's be real here, there is a lot of bias against him. Some criticism is warranted, but a lot isn't.

Notre Dame is the most hated football program in America, period. They are the Duke of the gridiron. Automatically, you hate Clausen because he went to Notre Dame, just like you hated J.J. Reddick because he went to Duke. If you want to make an analysis as objective and professional as possible, then you need to cut the crap and get over the Notre Dame hate if you have it - and a lot of that is out there. Think about it: if you put Sanchez on Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen at USC, then Sanchez is the hated prospect and Clausen is the beloved underclassman.

Maybe you don't like Clausen because of the blond, spiky hair, or the limo appearance he had when he was a senior in high school to declare for Notre Dame. These aren't "low profile" characteristics and automatically, you might have disliked him.

For whatever reasons you're down on Clausen, please put them in the back seat and have an open mind when reading this blog entry.

Clausen just amassed one of the most impressive junior seasons among pro-style quarterbacks in the past 10-20 years.

Let's remember that Clausen had a very bad offensive line this year for Notre Dame. Sure, he had good weapons, but the running game was poor and receivers Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph missed significant action (eight games missed total between them).

When Floyd went out, Clausen stepped up. With a bum turf toe, he didn't play at all in the second half and led the team to a game-winning drive to beat Purdue. The following week, he posted 422 passing yards against Washington. Over the next three games (USC, Boston College, Washinton State), Clausen threw for 774 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Clausen is a huge reason for Golden Tate's big season as well. While Tate is a talented player, he couldn't have done it without Clausen's extremely high level of accuracy.

Numerous times, Clausen played through pain this season. He led his team in games in crunch time, and was without a doubt the most clutch quarterback in the nation this year.

Criticizing Clausen because he had talent around him is a very poor argument. It isn't like Clausen was putting up just above average statistics - he dominated opponents. He showed a very high football IQ and rarely forced the ball in coverage. Did he throw some balls up for grabs? Sure, but Peyton Manning does the same thing occasionally to Reggie Wayne. Drew Brees lofts the ball up for Marques Colston in the red zone. Philip Rivers relies on Vincent Jackson. Quarterbacks can't do it all by themselves.

One statistic that can't be discussed enough is Clausen's 7:1 touchdown-intercpetion ratio, which is absolutely unheard of among junior quarterbacks in pro-style offenses. This is just ridiculous. It doesn't happen and it isn't supposed to happen. Give the man some credit where credit is due.

The bottom line is Clausen certainly needs to be looked at as one of, if not the most polished junior quarterback prospect in the history of the NFL Draft. I didn't say the BEST junior quarterback prospects because he doesn't have the physical skill, but he is certainly one of the most NFL-ready.

Analyze the statistics of a select group of quarterbacks in the spreadsheet below; all of these stats were taken from each quarterback's junior season. Aside from Matthew Stafford (I'm including him because I had him No. 1 overall on my big board), these highly thought-of quarterbacks that have gone on to outstanding success in the NFL.

Clausen simply blows everyone out of the water. His touchdown-interception ratio puts Peyton Manning's 1996 season to shame. His completion percentage is a good five points ahead of Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. Clausen threw six less interceptions than EVERYONE.

Clausen's ranks across the board: 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st.

I just don't understand how someone like Todd McShay can say Clausen is a second-round talent when you consider how his statistics compare to some of the NFL's current greats.

I'm not a fan of just analyzing statistics, and my evaluation of Clausen really doesn't have very much to do with them. All I am doing is putting his season into perspective.

The perspective proves that Clausen is worthy of much more respect than I feel like he is getting at the moment. We will probably never see a better junior season ever again. Charlie Weis leaving the college game means that there is one less West Coast offense in the NCAA.

Over the next 10 years, I fear that nearly all snaps are going to be taken out of shotgun and NFL front offices are going to be throwing darts and evaluating prospects based on physical tools only since the schemes are so easy to execute.

Clausen isn't executing an easy scheme - he is executing the toughest scheme on the national stage. Every week the camera is on him, and every week he delivered. If Notre Dame's defense was just above average, this team would have won 10 games.

If you don't like Clausen because he is cocky, then that is fine. I just hope you are consistent and also say Rivers is a bad NFL quarterback because he is cocky - because a slightly confident leader can't win games in the NFL, right?

Maybe if Philip Rivers went to Notre Dame...

Junior quarterback NFL Draft prospects



http://walterfootball.com/mattblog091229.php


http://walterfootball.com/mattfiveoffense.php








I think you fall in to the I HATE JIMMY CLAUSEN people.

what, because I think Bradford will make a better NFL QB? That is just plain stupid. I never said Clausen wasn't a good qb or that I didn't like him as an NFL player.

[yankee]

What experts? Todd McShay? Todd McShay is a piece of ****. The guy has no clue wtf he's talking about.

Matt McGuire (who wrote the scouting reports on Bradford and McCoy) from Walterfootball has a different perspective. He likes the arm and knowledge that Bradford has, but isn't sold on his athleticism (it's only "decent") and he wasn't sold on Bradford's ability to throw on the run...or to throw it in general:

Doesn't make any jaw-dropping throws...

Arm strength is good, but he will struggle to fit ball in tight windows if he doesn't make very quick decisions...

We really do not know if he can make throws on the run yet.


Matt McGuire

[B]Junior Quarterbacks - Jimmy Clausen

long *** analysis
I think you fall in to the I HATE JIMMY CLAUSEN people.

who the **** cares about his athleticism? is peyton manning a good athlete? what about tom brady? and besides...bradford was a 3 sport star in high school and is a very underrated athlete. he's fine in that category. seriously, if they're going to question bradford's athleticism, is there criticism in the tl;dnr analysis of clausen? because i haven't seen him make any breath-taking runs or scramble around the pocket to buy time. isn't this the guy that was sacked like a million times in his notre dame career? and i love how the analyst bases so much of his argument off of stats...really? we're talking about notre dame's schedule here. did he not bother to check sam's stats from '08? the exact criticism i see of bradford is more of the stuff i would see for clausen. questions about his arm strength (how many times did we see rainbow jump balls for golden tate?), his athleticism (see sack total), and i'm waiting on these "jaw-dropping" throws to present themselves any time now for jimmuh...

[yankee]

lol since steeler's first part of his post is just copypasta....i'll copypasta from the same site.

The strengths of Sam Bradford (according to ONE man):
Good size with room to add some bulk
Peyton Manning-like accuracy
Outstanding job of anticipating routes
Solid arm strength
Capable of making all the throws
Smooth, consistent spiral
Textbook footwork and can drop back if asked
Great decision-maker since freshman year
Understands timing
Well versed in progression reads
Experienced
Very quick release
Ridiculous level of production
Sells play action
Places ball in stride of receiver
Will step up in pocket
Decent athleticism
Throws pro routes and has been under center more than given credit for in career
Strong leader and good character

[steeler 01]

lol since steeler's first part of his post is just copypasta....i'll copypasta from the same site.

The strengths of Sam Bradford (according to ONE man):
Good size with room to add some bulk
Peyton Manning-like accuracy
Outstanding job of anticipating routes
Solid arm strength
Capable of making all the throws
Smooth, consistent spiral
Textbook footwork and can drop back if asked
Great decision-maker since freshman year
Understands timing
Well versed in progression reads
Experienced
Very quick release
Ridiculous level of production
Sells play action
Places ball in stride of receiver
Will step up in pocket
Decent athleticism
Throws pro routes and has been under center more than given credit for in career
Strong leader and good character

You did notice I posted the link to the site I pasted it from right?

[steeler 01]

what, because I think Bradford will make a better NFL QB? That is just plain stupid. I never said Clausen wasn't a good qb or that I didn't like him as an NFL player.

Great then say that. Instead of SAYING THE EXPERTS, because a lot of these so called experts differ.

[yankee]

You did notice I posted the link to the site I pasted it from right?

just making sure everyone knew that sam does have some good qualities according to that site.

[yankee]

Actually, there is no bigger Clausen fan on Earth than Kiper and I mean no one. I personally have nothing against Clausen and think the character concerns were way over blown.

LOL of course steeler won't answer this...goes against his argument. :rolleyes:

[steeler 01]

Actually, there is no bigger Clausen fan on Earth than Kiper and I mean no one. I personally have nothing against Clausen and think the character concerns were way over blown.

LOL of course steeler won't answer this...goes against his argument. :rolleyes:

Actually it doesn't. Since I'm not the one using these so called experts as some sort of end all and be all of whose going to succeed at the NFL level. That would be the dawg.

[SLC93]

So the franchise qb is nothing more than a game manager? I think the 1-15 St Louis Rams needs and expects a lot more from the #1 pick. Why didn't they just hold out another year and pick up McElroy in the 6th or 7th round next year?

I'm very surprised nobody is concerned about Bradford's toughness. He'll start to look pretty average once he takes his initial NFL hit. I think everybody's blinded by the fact that he's such a nice guy and that he plays in the Big 12.

Could be the 20 lbs of muscle he's put on since the start of his junior season. The kid is nearly 240 now.

or

Could be the fact he came back and tryed to play last season at all. I have a little familiarity with the injury he suffered. If everyone was being honest, he should have just had the surgery and not played again last season. The fact he was able or willing to come back at all speaks volumes to his 'toughness".

[SLC93]

I do fall into the category of I Hate JImmy Clausen. I haven't liked that kid since his senior year in hs. I was able to watch him 3 times that year, including their title game. Yes, he has good tools but I was wildly unimpressed with performance to hype ratio. I also did nto care for his body language. Then he signs on the footsteps of the HOF afterr arrving in a limo. Yeah, he's got no issue with sense of self.

His time at ND did serve him well. He got beat up and tutored by Weiss. Because of that he probably is more NFL ready than any of the others but it won't matter. Him falling to 48 should tell you everything you need to know about how he performed in interviews and the taste he left in GM's mouths during the evaluation process. Now he has to take that attitude and make it work in a room of full grown men? Good luck with that.

He never blew me away. There was never a series of moments where he just flat took over and wowed me in the last four years.

I'm biased because I can't stand him but I dont see him as much more that average as a pro, sprinkling in a good season here and there. Aside from wishing him good health, I have nothing else positive to say.

[twcpfan1]

Could be the 20 lbs of muscle he's put on since the start of his junior season. The kid is nearly 240 now.

or

Could be the fact he came back and tryed to play last season at all. I have a little familiarity with the injury he suffered. If everyone was being honest, he should have just had the surgery and not played again last season. The fact he was able or willing to come back at all speaks volumes to his 'toughness".

Never really questioned Bradford's will. I was referring more to the physical aspect of it. I'm sure he looks great in shorts and t-shirt with that extra 20. It's when he plays in pads and helmet against top tier defenses like Texas and Florida that concerns me. Not going to get any easier in the NFL where every single team he plays will probably have a better roster than his. OU evidently had the best players overall. Not going to have that luxury. While I'm sure everybody's impressed with the 1 quarter comeback after the injury, we may want to remind ourselves that Jimmy Clausen the 'punk' finished out the season with his, and a far more inferior roster.

[Dawg Fan]

I do fall into the category of I Hate JImmy Clausen. I haven't liked that kid since his senior year in hs. I was able to watch him 3 times that year, including their title game. Yes, he has good tools but I was wildly unimpressed with performance to hype ratio. I also did nto care for his body language. Then he signs on the footsteps of the HOF afterr arrving in a limo. Yeah, he's got no issue with sense of self.

His time at ND did serve him well. He got beat up and tutored by Weiss. Because of that he probably is more NFL ready than any of the others but it won't matter. Him falling to 48 should tell you everything you need to know about how he performed in interviews and the taste he left in GM's mouths during the evaluation process. Now he has to take that attitude and make it work in a room of full grown men? Good luck with that.

He never blew me away. There was never a series of moments where he just flat took over and wowed me in the last four years.

I'm biased because I can't stand him but I dont see him as much more that average as a pro, sprinkling in a good season here and there. Aside from wishing him good health, I have nothing else positive to say.

another Ryan Leaf?

[SLC93]

Never really questioned Bradford's will. I was referring more to the physical aspect of it. I'm sure he looks great in shorts and t-shirt with that extra 20. It's when he plays in pads and helmet against top tier defenses like Texas and Florida that concerns me. Not going to get any easier in the NFL where every single team he plays will probably have a better roster than his. OU evidently had the best players overall. Not going to have that luxury. While I'm sure everybody's impressed with the 1 quarter comeback after the injury, we may want to remind ourselves that Jimmy Clausen the 'punk' finished out the season with his, and a far more inferior roster.

It had to be hell playing with a bum foot but, last I checked, your throwing should isn't located near your toe.

[SLC93]

another Ryan Leaf?

Wouldn't go near that far but I have real doubts as to whether or not he'll ever produce enough as a qb to overcome his personality flaws. In a professional locker room I just don't see his bs flying. People only tolerate that stuff from the very best of players. I don't see that in him.

He is in a good position with Carolina, though. Fox is a veteran hc. They have young, bookend tackles, a star wideout and a pair of studs in the backfield. This should allow him time and the support system to blossom. If he fails to he will not be able to say the opportunity wasn't there for him.

[twcpfan1]

It had to be hell playing with a bum foot but, last I checked, your throwing should isn't located near your toe.

True I guess. And I guess in all that time he didn't need to use his feet to try to avoid the pass rush or needed to plant it to throw the ball

[SLC93]

True I guess. And I guess in all that time he didn't need to use his feet to try to avoid the pass rush or needed to plant it to throw the ball

I'm not discounting his injury at all, sincerely. I was just countering your post's inference that you're tougher because you can play through a toe injury. There were no compensatory manuevers for Bradford. He couldn't throw the ball at all. Clausen's abilities may have been diminished but his injury was one he could play with. It's not apples to apples in the case.

[steeler 01]

He never blew me away. There was never a series of moments where he just flat took over and wowed me in the last four years.


Hard to take over a game when your defense is allowing the other team to score at will. Notre Dame's offense last season was lights out, but their defense was on par with division 1AA teams. Watch the Stanford, Washington, Michigan, and Michigan St. games and get back to me.

[SLC93]

Hard to take over a game when your defense is allowing the other team to score at will. Notre Dame's offense last season was lights out, but their defense was on par with division 1AA teams. Watch the Stanford, Washington, Michigan, and Michigan St. games and get back to me.

I never said the kid was playing on the best team or that he was "unable to lead his team to victory". I realize his defense did him no favors. The offense was the only reason to turn on a ND game last season. He was good but I saw nothing to make me think greatness

Remember, I admitted I don't care for the kid.