Instant Takeaways: Packers select Penn State QB Sean Clifford at pick 149
By Paul Bretl
With the 149th pick in the in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford. Here are my instant takeaways and what you need to know about the pick.
– There shouldn’t be any surprise that the Green Bay Packers selected a quarterback. For one, Brian Gutekunst essentially said this was going to happen before the draft began. And two, prior to this pick, there were only two quarterbacks on the roster with Jordan Love and Danny Etling. Whether a undrafted rookie signing or perhaps the Packers still explore free agency for an inexpensive veteran, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Green Bay add a fourth quarterback to help get through the summer.
– Clifford stands 6’2” and weighs 218 pounds. He was not invited to the NFL Combine, but recorded a Relative Athletic Score of 9.02 from his pro-day, which included a 4.62 second 40-yard dash. During the 2020 season, he did rush for over 500 yards, showcasing some mobility.
– Clifford is an experienced player and an accomplished quarterback. He has 1,473 career dropbacks and is the Penn State all time leader in passing yards with 10,382, completion percentage at 61.2%, and touchdowns with 82.
– Although I said that we shouldn’t be surprised that the Packers took a quarterback, if you’re surprised that they took Clifford, well, that’s understandable. Many thought that Clifford would be an undrafted rookie signing. The Packers clearly like him though, and had him in for an official top 30 visit. I imagine his athleticism, mobility, and experience – appearing in 51 games – was appealing.
– Believe it or not, Clifford is actually a few months older than Jordan Love, who will be entering his fourth NFL season. Perhaps this is the Packers attempt to find a Brock Purdy-like experienced backup as the 49ers did in last year with the final pick in the draft.
– In 2022, Clifford completed a career-high 64% of his passes and averaged 7.7 yards per attempt with 22 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He was effective off play-action, but overall, for a sixth year senior, he didn’t really standout in any one aspect.
– Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote this about Clifford in his pre-draft report:
"“Mobile four-year starter with desired NFL intangibles and leadership, but a lack of passing talent. Clifford will have his moments, but he doesn’t consistently deliver the ball with accuracy and timing. His arm strength falls below the mark.”"