Sean Clifford is one of those veteran quarterback examples of a player who stayed too long in school because he’s not an NFL quarterback. While he was able to end his collegiate career on a high note, it wasn’t an easy journey through the college ranks, entering into a “love-hate relationship” with Penn State fans due to his sporadic play. Regardless, Clifford should find himself as an undrafted free agent when all is said and done and may be able to hang around the league for a few years.

I don’t see a lot of upside to Sean Clifford’s game, and I genuinely believe he’s not going to be anything more than a third quarterback in the NFL. He might bounce around his first couple of years as a camp arm before settling into a third quarterback spot for a couple of years. Clifford would have more success going to another league and building himself a career there. 

Suffered a couple of minor injuries in college that only forced him to miss minimal games. 

Sean Clifford’s scouting report

Quarterback Ability (65)

Arm Talent: 20

• Arm Strength (6.5/10) – Arm strength appears to be susceptible, but flashes good velocity in short to intermediate throws. Really wans when he’s throwing a deeper throw, even in the intermediate range. 
• Touch Ability (3.5/5) – Clifford is forced to rely on his touch ability as a quarterback, and uses it pretty well. He throws a very catchable football. 
• Release (2/5) – Very average release. Somewhat extended and just doesn’t push the ball with a lot of urgency. 

Accuracy/Placement: 25

• Accuracy (7/15) – Accuracy is all over the mark with Clifford. Really has some mechanical issues that need to be ironed out before he can be a legitimate quarterback prospect. I don’t think it’s something that he can fix. Doesn’t throw well off platform. Flashes to deliver the deep ball with grace and touch. 
• Placement/Vision (5.5/10) – Placement can be so far off. Struggles to judge defenders and his receivers. 

Pocket Presence: 10

• Pocket Positioning (3/5) – Clifford works the pocket well and can operate even when under intense pressure. Doesn’t do it consistently, however. Eyes come off the play downfield and looks to run. 
• Pocket Maneuverability (2/5) – Doesn’t maneuver the pocket well. Would much rather run downfield. 

Footwork: 10

• Consistency (2.5/5) – Very inconsistent feet. Needs to establish a consistent plant angle. 
• Quickness (2/5) – Slow feet, especially in his drop. Takes him an extra moment to establish his drop. 

Athleticism (20)

Mobility: 12

• Outside of the pocket (3.5/7)- Clifford’s athleticism is among the tip in the class and he has good ability getting out of the pocket to move around. Does not throw well on the move. Struggles to hit even the simplest throws off platform. 
• Downfield Ability (4.5/5) – Absolute monster when it comes to downfield running ability. Tough running style that you would like to see him get away from, especially considering his size. Has a variety of ball carrier moves that he utilizes well. 

Improvability: 8

• Natural Improvability (2.5/4) – Offers some improv ability, mostly as a runner. 
• Play Extension (1.5/4) – I don’t see a lot of natural ability from Clifford to extend plays. Not really in his skillset.

Intelligence (15)

Football IQ/Field Vision: 10

• Football Intelligence (2/5) – Will force the ball at times, especially when under pressure. Struggled to read basic coverage concepts, didn’t see defenders well underneath coverage. 
• Ability to read pre-snap (2.5/5) – Flashes the ability to make accurate pre-snap reads, but that many times feeds into his mistakes as a passer, forcing the football into coverage and creating turnover opportunities. 

Overall: (57.5) – UDFA