Here's a fun Clausen question for you

[Cyberjag]

Had Clausen returned to school, he would have been the top QB in this year's class. Figure that the Irish would have also gone 8-5 just like they did, and the hype would have been even greater (lost his receivers, new coach, etc...). That's not a big leap, as they didn't have spectacular play from that position this past year.

So, if that was the case, what's the likelihood that with Luck staying in school, we would be talking about drafting Clausen at #1?

[CRA]

Had Clausen returned to school, he would have been the top QB in this year's class. Figure that the Irish would have also gone 8-5 just like they did, and the hype would have been even greater (lost his receivers, new coach, etc...). That's not a big leap, as they didn't have spectacular play from that position this past year.

So, if that was the case, what's the likelihood that with Luck staying in school, we would be talking about drafting Clausen at #1?

tons of players stay for a senior season under the assumption it will be the difference in the becoming a top pick (and they are projected early to be a top 1st rounder).......as the season goes on we often see guys fall significantly.

I think Clausen's stock would be the same. Same strengths. Same weaknesses. He still lacks the physical skill set teams look for in a NFL QB and has questional intangibles......

[CatMan72]

Had Clausen returned to school, he would have been the top QB in this year's class. Figure that the Irish would have also gone 8-5 just like they did, and the hype would have been even greater (lost his receivers, new coach, etc...). That's not a big leap, as they didn't have spectacular play from that position this past year.

So, if that was the case, what's the likelihood that with Luck staying in school, we would be talking about drafting Clausen at #1?

I think we would be very tempted to take him # 1 overall if he had a good senior season at ND.

[chef17]

I figure we probably would have won more than two games and wouldn't be picking first

[Mother Grabber]

I figure we probably would have won more than two games and wouldn't be picking first

How do you figure that? Not having Clausen suddenly makes Moore into Montana?

[CRA]

How do you figure that? Not having Clausen suddenly makes Moore into Montana?

Moore has won more games than he has lost........I think Moore would have won more than 2 games in a season. He throws to Smitty and Smitty makes plays......so did the other WRs. He would have sprinkled in some SF games.

[chef17]

How do you figure that? Not having Clausen suddenly makes Moore into Montana?

Didn't say Moore would win them, nice of you to assume. If we didn't draft Clausen, I figure we probably would have signed a free agent vet to backup Moore. Even with the crap from Moore, I believe any free agent vet we picked up would have won more than one game outta ten like Clausen. With the one win from Moore, and the free agent probably getting more than one, that equals more than two wins last season. That is pure speculation on my part, but that is how I figure.

[Mother Grabber]

Ahh...I'm assuming that Moore, who was our starting QB and on the roster, would have been starting in Clausen's stead, but you're not assuming that some random, unknown QB would have been starting because our aggressive coach and FO would have gone out to get him...where ever he happens to be. Maybe the next Brady is out there bagging groceries just waiting for us to come hire him.

[MHS831]

With a healthy line, Scherer GONE, motivated coaches, etc. this new system will make Clausen and Moore better. How much better?

Clausen would be the head of the pack and we are talking about Newton and Gabbert. I think many people on here would want him.

[hepcat]

I don't think Matt Moore is coming back, first and foremost. Secondly, I agree that with Moore starting all the games we would have won about 5 or 6 games, and wouldn't draft first. Now what's to say he wouldn't get injured?

[Floppin]

Under a new coach and scheme at ND there's no guarantee that Clausen would have impressed this year without his mentor in Weiss.

[Cyberjag]

No guarantee, but it's pretty damned likely he would have outperformed the true freshman that started this year.

I firmly believe that he would be considered a lock for number one right now. BUT, we're pre-Combine and pre-Wonderlic, and it's likely the Panthers would actually shy away from spending the top pick for him unless he got a better score than he did last year.

[philp]

Didn't say Moore would win them, nice of you to assume. If we didn't draft Clausen, I figure we probably would have signed a free agent vet to backup Moore. Even with the crap from Moore, I believe any free agent vet we picked up would have won more than one game outta ten like Clausen. With the one win from Moore, and the free agent probably getting more than one, that equals more than two wins last season. That is pure speculation on my part, but that is how I figure.

this argument is about as dumb as my dream thread.

[CRA]

No guarantee, but it's pretty damned likely he would have outperformed the true freshman that started this year.

I firmly believe that he would be considered a lock for number one right now. BUT, we're pre-Combine and pre-Wonderlic, and it's likely the Panthers would actually shy away from spending the top pick for him unless he got a better score than he did last year.

the 47 people drafted ahead of him weren't all QBs. Just b/c he might be the best QB if he stayed in the draft doesn't make him a #1.

I think your Clausen fever is getting to you.....

What NFL team is going to draft a QB #1 overall that doesn't have good NFL size.....has an okay arm.....with questionable intangibles?? Clausen might be the #1 rated QB but he was a 2nd round pick for a reason. He doesn't jump to #1 overall b/c he stays a year.