OK, so here's my rationale for wanting Clausen at 9. I have been a proponent of building the OL and DL and moving on from there. I have stated on this board that I would take a LT at 9, DT in the 2nd and trade for a vet QB like Jason Campbell.
However, after thinking more about it, I am becoming more convinced that we should take Clausen at 9 and pick a LT in the 2nd, or try and trade that pick for Gaither. The reasoning behind this is we will take at least 2 offseasons (this one included) to contend, IMO. Therefore, taking the QB and getting two offseasons with him is more essential than a LT, who often can be plugged into a starter's role.
I know the downside is that a QB can be ruined behind a bad OL (see David Carr). However, I think Clausen has enough athleticism and cockiness to overcome that. Roethlisberger has run for his life for two years, so it can be done with the right QB.
Just my thoughts.