Jimmy Clausen NFL Draft scouting report

Jimmy Clausen

6’3, 225 pounds | Quarterback | Notre Dame

Accuracy: Clausen has the incredible ability to complete just about every pass of 15 yards or less. Puts very good touch and zips on his short and intermediate throws. When his deep pass is on, he leads the receiver well. Needs to improve his trajectory on deep throws. His throws tend to come in low on deeper passes. Can throw on the move well and his passes don’t lose a lot of velocity. Completed 68 percent of his passes as a junior.

Arm strength: While Clausen’s arm is strong enough for the NFL, he can’t accurately make all deep throws. On deep outs Clausen will take some zip off the ball and not deliver it as quickly. It will also take him a while to get deep passes out as he has to rely on his body to get the ball out. His arm will never be confused for Joe Flacco’s or Matt Stafford’s, but it’s every bit as strong as Mark Sanchez’s.

Athleticism/mobility: Clausen has good quickness in the pocket to slip around rushers and get rid of the ball. When he’s on the move, Clausen needs to do a better job of securing the ball while he’s on the move. Players at the next level will be more capable of stripping the ball away. Won’t make a lot of deep runs in the open field. Runs mostly erect.

Decision making: Rarely will you see Clausen throw into bad coverage situations. Even when he does, he tends to put the ball only where his receiver can catch it. Intelligently throws away passes instead of passing into coverage or taking a sack.

Field vision: Works through his progressions better than just about any quarterback in college football. This is a display of his excellent football intelligence. When Clausen’s first two reads are unavailable, he frequently found tight end Kyle Rudolph or checked off to a running back. As a junior, Clausen really improved his ability to move safeties with his eyes.

Mechanics: Possesses a quick, smooth delivery. Has a slight windup, but it’s very correctable. Looks to have great balance and control driving back from under center. Quickly gets his feet into position. Clearly most comfortable in five-step drops. Where Clausen could improve is planting his feet in the ground. He’ll frequently shuffle his feet in the pocket.

Pocket awareness/poise: Clausen is generally calm and poised in the pocket, but he’ll often get antsy and start shuffling his feet around. This was especially evident following a mid-season foot injury. Loses some steam on his passes in the face of pressure when he tries to get rid of the ball more quickly.

Final word: After Notre Dame fired head coach Charlie Weis, there was no reason for Clausen to return to school. Playing for a new coach, Clausen’s pro potential could have only struggled by switching offensive systems. He also would have risked injury.

Where Clausen showed the most intangible improvement during his career was in his leadership ability. After looking somewhat tentative early in his career, Clausen was clearly an on-field leader for the Irish. He has no known character flaws.

Clausen will go into the 2010 NFL Draft as a probable top 10 selection and could be the first quarterback selected. He improved leaps and bounds at South Bend after starting out as an inconsistent 190-pound freshman. He’s an incredibly accurate passer and finished 2009 with a stunning 28:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Round projection: 1