Holmgren on Clausen: "I wish I liked him more"

[Alo]

Shep, if you listen to Holmgren talk about the Head Coach-Quarterback relationship, you notice that he ends up sounding less like Mel Kiper, more like Dr. Ruth. For instance, he's said that he cares less about how guys throw at their pro days, more about the opportunity to talk to them and see if there's "a connection."

I think it's useful to think of our QB situation in those terms. We just divorced Derek Anderson and sold our concubine Brady Quinn to the Broncos. While it may be tempting to get hitched to another first round QB, are you really sure you want to make that minimum 3-5 year commitment to Jimmy Clausen?

Furthermore, does Clausen - with his brash personality - seem like a natural partner for Eric Mangini?

I just think you're a little too eager to fall in love with another franchise QB. We all know how important it is...but that's part of the reason why you have to make sure you don't screw it up. You draft a Quinn, and you miss out on Ryan, Flacco, and Sanchez. You go for Clausen, and you're never going to be able to date Locker or Luck.

If Holmgren and others have doubts about Clausen, it's very much reasonable to pass on him, instead dating some mid-round options. Most likely, we'll end up going for a 1st round pick in 2011 or '12, but - hopefully - we'll invest that pick in a QB that the Walrus feels strongly about.

[Shep]

I'd have to lie to disagree with any of that.

But I think I like Clausen better than some (same as others). And I think his fire could be a very good thing.

Again, though... to get to Locker or Ponder, the guys we'd be waiting for, we have to be pretty bad this year.

Originally Posted by Alo

Shep, if you listen to Holmgren talk about the Head Coach-Quarterback relationship, you notice that he ends up sounding less like Mel Kiper, more like Dr. Ruth. For instance, he's said that he cares less about how guys throw at their pro days, more about the opportunity to talk to them and see if there's "a connection."

I think it's useful to think of our QB situation in those terms. We just divorced Derek Anderson and sold our concubine Brady Quinn to the Broncos. While it may be tempting to get hitched to another first round QB, are you really sure you want to make that minimum 3-5 year commitment to Jimmy Clausen?

Furthermore, does Clausen - with his brash personality - seem like a natural partner for Eric Mangini?

I just think you're a little too eager to fall in love with another franchise QB. We all know how important it is...but that's part of the reason why you have to make sure you don't screw it up. You draft a Quinn, and you miss out on Ryan, Flacco, and Sanchez. You go for Clausen, and you're never going to be able to date Locker or Luck.

If Holmgren and others have doubts about Clausen, it's very much reasonable to pass on him, instead dating some mid-round options. Most likely, we'll end up going for a 1st round pick in 2011 or '12, but - hopefully - we'll invest that pick in a QB that the Walrus feels strongly about.

[Shep]

BTW, if we had to draft our quarterback after 12 or so, we'd be into this kind of pool:

Freeman
Flacco
Quinn
Rodgers
Campbell
Losman
Boller
Grossman
Ramsey

So far, Rodgers looks awesome (should've gone #1 overall, I still say)... and Flacco looks pretty damn good. But a lot of dreck.

[OzDawg]

counting both Rodgers and Flacco thats a 22% hit ratio( or better than 1 outa 5).. since theres only 32 starting QB's in the league.. and they were chosen after 12...hm

[PB&J]

Look at all the picks we are acquiring. Is it so far fetched to think the team will keep acquiring extra picks next year? Maybe we trade some this draft for future picks, those fifths become fourths, thirds seconds... Look at N.E. this year, they have three seconds. Last year, they had three thirds and traded them for future picks. Hey, we have three thirds! My point is, while we might be drafting outside of prime quarterback range, we could very likely have the ammo to trade up for Locker, Mallett, Luck, Ponder. The Jets drafted Sanchez at 5, but were slotted at 17! How could that possibly be?!

[golfer704u]

Originally Posted by Alo

Shep, if you listen to Holmgren talk about the Head Coach-Quarterback relationship, you notice that he ends up sounding less like Mel Kiper, more like Dr. Ruth. For instance, he's said that he cares less about how guys throw at their pro days, more about the opportunity to talk to them and see if there's "a connection."

I think it's useful to think of our QB situation in those terms. We just divorced Derek Anderson and sold our concubine Brady Quinn to the Broncos. While it may be tempting to get hitched to another first round QB, are you really sure you want to make that minimum 3-5 year commitment to Jimmy Clausen?

Furthermore, does Clausen - with his brash personality - seem like a natural partner for Eric Mangini?

I just think you're a little too eager to fall in love with another franchise QB. We all know how important it is...but that's part of the reason why you have to make sure you don't screw it up. You draft a Quinn, and you miss out on Ryan, Flacco, and Sanchez. You go for Clausen, and you're never going to be able to date Locker or Luck.

If Holmgren and others have doubts about Clausen, it's very much reasonable to pass on him, instead dating some mid-round options. Most likely, we'll end up going for a 1st round pick in 2011 or '12, but - hopefully - we'll invest that pick in a QB that the Walrus feels strongly about.

100% agree with this post. Great points Alo.