Chicago Bears 2017 Draft Profiles: Quarterbacks
Deshaun Watson, Clemson (6-foot-3, 220 pounds)
Watson is the leader of a Clemson team that went to the title game two seasons in a row. Last season, he threw for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns against a heavy NFL-laden Alabama defense. Monday is the rematch, with Alabama’s defense possibly even better than last season.
This is an intriguing choice. Several scouts graded him as a third-to-fourth round talent. Others have him in the high or low-end of the first.
Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated described the variance in opinion on Watson. “Obviously he’s an incredible athlete and has good size,” said a veteran NFL scout. “He showed what he’s capable of doing against Alabama last year. That was his best game of the season. But I just don’t see him as the pocket passer like a lot of people prefer in our league.”
Others disagree vehemently.
“One ACC coach who faced both players projected Watson as a better prospect than Jameis Winston. He said Watson’s high interception total this year reminded him of the 18 picks that Winston threw in 2014. ‘I think there’s something to be said for being a quarterback who knows he’s a millionaire if he stays healthy,’ the coach said. ‘I think that plays a role in a kid’s psyche, [that] if he runs and blows out his knee that’s $9 million out of his pocket.'”
People keep saying Watson did not dominate the same way he did in 2015. Looking at the stats, however, things are not that different. He attempted more passes in 2016 (523 vs. 491), but the completion percentage was about the same (67.8 percent in 2015 vs. 67.3 percent in 2016). HIs touchdowns per interception rate went down just a bit (2.69 touchdowns per interception in 2015 vs. 2.23 in 2016.
If you want a leader, Watson is your guy. He comes up big in big games, even in losses, as last year’s championship game showed. HIs character and leadership qualities are as good as anyone. He is an incredibly gifted athlete – he can beat you with his arm or his legs. His throws on the run are usually on point.
Watson is great between the ears. He can look off defenders with his eyes, creating space, and he feels his surroundings well. He senses when defenders are close, and acts accordingly.
Watson’s mechanics need work. He has an adequate arm to make long throws, but at times he rushes his throws before setting his feet properly. He played in a simple Clemson offense, so how he picks up the NFL lingo and complicated play-calling is important.
Watson’s body needs adjustment as well. He is shorter than the usual size, and slimmer as well. He will need to bulk up a bit to handle the rigors of the NFL.
The NFL Combine will be important for Watson. If he shows improvement, he can be a first-round pick. If he doesn’t, he could slide. That slide could be to the Bears’ benefit. If they can get him in the second or even third round, they can get a steal. Everyone is looking for the next Russell Wilson or Dak Prescott. This year it may be Deshaun Watson.