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Chicago Bears: Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft for Start of April

By Dan Schmelzer

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deshaun Watson
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears should draft Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson with the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. I am going to die on this hill.

I know, they invested money in Mike Glennon to be their starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez is a serviceable backup and Connor Shaw has some perceived upside. But let’s be honest, there probably is not a long-term franchise quarterback in that bunch.

Glennon has a chance and Shaw has a sliver of hope, but none of us would make a bet on either of them. If the Bears want to find a true long-term answer at quarterback, they must be willing to invest in the position. Watson is the top quarterback in this class and should be the choice here.

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There are concerns about his arm strength. I will admit that his velocity numbers from the combine do concern me, but he does not appear to lack arm strength on tape. Sure, he struggles with deep ball accuracy at times but Watson shows enough arm strength to make any throw on the football field.

Plus, in the short to intermediate range, Watson is brilliant. He shows fantastic accuracy in that range and has impeccable timing with his throws. Watson is the king of the back shoulder throw, showing the ability to put the ball only where his receiver can catch it. He also does a very nice job of leading his receiver, allowing him to make plays after the catch.

Watson also has a high-level of athleticism. He is not Michael Vick back there, but he does have the mobility both inside and outside the pocket that will translate to the next level. His 1,934 career rushing yards and 26 touchdowns are no joke.

Most importantly, Watson is a proven winner who shines when his team needs him the most. Watson went 28-2 as Clemson’s starting quarterback the last two seasons, leading them to back-to-back National Championship appearances, including a title win over a loaded Alabama squad this past year. Watson has the skill set to compete, but his intangibles put him on another level.

The Bears are really only committed to Glennon for the 2017 season. If Ryan Pace drafts Watson, they could still give Glennon an opportunity to prove himself in 2017. This would allow Watson a year to get his feet wet and learn the NFL game from the sidelines. If Glennon plays well, great! The Bears now have two significant assets at the quarterback position. If he lays an egg, they still have a legitimate possible franchise quarterback to fall back on.

Someone like Solomon Thomas or Jamal Adams would undoubtedly help the Chicago Bears defense in a big way. That being said, the quarterback position is far and away the most important position in the game. Passing up a guy like Watson is just asking for trouble.

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