Green Bay Packers 2023 fifth-round pick: QB Sean Clifford

The Packers selected Penn State QB Sean Clifford in the fifth round (No. 149 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford in the fifth round (No. 149 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 218
Age: 24
From: Cincinnati, OH

Breakdown: Four-time captain and three-time All-Big Ten pick who set school records at Penn State for passing yards and passing touchdowns. Produced 101 total touchdowns (86 passing, 15 rushing) in 51 games and 48 starts. Packers love his combination of intelligence, moxie, athleticism and toughness. Top-30 visit sold the team on his football acumen. Turns 25 in July. Likely long-term backup option behind Jordan Love.

Brugler’s scouting report: “Sean Clifford, who has a younger brother (Liam) on the Penn State roster, was a three-year starter at St. Xavier High School and led the Bombers to the Division I state championship in 2016. A four-star recruit, he committed to Penn State over several SEC offers and became the Nittany Lions’ all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage. Clifford was the first player in his high school’s history to be a two-time captain and was only the second fourtime captain in Penn State history. He was effective in a college RPO-based system, and his willingness to hang tough in the pocket or utilize his mobility helped keep drives alive. However, he needs to get through his progressions quicker and make things easier on his receivers to finish catches. Overall, Clifford throws well on the move and NFL teams love his toughness and smarts, but his current decision-making and ball placement are too inconsistent for what is required at the next level.”

Zierlein’s scouting 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.”

Penn State profile

They said it: “Sean is a guy who is really intelligent. He’s played a lot of games. He’s got some athleticism. He’s a natural thrower. All the things we look for in quarterbacks, he possesses. We had him up here on a 30 visit and went through the meetings with himand were impressed by his football acument and overall intelligence.” — Head coach Matt LaFleur

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