Jimmy Clausen And Golden Tate to Enter NFL Draft

While the coaching search at Notre Dame continues into it's second week, there is more news coming out regarding those who actually play for the team.  Specifically quarterback Jimmy Clausen and wide receiver Golden Tate.

Both players sat down with Charlie Weis last week to discuss their future, and whether or not they should stay in school or enter the NFL Draft.  Well, we have a definitive answer from one of the players, and signs are pointing that the other will follow.

Following the advice of deposed Irish coach Charlie Weis, Clausen has decided to forgo his senior season and enter this April's draft. Rated as perhaps the top quarterback in this year's class, he is believed to be coveted by St. Louis, Cleveland and Washington -- three teams that will conceivably pick in the top 5.

"After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I just feel it's the right time,'' Clausen told ESPN.com on Monday before a scheduled 2 p.m. ET news conference in South Bend. "Coach Weis told me whether he was going to be here or not be here, it was time for me to go. He thought I've improved so much since I came to Notre Dame. So, I'm taking his advice, and I'm going to head out.''

Now the press conference that scheduled for later today is to make an announcement about two players, not just Clausen.  The other one is Golden Tate, and though there is no official word [Edit. note: It's now official, Tate is going pro as well] on his decision as of yet, I tend to think he's going to be leaving too.

He's losing his coach and one of his closest friends on the team in Clausen, so I'm just not sure there's much appeal for him to return.

Clausen is currently ranked #4 on Mel Kiper's Big Board of prospects, and when you're that high and a quarterback, you go.  I'd like him to come back for his senior season, but I can't blame him at all for his decision.  Considering the percentage of drafted quarterbacks who actually go on to be stars, you have to strike when the iron is hot and get your money.

That's not an assessment of how I think Jimmy will do in the NFL, as much as facing reality.

As for Tate, I'm not sure where he'll project to go in the draft.  Anyone who has watched him play during his three years in South Bend would think he's a sure first rounder.  Unfortunately in the NFL, what scouts see at the combine in Indianapolis usually erases anything a player did on an actual football field.

They'll see Tate's size - he's listed at 5'11 - and deem him too small.  So I'm guessing he'd go third round at the earliest.