2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jimmy Clausen

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.



    RELATED LINKS:


    2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s


    2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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