Saints Draft Prospect: Clayton Tune

Here's a closer look at a probable middle round quarterback who could be a 2023 draft steal.

The New Orleans Saints took care of their biggest team need before free agency when they signed QB Derek Carr after his release from the Raiders. The 32-year-old Carr is all but guaranteed to be the starter for the next 2-3 seasons thanks to a four-year contract worth $100 million in guaranteed money. 

Jameis Winston will be Carr's backup. This is noteworthy because the Saints have used five different quarterbacks in the 34 games since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 campaign. Winston adds big-play potential and valuable experience but is only under contract through this season.

Carr's signing likely means that the Saints will not spend an early round draft choice on a quarterback. It does not preclude them from taking a look at one in a later round. 

Late round quarterbacks have a miniscule chance of success in the NFL. However, the recent successes of Brock Purdy (7th round, 2022) and Dak Prescott (4th, 2016) could mean that teams move some lower graded passers up their draft board. Today's profile has already met with New Orleans and falls in that category. 

QB - Clayton Tune

Houston (Sr.)

6'2" 220-Lbs.

Nov 26, 2022; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) looks for an open receiver against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tune was a backup to D'Eriq King as a true freshman in 2018, but still started two contests. King's decision to sit out and transfer in 2019 handed Tune the starting role midway through the year. He'd be the unquestioned starter for the rest of his college career. 

Tune led the Cougars to a 12-2 record in 2021, completing 68.6% of his passes for 3,544 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He'd close out his Houston career in 2022 with over 67% completion percentage, 4,074 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He led the American Athletic Conference in every passing category and was third in the nation in touchdowns while getting named 1st Team all conference. 

Playing in a pass-heavy system, Tune will have to overcome the stigma of Houston quarterbacks that haven't performed well at the NFL level. He isn't a dual-threat quarterback, so will have to be more reliant on talent around him.

Tune has shown poor footwork at times when throwing on the run. His deep ball is just average and can have too much air under it to allow defenders a chance to make a play. Tune's mechanics can be undisciplined under pressure, especially in the lower body. He also has a tendency to force throws and take unnecessary chances against heavy rush. 

Oct 7, 2021; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) passes for a touchdown against Tulane. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Tune has an outstanding ability to read defenses, both pre-snap and while going through his progressions. He shows excellent patience in the pocket to find the ideal matchups with his receivers.

An underrated athlete, Tune moves around the pocket decisively or can scramble for extra yards. Once he has to break the pocket, he continues to scan the field for plays before running. His delivery is compact, leading to a quick release. 

Tune is deadly accurate on short and intermediate throws. He has the arm strength to get the ball into tight zone windows and the precision to throw his receiver open against man. The confidence in his arm allows him to work a defense all over the field. 

Tune's best attribute is his poise. He'd consistently lead his offense on critical drives with the game on the line and is unfazed by adversity. His ability to grasp and master an offensive system is off the charts.

Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) passes against the Auburn Tigers durig the 2021 Birmingham Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Clayton Tune is a timing-based and rhythmic passer who can process quickly for an up-tempo attack. It's exactly the kind of abilities that attracted the Saints to Derek Carr for Pete Carmichael's system. 

Tune won't be a high round pick, but has the systematic upside to possibly cause a team to select him at the end of Day 2. He'll more likely be a Day 3 selection, and in the right system could even develop into a starter.