During the Arizona Cardinals conference call with reporters introducing Clayton Tune, Tune proclaimed, “I think I’m the best quarterback in the class.” Simple enough, especially for new head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Gannon, in year one of what the Cardinals do not like to call a “rebuild”, has a lot at his disposal to do just that. A successful 2023 NFL Draft saw Arizona restock the roster with more talent than promise. That means that veteran quarterback Kyler Murray is on the hook, as well as Gannon. Murray, who is going to miss the start of the upcoming season, does not have to worry about losing his job as the primary backup, but Colt McCoy should. Jeff Driskel could end up the odd man out in Arizona as rookie Clayton Tune will give the quarterback room a much-needed push.
Clayton Tune Believes He is the Best Quarterback in 2023 Draft Class
Tune showed he had skills before getting to Houston. During his career at Hebron High School in Carrollton, he had 6,686 passing yards with 66 passing touchdowns, 1,074 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. As a Cougar, he advanced his capabilities.
At Houston, Tune would appear in 47 games, completing 957 passes for 11,989 yards and 104 touchdowns.
At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, Clayton Tune has all the necessary measurements for an NFL quarterback. The Houston product has good size, great mobility, and a flair for the dramatic. Tune has the sneaky-good skill set that should translate to the next level. For Arizona, these are all positives given the current status of Murray. For a Cardinals team who needs options, especially at the quarterback position, Tune is a fortuitous pick.
As for perception, opinions run the gamut. One unnamed AFC quarterback coach said he sees a quarterback who does everything well across the board. While Tune does not have a big arm, he can adjust to different angles depending where he is on the field. His mechanics are solid and will only need some adjustment for the NFL game.
Highlights of Cardinals QB Clayton Tune || Houston Highlights || NFL Draft 2023 https://t.co/3lgBnCe63r via @YouTube
— Steve Rivera (@LWOSsrivera) May 4, 2023
At 6’-3” tall to Murray’s 5’-10”, Tune can work from the pocket and have a much cleaner view than Murray. That is evident by the constant variations of Murray on the run and throwing outside poor protection. Defenses like to keep him in the pocket and force him to find his receivers. When he is on the run, defenses might give up a big play, almost as equally as Murray can turn it over.
In 2023, and coming off of an ACL injury, might his mobility be limited? Will he be less willing to take that hit for a few extra yards and a first down? Additionally, Murray will not have the benefit of a full off-season and preseason, whereas Tune will. He might get the reps Murray would, and even those McCoy could benefit from given how his 2022 ended.
Tune Could Be a Starter In 2023
Make no mistake that while some think he is a career backup quarterback, he could find himself thrust into a starting gig. If Murray falters or breaks down again, Gannon knows he has a taller quarterback version waiting in the wings. Clayton Tune on video immediately shows he is not afraid to get hit. He will hang in until the very final moment and check everyone down and find someone open. If he has to run, Tune has a nose for the first down marker.
“This now with Kyler Murray’s current trajectory is not a great gig.”
— @ColinCowherd on what’s next for the Cardinals pic.twitter.com/4xBkYNSoFD
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 13, 2022
Some in the national media have said that Murray may have peaked. Colin Cowherd says he has shown signs of digressing. Murray may still have a strong second act in him and if he does, it could be a strong one.
Tune, who has shown a large body of work at Houston, is as tough as they come. He has a lot to his game. When he gets his opportunity to show it, he will open a lot of eyes beyond Arizona Cardinals Fans. He will open eyes across the entire league.
Main Image: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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