2010 NFL Draft: Am I Wrong About Jimmy Clausen?

Every year going into the draft, the top NFL prospects are evaluated by everyone and anyone.

The quarterbacks are usually atop the list of most evaluated, critiqued, and criticized of them all.

Of all those players and all those quarterbacks, Jimmy Clausen probably ranks in the top five on that list for this year.

I've heard a lot about the guy on ESPN, NFL Network, and here on Bleacher Report. For some reason though, nothing has really sparked my interest. Until recently I haven't even bothered looking up film on the guy.

That changed today, when I heard Mike Mayock compare him to Mark Sanchez.

You remember Mark Sanchez, right? The guy who was once a backup to John David Booty at USC? He's the same guy you watched play for the Jets last year and take them to the AFC Championship game.

This comparison shocked me so much that I was inclined to look up film on Jimmy Clausen. I proceeded to go over to YouTube and type in his name. I watched three different clips on Mr. Clausen, and a very strong question came to mind:

How in the world can you compare Jimmy Clausen to Mark Sanchez?

In my mind, from what I've seen, Clausen in no way can compare to Sanchez. Sanchez has that quick release and arm strength that you only hope that your quarterback can have. I didn't see that in the clips of Jimmy Clausen.

What I saw in the clips of Clausen was average to slightly above average arm strength and a slightly below average release. I was in no way impressed like I was with Sanchez in his days at USC.

Quite frankly, I was much more impressed with Brady Quinn when he played for the Fighting Irish.

I predict that Jimmy Clausen will find it tough going at the next level. However, unlike Tim Tebow, it looks as though Clausen can improve his game with a little hard work.

His release is not terrible by any means, but he can speed it up some. He will also have to work on not letting the ball sail on him at that next level. If he can speed up his release, not let the ball sail, and perfect his timing, then he can make it at the next level.

However, if a comparison is needed, it should be to that of Chad Pennington, not Mark Sanchez. Clausen's physical abilities cannot compare to that of Sanchez's, no way, no how.

So, there you have it; I've said it, and it's out there. It's up to you to tell me how wrong I am.