The Lass Word: Clifford May Silence Critics
The stats defy the criticism.
By KenLass
Green Bay’s selection of quarterback Sean Clifford in the fifth round of the recent NFL draft has been almost universally panned by reporters and scouts alike. Projected by several draft gurus to be an undrafted free agent, the Penn State signal caller was taken by Brian Gutekunst after a quarterback run began late in the fourth round and extended into the fifth.
Fans went ballistic. TV commentators looked puzzled. One writer sent a text to a scout asking his opinion of Clifford as a fifth round pick. The response was a laughing emoji. Clifford had not been invited to the NFL combine. CBS Sports labeled it one of the biggest reaches in the draft.
Not having seen Clifford play very much, I began researching him to try to learn where all the hate was coming from. I expected to find shaky stats, damning video and widespread disapproval from the Penn State fan base. But I must say, what I found does not seem to justify the angst.
For starters, Clifford basically rewrote the school record book. He is a four year starter and a four year team captain. The athletic department’s bio of his accomplishments is longer than an internet encyclopedia. Just to hit the high notes, Clifford is Penn State’s all time leader in wins, completions, completion percentage, passing yards, total yards, passing touchdowns and passing attempts. Oh by the way, he also finished third all time among the school’s quarterbacks in rushing yardage, and fourth in rushing touchdowns. Only three quarterbacks in Big Ten history threw more career touchdown passes.
Those don’t sound like the kind of stats that get you projected as an undrafted free agent. So why all the criticism? As far as I can tell, some of it comes from his record against the big boys. Specifically, Ohio State and Michigan. Clifford has a bit of a reputation of not playing well in big games, or at at least in clutch moments of big games. He went 0-4 as a starter against the Buckeyes, with last fall’s game being particularly disappointing. Penn State had a 21-16 lead over undefeated Ohio State in the fourth quarter, but Clifford got strip sacked on his own 31 yard line, leading to an Ohio State score, then later threw a pick six as the Buckeyes roared from behind to win 44-31 in State College.
The bitter loss was not all Clifford’s fault. The defense completely collapsed, allowing 21 points in the final quarter. The offensive line misfired badly on the strip sack. But Clifford took most of the heat from the disgruntled fans after having a total of four turnovers in the game. He was singled out for criticism by head coach James Franklin. It didn’t help that, a few weeks earlier, Penn State was routed by Michigan 41-17. Clifford did not throw any interceptions or lose any fumbles against the Wolverines, but he was held to just 120 passing yards and no touchdowns. His career record against Michigan was 2-2.
Another factor was the presence of five star recruit Drew Allar waiting on the bench. Each crushing loss increased the volume of the drumbeat for the highly touted prospect to take over the reigns. Coach Franklin resisted the pressure and stuck with his veteran, and the faith paid off. Clifford recovered from the Ohio State defeat by leading the Nittany Lions to wins in their final four regular season games. Then he might have played his best game in the Rose Bowl against Utah, throwing for 279 yards and two scores in a dominating performance which ended with a 35-21 victory.
In the closing seconds, Franklin called a timeout in order to allow Clifford to come out of the game. The fans gave him a long, warm standing ovation. Players hugged him fiercely as tears flowed down his cheeks. His college career was a roller coaster for sure, but in the end the local fans loved him and appreciated his grit and determination.
Another criticism of Clifford is that he doesn’t have an NFL arm. I will never claim to be an expert at analyzing video, but when I watch his highlight reel, I see plenty of arm. In one game I saw him throw the ball forty yards in the air along the boundary and drop it right over the shoulder of his tightly covered receiver. I saw him gun throws through tight windows, splitting double coverage. I saw him deliver the ball accurately while running hard out of the pocket. He also can burst through the middle with suddenness on quarterback draws. Obviously, you only see the good stuff on highlight montages, but at least they show that he can do it. He has it in him.
Unlike most of the media draftniks, the Packers had Clifford rated as a fifth round talent, according to Director of Football Operations Milt Hendrickson. Green Bay had him in as a pre-draft visit and Matt LaFleur was sold. “Sean is a guy that is really intelligent,” LaFleur said. “He has played a lot of games. He’s got some athleticism. He is a natural thrower. All the things that we look for in quarterbacks, he possesses.”
It shouldn’t take long to see who is right about Clifford, the Packers or his critics. The back-up quarterback job is wide open. If the rookie can’t beat out Danny Etling in training camp, he will likely languish on the practice squad. “I don’t look at it as pressure” Clifford said after his first day on the practice field. “I’m trying to focus on what I can do first and how I can help others. I really don’t look at it as I’m trying to win this, win that. I’m just trying to get better every single day.”
I wouldn’t count him out. He’s lost battles before. He just keeps fighting back.
One footnote: Clifford will wear number eight. The same number Aaron Rodgers will wear for the Jets.
There must be irony in there somewhere.
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__________________________
Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (133)
PackEyedOptimist
May 08, 2023 at 06:32 am
Jaren Hall, Tanner McKee, and Max Dugan we’re all still available. To me, that says the Packers research clearly sees Clifford as better, and they know WAY more than anyone else about what the Packers need from a QB. I liked Hall and McKee as backup QB prospects, so I’m pumped to find out what I didn’t know.
HawkPacker
May 08, 2023 at 06:44 am
PEO, I hope you are right and that my thoughts are wrong!
dobber
May 08, 2023 at 08:09 am
"Jaren Hall, Tanner McKee, and Max Dugan we’re all still available."
..and I don't think any of them will do much more than Clifford over their careers in the NFL.
BradHTX
May 08, 2023 at 10:06 am
They’re all Day 3 prospects. No one expects them to do much more in their NFL careers than any of the others. If they even HAVE an NFL career as a journeyman backup, that’s a success.
Sometimes we fans act like every guy drafted has to be a star or they’re a bust. Donald Driver, having a career as a (minor level, historically) star drafted in the 7th is an outlier. Brady, drafted in the 6th and becoming one of the greater superstars of all time, is beyond an outlier.
If Clifford develops into a Matt Flynn-type career backup who can come in and manage the offense decently for a series or two, or even a whole game with advance planning, that’s a success. Personally, I hope he will and trust Gute and LaFleur to have a good sense of whether it’s the case or not before pulling the trigger.
murf7777
May 08, 2023 at 11:21 am
This was a great pick, just like Flynn as you suggested. I hope we do something similar most every draft, ala Ron Wolf. You have to keep taking a shot at getting a QB even when you think you have a good one. Develop and keep or trade is the right course of action.
barutanseijin
May 08, 2023 at 06:35 pm
Agreed, you should keep taking shots. But was this the guy to take a shot on? Flynn was more successful in college.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 09, 2023 at 05:01 am
This kind of begs several questions.
murf7777
May 09, 2023 at 06:54 am
Did it beg questions when they drafted two when Rodgers started playing?
HawkPacker
May 08, 2023 at 06:43 am
Clifford also had a lot of great players around him that made him look better than I thought he was.
He won a lot of games for Penn State and I saw some of them and I thought he was very lucky. His legs won some games for them which is a good thing but I was won of those that was very surprised and not real excited when we took him in the 5th round.
Maybe I would have felt different if he was taken in the seventh round but not sure.
RCPackerFan
May 08, 2023 at 08:09 am
If Clifford has to play in GB, they have done a really good job of surround him with some very talented players. The last 2 drafts they have drafted 6 WR's and 2 TE's. They have one of the best RB's in the league and one of the best RB duo's in the league. They also have an OL that is trending upward, and is being under rated right now in the publics eye. Also the system is a very QB friendly system.
IF Clifford were to have to play, he is going into a good situation.
Also, the reasons above are reasons that we should be excited about the offense this year and with Love becoming the starting QB.
Handsback
May 08, 2023 at 06:47 am
Nice write up Ken. We are talking back-up QB so if the talent guys saw something they liked…great opportunity to grab a guy that might get you out of a jam. We aren’t talking about another Tom Brady talent. He did keep Levis on the bench and kept Penn St. competitive.
Just MHO
HawkPacker
May 08, 2023 at 06:54 am
'He did keep Levis on the bench'
Good point Hansback. I had forgotten about that.
However, Penn State would be competitive with or without Clifford.
dobber
May 08, 2023 at 08:00 am
In Clifford's four seasons as the nominal starter, PSU went 11-2, 4-5 (Covid), 7-6, and 11-2. So the question I'd ask is how good were they really, and how did Clifford figure into it? That 2021 team underachieved but had some injury issues, and didn't have great offensive personnel--esp. on the OL.
I say nominal because Levis actually played quite a few snaps in his two years at PSU, but he was mostly a runner and not a thrower (over two years, 133 rushes and 102 pass att). PSU asks their QBs to play on the move a lot, though.
LambeauPlain
May 08, 2023 at 11:23 am
So then, by inference, the Packers will be just as competitive with or without Clifford, right?
If so, then why dost thou protest so much?
HawkPacker
May 08, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Correct. So my point is without selecting him in the fifth round, they could have gotten another player at an other position of need and then selected him or another qb in the seventh.
murf7777
May 08, 2023 at 11:27 am
Your right," we aren't talking about Tom Brady talent". If you just take the stats, Clifford is far greater than Brady's. Nothing about him in college showed he was going to become one of the greatest ever to play the position in the NFL. He had a good record 20-5 and that's about it. Even the record could be poked at because the year before Michigan went undefeated. Just goes to show you that you never know how someone can advance and grow. Brady also never was touted as a rocket arm.
jannesbjornson
May 08, 2023 at 12:40 pm
He was touted for his accuracy and one could see his Leadership qualities. Lloyd Carr wasted a year of Brady's time, putting Henson in the lineup.A guy who was more interested in baseball.
Packers0808
May 08, 2023 at 07:10 am
I guess there will always be controversy about anyone who is taken. Just stop the think of those drafted were to be so great and ended up being horrible busts and vice versa. Nobody knows what they have until they perform in camp and th NFL level!
PatrickGB
May 08, 2023 at 07:12 am
So, draft “experts” called it a reach?. Time will tell. Now let’s see how he does in preseason before we decide that.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 07:39 am
ummm... exactly how many busts have these "so called" experts touted as great draft prospects?
I am sick of hearing from uninformed dolts. Welcome to the interweb, rookie!
This thing of giving every swinging dangle a voice has really backfired, the noise from the ignorant has drowned out any reasonable intelligence that might be out there.
Minniman
May 08, 2023 at 02:48 pm
Great point JB!
I remember the 2018 draft where Bleacher Report had a panel doing those "instant analysis" segments. On the panel was Aquib Talib and a couple of draftnik journalists.
The Packers pick comes in: Jaire Alexander
One of the reporters says he doesn't like it, Alexander is too small, questionable in press coverage, etc etc
Talib says he loves the pick - to him Alexander is a true corner and a ball hawk who's aggressive around the ball and makes plays.
At the time I posted it here, that for me, I'll take the comments of the Pro Bowl player of that position over a guy who's not even worked as a professional scout (and therefore been accountable for his opinions).
Regarding Sean Clifford: I wonder how he will go with a couple of years working with QB coach Tom Clements? Perhaps there's some mechanics and mental aspects to be worked on that can unlock his potential.
murf7777
May 08, 2023 at 11:28 am
One pre-season, unless it's horrible also won't tell the whole story. It takes time to develop a QB and we have the right man to do it in Tom Clements.
RCPackerFan
May 08, 2023 at 07:44 am
Pretty much from what I have seen, no one liked the Clifford pick. A lot thought he went to early, and a lot thought he wouldn't even be drafted.
The part people need to remember is that he was a 5th round pick. It wasn't a 3rd round pick. All it takes is 1 other team to like him and the Packers could have missed out on him a round later. There are no guarantees in the draft. If you like a guy you have to take him where you think you can get him.
The other thing people need to remember is that he is being drafted to be a backup. Not be the future of the position. How many 5th round QB's are being asked to be the face of the franchise? These are the previous 5th round QB's drafted. Sam Howell, Jake Fromm, Easton Stick, Clayton Thorson, Mike White, Nathan Peterman, Kevin Hogan, Brett Hundley. How many of them were drafted to be the franchise QB of their team, and how many of them turned out to be the faces of their franchises?
Lets face it. If people's biggest complaint about GB's draft is a 5th round backup QB, then i think we did pretty good in the draft.
murf7777
May 08, 2023 at 11:35 am
RC....Good points. I was one who liked the pick. Back to the Ron Wolf days of draft and develop QB's most every draft. What's not to like, he"s a winner 33-15, 4- year captain and showed continued improvement, especially his last year. Love the pick.
RCPackerFan
May 08, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Thanks Murf.
Some guys may not have elite measurables, and may never become a top tier QB in the league. There is nothing wrong with that. Some guys find their niche in the league. Some are career backups and when called upon just find ways to win. That is what we need from Clifford right now. We don't need him to be the face of the franchise. We need him to be a guy that can come off the bench and keep the offense rolling.
We will soon find out if he can do that, or if he can't. But I am rooting for him, because he is wearing the green and gold!
dobber
May 08, 2023 at 07:44 am
"He went 0-4 as a starter against the Buckeyes...His career record against Michigan was 2-2."
That's better than many Big Ten schools did against OSU and U of M over the last four years.
I'm not going to tear Clifford apart. A 5th round QB is not someone you're expecting to come in and light the night on fire, but Clifford is probably as experienced and developed as a college QB is going to be at draft time. Maybe they see something Clements can work out with him...maybe not. Clifford is there to set the room--he's there to be the cerebral, team-first, level-headed backup to keep the tone in the QB room functional at a high level.
He's played a lot of football at the highest level of college and won a lot of games but I don't even think he's the #2 coming out of camp--they're going to have to bring in another QB if only just as a camp arm (there are only 3 on the 90-man right now) and my guess is it will be a vet with some starting experience (someone like Mason Rudolph or Nick Foles, they were linked to Carson Wentz in March), but not someone who is really a threat to win the starting job.
"One footnote: Clifford will wear number eight. The same number Aaron Rodgers will wear for the Jets. "
It's also the same number worn by Anthony Dilweg. Yeah, I'll give all you under-40s time to go look him up.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 08, 2023 at 08:37 am
Actually the drafting of Clifford makes some sense. He has tons of experience and team Captain for 4 years. He is a leader of men. He is intelligent and athletic.
The Packers do not have the cap space to sign a decent back-up veteran QB in event Love gets injured. Clifford should he win the back-up QB position is that QB who has the mojo & experience to come in and play relaxed & under control.
Since Clifford has been drafted I have remained open minded & feel comfortable with the pick as obviously the Packer scouts & Gutey see something in him.
dobber
May 08, 2023 at 09:02 am
I think we agree on Clifford.
TGRs article last week pointed to a rework of Gary's deal being enough to generate room for a vet minimum player or two. Who knows how they use what little they got. The key word you picked is "decent"...there ain't much decent left out there. But the Packers will need at least another camp-arm QB, yet, and some of these vets who are still hanging on know they're better off playing for next to nothing and being in a camp than sitting at home.
mnbadger
May 08, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Long live Anthony Dilweg references!
An instant thumbs up from me!
GPG!
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 12:50 pm
Lavvie's great grand kid...
I thought everyone knew him!
BA4Packers
May 08, 2023 at 08:00 am
Typical Packers pick. High character, team player, cerebral, plays within the system.
Let’s see what Tom Clements and MLF can do with him.
RCPackerFan
May 08, 2023 at 08:05 am
"Let’s see what Tom Clements and MLF can do with him."
I have no clue how good his college coaches were, but maybe he has some fundamental things that can be easily corrected. Look at what Clements did for Rodgers. And look what he has done with Love after just 1 year with him. Perhaps he can do well with Clifford too.
All I can say is we have to give the guy a chance!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 08, 2023 at 08:38 am
Agreed RC!
RCPackerFan
May 08, 2023 at 09:58 am
I agree with your agreement Knock! ;)
Bitternotsour
May 08, 2023 at 08:30 am
Sounds like Matt Flynn and Matt Hasslebeck in terms of athletic numbers.
You know how a guy is worthy of being selected in the fifth round? He gets selected in the fifth round. End. Of. Story.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 10:28 am
Flynn got very little playing time due to being behind Jamarcus Russell. There’s no doubt he benefited from the McCarthy QB school, but most scouting on him underestimated his arm capability dramatically. By the time he was in Seattle his elbow issues reduced that and he wasn’t the same on his last stint with us. I seem to remember TT chuckling about others not seeing Flynn’s arm talent at the time.
Oppy
May 08, 2023 at 11:26 pm
Just for fun, guess who the Packers had scouting the South East territory?
Yeah, Brian Gutekunst. He'd been scouting the SE since roughly 2001. So, in all likelihood, Gutekunst had probably been the bird in TT's ear about drafting Matt Flynn back in 2008.
croatpackfan
May 08, 2023 at 08:03 am
I respect everybody opinion, except those who are claiming the player is bust. No human is bust, no player is bust. Remember the old proverb: Someone's trash is otherone's treasure/gold.
I believe Brian Gitekunst and his personnel department drafted players according MLF vision what kind of players he would like to have on roster to be able to completely made team towards what he want. I also believe that he got what he wanted and that D & ST requests also came in coordination with Rich Bisaccia & MLF. I also believe, as Joe Barry is on very hot chair that he was not consulted much for this year draft.
I'm sure that all drafted players will not pan out as expected when they were drafted, but it does not mean they are busts. They might not be suited with their talent for O, D or ST scheme.
Ron61
May 08, 2023 at 08:15 am
I posted a Sean Clifford comment last week in here after watching Clifford’s highlight reel. Then did a little dive into his four years at Penn State which he capped off with a Rose Bowl win. His highlights were definitely worth watching as you point out especially his poise in the pocket. He also beat out Will Levis twice causing him to transfer. Also, he was a finalist for a prestigious academic award so the kid has some smarts as well.
I hope his talent transfers to the NFL level because without Rodgers it would be great to have someone push Jordan as competition brings out the best.
greengold
May 08, 2023 at 09:10 am
Ron61 with the Clifford deep dive! My kind of fan!
For all we know, the Packers, including LaFleur & Tom Clements really liked him in searching out QB2 candidates in this draft, wanted to take him later but got intel another team was going to take him, and made him an R5 pick rather than lose him.
Good, if so. We had the picks to do this.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 10:02 am
Highlight reels tend to make all players look good. That’s their purpose. If any player is known to be erratic or to have manifested weaknesses, take their reels with a heavy dose of salt and do more digging. Clifford is a plus character and acknowledged worker, but not even his coaches and team mates saw him as an NFL starter destined to beat out Love that Ron61/STR claimed he is last week.
greengold
May 08, 2023 at 11:03 am
I didn’t see it. Quite frankly, there are few topics I could be less interested in right now.
R5 camp arm at worst.
Moving on….
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2023 at 10:27 pm
I see others saying 3 in the QB room isn't enough and we need a camp arm anyway. I think if JL10 doesn't work out for whatever reason we're probably committed to him at least this year, and this guy's film looks like an ideal backup for our offensive scheme.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 08:24 am
Clifford was an intangible pick rather than a tools pick. Leadership, intelligence, mental toughness, good in big moments. The things that cant be quantified on the stat sheet or combine ticker. Perfect makeup for a backup qb.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 08:41 am
He profiles as the modern Deadly Doug Pederson. A good character, good football brain, a guy you can put in a game, know he will play within the system and not lose it.
It’s possible that the Packers see something they think can improve his arm, and particularly his tendency to throw wobblers at times and a good spiral at others. Andy Herman already noticed that manifesting at rookie camp.
Overall, a guy more ready than most to back up. Yes, he may not have the upside of others we could have taken later, but, having watched many, most of those were definitely not backing up anyone at this point. He’s got to beat out Etling, but he gives us a guy who is a contender to finish out games if needed from a very weak class. I see the logic in retrospect.
I think if Love went down early for a while, we might still see a veteran if there is one worth having. Later on, if we aren’t competing, then maybe he or Etling do play and we take the lumps.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we take another QB with more upside next year regardless, but now we have 2 candidates for Mr cheap and dependable for this year. That I think was the goal.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 08:48 am
Great comment C-Dub. And I'm positive they drafted him thinking they can take his game to another level because thats just what the Packers do. They always draft players who they believe have upside.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2023 at 10:31 pm
I was hoping for a report on him at practice, what you say here is the only thing I've seen so thanks. Inconsistency can be corrected with being out of school and on a pro schedule. Top level coaching, even better.
T7Steve
May 08, 2023 at 08:26 am
I like all these guys that've become Packers. Because they're PACKERS.
Use them to their strengths. Put them in places that hide their weaknesses.
10ve 💚
May 08, 2023 at 08:39 am
"I like all these guys that've become Packers. Because they're PACKERS."
👏👏👏
Steve, you have the best comment! Every Packer is a good Packer, because he is a Packer!
croatpackfan
May 08, 2023 at 09:56 am
My only concern is Brendon - Brendon Cox! He surely has some issues with himself and I hope he will down his temper now at NFL level.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 10:22 am
He’s not got a reputation for being a thug, despite the punch thrown. He just seems to have trouble getting along with others within a team environment. He will either adapt and fit in or he won’t, but he’s a small fish in this pond. I don’t see anything in his past to suggest he’s likely to be a threat to anyone.
croatpackfan
May 08, 2023 at 10:28 am
I know, but still 2 teams (Georgia and Florida) thoughts he is more problem than benefit for both teams. If there was just Florida, I will say, OK, he really deserve to be cut out, because, as I remember correctly, you are really not allowed to punch the coaches in anger. But misdemeanor behavior at Georga (possession of marihuana - remember Guion while he was Packers?) is little baffling if it is not something behind that that they used arrest as excuse...
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 10:38 am
Reading around things, he was a pain in the ass who wore out his welcome more than a danger. Both teams implied as much while saying little more than that the real reason wasn’t the punch thrown at a player after a horse collar or being caught with pot. I suspect he could have a mild disorder if some kind, certainly the feel is one of regret rather than anger in reading the comments.
The_Justicar
May 08, 2023 at 11:38 am
The Florida dismissal - something to keep in mind is that Florida had a new coaching staff in 2023. The new staff stated numerous times how they were bringing in a new culture, etc. etc. They likely had a shorter leash than the prior coaching staff who recruited Cox to Gainesville as a transfer from Georgia. They had zero ties to him and he to them. He was a senior. Saw a few articles where the coaching staff wanted to send a message and Cox was that message (best edge rusher/returning sack leader gets dismissed, anyone can be dismissed).
greengold
May 08, 2023 at 12:11 pm
I really appreciate these insights you’ve shared, Justicar! Been thinking Brenton Cox Jr. has a good chance to win a roster spot and make significant contributions to GB’s D.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 12:57 pm
Think "Colt Lyerla"...
greengold
May 08, 2023 at 01:52 pm
No, because that’s not fair, at all.
Not everyone has their life experiences tied up in a nice fluffy bow. There are some who’ve simply made mistakes in their young lives that make their public perceptions less appealing.
I would never lump someone unknowingly into more of an uphill battle than they’re already having to face.
A weed charge today is minor. Reacting the wrong way to a horse collar after the whistle?
Come on.
As fans, we should give our team’s chosen players every chance and opportunity to realize true redemption. I believe Gutekunst would appreciate that level of open minded acceptance, allowing Cox Jr. to fairly move forward, as would Brenton, himself, and very likely his teammates.
Gutekunst, LaFleur & their staffs felt this was their best move. I’m open to supporting that until shown otherwise.
Oppy
May 08, 2023 at 11:40 pm
You'd be hard pressed to find many people who've coached Cox Jr. who think he's just a misunderstood, passionate young man.
Make no mistakes about it, this is a red-flag bearing character risk that the Packers are kicking the tires on because he's that talented.
Sure, hope he's put whatever it is behind him, but leopards don't often change their spots.
This was not a great kid to have in your program.
croatpackfan
May 09, 2023 at 03:11 am
Oppy, I agree with greengold. We knows how many "news" or "facts" are pumped to unbelieable proportions, jet I'm willing to take in consideration, after he was released from Georgia, there might be at Florida new coaching staff (I didn't know that) overreacted. So, you might be willing to cut Quay Walker as he already has 2 reactions that expelled him from the games. It shows some pattern, doesn't it?
However, I stay with my claim that I'm worried about Cox. But. knowing that we do not know much about him, I'm also willing to give the kid chance, not only because of his talent, but because he is in new surrounding and he knows he has to fight to stay on team. If he will do anything seriously impropriet and Packers cut him, I believe he will lost his chances to play football in NFL.
Also, despite some of his shortcomings in his play, he showed talent and may become valuable piece on Packers team by time.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 02:02 pm
Cox probly wont even make the practice squad. Hes the least of my concerns.
renzocapone
May 10, 2023 at 07:11 am
I think when a person gets to this level and his main problem is self-control - work with psychologists can give the right result and you can not worry about it..
LambeauPlain
May 08, 2023 at 11:40 am
Remembering my comic book says, that approach would usher in "Bizzaro World Barry Ball"! :-)
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 02:02 pm
Yes. Say it louder for the haters in the back. They're our guys now. Thats all that matters.
ArlenWilliams
May 08, 2023 at 08:35 am
Sean reminds me of that great Packer quarterback, Jim McMahon.
HarryHodag
May 08, 2023 at 08:41 am
I will give McMahon one joke for the ages. After the Packers won the Super Bowl in the 1990's he showed up for the team photo at the White House wearing a Bears sweater.
ArlenWilliams
May 08, 2023 at 09:24 am
The man could Q and B... all the way to the Superbowl. (Is that one word, or two? It's been awhile.)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 08, 2023 at 08:41 am
You mean for the Chicago Bears & who played the last year or two with the GBP's?
dobber
May 08, 2023 at 08:57 am
...with a shoulder so torn up he had a worse rag-arm than I did. I think that arm was attached to his body with only athletic tape.
ArlenWilliams
May 08, 2023 at 04:02 pm
IIRC, he ranks with Bret Favre and Aaron Rodgers as astounding MNF QB's. He could get an offense to 4th and 5th gear. (I see my first comment about McMahon got 4 down-votes; maybe readers could use a humor training camp?)
BirdDogUni
May 08, 2023 at 08:46 am
Sounds great! We need another Packer backup QB to win a Super Bowl Ring.
HarryHodag
May 08, 2023 at 08:38 am
A fine example of the national sports media dopes being ill-informed and doing group think. The dopes all read each other and their "insights" are largely a compilation of each others' thoughts.
I remember when JaMarcus Russell was touted coming into the draft as a sure-fire All-Pro. He was a dud. Anthony Richardson reminds me of Russell. Able to throw and run, but questionable in game conditions. If Richardson was THAT good, why did Florida go flat?
The Big 10(actually Big 14) is not for the faint of heart. Clifford's measurables are his consistency over time and the number of wins. Stroud got all the Big 14 headlines. The national sports media dopes always want to jump on the backs of the winners because it makes them look good. Clifford lost some key games so he must be a loser to the dopes. It's a bit like Jimmy Garappolo. He's not considered to be that good yet teams want him to be their starter. If he were the Packers starter I would say we'd be in good hands.
Only the folks inside the teams know talent. I think Clifford has the tools-mentally and physically-to earn a spot. Lest we all forget a guy named Bart Starr was drafted by the Packers in the 17th round. The know -it-alls then said he had a weak arm and couldn't run. He proved them all wrong.
dobber
May 08, 2023 at 08:54 am
"I remember when JaMarcus Russell was touted coming into the draft as a sure-fire All-Pro. He was a dud. Anthony Richardson reminds me of Russell."
I tend to agree: Richardson has potential bust written all over him. Landing point, supporting cast, and coaching will have everything do to with how Richardson does, but remember that Russell had a couple seasons over 60% completion pct in college...some hope he could run an offense. Richardson seems way less mature as a passer and has some real issues throwing the ball. He's still mostly making it up as he goes along, and could've used another year in college.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 09:54 am
Richardson wasn’t even in the conversation until the combine. Classic example of signing an athlete over performance. To do that at other positions is a risk, to do that at QB, a position where success is as much driven my mental capabilities is a huge leap. If a team wants him to succeed as a true QB, he needs the Rodgers/Love apprenticeship period and they need a lot of luck. Otherwise he’s going to have to hope he can be another, more durable, Fields and learn to be a QB while doing so. That’s not a high percentage route for winning now or creating a long term starter.
The_Justicar
May 08, 2023 at 11:59 am
Richardson was mocked in the first round when the college football season kicked off Labor Day weekend. Saw numerous mocks with him in the top ten one game into the season (they beat Utah and he was in Kiper and McShays top ten picks).
Richardson just hasn’t really played much. He missed half his senior season of high school football due to injury. He sat behind Kyle Trask as a true freshmen. Spent a wasted season backing up Emory Jones his redshirt freshman season. Started 1 game and got hurt (against #1 Georgia). Barely played that year but outside of the Georgia game, he was a human highlight real- throwing and rushing for huge gains and long tds.
I’ve seen film reviews of his limited snaps as the third stringer in the Cotton Bowl in January 2021 as a true freshman and the scouts at that time commented on how well he instantly read defenses, looked off safeties, and led the team to a garbage time touchdown.
Guy has 13 total starts and definitely could have used another year to better prepare for NFL. However, he seems to get hurt too often and getting paid for sure in this draft or risk injury going back to college? He made the decision that was best for his $ and I don’t blame anyone for that.
The new Florida coaching staff in 2023 scrapped Dan Mullens spread offense in favor of a more pro style offense- two tight ends, play action pass, that Richardson had to learn this year. The Florida offense now requires the QB to turn his back to the defense with their play action (unlike Mullen the rb lines up in the pistol and not the qbs side). Richardson struggled some to identify the defensive coverages post turning his back- slower to know if cover 2 or man or whatever, than he had under the spread of Mullen. In some instances, especially when Florida was trailing, the Uf coaches would go back to what made Richardson comfortable- not turning his back. An example of this is the Tennessee game where he passed for 450 yards and had a UF record of 500+ yards of total offense in an SEC game.
It was known that the UF staff was more interested in establishing their offensive system in the long term vs catering to what Richardson excelled at. (That decision is debatable- not a fan of it myself). They were okay struggling in the short term and it certainly impacted their wins and losses.
In the long run…Richardson shows on tape what someone like Will Levis did not - he could read the field/coverages and he knows where to go with the ball. His accuracy in getting the ball there is not so good. But since he can go to the right place and make the right reads and has arm talent- nfl scouts think they can train and coach him better accuracy.
UF was 6-7 last year due to a horrible defense. They were 129th out of 130 teams in 3rd down defense and like 112th in total defense. The worst defensive showing in school history.
CheesedDeadHead
May 08, 2023 at 01:37 pm
"UF was 6-7 last year due to a horrible defense. They were 129th out of 130 teams in 3rd down defense and like 112th in total defense. The worst defensive showing in school history."
Based on the Packers recent history of Defensive Coordinators, the UF DC must be top of the list of Joe Barry replacements.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 01:47 pm
Imo, the most damning thing about Richardson is he didnt even win in high school. A guy with his natural talent should have destroyed high schools teams but he didnt. He hasnt won at any level. Colts made a desperation pick and it will likely end with people losing their jobs. Cam Newton was a rudimentary passer coming into the league and yet he still carried Auburn to a national championship. I dont see any scenario where Richardson is even close to Newton in the NFL.
The_Justicar
May 08, 2023 at 06:25 pm
He won some in high school…
The Florida native was a finalist in the Elite 11 and played in the U.S Army All-American Bowl. He led his high school to a 7-4 record and a berth in the FHSAA Class 5A State Playoffs in 2018 during his junior season before suffering a season-ending injury his senior year.
His only full year as a starter they made the state playoffs. The next year they were 2-3 when he got hurt. They lost all 5 games that he missed. (He missed the rest of the season).
Cam Newton spent a full year playing college hall as a starter at Blinn CC , sat for two seasons at UF behind Tebow, and played a full season as the starter at Auburn as a 4th year player. Newton started twice as many games in college as Richardson and was a 4th year player entering NfL vs 3rd year for Richardson. Richardson would likely be much more pro ready if he stayed antihero year. Me? I wouldn’t play him this year. Could be horrible and a bust. He could’ve used the Jordan love move- sit for three years.
LeotisHarris
May 08, 2023 at 02:59 pm
J.T. O'Sullivan has a great breakdown of Richardson here. Kurt Warner is good, too. but I really enjoy J.T.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOTCdHFsQgs
Oppy
May 08, 2023 at 11:41 pm
JT's qb breakdowns are quite good.. He's also got a healthy dose of dead-pan humor with dry delivery.
Since'61
May 08, 2023 at 08:38 am
This is a young Packers team. We need to give Clifford and with a few exceptions, everyone on this team a chance. It will take time but hopefully they will evolve and grow into solid players and into a solid team over the next 2-3 seasons. If the players remain healthy and we have good drafts in 24 and 25 the sky will be limit for this team.
At this early stage it''s impossible to know who will emerge as solid core players and who will not be here after the next 1-3 seasons. For now have patience and enjoy the journey that we're about to embark upon as Packer fans. It's been a hell of a ride since 1992 and I'm expecting/looking forward to more to come.
Thanks, Since '61
LambeauPlain
May 08, 2023 at 11:54 am
Agree and it is critical the new, young talent at TE, WR, DL, S and STs get a lot of action in OTAs, Camp, preseason, and during practice.
It looks like Gutey agrees with this too as Big Dog, a vet WR, or vet QB will NOT be signed (for now...barring injuries, etc).
Tundraboy
May 08, 2023 at 08:38 am
Hey, he won the Rose Bowl. So until we see him play, if he makes it, let's be optimistic.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 08:50 am
Exactly. Why be anything else but optimistic? Wheres the fun in pessimism? Why even watch?
TKWorldWide
May 08, 2023 at 09:00 am
Sounds awfully familiar.
Great minds, I guess!
BirdDogUni
May 08, 2023 at 08:56 am
Will Levis was drafted for arm talent and potential.
Clifford was drafted for his intelligence, leadership, and other intangible qualities which don't show up on the stat sheet.
Clifford beat out Levis twice, so someone thought he was a better choice to lead the Nittany Lions.
Probably the best choice to become the Packers backup QB.
I think Clifford's arm talent is easily Brock Purdy level arm talent, maybe better. Why he's a Packer now is because we needed a smart, talented backup QB. Clifford fits the bill perfectly, IMO.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 10:10 am
Very well summarized. If you have or think you have a star, the hope is that he will go out and win games his team shouldn’t. If you are looking at at a back up, then the objective is to find a player who can maximize the system and avoid throwing a game away and let his surrounding talent carry the team. Done well, with a good roster, that can be very successful. Clifford to me, has that potential. That’s a good, affordable, back up profile, especially if they can clean up his throwing technique to get more consistency.
TXCHEESE
May 08, 2023 at 08:58 am
I watched a few of his games. Didn't see anything that was WOW, but he efficiently ran the offense and didn't make any dumb throws. He showed pretty good feet and legs getting away from pressure and taking what was available when his guys were covered. As he is projected to be a backup, he has a high floor, and lots of big game experience. That's all we should be asking for from a rookie.
LLCHESTY
May 08, 2023 at 09:38 am
I saw a few of his games and didn't see an NFL QB. I watched a few Iowa State games and thought Purdy would get a shot but he made some pretty questionable decisions, which shows what a top level offensive coach can do with a player because he didn't hurt the 49ers much last year.
I doubt Clifford can throw an out with much zip and the wobbles are concerning. You can maybe fix that but under pressure, with bodies around his feet it will most likely reappear.
LLCHESTY
May 08, 2023 at 09:51 am
I went back and looked at Purdy's stats at Iowa State and last year for the 49ers and maybe the questionable decisions didn't magically disappear. His last year at Iowa State he threw 8 Ints in 407 attempts. In the regular season for the 49ers he threw 4 in 170 attempts. Not a huge jump but still a higher %. He didn't have any in the playoffs though, when I watched him in college it was against better teams and he seemed to follow one turnover with another fairly often. At the very least you could say Shanahan fixed that.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 10:50 am
Statistically that could simply be a favorable run within the prior ranges. He threw 63 times for 41 completions in the post season. His regular season would suggest one int every 42 or so, but that’s probably somewhat exaggerated by being thrown in and having to find his footing. His college rate was about every 50.
murf7777
May 08, 2023 at 11:39 am
I think it is really hard to tell by our untrained eyes. I think as you stated with good coaching, he might develop into a good back up or something more.
PeteK
May 08, 2023 at 08:59 am
IMO, there is little chance they spend money on a vet. Love is a vet and has had plenty of tutoring. Clifford played with some poor O lines early in his career which didn't help his poor accuracy. However, he did improve every year ( 59 to 64 comp %), and a big QB that can run the ball doesn't hurt. Once again my hope for the season rides on the improvement of the O line, which can do wonders for anyone behind center.
RCPackerFan
May 08, 2023 at 09:57 am
I think they will only do it if Clifford looks absolutely lost and isn't capable of being the backup. Which will likely be towards the end of training camp/preseason.
Otherwise i think they roll with the young QB's.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 01:50 pm
Nick Foles recently became available. If they are ever going to pony up for a vet backup, he would be my choice.
PackAttack4155
May 08, 2023 at 09:54 am
Fans maybe puzzled by the pick, but like any pick, we're all hopeful he turns out. He's got a lot going for him: Clements as his position coach, being a rookie not expected to start, high football IQ, many years of college starting experience. Can't wait for camp and preseason!
T7Steve
May 08, 2023 at 02:30 pm
And in a couple years (under Clements) he'd be a QB who'd be sought after and get us some picks in the draft.
JLab3
May 08, 2023 at 10:02 am
That he didn't pass ESPN's Mel and Todd threshold should be considered a plus for Packer fans.
stockholder
May 08, 2023 at 10:20 am
I don't just want to see him as a Back-up.
I want to see him as are starter.
IMO- this was Gutey's best pick of the draft.
Intelligence, Athletic, Size, Leadership, Touch.
His arm strength was downgraded because of his mechanics.
Lets give him some playing time.
He needs playing Time.
And if they can get Johan Dotson. Then will have something!
You just won't have a team full of St players, but winners.
A team that won't have to wait for Love.
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 11:03 am
He needs playing time but Love doesn’t? How on earth is Dotson going to elevate Clifford beyond where he did at Penn State (or wouldn’t elevate Love and didn’t the Commanders—a higher pick who didn’t greatly exceed our 2nd and fourth rounders as a rookie)? Any objectively questionable fantasy to support Love being a predestined failure just so you can hate Gute?
Very sad to see you hate on a player just in the hope you can be right at the cost of the Packers. True colors showing.
greengold
May 08, 2023 at 11:43 am
A shock value straw to stir this cheesy drink?
Me thinks, bueno!
CentralPA_PackFan
May 08, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Wow, I had to logon just to down vote that little piece of insanity. Based on his years at PSU, I see Clifford very possibly becoming the 2023+ version of Josh McCown - a good solid backup QB (with a lengthy career carrying the clipboard) who has a better than 50% chance of winning you some games if the starter goes down for a few games, but starting in front of Love, no way.
stockholder
May 08, 2023 at 04:59 pm
In a galaxy, Far, Far, Away?
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 05:19 pm
I see the Josh McCown comparison, a dependable backup who you can count on to give you a chance.
We used to have a backup in Green Bay named Zeke Bratkowski. In high school and college, he'd been a top talent. In the pros for 15 years, he was a backup. Lombardi liked him enough to keep him around during that stretch of excellence in the 60s.
""""Nicknamed "Super Sub," the Packers were 8-1 in games, including postseason, where Bratkowski either started in place of Bart Starr or replaced him with the score tied or the Packers trailing by no more than seven points during their championship run from 1965 to 1967.""""
That's from Packers.com. And that's what I'm looking for in a backup: A guy who can come in and give you a chance to win. The guy came in for Bart in the 65 championship game and brought home the win. Clifford is an older rookie, allegedly smart, and a reasonably decent athlete. I'm anxious to see him. First preseason scrimmage is ......August? 90 days or so.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 01:08 pm
Are you finished?
Allow me to retort...
You sir, are a jackass!
Put on your heidi braids and blow your obnoxious horn, but please do so west of Lacrosse.
stockholder
May 08, 2023 at 04:48 pm
Why ? Because I want to win and not return to the 80S.
I gave it to you straight. This kid can play.
And as long as there is so much talk for another Wr.
Dotson is perfect.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 08:13 pm
I would ask you how you can be a fan of a team when you absolutely root for the failure of one of its key performers...
...but...
I know how you feel about that since I have been rooting for Aaron Rodgers to be removed from my favorite sports franchise for a few years now.
I will say this though, Love hasn't even had a chance yet. You have no valid reason to want him to fail IF you are a Packer fan.
Rodgers schtick over the past decade led me to my distaste for him as a member of the team I choose to root for. I was always a Packers team fan even while a player I did not like was playing for them. I always wanted them to succeed, even Rodgers, I just wanted him gone.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 08, 2023 at 01:51 pm
Tell us you're a racist without telling us you're a racist. Scream as much as you want. Jordan Love isnt getting off your lawn.
stockholder
May 08, 2023 at 04:53 pm
I don't have a Lawn. I have a street.
The sign is pointing Down.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 09, 2023 at 12:38 am
Your street is dark and empty, just like your cranium.
Qoojo
May 08, 2023 at 11:41 am
Article seems to use hyperbolic terminology too much, especially for a 5th round pick. This sort of thing happens every draft. Team picks player A, some people think (pick one or more)
1) reached
2) better player available
3) player is bad
4) ...
"Fans went ballistic", no "some" fans went ballistic. Just because some idiots on social media ranted does not mean any one has to care.
Now compare this to Lions taking the RB so early in 1st, now that is clearly stupid.
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 05:20 pm
Hyperbole is what we do here. It's what's for dinner. Fan is short for fanatic.
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 12:09 pm
The guy played a ton of snaps in a top conference and went 2-2 against Michigan. How bad can he be?
I've watched the videos. I've seen slower QBs with weaker arms succeed. He's the BACKUP, and if we keep Love protected, our backup isn't going to play very much.
I'd rather have a better backup this year and let Clifford develop on the practice squad. But if he's good enough to win the backup spot in camp.....then he's good enough.
CheesedDeadHead
May 08, 2023 at 01:45 pm
I see you got a down vote. Must be someone who objected to "if we keep Love protected". Wonder who that could be...
T7Steve
May 08, 2023 at 02:40 pm
Someone always downvotes LH. Must be because, like me, he believes we'll have a competitive team this season IF we keep the lines improving from last year. We don't need an adjustment year, just a strong team around a good QB.
We also don't need to treat the first game like a preseason game, and I don't think we have to this season.
greengold
May 08, 2023 at 02:56 pm
Exactly, Steve!!!
Personally, I’m stunned the topic got so much play. I mean, at this point? I’m more interested in our Kicker!
Thought it best for myself to watch all of our new player interviews, catch some video of their highlights & game tape. Check out some stats, etc. Just learn about the players a bit more. Really a good group of talented guys. Clifford included. Nothing against him at all.
For instance, learning Lew Nichols lll had the same coach at Central Michigan as Aaron Jones???
1848 rushing yds. in 2021… and, he can catch & block in pass pro. (2022 he battled some injuries running behind an OL that lost a bunch of players).
Wow.
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 06:43 pm
This Nichols guy is intriguing as hell. I can hear my Old Man saying "If something seems to good to be true, it probably isn't true."
But still, we're adding him to a backfield that already features Jones and Dillon. He's not going to get many touches unless one of them gets hurt. And he still has to climb over the existing guys we have just to make the roster.
Everything I've read and seen makes me believe that if we block for this guy we're going to get yards.
I'll point out...again...that Nichols fits the same profile as many of our draftees in one key regard: He had a very good junior season, then a fall off as a senior due to things he couldn't control. A lot of our draftees fit that profile this year.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 08:16 pm
As does our starting QB...
It is the new "Packer Way"!
Coldworld
May 08, 2023 at 06:59 pm
Really good blocker/pass protector got a rookie. His hand technique and routes are very rudimentary though. At the moment I wouldn’t see him as much of a pass option.,
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 07:00 pm
Thanks for noticing Steve, but this predates that. There's a few who just use the chickenshit downvote to anonymously attack without offering any reason. There are two people here who automatically downvote anything with my avatar, even a duplicate/deleted post. There's a half-dozen others who have their own grudges. It'd be nice if somebody could explain, or at least make it so it's not anonymous. This is like middle school stuff.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
We need to win the opener. Whoever and wherever, we need to win that opener. We have many months to prepare for that game, and the team should come out and be ready to execute, which they really haven't done under LaFleur. Do you remember his first season, with the opener against Chicago? And then the last two years when we were flatter than the Llano Estacado in the opener? This team needs to show up and look like they're ready to take care of business.
Nothing succeeds like success, and nothing fails like failure.
T7Steve
May 09, 2023 at 07:01 am
I think that Rodgers convinced MLF that preseason was for the rookies and new FAs. Not worth an injury to play. I think not being ready for the first game leads to more chances of injury, but I've no stats to back that up just experience playing the game at a low level.
I never want to see that "dear in the headlights" look that you saw on MLF and Rodgers when their plans blew up in their faces.
LambeauPlain
May 08, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Some really good comments for a 5th round potential back up QB. Always come to CHTV if you want in depth Packer information. And appreciate Ken's analysis...good substance to cut through all the narratives about Clifford.
Clifford is an interesting prospect. He is actually older than Love by a few months. Maybe he becomes for Love what Zeke B was for Bart.
He has also played more game snaps than Jordan has (college and pro) and did so against solid B1G competition.
He is said to be very intelligent and I expect his interviews at 1265 Lombardi reinforced this. I think the Packers believed his learning curve in the GB O would be the same as, or even shorter than for a vet QB.
Alberta_Packer
May 08, 2023 at 12:40 pm
What differentiates the top draft choices from the lower draft picks - is that the higher picks usually possess a greater capacity and capability - physically and cognitively - to grow/evolve/develop to the next (NFL) level. However quantifying the capacity/capability for each player is not an exact science. Ergo - boom. busts, surprises, disappointments etc. Clifford does possess some capacity/capability to be an NFL player. Except at this stage we don't know if it will be sufficient for the NFL level. Only real time game action will determine whether he can advance - or not. Being a lower round pick infers that he cannot sufficiently advance. However, the inexactness of scouting science does not disqualify him either. This, to me, is a great and intriguing unknown.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 08:19 pm
In the 6th round of the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select...
Tom Brady, Quarterback from the University of Michigan...
Ferrari-Driver
May 08, 2023 at 02:00 pm
I'm not enamored, but I'm comfortable with Clifford. I watched him play in about 4 games this past season and he reminds me of Bob Griese. Griese played us at one of our homecoming games when I was a student at Wisconsin and I recall thinking that he was smart and efficient (he also beat us that game). He turned out better than I expected in the NFL and I hope Clifford does the same. Neither guy has a Marino arm nor do they possess the legs of a Michael Vick, but I do think Clifford will get the job done when and if he is called upon. Besides, we needed a backup for Jordan.
Alberta_Packer
May 08, 2023 at 03:10 pm
My bookie provided with me odds on Clifford becoming:
* An elite starting QB, 100-1
* An average starting QB, 50-1
* A competent back-up QB, 10-1
* Out of the league in 3 years or less, 3-1
So there is the possibility that Clifford may silence his critics. However the higher probability is that he will not. Still I'm wagering $2 on him as a competent back-up.
barutanseijin
May 08, 2023 at 04:32 pm
Oh boy, so are we really going to pull out all the Rodgers excuses for this guy? “it wasn’t all his fault” “but the deee-fense…” etc. etc. etc.
Vachio
May 08, 2023 at 04:43 pm
Right there with you. Everything I have seen, he looks like he could develop into solid and reliable journeyman backup QB which is about what we're looking for, especially out of a 5th round pick.
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 05:21 pm
Once Upon A Time, a backup college QB was drafted in the 7th round, and it worked out OK for him.
GregC
May 08, 2023 at 05:52 pm
I suspect that Clifford won them over in the interview. That's the part that none of the draft analysts or fans was privy to.
An added benefit of drafting a QB like Clifford, whether intentional or not, is that he will not immediately cause fans to scream "quarterback controversy" if Jordan Love has a less than impressive start. Unless he really wows 'em in the preseason of course, which he probably won't. The Matt Flynn comparison seems about right. He just got drafted two rounds earlier because there was a run on QBs.
Leatherhead
May 08, 2023 at 06:34 pm
Greg,I read that the Scouting and Personnel people had been taking a look at this guy and invited him in for a meeting. LaFleur and Clifford hit it off, apparently, and this guy became a bonafide Day 3 target. And then I also read that the feeling was that there was a big dropoff after him as far as QB prospects were concerned.
This is a franchise that didn't even activate Jordan Love as a rookie, and I think it's unlikely they're seriously considering him for anything beyond practice squad at this point. Maybe he'll just explode in training camp and be incredible, but that's not the way the smart money would bet.
GregC
May 08, 2023 at 07:37 pm
That's right, they had Tim Boyle as the backup in 2020. I'd forgotten about that. They had to keep Love on the roster as the #3 because you can't get away with putting a first round pick on the practice squad.
Do you think they will bring in a veteran as the backup? There are no obvious candidates. Boyle had already been with the team for a year in 2020. This year's holdover is Danny Etling. We'll see what happens, but at this point it looks like Danny Etling vs. Sean Clifford for backup QB, with the loser going to the practice squad. It could be a good matchup. In the preseason last year, Etling was 17 of 22 with 220 yards, 1 TD, and no interceptions. That's 10 yards per attempt. And as I recall, those stats weren't flukey, he really did look pretty good out there.
Johnblood27
May 08, 2023 at 08:22 pm
I believe that both of these guys can run too.
Etling had a sensational long TD run last pre-season IIRC.
Clifford has some nice quicks and a decent 40 time too. He can scoot.
JHB64
May 14, 2023 at 03:28 am
Not saying it will happen but what if this possibility could be the next Tom Brady …. You never know …