http://walterfootbal...010jclausen.php
# Strengths: Solid size and adequate bulk
# Very good arm strength; can fit balls into tight windows
# Extremely quick, snappy release
# Great accuracy
# Nice hip torque on throws
# Gets rid of ball quickly
# Very decisive with the football
# Takes what defense gives him; doesn't force ball/will throw away
# Elite football IQ
# Great touch
# Well versed in NFL offense
# Good sense of timing
# Will step up/out of pocket
# Knows how to read coverage
# Sees the entire field; great vision
# Very polished for a true junior
# Shown outstanding development from freshman to junior season
# Extremely intelligent
# Ice in his veins; great poise
# Mentally tough; plays through pain
# Big leader
# Confident
# Film room rat
# Elite intangibles
# Good genetics and very well coached
# Spent 3.5 years in a West Coast offense
Weaknesses:
# Does a poor job of selling play action
# Can get lazy with footwork - but has improved this
# Not a fluid athlete
# Personality might come off as abrasive
# Sometimes gets too much air under fade route
# Lacks a little pocket awareness
Summary: Jimmy Clausen is a franchise quarterback. He has carried the spotlight since he was a teenager and has surpassed the hype. He has an outstanding skill set with the elite intangibles you see in the great quarterbacks. Clausen isn't fazed by tense situations and has great leadership when the game is on the line. He puts in the hours to be a great quarterback and you see it on tape. Clausen will likely be the first quarterback drafted and is a projected top-five draft pick.
Player Comparison: Kurt Warner. Warner and Clausen both exhibit the same three-quarter release, they get the ball out quickly, and are extremely decisive/intelligent quarterbacks. Clausen has a stronger arm.
http://www.draftcoun...mmy-Clausen.php
Strengths:
Good height and bulk --- Arm strength is more than adequate and can make all of the necessary throws --- Great throwing mechanics with a quick delivery --- Super accurate passer with terrific touch, timing and anticipation --- Very smart with an excellent football IQ --- Knows how to operate under center, recognize blitzes, read coverages and go through progressions --- Takes care of the ball --- Able to buy time in the pocket with his feet --- Can throw on the run --- Tough and will play through pain and injuries --- Is confident with a fiery field presence and ice water in his veins --- Hard worker --- Media savvy and has proven that he can handle the spotlight --- Experienced --- Superb bloodlines.
Weaknesses:
Borderline cocky and entitled with a personality that rubs some people the wrong way --- Not a great athlete --- Can be overly cautious and too quick to check down, throw the ball away or take a sack --- Has to windup to really zip the ball --- Floats the deep ball at times --- Might not have a ton of upside --- Is still maturing --- Durability is a concern.
Notes:
Was a three-year starter for the Fighting Irish --- Brothers Casey and Rick both played quarterback at Tennessee --- Started getting national media attention in middle school and was labeled the "LeBron James of College Football" --- Was a celebrated recruit who won just about every prep award and honor imaginable --- Began working with highly-regarded quarterback guru Steve Clarkson in the 8th grade then spent three seasons under the tutelage of offensive mastermind Charlie Weis in college --- Underwent surgery to repair a minor injury to the elbow on his throwing arm in 2007 --- Played through a painful toe injury in 2009 that eventually required surgery to repair a couple of torn ligaments following the season --- Voted a captain by his teammates in 2009 --- One of the most prolific passers in Notre Dame history despite only playing three seasons --- Made major strides in the leadership department as a junior, showing a much better on-field demeanor and taking his team on a number of impressive game-winning fourth quarter drives --- Extensive experience running a pro style system, a factor which can't be underestimated in this day and age of the spread offense --- Was essentially groomed to be an NFL quarterback from a very young age and has somehow managed to live up to sky-high expectations in the face of intense scrutiny --- The worry is that some of the Jay Cutler-esque qualities of his personality could begin to take their toll in the locker room if he lands in a bad situation or with a dysfunctional franchise --- A polished signal caller with an outstanding pedigree and all of the tools to be a top-notch starter at the next level.
Edited by Kurb, 23 April 2010 - 07:40 PM.
