Name: Clayton Tune

School: University of Houston          

Year: Senior  

Position: Quarterback

Measurables: 6’ 2 ½”, 220 lb

Combine: 40-yd dash- 4.64, 10-yd split- 1.55, Vertical- 37.5”, Broad jump- 10’2”, Three-cone- 6.89, 20-yd shuttle- 4.25, Bench- DNP

Stats:

Stats courtesy of sports-reference.com

General Info:

Tune is a 24-year-old quarterback prospect who started the last 42 games at quarterback for the Cougars.

A three-star prospect out of Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas, Tune chose to stay with the in-state Cougars over multiple offers, including from Kansas and Ole Miss.

Tune saw limited action over five games as a freshman and to start his sophomore year, but went on to start the final seven games of the season as a sophomore. He finished 106-179 (59.2%) for 1,533 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Tune started all eight games of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, completing 170-285 passes (59.6%) for 2,048 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptionsIn 2021, Tune started 14 games. He completed 287-420 passes (68.3%) for 3,544 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

Tune used his extra year of eligibility to come back for a fifth season. He built on his strong campaign the year before and completed 334-496 passes (67.3%) for 4,074 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Added 544 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference. Was third nationally with 40 touchdown passes, which was also an AAC single-season record. Had a 92.0 PFF offensive grade, which was tied for highest QB nationally, but the was highest of any draft-eligible QB. Had a 91.3 passer grade, tied with Bryce Young for first in the country.

Tune scored a 9.81 on the RAS scale, only behind Anthony Richardson. Tune displayed elite speed and explosion grades on his RAS score.

Positional Skills:

Strengths

Tune displays above average arm strength. On deep balls, he is able to throw the ball 50-plus yards with ease. Had one instance against Texas Tech in 2022 where the ball traveled 60 yards in the air while under duress for a completion. Has the velocity to put the ball through very tight windows, which he does often. Completed 90.4% of his screen passes, usually hitting his receiver in stride. The arm talent is there. Is very Patrick Mahomes-esque on some of his unorthodox throws. Had multiple instances of throwing while his feet were off the ground. Threw the fastest ball at the Senior Bowl (76 MPH).

Tune is an effective scrambling quarterback. He goes through his progressions well and if nothing is there, will tuck the ball and run. Is not afraid to fight for the extra yard. Has good vision on scrambles. Was sixth in the country with 55 scrambles, which was the highest mark amongst draft-eligible quarterbacks. Accounted for 35 first downs on the ground. Led all quarterbacks with 222 first downs responsible for.

Tune started the last 42 games, including the team’s bowl game–where he was named offensive player of the game. Was a four-year starter and three-time team captain. A lot of experience.

Tune shows above average pocket presence, and is at his best within the pocket. He has a very good rhythm to move up in the pocket. Didn’t run many play-action plays while at Houston, as they run the “air raid” system. Was effective in getting the ball out quickly on wide receiver screens. Would have had a higher compilation percentage, but his receivers had 31 drops on the season.

Weaknesses

With all the big numbers and high grades he put up, Tune still needs some refining.

Tune has very good pocket presence, but when he is under duress, he will often hold onto the ball too long. Instead of throwing it away, Tune will often try to make plays with his arm strength or athleticism, leading to turnovers or near turnovers. Many of his interceptions came as a result of trying to force a ball instead of throwing it away. Also, with his gunslinger mentality of trying to squeeze the ball into tight windows, he often has balls deflected at a higher than average rate.  Often looked more timid and less polished when making throws outside the pocket.

Tune doesn’t have a fumbling problem, per se, but he did put the ball on the ground seven times in his career. Some analysts will say Tune has small hands at 9 ⅜”. In his defense, though, Tom Brady also has 9 ⅜” hands, and quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes’ hands are smaller than that. Grip could be a problem in certain situations for Tune–especially in the cold Green Bay weather months–but it doesn’t seem to hinder the aforementioned superstars.

Tune was the beneficiary of the second-highest rated pass-blocking offensive line in the country, per PFF. If Tune is under duress as I mentioned before, he tends to force plays. Tune will either need to be the beneficiary of an elite offensive line in the pros, or work on his decision-making. He is a much better player when he has time in the pocket, and is much better within the pocket. Was fourth in NCAA FBS in 2022 with an average time of 3.2 seconds to throw; may not get that kind of time in the NFL.   

Fit with the Packers:

With the Jordan Love era set to begin in Green Bay, the Packers are in need of depth at the quarterback position. Now that Aaron Rodgers is officially gone, the Packers have Love and practice squad player Danny Etling as the only two quarterbacks on the roster.

GM Brian Gutekunst loves athletic prospects, and Tune fits the profile. Tune was second only to projected top-10 pick Anthony Richardson in RAS score. Gutekunst salivates over highly athletic, later-round prospects.

Tune has starting experience, and is very athletic, and would be a perfect middle day-three prospect for the Packers to take a flier on. Currently projected as a sixth-rounder by PFF, the Packers could take a chance on Tune and let him learn under both Love and quarterback coach Tom Clements. He’s a developmental prospect at this point, but has great tools and athletic traits to mold, and Clements is a phenomenal artist when it comes to molding young passers.

Should Jordan Love get hurt, the Packers would need someone behind Etling. Tune played in an “air raid” system in college, throwing a lot of quick hitters to receivers, perfect in a Matt LaFleur offense. I think Tune could not only become a serviceable backup, he also has starting potential in the NFL as a rookie if he’s within the right offensive scheme with the proper coaching.