Jimmy Clausen Scouting Report
 

<table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" align="right">Height: 6-2⅝ | Weight: 222 | 40-Time: 4.75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="Center"> http://www.draftcountdown.com/headsh...mmyclausen.jpg
Official Bio

http://www.draftcountdown.com/images/stars/four.gif </td> <td valign="top"> 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.
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He's a 7th round pick. /Saccopoo

He's a Shanahan pick. No doubt about it.

That to me is the only red flag.

I would think (hope?), though, that Weis' presence would mitigate that.

I've been saying that since I first took the time to watch some video on him. He's going to Washington.

As long as we get Berry or him I don't care.

I think Jimmy Clausen would be a better pick than Sanchez would have been last year if you take everything into consideration.

I don't bc a Sanchez/Berry combo looks a hell lot better than Jackson/Clausen.

Well, to be fair I didnt say it was ok to draft Jackson in that scenario. I was a big Orakpo guy (and coincedentally loved Mauluga as well, even in the first until he timed poorly) Orakpo would have been my pick at 3 most likely and would have given us a very good passrusher that is more than solid against the run. Orakpo/Mauluga/Clausen looks pretty good.

When I say when you take everything into consideration I mean when you figure in the additional risk of Sanchez only playing 15 games on a great college team that he was surrounded by NFL talent on with a good running game and great defense to limit how much he had to do to win games.

Jimmy has already played our offense for three years under our current OC and that is huge additional value in my eyes. Their arms are similar, they are both great competitors and good pedigrees.

The experience in the offense under Weis is the tipping point for me.

Sanchez if he had stayed in school would have been #1 pick this year. He is a better talent than Clausen.

He would've been the undisputed #1 overall pick

Its probably debatable. Splitting hairs imo.

As I said, having familiarity with the scheme and coach is a HUGE selling point.

We wouldnt be starting from scratch with Jimmy where we would have been with Sanchez.

Sanchez/Mauluga/Berry is an exceptional combination and a superbowl foundation, hopefully we dont miss the boat again...

Hopwfully it will look like Clausen/Spikes/Cam Thomas

you can't ask for more on paper....


want

I don't think so. I think Sanchez goes to St. Louis in a heartbeat if he's coming out this year.