Feeling a Draft: Jimmy Clausen vs. Jake Locker

One of the best games of this past weekend featured the cardiac Notre Dame Fighting Irish versus the rapidly improving Washington Huskies, including three goal line stands and an overtime finish. 

Draftniks tuning into the game received a treat in a battle of two of the nation's top quarterback prospects in Jimmy Clausen and Jake Locker.  Entering the season, both quarterbacks were considered players to watch for the 2011 draft. Now some are talking about Clausen and Locker as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft. 

Recently, I found Clausen as the No. 1 overall pick in Draft Zoo's latest mock, and Locker was rated the No. 1 player on National Football Post's Wes Buntings NFP Super 30 prospects.  One of the best parts of this matchup, aside from a tremendous football game, was how both players lived up to the hype with excellent performances.

Clausen's stat line was an eye popping 23-31 for a career high 422 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Locker's stats were pedestrian in comparison to Clausen's, but he still managed a strong 22-40 for 281 yards, plus a rushing and passing touchdown, while displaying rare athleticism for the position.  

As Locker's performance shows, the stats do not necessarily tell the whole story, so let's break down their performances from a scout's perspective:

Size:

Locker - Has proto-type quarterback size and build. Looks every bit his listed 6'3" size. 

Clausen - Listed at 6'3", 223 pounds, he is nearly identical to Locker (just three pounds different). But when you look at Clausen standing next to 6'4" backup quarterback Dayne Crist, you wonder if Clausen is even 6'2".  The number of passes Clausen has knocked down backs up the height argument as well.

Accuracy:

Locker - Arguably his biggest weakness, but also the area in which he has improved the most. Locker has completed just 57 percent of his passes for the season and just 55 percent against a poor Irish secondary.  His receivers drop more than their fair share of passes, but let's not forget that he completed 47 percent as a freshman and 53 percent as a sophomore.  His three interceptions are a positive. 

Clausen - He has steadily improved his accuracy each season going from 56 percent as a freshman to nearly 68 percent this season.  His accuracy is especially impressive on intermediate to deep passes. On the negative side, Clausen struggles at times throwing screen passes, putting too much air under the ball and allowing defenses to react to the play.  He also threw a screen pass backwards during this game resulting in a Husky touchdown—a major quarterback no-no.

Arm Strength:

Locker - He has good zip on his passes, showing nice touch on his deep balls, especially sideline routes. 

Clausen - He does not necessarily possess a howitzer but can make all the throws, and he throws one of the better deep balls in the college game.

Mobility:

Locker - He has excellent mobility and is a weapon in the ground game.  Most importantly, Locker has learned when to run and when to pass.  He is much more patient than he used to be.

Clausen - A pocket passer, Clausen is never going to be considered a great runner, but he has improved markedly this season in his ability to buy time in the pocket and extend plays.

Intangibles:

Locker - A big reason why Locker is gaining so much traction in scouting circles is his "It" factor.  He has shown tremendous leadership this season, elevating the play of his teammates and coming through in the clutch, notably on the final drive in the upset of USC. 

Clausen - He has developed an aura of confidence and calm this season leading a touchdown drive to take the lead in the final five minutes of Notre Dame's last four games.  He earns toughness points for playing through a visibly painful turf toe injury.

System:

Locker - He benefits from playing for former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian's pro style offense.  He plays a lot of shotgun but does take snaps from center (mostly running plays) more often than most college quarterbacks these days.  One of the biggest reasons I think he will come back for his senior season is the potential benefit from another season with Sarkisian and the effect it could have on his overall development as a quarterback.

Clausen - He plays in one of college football's few true pro style offenses, which will be immensely helpful in his transition to the pro game be it 2010 or 2011.  Clausen benefits greatly from playing alongside one of the best sets of skill position players in the country.  His ability to continue to elevate his play despite the absence of Michael Floyd could allay concerns he is a product of the system.

Overall:

Locker - He's a classic tools guy who has improved his game markedly playing for new coach Steve Sarkisian.  He may have the bigger upside down the road due to rare combination of size and athleticism.  He has come so far so fast but still needs to refine his game, especially his accuracy and his supporting cast will only get better.

Clausen - A pure pocket passer playing in a pro style offense is a rare sight in today's college game, which makes him one of the safer projections among the talented group of junior and senior quarterbacks.  He has proven that he can carry a team, but may want to return for his senior year to finish the turnaround at Notre Dame and another season with the talented trio of receivers in Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, and Kyle Rudolph.  If he is truly 6'1" and not 6'3", he might as well stay in college as long as he can.

The talent and bright futures of both Clausen and Locker were displayed in this weekend's thrilling Irish victory. Both players are potential future first round picks when they decide to come out. 

At this point, it is hard to determine whether either will be rated high enough to merit forgoing their senior season.  Before the season, it was hard to imagine either player being an early entrant, but an injury to Sam Bradford and struggles for fellow junior Jevan Snead may have opened the door. 

Only time will tell, but until then, enjoy these great young quarterbacks while you can.

Chris Maier is senior editor for NFLDraft101.com.  He can be reached at [e-mail].