2010 NFL Draft: Jimmy Clausen Declines To Attend Draft, So Is He Falling?

This morning, it was reported in USA Today that Jimmy Clausen, the ex-Notre Dame quarterback, will not attend the NFL draft on Thursday.

According to the report, Clausen chose to stay home with his family so he could be near his grandfather who recently lost his wife.

Certainly, if this was the singular reason, Jimmy Clausen should be commended for his values, which obviously include a high priority for family obligations.

But what if there is a companion reason for Clausen's decision to stay at home?

What if Jimmy Clausen, expected to be the second quarterback taken, knows something that we don't?

What if Clausen, thought to be a "top ten" draft choice, is falling like a rock?

One doesn't have to go far back in the "way back machine," to recall the disappointment that Aaron Rogers felt as he witnessed name after name being called at the draft as he paced nervously live as the whole nation watched his consternation.

Eventually his name would be called by the Green Bay Packers and Rogers has made every team that passed him by that day regret their decision.

But on that day, while team after team passed him by, Rogers discomfort was palpable and even those watching on TV found themselves somewhat squeamish watching the ex-Cal quarterback plummet.

If Clausen, having gone through the combine process, knows that he isn't as highly regarded as some thought, why would he subject himself to the angst that comes with being under the glaring microscope of the television camera?

And there is reason for this speculation.

Jason Reid, writing for "Redskin Insider," reports that Mike Holmgren, the new Cleveland Brown general manager, says that he wouldn't spend his overall No. 7 draft choice on Clausen.

Asked about Clausen, Holmgren said, "I wish I liked him more."

Holmgren then went on to say that although he believed Clausen would go high, it would be hard for him (Holmgren) to take him with the Browns first draft pick.

Most of the NFL drafts I have seen have Clausen going to the Buffalo Bills with the No. 9 overall pick.

Some had the former Irish QB going to the Browns with that No. 7 pick but unless Holmgren is lying through his teeth, we know that isn't going to happen.

If Buffalo doesn't take Clausen, then all bets are off as to where he goes.

There is little doubt that Jimmy Clausen is a talented quarterback that should make whatever team drafts him very happy in the future.

In the meantime, Clausen will watch the draft proceedings from his home where his presence will provide comfort for his grandfather as he mourns for his late wife.

My condolences go out to Jimmy Clausen as he and his family goes through these trying times.

And I hope a plummeting draft status does not accompany his already hurting heart.