First Round Mock’s William Yanish took a look at one of the most talked about prospects in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

It’s April, guys! The draft is here. Let’s rock! I don’t know what y’all have been doing, but it’s been one heckuva off-season where I’m at.

Too busy to even keep up.

I went after some EDGE rushers, but the last one was so boring, I had to put the pen down. It took a second, but I finally found someone a little bit more exciting.

Are you guys ready for another quarterback (QB)?

Let’s do it.

Name that tune

Tonight on the final stage, and out of Carrollton, Texas! The one, the only, QB Clayton Tune -University of Houston Cougars.

At 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, he comes up just short of the mark for the prototypical NFL QB.

However, that is definitely becoming less and less important these days. What it comes down is this…if you can play, someone will sign you.

Tune does meet Bill Parcells’ rules for drafting a QB. They read as the following:

Three-year starter
Has to be a senior
Graduated
Started 30 games
Won at least 23 games
2:1 touchdown to interception ratio
Have a 60% completion rate

So this Houston QB does have that going for him.

Yet, still, Tune needs some work, which he has shown on film that won’t be a problem. His work ethic is apparent watching him progress as a QB, between 2021 and 2022.

Just cut down on the gunslinger antics, and become a better quarterback.

Tune’s humility, and maturity are apparent listening to him speak.

The game film

Tune’s biggest weakness is arm strength.

His deep throws are inconsistent, but his overall accuracy and ball placement are improving. It’s apparent watching the film that he goes through his progressions, while keeping his eyes downfield.

What is he?

Tune is a touch passer who’s capable of dropping passes on a dime.

Tune’s release and mechanics do need polish, which is seen with his choppy footwork that is sometimes on display for all to see.

One of the biggest positives with Tune: he’s excellent at extending plays.

With those choppy feet comes the dancing when he climbs the pocket. Another thing that is a plus for him is his great vision of the field. He also has a good feel for the pass rush, as he avoids it like the plague. His football IQ is fantastic.

This is is strongest trait – – his mobility.

However, with that mobility comes the need to learn how to slide.

Conclusion

Look, Tune’s a career NFL backup that can come in and win some games.

He’s shown his ability to learn and he might even be the smartest guy on the team. There’s no doubt that I like him. He is a safe pick, but he is what he is.

He can run any offense in the league. That includes the new RPO (Run Pass Option). That makes him valuable mid-round pick.

No questions on this one

This is another one of those that I know who the guy is. He’ll have a great career, and likely become a coach like so many other backup QBs.

How Tune stacks up and game film reviewed

Draft Community Projection (nflmockdraftdatabase.com): sixth-round

My draft value: fourth-round

Pro comparison: Taylor Heinicke

Game Film Reviewed:

Texas Tech ‘21

Cincinnati ‘21

SMU ‘22

Tulane ‘22

UTSA ‘22

William Yanish III is a life long football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.