Jimmy Clausen, why he is Number One

[Joey_Potter]

Everybody has seen by now that Walter, Matt, myself, and several others on this site have elevated Jimmy Clausen to the Number 1 Quarterback prospect in the 2010 Draft. The question I have seen some people ask is why. A lot say that Clausen has just suddenly showed up on the board after two mediocre seasons, others dont want him there because of how Brady Quinn ended up, some damn him just because he plays at Notre Dame.

I have watched Clausen a lot in his three years at Notre Dame. The reason I like Clausen isn't just the outrageous numbers, not his size, not his accuracy, not his leadership, and not his command of the offense. Though those things are great they are not the reason I place him #1. The reason I place Clausen number one is because of his progression.

As a freshman Clausen was overmatched, made a lot of mistakes, but I noticed that he learned and improved toward the end of the season.

As a Sophomore Clausen played much better learning many lessons from his poor Freshman season. He was however still plagued by decision making issues. Then once again in the last few games he began to make adjustments and better decisions.

This year Clausen has put everything he has learned together the previous two seasons together.

Clausen has not just burst upon the scene this year like many top quarterbacks do, he has been gradually improving over the last two years. Clausen's ability to learn and fix mistakes that he makes and that tells me that he has more upside than the other quarterbacks than any quarterback that has entered the draft in the last couple years in my opinion. He has shown the ability to learn from mistakes and improve gradually while learning everything he can. That is my reason for having him as the Top Quarterback in 2010.

[Matt McGuire]

I've literally heard NFL scouts like Locker more because he isn't as polished as Clausen (as if it is a bad thing...now he has more "upside") and he is more athletic.

Pretty ridiculous considering it is the NFL. Clausen is so distinguished as a decision maker and has really been a leader for Notre Dame this season.

Both interceptions weren't his fault. One was an accurate pass that a RB tipped (it was on the money) and the other was when his receiver quit on him on a fade route in the end zone.

If Clausen isn't the #1 QB drafted, then some team is getting a steal.

[blue5213]

What Matt said. On top of that, trashing Clausen because he wasn't a superstar as a freshman and sophomore (with no redshirt season, on top of it all) is hilarious; exceptionally few true freshmen and sophomores tear it up on the field, especially in pro-style offenses. Matt Barkley is a rare but amazing exception, and even he' not exactly pro-ready and is surrounded by first-round talent. Clausen has been one of the best starting freshmen, and then sophomore, quarterbacks of the past decade, despite a severe lack of upperclassmen talent around him both seasons. He's outperformed guys like Stafford and Quinn at roughly the same periods of their development. Maybe he isn't quite the physical specimen that a guy like Cutler or Palmer was, but his decision-making is on a pro level already.

There's zero to not like about Clausen except his physical limitations, and even then, it's not that he can't make NFL throws or anything; he just can't hurl the ball 80 yards downfield through the air from his knees.

[jetsfan857@msn.com]

well if it alos helps clausen's line during his freshman year had to replace at least four spots on the line. plus they had lose there starting RB and wrs form quinn.

but I agree with joey he is more than pro ready.

[steelers_pens_fan]

I have to laugh at popular media. It's something when ESPN isn't really saying much about a Notre Dame QB's chances in the pros. It's all Tebow and McCoy. I really laughed when Kiper compared him to Drew Brees. McShay actually had the correct idea of him going higher than he should due to stupidity. I hate to say it, but McShay is improving.

[Matt McGuire]

Who did Kiper compare to Drew Brees? I'm comparing Clausen to Drew Brees when I do my scouting report of him.

Edit: found clip http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4625751

Wow McShay owned him there - I mean it wasn't debacled like Kiper killed him, but McShay did throw out the correct arguments.

[steelers_pens_fan]

It was McCoy.

Drew Brees throws the football for more than 5 yards at a time. The comparison ends there.

[Joey_Potter]

They both made good points on Locker.

McShay owned the McCoy argument though. Poor Kiper.

[packman_jon]

It's all Tebow and McCoy.

Bah...the media doesn't love Tebow...
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/tim-te...t-winner-26805

Wait, never mind

[mpg1995]

Has draft God Mayock said anything yet?