Clayton Tune Selected by Cardinals - Fit, Grade and Scouting Report

The Arizona Cardinals took Clayton Tune to be their (back-up) quarterback of the future in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Here's everything you need to know.

Author:
Richie Bradshaw
Publish date:
Apr 29, 2023 2:53 PM EDT

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Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are set at the quarterback position for the foreseeable future with Kyler Murray, but the need for a young and talented backup exists even without considering Murray is recovering from an ACL tear. Insert Houston quarterback Clayton Tune in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tune was an absolute gamer during his time with the Cougars. His numbers got better and better in each of his five seasons with Houston before topping out in his final season with over 4,000 passing yards, 500 rushing yards, and 45 total touchdowns.

As you may have noticed, Tune has some great rushing numbers and he has shown the ability to be a flat-out play-maker at the quarterback spot. While his arm strength is limited for down-field passing, his underneath throwing keeps him an exciting player.

As far as fits go, Tune should be able to come in and be QB2 for the Cardinals. Colt McCoy is a dinosaur and the team desperately needs to get younger and more athletic behind Murray. Tune can that guy and should have every opportunity to prove he is.

Lance Zerlein said this of Tune in his draft profile:

"Resilient in the face of adversity, Tune has proven that he can come back from slow starts and finish seasons strong. He’s more of a snap-taker than playmaker. He’s a full-field reader who needs plays to stay on time, as he lacks improvisational talent. Without a plus physical or athletic profile to lean on, Tune must learn to speed up his eyes, quiet his feet and improve his post-snap process to beat NFL defenses with timing and accuracy." --Lance Zeirlein

The Cardinals needed to get a backup quarterback at some point and they landed one of the draft's more fun prospects at the position. Tune can be that guy without ever presenting himself as a threat to Murray. Tune is good enough to run this offense while Murray is on the mend. With Tune, the Cardinals' offense can stay fun enough to watch.